Lee Boyes
Teacher - Honors Chemistry
PetalumaHigh School
C001PU YEAR (9-10) Prerequisite: Math 1 or concurrent enrollment in Math 1 recommended
Biology and Sustainable Agriculture is a one year course designed to integrate biological science practices and knowledge into the practice of sustainable agriculture. The course is organized into four major sections, or units, each with a guiding question. Unit one addresses the question, What is sustainable agriculture? Unit two. How does sustainable agriculture fit into our environment? Unit three, What molecular biology principles guide sustainable agriculture? Unit four, How do we make decisions to maximize sustainable agricultural practices with a functioning ecosystem? Within each unit, specific life science principles will be identified with agricultural principles and practices guiding acquisition of this knowledge, culminating in the development of a sustainable farm model and portfolio of supporting student research. This course meets the Life Science requirement for graduation. This course meets the Subject Area “d” requirement of the UC/CSU approved course list.
D005PU YEAR (10-12) Prerequisite: Biology or Sustainable Agriculture Biology
This course explores the physical and chemical nature of soil as well as the relationships between soil, plants, animals and agricultural practices. Students will examine properties of soil and land and their connections to plant and animal production. Using knowledge of scientific protocols as well as course content, students will develop an Agriscience research program to be conducted throughout the first semester. To complete the whole project, each student will investigate and test an Agriscience research question by formulating a scientific question related to the course content, formulating a hypothesis based on related research, conduction and experiment to test the hypothesis, collecting quantitative data and forming a conclusion based on analysis of the data. Throughout the course, students will be graded on participation in intracurricular FFA activities as well as the development and maintenance of an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAEP). This course meets the Physical Science requirement for graduation. This course meets the
Subject Area “d” of the UC/CSU approved course list.
D002PU YEAR (9) Prerequisite: none
This is a one year laboratory course encompassing multiple areas of physical science and its relationship with the natural world around us. Students gain knowledge, skills and appreciation of science in such areas as astronomy, chemistry, geology, meteorology and physics through a variety of strategies. Students will develop skills in the manipulation of materials and equipment, as well as organizing and communicating scientific information. Appreciation and respect for the natural world will be part of the course content. Students will become aware of careers in science. Homework is required. This course meets the subject Area “d” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
C006PU YEAR (9-10) Prerequisite: Successful completion of one semester of physical science or for incoming 9th grade students, teacher permission plus concurrent enrollment in Math 2 recommended. Incoming 9th grade students must understand that they will NOT be allowed to take physical science at a later time and are advised that they MUST take either chemistry or physics to graduate.
This is a one-year laboratory course that explores the interrelationships of life and the physical world around us. Some areas of study include cellular and molecular biology, ecology, genetics, energy pathways of life, bioethics, evolution, and diversity. Students will become aware of science career connections. Homework is required. This course meets the Subject Area “d” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
C1NWHU YEAR (9-10) Prerequisite: B or better in 9th grade Physical Science (or) an A in both semesters of 8th grade physical science, concurrent enrollment in Math 2, completion of course application and teacher recommendations, 9th grade students must understand that they will NOT be allowed to take physical science at a later time and are advised that they MUST take either chemistry or physics to graduate.
This college prep laboratory class explores the interrelationships of life and the physical world around us. Some areas of study will include cellular and molecular biology, ecology, genetics, energy pathways of life, bioethics, evolution, and diversity. This course is designed for college-bound students with a strong aptitude in science and who consistently work independently to the best of their ability. Please note: there is no grade bump for Honors Biology. This is the first level of preparation for Honors/AP junior, senior courses. Homework is required daily.
This course meets the Subject Area “d” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
C007PU YEAR (9-10) Prerequisite: Successful completion of one semester of physical science or for incoming 9th grade students, teacher permission plus concurrent enrollment in Math 2 recommended. This is a one-year career & technical education (CTE) laboratory course that explores the interrelationships of life and the physical world. Some areas of study include cellular and molecular biology such as pathogens and human health, ecology of disease and environmental health, genetics, energy pathways of life, bioethics, evolution, and diversity. We will focus on the application of these concepts in the healthcare setting. Students will become aware of science career connections. Homework is required. This course meets the Subject Area
“d” requirement of the UC/CSU approved course list.
D009PU YEAR (10-12) Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in both semesters of Biology and concurrent or previous enrollment in Math 2.
A one year course studying the composition of substances and how they change while focusing on laboratory investigations to enable students to better understand the world around them and to make intelligent consumer decisions about that world. This is a college preparatory course designed for students who have an aptitude for math and science but who may or may not plan to major in science. This course assumes no prior substantial knowledge of chemistry. It will introduce students to the concepts of atomic theory, chemical reactions, phases of matter, solutions and ions, periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical rates and equilibrium, acids and bases, and oxidation-reduction. A scientific calculator is highly recommended. A minimum of 30 minutes of homework is required on a daily basis. A commitment to complete the course is important. This course meets the subject area “d” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
D008HU YEAR (10-12) Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in Biology and concurrent or previous enrollment in Math 2.
This course will introduce the same concepts in P-Chemistry. Students need to have a strong aptitude for science and math, be able to comprehend and utilize concepts quickly and demonstrate the ability, initiative and motivation to work independently. Students will need to employ an above average level of analytical skill and sufficient maturity to consistently deduce underlying concepts from empirical evidence. It is the intent of this course to challenge and stimulate the student to go beyond basic principles to examine concepts and applications in greater depth and complexity. Although the course is not designed as an AP course, interested students will be helped to prepare for the AP exam. Students should be aware of the personal time commitment to complete this course. A minimum of 45 minutes of homework is required daily. A scientific calculator is required.
This course meets the Subject Area “d” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
D011PU YEAR (10-12) Prerequisite: Biology & Community Health (Biology or Honors Biology OK) with a grade of C or better, Math 1, Math 2 or concurrent enrollment in Math 2.
Chemistry and Community Health is a college preparatory laboratory science course with Next Generation Science Standards for Physical Science integrated with Public and Community Health Pathway standards. This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of chemistry concepts through the study of the real world applications of chemistry on the understanding of and treatment of public health concerns. Students will engage in experiments, conduct research, complete simulations and apply knowledge of chemical bonding and atomic properties, which is foundational to pharmacology. Students will use experiments and organic chemistry concepts to assess drug reactions & interaction, and examine the impact of environmental toxicants in community health. Using the concepts of isotopes and radioactive decay as applied in medical technology & diagnosis. Students will use medical technology and molecular tools to understand the application of technology in solving health challenges. Students will identify environmental issues affecting health in their community and then create action plans to improve the health outcomes within the community.
The course culminates with students engaging in community health by going out and educating their community about relevant health problems prevalent in that community.
D007PU YEAR (11-12) Prerequisite: Completion of Math 2 with a C or better
This is a survey laboratory course, which involves the main concepts of physics such as classical mechanics, heat, waves, sound, optics, electricity, magnetism, nuclear physics, and astronomy. The course is designed to help students develop problem solving and critical thinking skills, to understand and to analyze the physical world. Homework is required daily. A commitment to complete the course is important. A scientific calculator is required. This course meets the Subject Area “d” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
D013AU YEAR (11-12) Prerequisite: Completion of Math 2 with a C or better
AP Physics is a quantitative study of the laws which govern the behavior of matter and energy in the universe. Students need to have a strong aptitude for science and math, be able to comprehend and utilize concepts quickly and demonstrate the ability, initiative and motivation to work independently. This course introduces the students to the mathematics of Physics, motion, force, and conservation laws, heat and energy, electricity and electromagnetism, vibration and waves, optics and light, and atoms and matter. Knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for the course; the basic ideas of calculus may be introduced in connection with physical concepts, such as acceleration and work. This course is very fast paced and mathematically oriented. Students will be expected to take the AP Physics exam which may fulfill a laboratory science requirement in some colleges. A scientific calculator is required. Students should expect 45 minutes of homework daily and be aware of the personal time commitment to complete the course.
This course meets the Subject Area “d” equirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
C004PU YEAR (11/12) Prerequisite: Completion of Biology with a B or better for both semesters recommended. Either Physical Science or Chemistry and Community Health (or other Chemistry).
This is a career technical education (CTE) laboratory course is intended for students who wish to expand their knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. Participation in all aspects of this course, including field trips, dissections, and CPR training is mandatory. A donation for supplies will be asked from each student. This course is our capstone in our Community Health Pathway and includes extensive career and technical skills development, career exploration and industry specific certification.
This course meets the Subject Area “d” requirement of the UC / CSU approved course list.
C009PU YEAR (11-12) Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology with a C- or better (Physical Science or Chemistry-Honors/Ag/Community Health/College Prep-recommended)
This course is designed to cover both the physical and biological aspects of the marine environment including, but not limited to: the Biology of Marine Mammals, Weather & Climate, Zones of the Ocean Currents, Waves, Kelp Forest Ecology, Wetland Ecology, the Effects of Plastics and Pollutants on Marine Ecosystems, Ichthyology, Marine Invertebrate Biology, Marine Birds, and Aquaculture. Field trips are included and participation is an integral part of the course. Fundraising and non-school hour volunteer work (community service-based) are required. This course meets the Subject Area “d” requirement of the UC/CSU approved course list.
P-AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (APES)
C002AU YEAR (11-12) Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in Biology or Honors Biology, and concurrent or previous enrollment in Math 2.
This course is designed for the college bound student with a strong aptitude for studying science in the context of ecological, social, and political issues. Students must be proficient writers and critical thinkers to succeed in APES. Some of the topics included are ecosystems, biodiversity, natural resources, alternative energy, and climate change. Students must complete a project which can range from investigation, monitoring, and evaluation of a local ecosystem to exploring the local politics of habitat conservation and/or resource management. Students will be expected to take the AP Environmental Science exam which may fulfill a laboratory science requirement at most colleges. This course meets the Subject Area “d” requirements of the UC/CSU approved course list.
M080PU YEAR (9-12) Prerequisite: none. This class counts as a college prep elective (G) in the A-G requirements.
This course will provide the student with principles in Animal Science, with specific focus on the creatures most commonly involved in the Global Exotic Animal Pet Trade. This course will cover a broad range of topics in the field of exotic animal husbandry including, but not limited to: genetics (wild reproduction as well as domestic production & breeding), anatomy, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, epidemiology (zoonotic disease: identification and treatment), exhibition & display, enclosure set-up & construction, clinical handling and treatment, and animal ethics. This course is intended to successfully prepare those students who plan on majoring in Biological Sciences (with a focus on Herpetology or Entomology) or Agricultural Sciences (with focus on Animal Sciences) at a college or university, or students looking to pursue a career in Animal Husbandry (keeper, trainer, or care technician), Veterinary Medicine, or a career in any sector of the global Exotic Animal Pet Trade (business, breeding, trade, husbandry, conservation, etc.). Using the entirety of the resources and facilities of the Petaluma Wildlife Museum, there are ample opportunities for hands-on class participation with animals and equipment in this class enabling students to demonstrate their knowledge of restraint, handling, behavior, and treatment. Units 6-12 of the course will be framed, specifically, on creatures that we currently exhibit at the PWM. Additional emphasis will be placed on industry practices to include record keeping, public relations and communications.
M081PU YEAR (10-12) Prerequisite: Successful completion or concurrent enrollment in Exotic Animal Husbandry is encouraged (not required). This class counts as a college prep elective (G) in the A-G requirements.
Public Speaking for Environmental Education is an introductory communications course which includes the benefits and the process of public speaking, listening skills, tools of local expression and the importance of non-verbal delivery. Using the resources afforded by the Petaluma Wildlife Museum, students will practice and execute the fundamentals of effective use of language by delivering over 100 conservation based-tours and presentations to the over 3000 patrons that visit the Museum each year. Those skills include but are not limited to: appropriate language, stylistic devices, tone, audience attitude, speech purposes, and guidelines for effective delivery. With a concentration both on basic techniques of speaking, and a more practical side of preparation, this course is applicable for both those who want to speak effectively in the workplace and community, and those who want to reach their maximum potential in their professional lives.
One year of a physical science + one year of a biological science.
Most colleges and universities prefer to see at least 3 years of science, and if you plan to major in a science you should take 4 years in high school in order to be competitive.
The Petaluma Wildlife Museum, located at Petaluma High School, is the only high school student-run natural history museum in the nation. The student docents give conservation-themed tours of the facility and small animal zoo to children visiting from local elementary schools. They also give tours to the general public on most Saturdays during the academic school year, as well as during special events. For more information, you can view the video below (a spotlight on ABC 7's Localish program), or visit the website at www.petalumawildlifemuseum.org.
Teacher - Department Co-Chair, AP Environmental Science and Biology
Director of Petaluma Wildlife Museum. Teacher - Marine Science, Public Speaking for Environmental Education
Teacher - Department Co-Chair, Biology, Exotic Animal Husbandry, Honors Biology, Director of Petaluma Wildlife Museum
