The Science Department at Covina High School is dedicated to the realization of the full intellectual potential of all students. Our dedicated team of science teachers strives to provide the highest quality science education for all students and places particular emphasis on developing critical thinking skills, scientific literacy, application of the scientific method, and hands-on practical scientific laboratory skills.

Courses Offered

5055 Earth Science (P) - Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 – UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I with a “C” or better, or concurrently enrolled in Algebra I.
This lab science course will provide students with a broad-based background and appreciation of their ever-changing planet and its place in the universe. The course includes an overview of the earth’s atmosphere, water system, and geologic structure and history. The course also includes a study of the solar system as well as other related concepts. The course will provide opportunities to develop quantitative analysis and experimental tools to develop the student’s scientific and critical thinking skills. Lab experiences will develop students reasoning power and the ability to develop an understanding of the interrelationship of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences.

5064 Biology (P) - Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 - UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: College preparatory. 2.0 GPA recommended
This course enables the student to develop an appreciation for the historical events significant to the development of modern biology, a respect for scientific knowledge, an appreciation of the relationship of man to his environment, the skills required to utilize scientific methods, appropriate study attitudes, and an awareness of what science has to offer to individuals as scientists, citizens and human beings. Students have regular opportunities to observe natural phenomena and to explore the concepts of Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, and Physiology. At least 40% of classroom time will be devoted to hands-on experiences that develop attitudes of scientific inquiry.

5065 Biology (H) - Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 - UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: "A" or "B" in Biology and Chemistry.
This course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The course will enable students to develop a solid understanding of the principal concepts of biology. The course will stress the basic facts and the synthesis of these facts into major concepts and themes. The 12 AP Biology labs developed by the College Board are conducted (through adult education) outside the regular class schedule. The background provided by the 12 labs is critical for successful performance on the AP Biology exam. Students are expected to plan their schedule with this extra time commitment in mind. (Fee for AP Exam TBA)

5080 Chemistry (P) - Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 - UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: Algebra I or instructor approval. Tenth grade students are eligible to enroll with instructor and counselor approval. This course involves the students with the processes and concepts of chemistry by developing problem solving skills, laboratory skills and scientific reasoning. Students will be able to apply their understanding of chemistry concepts to the processes of everyday life.

5085 Chemistry (H) – Grades 9, 10 11, 12 – UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and Algebra I with A or B. Either completion of or concurrent enrollment in Geometry. Teacher recommendation and approval. This course acquaints the student with not only the basic concepts and processes of Chemistry but goes into more depth and covers more information than the general college prep Chemistry course. This course will also develop problem-solving skills by going into the mathematics of Chemistry to a greater depth. Students will also enhance their laboratory abilities by not only doing general high school labs but also labs that require more time and more sophisticated equipment.

5180 Human Biology (P) - Grades 11-12 – UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Biology or instructor approval.
This course introduces the student to the advanced structure, function, and development of systems within the human body. Understanding of advanced mammals through dissection is an integral part of this course. Numerous laboratory exercises will be introduced to reinforce physiology concepts. This course will also allow the student to explore career opportunities in health-related fields.

5050 Advanced Placement (AP) Biology – Grades 10, 11 - UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry with and “A” or “B” grade; GPA 3.2 or higher; instructor approval This course aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The course will enable students to develop a solid understanding of the principal concepts of biology. The course will stress the basic facts and the synthesis of these facts into major concepts and themes. The 12 AP labs developed by the College Board are conducted outside the regular class schedule. The background provided by the 12 labs is critical for successful performance on the AP Biology exam. Students are expected to plan their schedule with this extra time commitment in mind.

5086 Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry – Grades 11, 12 - UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: Completion of Chemistry and Algebra 2 with a grade of “C” or better.
AP Chemistry is designed to be equivalent to a first year college level chemistry course. Students are prepared to be critical and independent thinkers who are able to function effectively in a scientific and technological society. Students will be able to analyze scientific and societal issues using specific problem-solving. Students will emerge from this program with an appreciation for the natural world. Students will be able to make an acceptable score on the AP Chemistry test.

5185 Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science – Grades 11, 12 - UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: One year of Biology, one year of Chemistry, one year of Algebra II, Teacher Approval
This course is designed to revisit the concepts learned in Chemistry and Biology and apply them to environmental issues. The course provides the opportunity for the students to develop an awareness and understanding of environmental issues, to understand the relationship between man and his surroundings, to motivate students to be a part of the solution of environmental issues and to provide the students with the opportunity for hands-on work in the field.

5115 Advanced Placement (AP) Physics - Grades 11-12 – UC, CSU Year

Prerequisite: Algebra 2
Students in high school that satisfy the prerequisite will study the laws and theories of physics that govern the world, solar system, and galaxy as we know it. They develop an understanding for everything that physics entails from laws of motion to electromagnetism to nuclear physics to light and sound to fluid mechanics. The students will memorize fundamental values in physics such as gravity, Planck’s constant, density of water, standard air pressure, speed of light.

The following courses are designed for students identified through the I.E.P. process:

Courses bearing the 01, 02, or 03 designation in the course title will be held to the same content and standards of excellence as courses without this designation. Students enrolled in these courses may receive instructional and testing accommodations and/or ASL to meet special needs as defined in Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.

5062 01 Biology (P) - Grades 9, 10 - UC, CSU Year

This course enables the student to develop an appreciation for the historical events significant to the development of modern biology, a respect for scientific knowledge, an appreciation of the relationship of man to his environment, the skills required to utilize scientific methods, appropriate study attitudes, and an awareness of what science has to offer to individuals as scientists, citizens and human beings. This course will incorporate the California Content Standards for Health.

5067 Biology Essentials - Grades 10, 11, 12 Year

This course satisfies the graduation requirement for life science. It is designed to parallel the biology course with an emphasis on conceptual understanding and hands-on experiences; however, the course will cover essential standards in detail. Supplemental materials will be used to ensure student’s mastery of the essential standards. This course enables the student to develop an appreciation for the historical events significant to the development of modern biology, a respect for scientific knowledge, an appreciation of the relationship of man to his environment the skills required to utilize scientific methods, appropriate study attitudes, and an awareness of what science has to offer to individuals as scientists, citizens and human beings. Students have regular opportunities to observe natural phenomena and to explore the concepts of Energy, Evolution, Patterns of Change, Scale and Structure, Stability, and Systems and Interactions. SDAIE strategies will be utilized for English for English Learners. This course will incorporate the California Content Standards for Health.

5058 01 Earth Science (P) - Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 - UC, CSU Year

This lab science will provide students with a broad-based background and appreciation of their ever-changing planet and its place in the universe. The course includes an overview of the earth’s atmosphere, water systems, and geologic structure and history. The course also includes a study of the solar system as well as other related concepts. The course will provide opportunities to develop quantitative analysis and experimental tools to develop the student’s scientific and critical thinking skills. Lab experiences will develop students reasoning power and the ability to develop an understanding of the interrelationship of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science.

5058 Earth Science Essentials - Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Year

The Earth Science Essentials course will provide students with a broad-based background and appreciation of their ever-changing planet and its place in the universe focusing on the essential standards using materials that have been adapted to meet the needs of the students. The course includes an overview of the earth’s atmosphere, water system, geologic structure, and history, including a study of the solar system.