Course Offerings

AQUACULTURE

• PREREQUISITE: NONE (9, 10, 11, 12)
  • Aquaculture is an interactive class that operates a salmon hatchery off campus. Students are involved in all aspects of raising salmon from spawn to release. The class is also involved in habitat restoration and hobby fish production. This class is offered as a tech-prep class for college. (CROSS CREDIT: Science)

BIOLOGY

• PREREQUISITE: Passed ninth grade science with a "C," or instructorõs permission (9, 10, 11, 12)
  • Biology I: Principles, Cells, Genetics, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Ecology
  • Biology II: Five Kingdoms, Genetics

BIOLOGY - AP

• PREREQUISITE: Biology; grade of "B" or better (ADVANCED PLACEMENT) in chemistry, or instructorõs permission (11, 12)
  • This course will emphasize the biological fundamentals covered in a first-year college biology program, as well as appropriate laboratory techniques and investigative methods. Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take the advanced placement examination in biology. This is an advanced course for biology majors and science majors. Students must have a superior aptitude for science, be capable of independent work, and have above average reading and writing skills. Students are expected to come to class outside the regular class hours, before school, or during lunch.

BIOLOGY - MARINE

• PREREQUISITE: NONE (11, 12)
  • This course will include a unit on ocean topography, wave action, and a study of micro-organisms related to the plant and animal kingdoms. There will be field trips to local beaches and estuaries, and guest speakers will address occupations that depend on the ocean.

CHEMISTRY

• PREREQUISITE: Algebra (10, 11, 12)
  • Chemistry I: Atomic Structure, Nuclear Chemistry
  • Chemistry II: Reactions, Organic Chemistry

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

• PREREQUISITE: NONE (9, 10, 11, 12)
  • This course is designed to develop an awareness of the environment in which we live and function. Topics in soil and water systems, air quality, and wildlife management are covered. Natural resources, recycling and waste management are also addressed. Students are encouraged to become involved in environmental issues that directly impact them and their community. (CROSS CREDIT: Science)

GEOLOGY

• PREREQUISITES: NONE (11, 12)\
  • Geology: The study of Whatcom County geological formations using contour maps and stereoscopic viewers. Students will learn of geological events that shaped the county. Field trips will be taken to outlying areas in search of fossils and mineral specimens.

HORTICULTURE

• PREREQUISITE: NONE (9, 10, 11, 12)
  • The basic horticulture class is designed to create an awareness of plant growth and care. Soil and plant problems and plant identification are covered. Students will develop competencies in landscape development and management as well as plant production. Students will also explore several avenues for horticultural occupations available in this area. (CROSS CREDIT: Science)

HORTICULTURE - ADVANCED

• PREREQUISITE: Horticulture (9, 10, 11, 12)
  • A continuation of the objectives covered in the basic course with an emphasis on in-depth student and class projects. Hands-on jobs in landscaping and greenhouse production will include opportunities for occupational experience in the local trade. (CROSS CREDIT: Science)

 PHYSICS

• PREREQUISITES: Algebra, Geometry (11, 12)
  • Students master skills objectives and complete one project each quarter.
    • Physics I: Motion, Heat, Work, Power
    • Physics II: Light, Sound, Electricity and Magnetism

SCIENCE - 9TH GRADE

• PREREQUISITE: NONE (9)
  • A year long course of physical science that will cover concept areas of sound, waves, forces, magnetism, light, electricity, matter, simple machines, energy, and how these concepts relate to astronomy and geology. The term will culminate with the construction of a passive solar home model.

TURF MANAGEMENT

• PREREQUISITE: NONE (9, 10, 11, 12)
  • This course is designed to teach students about the environmental issues surrounding golf courses. Students also learn golf course maintenance practices, and develop protocol for collecting grass, weed, disease and insect samples. The class works closely with area golf courses, which act as effective outdoor laboratories. (CROSS CREDIT: Science)