Academics
Curriculum

Science

Science Department Philosophy

The Justin-Siena Science Department provides personal and collaborative instruction to facilitate the development in all students skills of observation, inquiry, experimentation, research, interpretation of data, critical reasoning, problem-solving, and effective communication of results in written, verbal, and graphical mediums.  Students move well beyond rote memorization to engage in regular hands-on lab work and application of concepts, and to gain confidence in their reading and writing across scientific fields.  Subsequently, students are well-prepared for college-level study of science, as well as lifelong appreciation of the importance of science in serving our society and global community.

List of 11 items.

  • Physics 9

    This course is designed to give students the opportunity to become acquainted with both the underlying concepts and the basic mathematical formulations of conceptual physics. The focus of lectures, labs, and demonstrations is on conceptual understanding, supported by mathematical application. The course content surveys the traditional topics of physics, with emphasis on mechanics, wave phenomena, electricity, magnetism, and fluids. Students also carry out a substantial original research project in which they are guided through the complete process of posing a scientific question, investigating, and presenting their results.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisites: 
    Students must be concurrently enrolled in Algebra I or a more advanced mathematics course.

    This course is UC-approved on the “d” list.
  • Honors Physics 9

    This course is designed to give students the opportunity to become acquainted with both the underlying concepts and advanced mathematical formulations of conceptual physics. The course consists of lectures, demonstrations, and monthly lab reports to instill a conceptual understanding, supported by more advanced algebraic mathematical application. The course content surveys the traditional topics of physics, with emphasis on mechanics, wave phenomena, electricity, magnetism, and fluids. Students also carry out a substantial original research project in which they are guided through the complete process of posing a scientific question, investigating, and presenting their results. Honors Physics 9 moves at a faster pace and investigates each topic with greater challenge and depth than the Physics 9 course; furthermore, Honors Physics 9 students complete an extensive and rigorous literature review as part of their research project.

    (Year – 10 units)  

    Prerequisites: 
    Students are placed based on having previously passed Algebra I, MAP Growth Test (Entrance Exam) measures, and the math and physics challenge test results.

    This course is UC-approved on the “d” list.


  • Biology

    This course is the study of life and the interaction of organisms with their environment. The unity, diversity, and continuity of life will be studied using individual and group projects and selected readings. Lectures will be correlated with current scientific research and laboratory work. The goal of this course is to instill an awareness of the diverse array of species on Earth and to understand the balance between them and their environment. Topics that will be covered include scientific method, the chemistry of life, cells, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics and heredity, and plant and animal classification.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisite: 
    Students must have passed Physics 9 and Algebra I.

    This course is UC-approved on the “d” list.
  • Honors Biology

    This course is the study of life and the interaction of organisms with their environment. The unity, diversity, and continuity of life will be studied using individual and group projects and selected readings. Lectures will be correlated with current scientific research and laboratory work. The goal of this course is to instill an awareness of the diverse array of species on Earth and to understand the balance between them and their environment. Topics that will be covered include scientific method, the chemistry of life, cells, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics and heredity, and plant and animal classification. Honors Biology moves at a faster pace and investigates each topic with greater challenge and depth than the Biology course; furthermore, Honors Biology students complete an extensive and rigorous literature review as part of their research project.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisite: An “A-” in Physics 9, or a “B-” in H Physics 9. 

    Other factors: 
    PSAT scores and student work habits.

    This course is UC-approved on the “d” list. 
  • Chemistry

    The principles of chemistry are taught through an integrated program of lab investigations, class discussion, and demonstrations. Proficiency in algebraic manipulations and the ability to extract mathematical data from word problems are necessary. Topics covered include language of chemistry, structure, states and reactions of matter, solutions, chemical equations, gas laws, and acid-base reactions.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisite: 
    Students must have either passed or be currently enrolled in 
    Geometry.

    This course is UC-approved on the “d” list.
  • Honors Chemistry

    This course is designed for those who plan a career in science, engineering, or math. This course covers the same material as Chemistry, but with greater depth and more emphasis on mathematics. 

    Year – 10 units

    Prerequisites: 
    Students must have earned an “A-” in the prior college prep science class or a “B-” in the prior Honors science class. 
    Students must have passed or be currently enrolled in 
    Algebra II.

    This course is UC-approved on the “d” list.
  • AP® Chemistry

    AP® Chemistry is equivalent in content, depth, and complexity to an introductory chemistry course at the college level. This course is designed to prepare the student to excel on the AP® exam offered in May, and follows the AP® curriculum. AP® Chemistry is an in-depth, content-intensive study of chemical principles that allows students the opportunity to engage in  hands-on scientific experimentation. Units of study include chemical reactions, modern atomic theory, molecular bonding, hybridization, organic chemistry, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics, aqueous equilibrium, acids, bases, precipitation, reduction, oxidation, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement® exam in May.

    (Year – 10 units)  

    This course is UC-approved on the “d” list. 

    Prerequisites: 
    An “A-” in Algebra II or “B-” in Honors Algebra II and subsequent math grades; an “A-” in Chemistry or a “B-” in Chemistry/Honors Chemistry; and successful completion of a deadline-sensitive summer reading assignment.
  • AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based

    AP® Physics 1 is the equivalent of a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. This course is UC-approved on the “d” list. 

    This course is designed for those students who wish to pursue engineering or science-related tracks in college. The department recommends that students take this class as seniors, even if they meet the requirements as juniors. This class is challenging and requires substantial work outside of class to be successful.

    Year – 10 units

    Prerequisites: 
    An “A-” in Physics 9 or a “B-” in Honors Physics 9; students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in a pre-calculus or higher math class.


  • Human Physiology

    This intensive look at the human body starts with a study of the development of terrestrial bipedalism and a survey of human classification in relation to other groups in the animal kingdom. Each of the ten organ systems will be examined through lectures, laboratory and computer investigations, and assigned projects. Application of course material to sport and medicine is stressed. This course emphasizes the importance of human diversity and an appreciation for all life. In addition, it focuses on the necessity of a healthy lifestyle for the maintenance of homeostasis in response to a multitude of environmental challenges. This course is UC-approved on the “d” list.

    (Year – 10 units)

    Prerequisite: 
    Students must have earned a C- or higher in Biology.
  • Forensic Science

    Forensic Science is a class that will increase a student's knowledge and practical application of current methodologies utilized in the area of crime scene investigation. This is a class that will provide an avenue for students to use the scientific method to solve real-life crime situations. Students will use logical and critical thinking skills to process and evaluate information and evidence in order to arrive at a successful solution to any number of scenarios based on actual and mock crime scenes. Students must apply their knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and biotechnology in order to develop solutions within a forensic science context. 

    Year - 10 units

    Prerequisite: 
    Students must have earned a C- or higher in Biology, Honors Biology, or AP® Biology

    This course is UC-approved on the “d” list.
  • AP® Biology

    This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course for science majors. Topics include molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. The twelve standard laboratories for AP® Biology will be supplemented with additional lab work. Students must take the Advanced Placement® Exam for Biology in the spring. This course is UC-approved on the “d” list. 

    Additional Information: Preparation for AP® exams may require additional participation in coursework outside of the regular school day, particularly during the second semester. A summer preparation assignment is also required. This is a college level course; therefore, much more responsibility is placed upon the student than in a typical college preparatory course. There is more independent reading than most students are accustomed to and an expectation that students will analyze and think critically about their discoveries and the material presented in class. 

    Year – 10 units

    Prerequisites:
    Students must have earned an “A-” in Biology or a “B-” in Honors Biology, and either an “A-” in Chemistry or a “B-” in Honors Chemistry. 



For more information, contact:

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Christopher Fidler

    Christopher Fidler 

    Instructor of Science and Engineering; Department Chair
    707.255.0950 ext. 547

Justin-Siena High School

4026 Maher Street
Napa, CA, 94558
United States
T: 707.255.0950 
F: 707.255.0334
Justin-Siena is a Lasallian Catholic college preparatory community that serves young people in grades 9–12.