2770.1 Scientific Investigations (AM)
5 units	T/F, 8:30-12:00	S. Johnson & A. Fisher	$550
FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED GRADE 7 OR 8. This course will provide instruction on the foundations of scientific method. Students will have the opportunity to learn the elements of experimental design and then to apply them by completing hands-on investigations in the laboratory. Students will engage in studies involving microscopy, cellular biology, energy transformations, plant biology, animal behavior, molecular biology, genetics, and geology. Students will then extend their knowledge by completing their own individual research project and presenting their findings to the class. Homework per class meeting: 3-4 hours

2770.2 Scientific Investigations (PM)
5 units	T/F, 1:00-4:30	S. Johnson & A. Fisher	$550
(Same as Course #2770.1, except for the schedule.)

2771 Environmental Science
5 units	T/F, 8:30-12:00 *	Staff	$515
FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED GRADE 8 AND UP. This concept-oriented, lab-based course will offer students both social and ecological perspectives towards the human role in affecting the environment. Throughout the course, students will analyze pertinent local environmental issues in the context of sustainable development while keeping an eye on the bigger global picture. The class will begin by building a solid understanding of the complex interaction of the earth's natural systems while identifying how human lifestyle and society affect those systems. Then, students will look into the politics, economics, and social policy surrounding them. The recurring theme of this course is the importance of sustainability, whether in an ecosystem or human community. The course aims to promote awareness, inquisitiveness, objectivity, and critical thinking in addition to fostering a sense of environmental ethics. Homework per class meeting: 4-6 hours * SCHEDULING CHANGE: Environmental Science will be on Tuesday/Friday, not on Mon./Thur., as originally posted here and printed in our catalog.

2772 Introduction to Engineering
5 units	M/Th, 1:00-4:30	Francisco Castillo	$545
FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED GRADE 8 AND UP. This course is designed to give students an overview of the diverse field of engineering disciplines in order to find out what engineers actually do. Students will practice their own engineering skills, finding out how things work in the real world through various projects, hands-on activities, and a field trip or two. The course emphasizes creative and analytical problem solving, hands-on building activities, design, and teamwork. Homework per class meeting: 3-4 hours

2773.1 Introduction to Chemistry (AM)
5 units	M/Th, 8:30-12:00	Tatiana Lim	$545
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I. Throughout this course the laboratory activities and discussions will focus on how chemists describe matter and its changes within the context of alchemy and early chemists. Understanding the periodic table, the particulate nature of matter, ionic compounds, and solution chemistry will provide the basis for students to think about the world in terms of particles and their interactions. This course provides a grounding in scientific principles which will prepare students to continue on to a high school chemistry class. Homework per class meeting: 4-6 hours

2773.2 Introduction to Chemistry (PM)
5 units	M/Th, 1:00-4:30	Tatiana Lim	$545
(Same as Course #2773.1, except for the schedule.)

2774.1 Robotics (AM)
5 units	M/Th, 8:30-12:00	Abraham Liao	$545
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 1 is required; Geometry is recommended. Robotics is a collaborative, hands-on, project-based class. Students will work in teams throughout this course. By building and programming robots capable of manuevering around obstacles, interacting with their environment, and replicating animal behavior, students will explore basic concepts in robotics. Through various activities and assignments, students will learn how robotics is an interdisciplinary field that brings together various branches of engineering, computer science, physics, and biology. Note: Students will be required to purchase Lego Mindstorms programmable robots (approximately $225, not covered by financial aid or materials fees). No prior experience with programming is necessary. Homework per class meeting: 4-6 hours

2774.2 Robotics (PM)
5 units	M/Th, 1:00-4:30	Abraham Liao	$545
(Same as Course #2774.1, except for the schedule.)

2775 Dynamic Physics
5 units	T/F, 8:30-12:00	Jerry Liang	$545
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry. How do rockets work? When can something be falling but never get closer to the earth? Why is your image upside down on one side of a spoon but right side up on the other side? These are just a few of the questions students will be able to answer as they begin to understand how the universe works through physics. In this course, students will develop a strong conceptual understanding of topics in physics that include mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. From launching projectiles to constructing simple circuits, the class will investigate these topics through hands-on labs, in addition to the fun demonstrations performed by the instructor. The course will serve as a strong foundation for students planning on continuing to higher level physics. Most importantly, students will gain an appreciation for the many applications of physics and its effect on their daily life. Homework per class meeting: 4-6 hours

2777 Intensive Lab Chemistry
5 units	M/Th, 8:30-12:00	Karen Chang	$545
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I and one year of high school Chemistry. This course provides an opportunity for students who have taken high school chemistry to deepen their knowledge. Laboratory activities and discussions will focus on how chemists can control the type of reactions that occur--everything from color changes to explosions. Topics include: Thermodynamics (heat transfer, calorimetry, heats of formation and reaction), Chemical Kinetics (factors influencing reaction rates), and Chemical Equilibrium (including acid-base equilibria and solubility equilibria). This class is ideal for students who want either to review their knowledge or to learn more chemistry in preparation for an AP Chemistry course. Homework per class meeting: 4-6 hours

2779 Advanced Placement Biology
10 units	MWF, 8:30-4:30	Greg Martinez and Sabrina Hansen	$950
Prerequisites: Algebra I, high-school Biology, and a background in Chemistry. Priority is given to returning students. New students will be considered on a space-available basis. Completion of at least freshman year of high school or permission of the Director is required. Completion of at least sophomore year is recommended. This course provides an opportunity for students to accelerate their study of biology with an introductory college level biology course, and to prepare for the May 2008 AP examination in Biology. The course uses a college level textbook and follows the College Board course outline. Laboratory work is extensive and will be included in each class session. Topics include: Molecular and Cellular Biology (biochemistry, cells, energy transformations), Genetics and Evolution (genetics, molecular genetics, evolution), Population Biology (plant biology and animal biology, including that of humans), and Ecology. ATDP students will be invited to attend additional review sessions in the spring of 2008 in preparation for the May 2008 examination. Homework per class meeting: 8-10 hours