The mission of the OSA Science Department is to train students to understand science as a dynamic and captivating intellectual process, and to see themselves as scientists. We encourage curiosity, critical thinking and creative approaches to problem solving. We believe it is of vital importance that this foundation is provided to the next generation to ensure they are well-equipped, well-informed and ready to make important decisions in our changing world.

 

 

 

 

 

The study of the Earth in 6th grade is based on understanding our world from the local level to the universe. This 4-quarter class will start with a study of Oakland and the Bay Area in the First quarter. Second quarter will focus on California. In the Third quarter, students will study earth-wide topics and in the Fourth quarter, they will learn about the universe. This class will have at least one hands-on learning experience each week.

 

 

Students will begin to explore life at the cellular level. We will learn the beginning concepts of genetics. We will explore evolution. Students will look at living creatures from viruses (living or not?) to bacteria, plants and animals. The physiology of mammals will be studied. The year will finish with the study of ecology and our influence on all living systems in our environment. This class will have at least one hands-on learning experience each week. This will be inquiry based and we will be developing an understanding of the scientific method.

 

 

 

This course is designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry while strengthening their scientific and engineering skills, such as: asking questions, defining problems, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data,• using mathematics and computational thinking, designing solutions, and obtaining, evaluating and communicating information.

 

 

 

This course will be broken up into two semesters; 1) health and 2) integrated sciences as seen through the lens and line of questioning of an artist. There will be an emphasis on developing a conceptual understanding of major topics within the physical and biological sciences as well as developing problem solving skills in those topic areas. Emphasis will be put on understanding the theories at hand and identifying them in everyday life.

 

 

 

 

 

This course focuses on the many facets of life on Earth. Physiology, genetics, evolution, photosynthesis, and cell biology.  Students explore these topics through a variety of different methods, lectures, discussions, labs, and small group work. The lessons for this class  follow the California standards for Biology (10th grade science) and the NGSS.

 

 

 

This course is modeled as an intermediate algebra-based physics course. There will
be an emphasis on developing a conceptual understanding of the major topics of physics and developing problems solving skills in those topic areas. Emphasis will be put on understanding the theories at hand and identifying them in everyday life. Students will demonstrate entry-level proficiency typical of a first year physics course on the following topics: a) Newtonian Mechanics (the motion of objects); b) Classical Thermodynamics (the nature of heat); and c) Electricity & Magnetism (including DC electronics).

 

 

 

 

 

 

This course offers students a way to look at the world with fresh eyes. Chemistry is all around us, on both a microscopic and macroscopic level. Specific areas of study include atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonds, conservation of matter and stoichiometry, acids and bases, solutions, chemical reactions, as well as nuclear processes. Guiding all this will be an emphasis on the importance of investigation and experimentation.

 

 

 

 

 

 Elective: Computer Science

Code.org’s Computer Science Principles (CSP) curriculum is a full-year, rigorous, entry-level course that introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.