Science

OUR MISSION

We offer a rigorous course of study which enables students to prepare for a future career in science or technology. The Science Department is committed to offering the students a robust program based on the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core Standards. We strive to incorporate the latest laboratory methodologies and techniques. This program is also meant to develop scientifically literate persons who understand how science, technology and society influence one another and who are able to use this knowledge in their everyday decision making. The scientifically literate person has a substantial knowledge base of facts, concepts, and process skills which enable that individual to continue to learn and think logically. The individual learns to appreciate the value of science and technology in society and to understand their limitations.

By fulfilling the Abraham Lincoln and the San Francisco Unified School District science requirements, all students will have had the opportunity to complete a year-long course in Biological Science and in Physics or Chemistry. Students who wish to pursue additional science courses are offered a variety of options beyond the basic required courses. The majority of ALHS students complete 3 or more years of science coursework.

COURSE OFFERINGS

NGSS Biology 1-2 

This course is a study of the major topics in the life sciences and follows the SFUSD NGSS Curriculum for 9th Grade Biology. Meets UC ’D’ requirement.

Advanced Placement Biology 1-2 

This course covers the equivalent of a first-year university Introduction to Biology course, as outlined by the College Board. The course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination. Meets UC ’D’ requirement. Prerequisite: NGSS Biology 1-2 with a grade of C or better.

NGSS Chemistry 1-2 

This course follows SFUSD NGSS curriculum for Chemistry. Students explore how matter is put together and engage with the principles of general chemistry. Chemistry is a recommended course for all students with an interest in exploring future study in any of the sciences, engineering or medicine. Meets UC ’D’ requirement. Advised: A grade of “C” or better in Algebra 1-2 (or equivalent course.)

NGSS Physics 1-2 

This course focuses on an investigation of energy and its interactions with matter and follows the SFUSD NGSS Physics curriculum for 10th grade and above. The course requires introductory level algebra skills.  Meets UC ’D’ requirement.

Advanced Placement Physics 1 

This course follows the Advanced Placement Physics 1 curriculum specified by the College Board and is designed to prepare students for the AP Physics 1 examination in the spring semester. Prerequisite: concurrent Advanced Algebra or completion of Advanced Algebra with a C or better recommended.

Physiology 1-2 

This course emphasizes the structure and function of the human body. Topics include skeletal, muscular, circulatory and respiratory physiology, neuroscience, and relationships of systems. Laboratory work includes dissection, musculature modeling/construction and microscopic histological study. Meets UC ’D’ requirement.

AP Computer Science Principles

This course follows the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles curriculum specified by the College Board and is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles examination in the spring semester. Meets UC ’D’ requirement for recommended third year of science. Advised: A grade of “C” or better in Algebra 1 (or equivalent course.)

AP Computer Science A

This course follows the Advanced Placement Computer Science A curriculum specified by the College Board and is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Computer Science A Principles examination in the spring semester. The course focuses on programming and design using the JAVA programming language. Meets UC ’C’ requirement. Advised: A grade of “C” or better in Algebra 1 (or equivalent course.)

Marine Biology 1-2

This course emphasizes the interactions of the marine ecosystem, with a focus on the various forms of marine life that make up the system and the environmental challenges they face. Meets UC 'D' requirement. Advised: Biology 1-2, and either Conceptual Physics 1-2 or Chemistry.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science 1-2

This course covers the equivalent of a first-semester university Environmental Science course, as outlined by the College Board, and prepares students for the Advanced Placement Environmental Science examination. Meets UC 'D' requirement.

Principles of Biotechnology 1

This course is designed to prepare and motivate students for future employment in the Biotech Industry or in academic research. Topics covered include genetics, DNA chemistry, gene expression, protein structure and function. The course emphasizes lab work, and the laboratory techniques are the same as those used in research labs the world over. Students may have an opportunity to do paid off site internships. Meets UC ’D’ requirement. 

Principles of Biotechnology 2

A continuation of Biotechnology 1.  This class is laboratory intensive; independent laboratory work will be emphasized. Required: Successful completion of Biotechnology 1 and departmental recommendation.  Meets UC ’D’ requirement. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How much science should I take? SFUSD requires you to take a minimum 2 years of UC-approved laboratory science for graduation; one science must be Biology, the other a physical (e.g. Chemistry, Physics). 3 years are recommended if you wish to be competitive for UC admission. For those interested in science, we encourage you to take as much as you can fit in your schedule!

2. What is the difference between a Physical and Life Science? Life sciences focus on living organisms and systems. Biology, Marine Biology, Physiology, and Biotechnology are classified as Life Science courses. Physical sciences focus on non-living systems and form the foundation for studying the life sciences. Physics, Chemistry, and Environmental Science are Physical Science courses.

3. What does UC require for admission? San Francisco Unified School District graduation requirements are designed to meet the University of California admission requirements. UC requires two years of “D” level science. They must be in different categories. The categories are Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Interdisciplinary Sciences. UC recommends three years of science.

4. What does CSU require for admission? San Francisco Unified School District graduation requirements are designed to meet the California State University admission requirements. Like UC, CSU requires two years of “D” level science. They must be in different categories. The categories are Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Sciences.

5. What is the normal order for science classes? Students will take Biology in 9th grade and NGSS Physics or Chemistry in 10th grade. In the upper grades, students may choose from the science classes listed above.

Department Chair:

Dawn Rege:
reged@sfusd.edu

Teachers:

Kristin Antonio
antoniok@sfusd.edu

Suzanne Cardenas
cardenass1@sfusd.edu

Jenny Chen
chenj24@sfusd.edu

Kenneth Jones
jonesk1@sfusd.edu

Rosanna Mariotti
mariottir@sfusd.edu

Neil Matsui
matsuin@sfusd.edu

Ramon Perez
perezr6@sfusd.edu

River Suh
suhr@sfusd.edu

Madeline Wiygul
wiygulm@sfusd.edu

Cary Wong
wongc24@sfusd.edu

Charlie Yang
yangc4@sfusd.edu