Sandia Prep Curriculum Guide 2017-2018

structures inside cells. The class expands
to explore biomes and their respective
climates and biota. In the spring, the focus
shifts to reproduction, genetics, and the
human body, and the factors that keep it
healthy. Seventh grade students organize a
community-wide blood drive as part of this
effort.
Science 8 - Physical Science
Physical science focuses on the
fundamentals of both chemistry and
physics. In the chemistry section, students
examine the properties of matter, atomic
structure, the periodic table, chemical
bonding, and chemical reactions. These
concepts are then applied during numerous
labs, including but not limited to,
observing periodic trends within elements
and how new chemicals are formed during
chemical reactions. In the physics section,
students examine forces, motion, energy,
simple machines, and waves, including
sound and light. Students perform a variety
of labs utilizing speed as a predictive tool,
observing how work and force change
through various simple machines, and
studying pressure through the creation of
“shoes” to walk on eggs. At the end of the
year, students are prepared to move into
high school science classes.
Geology 1
Grade 9
It would be unforgivable to not teach
geology in New Mexico. This is a year-long
lab science class focusing on the study of
the Earth’s dynamic processes and systems
through topics including plate tectonics,
the rock cycle, minerals, volcanology,
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seismology, geologic time, paleontology,
and mapping. Students are immersed in both
global and New Mexico geology, including
fieldwork at the Albuquerque volcanoes
(Rio Grande Rift – the third largest rift in the
world) and the Ojito Wilderness. Students
are actively involved understanding the
application scientific methods, through
lab work, activities, research, notes, and
group projects. Students focus on detailed
observations, accuracy, analyzing, and
problem-solving.
Molecular Biology
Grade 10
Molecular Biology introduces students to
the fundamental processes that apply to all
living organisms. Hands-on laboratory work
is the focus of this class, examining enzyme
reactions, cell structure, cell mitosis and
meiosis, cell respiration and fermentation,
genetics, and heredity, along with an
introduction to organic and biochemistry.
Extensive use of technology includes
microscopy, data-collection technology
with Vernier LabPro, and TI-83 graphing
calculators. Students learn the basics of
biology while concentrating on the scientific
method, proper lab technique, data analysis,
and critical thinking skills.
Ecological Biology
Grade 10
Ecological Biology introduces students to the
broad spectrum of macrobiology topics as
they seek to answer the question of “What is
life?”, through the study of the fundamental
concepts of life and life processes, including
fundamentals of ecology (energy flow
and natural cycles, levels of organization,