Sandia Prep Curriculum Guide 2018 - 2019

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
in 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?” This is explored through
the study of the fundamental concepts
of life and life processes, including