Math & Science @ OA

Welcome to the Mathematics/Science Department at Orinda Academy. We have a variety of offerings in both disciplines, and offered at different paces. Our department offers a typical college track mathematics program that includes Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Precalculus, and Calculus, and is designed to prepare our students for a future in mathematics and/or the sciences. We take extra care to prepare our students for standardized exams and the AP Calculus Exam. Additionally, students may choose a slower paced program including a 2-year algebra sequence, Elementary Algebra 1-2 & 3-4. We offer a Math A class (a mixture of prealgebra, basic geometry, and other basic skills) for our middle school students, as well as students requiring more preparation in math fundamentals. We also offer mathematics labs, typically during 7th and 8th periods, where students can come for help and individual attention.

Our Science program offers a variety of classes and laboratories in the Physical and Life Sciences, including Physical Science for our middle school students, Environmental Science for our 9th graders, Biology and Honors Biology for 10th graders, Chemistry, Physics, and Conceptual Physics. Our goal is for each student to gain a working knowledge of the sciences and to be prepared to take more advanced college-level science courses. We take advantage of the incredible resources and the natural beauty of our area, including many great museums and laboratories.

Mitch Goldman
Head of the Math & Science Department

Courses offered in Math:

Math A
Teacher: Starfire
This is a "pre" algebra course.  We cover number operations, solving simple equations, fractions, decimals, rational numbers, graphing, basis statistics, basic geometry, and functions.  This will prepare the student to take Algebra 1.

Algebra I
Teacher: Mitch

Geometry
Teacher: Bob Shayler
Geometry is a standard college-prep course in plane (2D) geometry including constructions and proofs.  Students use simulations on computers and have the opportunity to engage in online projects.

Elementary Algebra 1-2
Teacher: Bob Shayler
Elementary Algebra 1-2 covers in a full year the content of the first semester of the standard year long college prep Algebra 1 course.  When both Elementary Algebra 1-2 and the successor course Elementary Algebra 3-4 courses are successfully completed, the student will have met the first year algebra course requirement for four-year college admission. Students use simulations on computers and have the opportunity to engage in online projects.

Elementary Algebra 3-4
Teacher: Bob Shayler
Elementary Algebra 3-4 covers in a full year, the content of the second semester of the standard year long college prep algebra 1 course.  When both Elementary Algebra 1-2 and Elementary Algebra 3-4 courses are successfully completed, the student will have met the first year algebra course requirement for four-year college admission. Students use simulations on computers and have the opportunity to engage in online projects.

Algebra II / Trig
Teacher: Starfire
This class is an extension of the material in Algebra 1.  We cover solving equations and systems of equations, solving quadratic equations, functions and inverse functions, matrices, polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions.  he last quarter covers basic trigonometry.  It prepares the student for Precalculus.

Precalculus
Teacher: Mitch

Calculus
Teacher: Mitch

Courses offered in Science:

Health
Teacher:  Loyes Wilkinson
The purpose of this class is to expose students to ideas that will promote a healthy lifestyle.  We will cover such topics as physical activity for life, nutrition, managing weight and body composition, tobacco, alcohol, medicines and drugs, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS, protection and contraception, plus a full day class on CPR and first aid.

Physical science
Teacher:  Loyes Wilkinson
The purpose of this class is to introduce students to the basic concepts of physical science.  These include measuring with scientific units, science skills and methods, motion and energy, forces and motion, forces in fluids, work, machines and energy, properties of matter, atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, electricity, magnetism and light.

Environmental Science (grade 9)
Teacher: Ben Lavender
The goals and objectives of Environmental Science are to introduce students to basic concepts of scientific method and inquiry while focusing mainly on ecology. It is also intended that students will examine their everyday interactions with the environment in order to foster a better understanding and deeper appreciation of the natural world. This course focuses on attaining skills through the reading of scientific literature, hands-on laboratories, field trips, and class discussions.

Biology (grade 10)
Teacher: Ben

General Chemistry
Teacher:  Loyes Wilkinson
This is a basic course in chemistry which covers formulas, molecular and ionic compounds, chemical reactions and equations, molar relationships, stoichiometry, composition of the atom and chemical bonding.  We will also study the Periodic Table, gases and their properties, reaction equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction and organic chemistry.

Conceptual Physics
Teacher: Starfire
This course is a basic introduction to Physics that covers mechanics in the first semester, Thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, quantum theory and relativity in the second semester.  This class emphasises concepts over calculations, and has Algebra 1 as a prerequisite.

Advanced Physics
Teacher: Bob Shayler
Advanced physics is a standard college-prep algebra based physics course that includes field trips and an annual class project.  Students have the opportunity to participate in an international conference on nuclear non-proliferation and engage in other online projects.