Science
OA graduation: 2 years; UC 2 years lab science
Our goal is for each student to gain a working knowledge of the sciences and to be prepared to eventually take more advanced college-level science courses. We also take advantage of the San Francisco Bay Area’s museums, laboratories, and natural resources to provide our students with outstanding, and in many cases, unparalleled learning experiences.
Orinda Academy’s science program offers the following sequence of classes in the physical and life sciences:
Physical Science (8th)
The 8th grade physical science course is designed to give students the necessary skills for a smooth transition from elementary physical science standards to high school physical science standards.
Environmental Science (9th grade)
Environmental Science introduces fundamental ecological concepts and explores the interactions within ecosystems. Students learn about the biosphere, major biomes, ecosystems, chemical cycles, and the role of living things in ecosystems.
Biology (10th Grade)
Biology is devoted to the study of living things and their processes. Throughout the year this course provides opportunity for students to develop scientific process skills, laboratory techniques, and an understanding of the fundamental principles of living organisms.
Chemistry (11th Grade)
This goal of this course is to cultivate students’ ability to reason scientifically and engage in scientific inquiry within the content field of chemistry. Chemistry studies the nature of matter and its interaction with energy, but emphasis is placed on logical reasoning and communication of ideas in this class.
Physics
Physics studies matter and motion, but emphasis is placed on logical reasoning and communication of scientific ideas in this class. This goal of this course is to cultivate students’ ability to reason scientifically and engage in scientific inquiry within the content field of physics.