Science

The High School Science Department at Tierra Adentro aims to create an inclusive and safe learning environment where students from all cultural and educational backgrounds can find personal connections and academic success in their scientific studies. Students begin as freshmen studying biology and will study chemistry, physics and Earth and Space science by the time they graduate. All students will participate in hands on, safe laboratory experiments during every semester. The science lab at TANM has the same technology and equipment offered at a traditional public school, but with class sizes that allow more interaction with chemicals, technology and hands-on learning. Throughout their science classes, students will find projects tailored to their love of the arts and their personal heritage; from sketching renderings of life in biology to studying Hispanic influences in the sciences and studying how ethnicity affects healthcare, or learning about the mechanics of dance in the Physics of Flamenco capstone project. Tierra Adentro has been following the Next Gen Science Standards since they were developed 8 years ago, thereby remaining nationally competitive. Many students find themselves taking a dual credit science course in the 12th grade and all students report feeling comfortable and prepared when they do take a college level science course.

Earth Science - 6th Grade

This science class is the study of systems on Earth and in space. Students will study the flow of energy and cycling of matter between Earth’s systems. Students will examine the use of natural resources and humanity’s reliance and impact on Earth. Students will examine the Earth, Moon and Sun system as well as the solar system and beyond. This course will include multimodal instruction, hands-on activities, and labs to encourage students’ academic curiosity and growth.

Life Science - 7th Grade

This science class is a study of two main themes: Anatomy and Ecology. These topics are designed to aid students in understanding themselves and the world in which they live. This course will include many hands-on activities and labs designed to increase student’s understanding and knowledge

Physical Science - 8th Grade

This science class is the study of basics concepts within the disciplines of Physics and Chemistry. Students will examine the motion of objects and the transfer of energy that allows for motion. Students will gain a basic knowledge of fundamental forces that act between objects resulting in both motion and stability. Students will describe different types of waves and will explore their technological applications. Students will define, identify, and characterize the elemental building block of the universe and explore the physical and chemical changes that occur within matter on a molecular level. This course will include multimodal instruction, hands-on activities, and labs to encourage students’ academic curiosity and growth.

Biology

BIOLOGY	Full-year
Required for Graduation	Yes
Intended Audience	Freshmen
Prerequisites/ Selection Process	Successful completion of middle school. Students will successfully complete the NGSS standards for high school Biology. Students will complete given Biology labs attached to lessons. Students will gain knowledge of lab safety and high school lab standards.
Major Outcomes	Students will successfully complete the NGSS standards for high school Biology. Students will complete given Biology labs attached to lessons. Students will gain knowledge of lab safety and high school lab standards.
Instructional Focus	Introduction to Biology: Lab Safety, What is Biology, Metric System Conversions Unit 1: Chemistry of LIfe Unit 2: Cells Unit 3: Classification and Taxonomy Unit 4: Ecology Unit 5: Genetics Unit 6: Heredity Unit 7: Evolution Unit 8: Human Body Systems Classroom learning experiences provide lab work with every lesson that stimulates students’ interests in science and prepares them for college, careers, and life after high school.
Projects, activities, etc.:	Labs Field Trips Science Fair Project

Chemistry

CHEMISTRY	Full-year
Required for Graduation	Yes
Intended Audience	Sophomore or Juniors
Prerequisites/ Selection Process	Successfully completed high school Biology
Major Outcomes	Students will successfully complete the NGSS standards for high school Chemistry. Students will complete given Chemistry labs attached to lessons. Students will gain knowledge of lab safety and high school lab standards.
Instructional Focus	Introduction to Chemistry: What is Chemistry, Lab Safety, Metric System Conversions Unit 1: Structure and Properties of Matter Unit 2: Chemical Reactions Unit 3: Changes in Matter Unit 4: The Mole Concept Unit 5: Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions Unit 6: Reaction Rate Unit 7: Nuclear Processes Classroom learning experiences provide lab work with every lesson that stimulates students’ interests in science and prepares them for college, careers, and life after high school.
Projects, activities, etc.:	Labs Field Trips Science Fair Project

Physics

PHYSICS	Full-year
Required for Graduation	Yes
Intended Audience	Sophomore or Juniors
Prerequisites/ Selection Process	Successfully completed high school Biology
Major Outcomes	Students will successfully complete the NGSS standards for high school Physics. Students will complete given Physics labs attached to lessons. Students will gain knowledge of lab safety and high school lab standards.
Instructional Focus	Introduction to Physics: What is Physics, Lab Safety, Metric System Conversions Unit 1 – Study of the Universe Unit 2 – Classical Physics Unit 3 – Chemical Reactions Unit 4 – Metals Unit 5 – Energy Unit 6 – Fuels Unit 7 – Interactions Unit 8 – Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation Special Topic- Einstein's Theory of General and Special Relativity Classroom learning experiences provide lab work with every lesson that stimulates students’ interests in science and prepares them for college, careers, and life after high school.
Projects, activities, etc.:	Labs Field Trips Science Fair Project