Science Department

Department Philosophy

The Science Department at Junípero Serra High School develops curious, critical thinkers who use scientific understanding to examine the natural world and society’s complex challenges. Through hands-on investigation, students design experiments, analyze data and build evidence-based explanations, gaining a deep understanding of core concepts and how scientific knowledge is tested and refined.

Science instruction connects learning to real-world issues such as health, technology, environmental stewardship and ethics. Rooted in Catholic values, the department invites students to consider questions of equity, human dignity and care for creation, preparing them to apply scientific reasoning responsibly and in service of the common good.

Science Courses

• Biology
• Honors Biology
• AP Biology
• Chemistry in the Community
• Chemistry
• Honors Chemistry
• Honors Biochemistry
• AP Chemistry
• Conceptual Physics
• Physics
• Honors Physics
• AP Physics 1
• AP Physics C
• Diseases and Human Physiology
• Honors Diseases and Human Physiology
• Kinesiology
• Introduction to Engineering Design
• Robotics Engineering
• Honors Robotics Engineering
• Science Research Project
• Science TA

TriSchool Courses

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Honors Anatomy and Physiology
• Foundations of Medicine
• Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
• Sports Medicine
• AP Environmental Science
• Forensics Biology

Initial Placement

Incoming freshmen are initially placed in Biology or Honors Biology by the Assistant Principal: Academics, based on the student’s HSPT test scores, middle school grades, and teacher recommendations.

Honors and AP Courses

Following freshman year, students who meet established criteria outlined in the Serra Course Catalog are eligible to enroll in honors and AP courses, which include:

• Honors Chemistry
• AP Chemistry
• Honors Physics
• AP Physics 1
• AP Physics C
• Honors Diseases and Human Physiology
• AP Biology
• Honors Robotics Engineering
• Honors Anatomy and Physiology

Student Opportunities

Students deepen their interest in science beyond the classroom through diverse co-curricular experiences.

Clubs and Honors: Physics Club, Sports and Science Club, Pre-Health Club, and Robotics Club, or qualify for membership in the Science National Honor Society. These groups host guest speakers through the student-developed and student-run Serra Science Speakers Series, explore topics of interest and conduct hands-on experiments.

Field Experiences: Enrichment trips (e.g., Topgolf, batting cages) to study real-world applications of science.

Competitions: Participation in regional and national events such as the US Biology Olympiad, Berkeley Engineering Challenge and FIRST Robotics.

Leadership Roles: Science Teaching Assistants support labs, assist teachers and deepen their own scientific understanding.

Internships and Mentorship: Faculty guidance prepares students for competitive research and industry internships.

Tools and Resources

Our Science Department integrates a powerful set of digital and hands-on tools to support inquiry-based learning and real scientific practice.

Interactive Simulations: Gizmos, PhET and Positive Physics for modeling, testing and refining ideas.

Advanced Lab Technology: Vernier sensors for experiments such as crash simulations, spectral analysis and EKG studies.

Molecular Biology Equipment: Supports hands-on work in forensics, genetics and bioengineering.

Industry Connections: AWS Academy partnership introduces cloud computing skills.

Robotics & Engineering: State-of-the-art workshop for designing, building and testing solutions.

Learning by Doing: Tools that mirror real-world scientific and engineering environments.