The following are the NGSS Standards for Science Classes offered by Science2U

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LIFE SCIENCE

1. MS-LS1: From Molecules to Organisms — Structure and Processes Students demonstrate understanding of cell and organism structure and processes by: MS-LS1-1: Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells (unicellular or multicellular). MS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and how cell parts contribute to function. MS-LS1-6: Construct a scientific explanation using evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms. MS-LS1-7: Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions to support growth and/or release energy as it moves through an organism. (Depending on classroom/course organization, some Grade 7 implementations may also include MS-LS1-3 through MS-LS1-5 in broader unit sequences, but the core set above is widely used in Grade 7 life science curricula.)

2. MS-LS2: Ecosystems — Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics Students analyze interactions within ecosystems: MS-LS2-1: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations. MS-LS2-2: Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems. MS-LS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem. MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect organisms and populations. MS-LS2-5: Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

3. MS-LS3: Heredity — Inheritance and Variation of Traits Students explore how traits are passed and vary: MS-LS3-1: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects. MS-LS3-2: Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in genetically identical offspring and sexual reproduction results in genetic variation.

4. MS-LS4: Biological Evolution — Unity and Diversity Students investigate patterns of evolution: MS-LS4-1: Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record documenting existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms over time. MS-LS4-2: Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for anatomical similarities and differences among modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships. MS-LS4-3: Analyze pictorial data to compare patterns of similarities in embryological development across multiple species. MS-LS4-4: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to changes in populations over time. MS-LS4-5: Gather and synthesize information about the influence of humans on the inheritance of desired traits in organisms (e.g., artificial selection). MS-LS4-6: Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

High School Physical Science (NGSS-Aligned, A–G Certified) This A–G certified Physical Science course is designed for high school students to explore fundamental concepts in chemistry and physics through hands-on labs, experiments, and project-based learning. The course meets once weekly for 90 minutes over 30 weeks per year (15 weeks per semester).

Instruction integrates NGSS-aligned Science and Engineering Practices, including asking questions, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, constructing explanations, and using models. Students investigate topics such as methods of scientific study, matter (solids, liquids, gases), atomic structure and chemical bonds, properties of substances, energy, motion, acceleration, momentum, Newton’s laws, gas laws, light and sound waves, electricity, electronics, magnetism, nuclear reactions, and energy sources.

Each week includes a live lecture and hands-on lab, with all lab supplies provided for in-person learners, and a supply list for online students. Lab costs may be covered by charter funds if purchased through an approved vendor. Students complete textbook readings, lab homework, and assessments at home, as well as a self-directed project, a science fair project, and a research paper to apply scientific reasoning in real-world contexts. NGSS Standards Alignment:

MS-PS1-1 through MS-PS1-6: Matter and its interactions, atomic structure, chemical reactions, and properties of substances

MS-PS2-1 through MS-PS2-4: Motion, forces, acceleration, momentum, and Newton’s laws

MS-PS3-1 through MS-PS3-5: Energy transfer, conservation, and sources

MS-PS4-1 through MS-PS4-3: Waves, light, and sound MS-ETS1-1 through MS-ETS1-3: Engineering design, problem-solving, and applications of physical science

This course develops critical thinking, laboratory skills, and scientific literacy, providing a strong foundation for advanced high school science courses.

BIOLOGY AND HONORS BIOLOGY

Course Description: High School Biology (NGSS-Aligned, A–G Certified*)

This comprehensive High School Biology course is designed to fulfill one of the two required science credits for graduation and is aligned with the California Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for high school life sciences. The course provides a rigorous, engaging exploration of biological systems, from cellular processes to ecosystems, with a strong emphasis on laboratory investigation, data analysis, and scientific reasoning.

Instruction is delivered through weekly 2.5-hour live instructional sessions that combine interactive lectures, guided discussions, and hands-on laboratory activities. Core content includes:

Cellular biology and biomolecules Enzymes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration (HS-LS1-5, HS-LS1-6)

Genetics and inheritance, protein synthesis, mitosis, and meiosis (HS-LS1-1, HS-LS3-1, HS-LS3-2)

Evolution and natural selection (HS-LS4-2, HS-LS4-3, HS-LS4-4, HS-LS4-5)

Ecology and ecosystem dynamics, including human impacts (HS-LS2-1, HS-LS2-2, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7)

Students examine real-world biological phenomena and develop an understanding of how living systems interact and maintain stability.

Students build proficiency in scientific inquiry and laboratory skills, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication.

In-class practicum sessions reinforce proper lab techniques, safety procedures, and NGSS Science and Engineering Practices, such as: Developing and using models Planning and carrying out investigations Analyzing and interpreting data Constructing evidence-based explanations Engaging in argument from evidence

All required lab supplies are provided for in-person learners.

This course is A–G certified (pending approval by the enrolling charter school or PSP) and meets college-preparatory expectations for high school science.

Office hours will be by appointment only via Zoom.

An Honors option is available. Students who enroll in Honors Biology complete additional readings, assignments, and assessments at an accelerated depth and pace. Honors coursework is designed to prepare motivated students for the CLEP Biology examination for potential college credit. Honors students are strongly encouraged to make appointments for advanced support.

Standards Alignment: California NGSS – High School Biology This course addresses the following NGSS Performance Expectations, including but not limited to:

From Molecules to Organisms: Structure and Function HS-LS1-1:

Construct explanations for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins HS-LS1-2:

Develop and use models to illustrate hierarchical organization of interacting systems within multicellular organisms HS-LS1-5:

Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy HS-LS1-6:

Construct explanations for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen cycle through photosynthesis and cellular respiration Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits HS-LS3-1:

Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in inheritance HS-LS3-2:

Make and defend claims about how variation in traits arises through meiosis and mutations Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity HS-LS4-2:

Construct explanations that biological diversity results from evolution HS-LS4-3:

Apply statistics and probability to support explanations that traits increase survival and reproduction HS-LS4-4:

Construct explanations for how natural selection leads to adaptation HS-LS4-5:

Evaluate evidence supporting claims that environmental changes can lead to increases, decreases, or extinction of species Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics HS-LS2-1:

Use mathematical representations to support explanations of energy flow and matter cycling in ecosystems HS-LS2-2:

Use models to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and respiration in the carbon cycle HS-LS2-6:

Evaluate claims about the role of group behavior in species survival HS-LS2-7:

Design and evaluate solutions for reducing human impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity Instruction integrates NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas (LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4),

Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts, including cause and effect, structure and function, energy and matter, systems and system models, and stability and change. Constructing explanations & engaging in argument from evidence Using mathematics and computational thinking Crosscutting Concepts Cause & effect Systems & system models Energy & matter Stability & change Structure & function

Additional Resources: A–G Course List Verification: UCHS Articulation 

GENERAL AND HONORS CHEMISTRY

General & Honors Chemistry at PCLC (NGSS-Aligned, A–G Certified*) Grade Level: 10th – 12th

A–G Certified: Yes, if approved by charter school or PSP Pre-requisite: Completion of Algebra 1 Lab Materials: Lab supplies are provided for in-person learners. Online learners will receive a supply list to perform experiments at home. Lab supply costs may be covered by charter school funds if purchased through an approved vendor.

Course Overview This A–G level Chemistry course is designed to provide students with a rigorous understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and laboratory practice.

The course meets once weekly for 2.25 hours over 30 weeks per year (15 weeks per semester). Each week includes live lectures and hands-on labs, with readings, homework, lab reports, and assessments completed independently at home. Two in-class final exams are administered per year.

Core topics include:

  • Structure of the atom and the periodic table Chemical bonding and molecular structure
  • Reactivity and chemical properties Mole concepts and stoichiometry Gases, solutions, and acids & bases
  • Reaction rates and chemical equilibrium Redox reactions and electrochemistry
  • Introduction to biochemistry and organic chemistry Instruction emphasizes laboratory skills, quantitative analysis, and scientific reasoning.
  • Students conduct weekly labs or demonstrations to reinforce content knowledge and develop proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
  • Assignments include homework, lab notebooks, and textbook-based problem sets, with tests administered at home under parental supervision and returned the following week.

Honors Chemistry Option

Additional readings, assignments, and advanced problem-solving tasks Preparation for the CLEP Chemistry exam for potential college credit

Office hours are available by appointment for additional support Honors Chemistry is also A–G certified.

This course aligns with NGSS High School Chemistry standards, including:

  • HS-PS1-1: Structure and properties of matter
  • HS-PS1-2: Chemical reactions and energy changes
  • HS-PS1-3: Stoichiometry and quantitative analysis
  • HS-PS1-5: Chemical bonding and molecular structure
  • HS-PS1-6: Conservation of mass in reactions
  • HS-PS3-3: Energy transfer in chemical systems

Additional Resources: A–G Course List Verification: UCHS Articulation