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Math
Algebra First Year One -- Students will be auto enrolled for this course
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade
Description: Algebra Year One students study linear and quadratic patterns.
Algebra Second Year Two -- Students will be auto enrolled for this course
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: passing grade in Algebra Year One
Description: In Algebra Year Two. Students work with a variety of functions, including higher degree polynomials, logarithms, sine, and cosine. Investigation of different function families continues to build proficiency and the ability to identify how function shifts generalize.
Geometry -- Students will be auto enrolled for this course
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: passing grades in Algebra Year One
Description: In Geometry students analyze shapes using both the rules of algebra and rigid motion transformations.
Statistics 1 (Semester)
11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: passing grades in Algebra Year One Algebra Year Two, and Geometry
Description: In this course students participate in a large survey created and completed by students in the class. Statistical concepts, like survey sampling methods and confidence intervals, are learned as the survey unfolds.
Advanced Statistics (Year)
11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: excelling grades in Algebra Year One Algebra Year Two, and Geometry
Description: In this course students participate in a large survey created and completed by students in the class. Statistical concepts, like survey sampling methods and confidence intervals, are learned as the survey unfolds.
Consumer Math/Financial Literacy (semester/year)
11th,12th grade. Prerequisites: passing grades in Alg 1 and Geometry or Alg2
Description: This year long class can be taken consecutively or by semester. In Fall semester, Consumer Math is focused on math used in everyday life. Budgeting, loans and mortgages, interest rates, paying for college, taxes and income. In Spring semester, Financial Literacy focuses on applications: behavioral economics, consumer and commerce literacy, investing for retirement, risk management and creating financial security. Spring quarter culminates in a virtual stock market investing contest/project.
Pre-Calculus (year)
10th, 11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: C- or higher in Algebra Year One Algebra Year Two, and Geometry.
Description: In Pre-calculus, students analyze a variety of functions and continue to build their proficiency working with increasingly complex models and equations. Pre-Calculus also includes learning about common trigonometric ratios and identities. It is recommended that students taking Pre-Calculus plan to continue their studies with Calculus, though not necessary.
Calculus 1/2 (CITHS)
10th, 11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: C- or higher in Pre-Calculus.
In Calculus 1 students learn how to find derivatives, solve them, and some of their uses in real-world scenarios. An introduction to limits and their importance in proving Calculus concepts is also explored. In Calculus 2 students learn about integration, both how to solve integrals and some of their uses in real-world scenarios. Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 are separate college courses available for CITHS credit through TCC. Calculus 1 is MATH& 151 and Calculus 2 is MATH& 152. Concurrent enrollment in Physics provides more examples of Calculus in applied contexts.
AP Calculus BC
11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: C- or higher in Calculus 1 and 2 or concurrent enrollment in Calculus 1/2
In AP Calculus BC students extend topics studied in Calculus 1/2 and introduces students to Taylor polynomials, parametric motion, differential equations, and polar coordinates. Concurrent enrollment in Physics provides more examples of Calculus in applied contexts.
Life Science Electives
Zoo Conservation
10th, 11th & 12th grade, Pre-requisites: APES
Description: Students will use the animals of the zoo to explore conservation issues in our own backyard and around the world. In this class, students will explore individual animals in the zoo, look at how humans are impacting those organisms around the world, and what organizations, including PDZA, are doing to conserve the biodiversity of planet earth.
Cell Biology (semester)
11th & 12th grade, Pre-requisites: APES and Chem
Description: In this course we will delve into the organelles, structures, systems, and molecules that make cells work. Prokaryotic (bacterial) and eukaryotic (both animal and plant) cells will be covered with a greater focus on eukaryotic systems. This is a challenging course that is taught at an early undergraduate level. Coursework consists of quizzes, exams, and extended reading assignments.
Molecular Biology (semester)
11th & 12th grade, Pre-requisite: APES and Chemistry
Description: Cell Biology recommended. This course examines the molecular structures of DNA that affect the functions and regulation of genes. The framework of the course will be the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology (DNA —> RNA —> protein), and some genetics, bioethics, and synthetic biology will be covered. This is a challenging course that is taught at an early undergraduate level. Coursework consists of quizzes, exams, and extended reading assignments
Bio Technology (semester)
11th & 12th grade, Pre-requisite: APES and Chemistry
AP Biology
Pre-requisites: APES and Chemistry
Description: In this fast paced class, students will learn four major topics: cells, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Each semester we use scientific principles to explore the fundamentals of life from the very basic unit of the cell, to how it is controlled through genetics, how organisms fit into the world, and how evolutionary pressures affect the world in which we live. Students will do several full scientific experiments each semester to better understand those relationships and to gather a full understanding of biology at the college level.
Advanced Outdoor Education/Field Studies (semester)
10th, 11th, and 12th grade, Prerequisites: APES
In Advanced Outdoor Ed students will earn physical education credit by hiking the trails of Point Defiance Park every class period. The class may also engage in ecological sampling and plant identification, work projects to support Metro Parks, and independent projects. Be prepared to be outside in all weather conditions.
Applications of Chemistry
11th & 12th grade, Pre-requisites: Passing grade in Intro Chemistry.
Description: This course investigates chemistry as a means to solving real-world problems. You’ll examine alternative fuels, the biochemistry of food, and pharmaceuticals using real-life scenarios simulated in the classroom. You’ll conduct calorimetric experiments, prepare biodiesel while investigating alternative fuels, prepare aspirin while learning the healing and toxic properties of pharmaceuticals, and leave the course prepared to take on an internship in a Chemistry related field.
Offered alternating with AP Chem
AP Chemistry
11th & 12th grade, Pre-requisites: Passing grade in Intro Chemistry.
Description: This course investigates chemistry as a means to solving real-world problems. You’ll examine alternative fuels, the biochemistry of food, and pharmaceuticals using real-life scenarios simulated in the classroom. You’ll conduct calorimetric experiments, prepare biodiesel while investigating alternative fuels, prepare aspirin while learning the healing and toxic properties of pharmaceuticals, and leave the course prepared to take on an internship in a Chemistry related field.
Offered alternating with Applications of Chem
Intro to Anatomy & Physiology
11th &12th grade, Pre-requisites: APES and Chemistry
Description: Yearlong course dealing with the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within it. Includes the study of cells, tissues, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems. Identification of anatomical structures will occur in the laboratory, with some animal dissection required. Some vertebrate anatomy will also be covered. Will be taught in cooperation with TCC. College credits are available with payment.
Advanced Anatomy & Physiology
11th &12th grade, Pre-requisites: Intro to Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry
Description: In this class, we will explore what animals, including humans, are made of and how they work. We will dive into the similarities and differences of invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, and discover the unique ways in which different species survive and thrive in their own environments. Using different animal models, we will uncover the evolutionary connection between species while learning the intricacies of how parts of the body work. Our goal is to shed light on the structure and function of the animal body while understanding how and why that structure and function exists in the animal kingdom.
Neuropsychology
11th & 12th grade, Pre-requisites: APES and Chemistry
Description: This course will introduce you to the foundations of two diverse scientific fields: neuroscience and psychology. We will study the brain at different scales: from the microscopic level of single neurons to analysis of behavior stemming from higher brain functions. Through the lens of psychology, we will study human behavior and the human experience make sense of their environment, and how patterns of activity in the individual cells that make up the nervous system give rise to our ability to move, develop, think, feel, and learn. Through the lens of psychology, we will study human behavior and the human experience.
Physical Science Electives
Applied Robotics/Physics
Exploring Technologies (1 Semester)
Pre-requisites: None
Description: Exploring Technologies provides hands-on projects related to computer science, technology, manufacturing, science, and engineering careers. Students will discover how technology is used in various career fields to improve our world.
Physics
AP Physics 2
11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: C- or better in Intro Physic , passing grade in Algebra 1-2, Geometry 1-2.
Description: This year-long course is open to all juniors and seniors who have passed Intro Physics with a C- or better. The class focuses on the big ideas typically included in an algebra-based introductory college-level physics sequence and provides students with enduring understandings to support future advanced course work in the sciences. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, as defined by the AP Science Practices. Topics of study will include fluids; thermodynamics; electric force, field and potential; electric circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric and physical optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.
Chemistry
Applications of Chemistry
11th & 12th grade, Pre-requisites: Passing grade in Intro Chemistry.
Description: This course investigates chemistry as a means to solving real-world problems. You’ll examine alternative fuels, the biochemistry of food, and pharmaceuticals using real-life scenarios simulated in the classroom. You’ll conduct calorimetric experiments, prepare biodiesel while investigating alternative fuels, prepare aspirin while learning the healing and toxic properties of pharmaceuticals, and leave the course prepared to take on an internship in a Chemistry related field.
Offered in an alternating fashion with AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry
11th & 12th grade, Pre-requisites: Passing grade in Intro Chemistry.
Description: AP Chemistry is an introductory college-level chemistry course. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based lab investigations as they explore the four Big Ideas: scale, proportion, and quantity; structure and properties of substances; transformations; and energy.
Offered in an alternating fashion with Applications of Chem
Advance Science
Computational Physics (1 Semester)
11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: passing grade in Intro Physics.
Description: Implement advance computing and software to model the world around us. Through this class you apply topics in physics, computing, data manipulation and stats. This class will give you an in-site into industrial applications of your knowledge.
Astronomy (1 Semester)
11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: passing grade in Intro Physics.
Description: This course will explore our current understanding of the universe around us, answering such questions as “how big is the universe?”, how old is the universe and how can we possibly know anything about that stuff way out there. Our investigations will include topics such as age of the universe, the big bang theory, the life cycle of stars, and hypothesis about the future of the universe.
Geology (1 Semester)
Pre-requisites: C- or better in Intro Chemistry and Intro Physics.
Description: This course in physical geology will begin with an examination of the forces involved in the formation of the Earth. This includes igneous and volcanic processes, sedimentation, and weathering. Next, we will explore the processes currently shaping the Earth's crust, including folds, faults, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. Lastly, we'll delve into what actions sculpt the Earth's surface, from streams and rivers, to glaciers and wind. In class study and controlled labs will be balanced with trips out into the park to explore visible evidence of our region's past.
Marine
Intro to Marine Science and Technology (year)
10th grade, Pre-requisites: None
Description: Cruise through three experts exploring fisheries, ocean science, vessel operations and ROV's.
Vessel Ops
10th-12th grade, Pre-requisites: None
Vessel operations Is a yearlong class that explores working in the maritime industry through hands on education aboard M/V Doolin-Rogers. Throughout the year students will learn basic seamanship, safety and navigation. Working as a Crew students will handle lines, tie knots, steer the ship and perform lookout watches while underway operating aboard Tacoma’s world class training vessel – their floating classroom.
Marine Sensors and Research (year)
11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: Prior course with Lonsdale or Beard
Description: Dive deeper into the world of robotics. Research, build and design a remote operated vehicle that you can pilot under water. Advanced students will have an opportunity to participate in robotic competitions through the MATE program.
Marine Biology & Fisheries (year)
11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: Prior course with Lonsdale or Beard
Description: A year-long course that will explore the last frontier on Earth - the ocean environment that covers over 70% of our planet. Concepts and processes in Oceanography, Marine Biology and Ecology, Marine Chemistry and Marine Aquaculture will be addressed. Plan to be outside on a regular basis.
The Chinook Orca Recovery Education Program works with the Puyallup Tribe to raise Chinook fry to feed the starving J Pod of Orcas or Southern Resident Killer Whale in accordance with the governor’s task force. Close work with Chief Leschi Schools and their biology classes and the Puyallup Tribe Fisheries.
Computer Science
Exploring Computer Science (1 Semester)
9th and 10th grade, Pre-requisites: None
Description: An introductory computer science course designed to engage students in computational thinking and practice. Students will complete inquiry-based lessons while using a variety of tools and platforms. Students will create projects like designing a website, coding a game, designing a phone app and others. No prior computer science knowledge is needed.
AP Computer Science Principles (Year-Long)
10th, 11th & 12th grade Pre-requisites: Prior coding experience for 1 semester suggested.
Description: This course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. Computer Science Principles (CSP) is a full-year, rigorous, course that introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing
AP Computer Science A (Year-Long)
11th & 12th grade Pre-requisites: Successful in Computer Science Principles.
Description: AP Computer Science A is a fast-paced course equivalent to a college introductory programming class. Students will learn about the exciting kinds of problems tackled by computer science while exploring the field’s most important tool—programming. The course will be anchored around projects that will explore a broad range of fields that use programming to solve problems. Through these projects, students will study common, reusable algorithms and learn to analyze them for correctness and speed. The course will cover fundamentals of programming syntax and methodology using the Java programming language.
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English
English 9th/10th -- Students will be auto enrolled for this course
This is an integrated course over two years that includes 9th/10th teaching project- based topics related to our place here in Pt. Defiance Park and Environmental Writing/Poetry and Technical Writing.
CitHS English 11th/12th
College in the HS 101 and 102 Students will study select literature texts, the writing process and non-fiction. Writing for a varied audience and reading with a variety of purposes will be a focus. 11th /12th grade English fulfills a graduation requirement and should be registered for both fall and spring semesters. This course is offered as a College in the High School course for ENG101 and ENG102 credit over two years.
Science and Technology in Literature 11th/12th
Pre-req: 10th grade English
Description: This course satisfies the English core graduation requirement and explores the intersection of literature and science.
This course is offered in an alternating fashion with AP Lang.
AP Language 11th/12th
Pre-req: 10th grade English
Description: This course satisfies the English core graduation requirement and is an introductory college-level composition course. Students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situation, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style.
This course is offered in an alternating fashion with Science Tech Lit
Creative Writing (1 Semester or Year-Long)
10th, 11th, 12th
Description: This course provides the student with opportunities to write in a variety of genres, such as short story, poetry, drama, essays, descriptive writing, screen play and children’s literature related to our place here in the Pt. Defiance Park. Students will study writing samples and produce their own creative works.
Social Studies
United States History 9th/10th
This course uses Common Core reading, writing and communication standards to analyze formative turning points in United States History and Government.
This course alternates with World History
World History 9th/10th
This course uses Common Core reading, writing and communication standards to analyze fundamental turning points in World History.
This course alternates with US History
Civics (12th Grade Fall)
Students will study government, history, law, and democracy. Discussion of current local, national and international issues and events in to use the context of our place in Pt. Defiance Park will be the central theme of the course. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they learn through performing community service linked to units of instruction. Student participation in school/community governance and/or simulations of democratic processes and procedures will be encouraged.
World Problems (World Issues) (12th Grade Spring)
Students will study current issues in light of the sciences studied at SAMI. 11th / 12th grade World Problems fulfills a graduation requirement and should be registered for either in the fall or spring semester. All juniors and seniors must register for this class. World Problems (World Issues) and Civics are offered on an every other year basis.
Social Science Electives - See Electives
Electives
Early Explorers
Pre-requisites: none.
Description: This is a two-theme class. One theme is centered around child development and care. The second theme of the class directly works with preschool children. Classes of preschoolers come to SAMi and we take them out into the zoo and woods helping them to make personal connections with animals and plants leading to empathy and conservation.
Equitable Leadership
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade, Pre-requisites: none.
Description: Students in leadership will learn about youth voice, community development and capitalizing on our personal and collective strengths. We will create social and service opportunities for our entire school community. Topics will include effective and expressive communication, event planning, community service, school-wide culture, and connecting with future SAMI students at other schools. Leadership class is strongly recommended for all elected ASB officers, and open to all other students as well.
Creative Writing (1 Semester or Year-Long)
10th, 11th, 12th This course provides the student with opportunities to write in a variety of genres, such as short story, poetry, drama, essays, descriptive writing, screen play and children’s literature related to our place here in the Pt. Defiance Park. Students will study writing samples and produce their own creative works.
Foreign Language
Spanish 2 -- Students will be auto enrolled in this course
Pre-requisites: C- or better in Spanish First year
Description: Students continue their study of the Spanish language and culture, focusing on conversation and building language capacity.
Spanish 3
Pre-requisites: C- or better in Spanish Second year
Description: Students continue their study of the Spanish language and culture, focusing on conversation and building language capacity.
Spanish 4
Pre-requisites: C- or better in Spanish Third Year
Description: In Spanish Year Four students continue their study of the Spanish language and culture, focusing on complex conversation and composition. Spanish 7-8 students work in collaboration with students in Spanish Third Year
Spanish Culture for Heritage Speakers
Pre-requisites: Heritage Speaker
Description: This course develops and honors the heritage languages. Students will work towards earning the Seal of Biliteracy for their transcript as an Industry Recognized Certificate.
Spanish Literature and Film
Pre-requisites: Spanish year 4 with C or better.
Description: Students will improve their use and understanding of the Spanish language by reading stories and poems in the original language and watching Spanish-language films. The class will consider various cultural components from Spanish-speaking countries and discuss prominent themes important to the works.
Art
Introduction to Art and Design (1 Semester)
Pre-requisites: none
Description: Students are introduced to the elements and principles of design through many genres of art. The emphasis of this course will be on drawing and learning is project based. This is a CTE course and students will learn about various careers in the arts and acquire employability skills.
Scientific & Botanical Illustration (year)
Pre-requisites: One semester of Intro to Art and Design
Description: Students will further explore various mediums through project-based learning and continue to study observational drawing skills. This is a CTE course and students will learn more about various careers in the arts and acquire employability skills.
Students will further explore various mediums through project-based learning and continue to study observational drawing skills. This is a CTE course and students will learn more about various careers in the arts and acquire employability skills.
Animal Life Painting (year)
Pre-requisites: Scientific & Botanical Illustration
Description: This is an advanced class for students who have passed Intro to Art and Design and had at least one semester of Illustration Class (either Scientific or Botanical). Students will create painting projects based on live drawing sessions with zoo animals. They will learn how to use watercolor and acrylic paint. This is a CTE course and students will learn more about various careers in the arts and acquire employability skills.
Intro to Photography (1 Semester)
Pre-requisites: none
Description: Students will be introduced to the basic functions of a camera and study the elements and principles of design through digital photography. The park and zoo will be utilized for outdoor shooting. This is a CTE course and students will learn about various careers in photography and acquire employability skills.
Advanced Photography (1 Semester)
Pre-requisite: one semester Intro to Photography
Description: Students will further their knowledge of the camera and deepen their skills with photo editing programs. Create a digital portfolio and utilize the park and zoo for outdoor shooting. Students will have the opportunity to earn an IRC in Photoshop. This is a CTE course and students will learn about various careers in photography and acquire employability skills.
Physical Edu
Yoga (1 Semester)
Pre-requisites: none
Description: Work to build strength and resilience in our yoga class taught at the beginning of the day.
Advanced Outdoor Ed (1 Semester)
Social Science - Electives
Psychology (year)
Description: This class is an elective for upperclassmen (and a few sophomores!) who would like to learn more about the study of the mind and human behavior. We will be examining topics such as perception, learning, mental health and mental illness, development, personality, abnormal psychology, and many other topics. I will be incorporating gender studies and people of color into the curriculum as well as in-class studies and out-of-class projects.
I am open to students’ interests informing the curriculum and have asked that they advocate for themselves by putting forward topics they would like to see us cover. If we cannot get to all in a one-semester, twice/week class there will be options for independent learning…and/or, naturally, pursuing further study beyond high school.
As many of our students are interested in creativity and the arts, I selected and had approved the text, Psychology: The Comic Book Introduction by Grady Klein and Danny Oppenheimer, Ph. D. (2018). It is an extremely visual text, with an engaging sense of humor, but it does not go into enough detail in certain areas and will be supplemented by other texts, that will include articles from magazines, newspapers, and journals as well as video, music, artwork, and more.
Next Move
Next Move Internship Program 11th & 12th grade
Pre-requisites: Mentor Group, Strong Start, Intro to Internship
Description: The Next Move Internship Program of Tacoma Public Schools works with the local professional community to design meaningful positions for high school students in order to provide each a preview of their professional future. By working alongside employees in a specific industry, student-interns gain enthusiasm for a possible career, while also acquiring skills and expertise needed to succeed in the workplace. Current juniors and seniors are invited to participate in the Next Move Internship Program. After completing the online application, students participate in a series of professional development activities in preparation for a semester internship placement. Interns are then selected and placed for one or more of their class periods with a local business or organization. Each intern is supported throughout this process by the coaches of the Next Move Department, earning credit through their participation in this unpaid opportunity.
Strong Start 9th grade
Description: Students will gain the essential skills to make a successful transition from Middle School to High School. Students will receive academic support in the core freshman classes. Freshmen will also develop time management skills, will track their academic progress, and will get a jump start on projects that are required for High School Graduation. utilize the PERFORMANCE REVIEW skill of goal setting and reflection to develop their academic identity.
TIME 10th, 11th, 12th grade
Pre-requisites: Teacher or Admin approval
Description: TIME provides an opportunity for students to improve their organization and student skills, receive tutoring in content areas, and work with peers on individual assignments for other classes. Students should be prepared to both have time to work each class, and to participate in study skills learning activities.
Bridge 10th, 11th, 12th grade
Pre-requisites: Teacher or Admin approval
Description: Students in the BRIDGE program serve as peer leaders in classrooms. BRIDGE students are supported by a consultant teacher who works to build peer leader capacity and interpersonal skills with each BRIDGE student. utilize the PERFORMANCE REVIEW skill of goal setting and reflection to develop their academic identity.
Intro to Internship 11th grade
Pre-requisites: Mentor Group & Strong Start
Description: This course is designed to help students develop professionalism skills, explore their career interests, and prepare for internships in the community.
SOTA Electives - Open to 11th and 12th
Some classes may be offered on a rotating basis. This catalog was last updated Spring of 2020