Academics
Curriculum
Science
Department: Science
Milken’s Science Department equips students with fundamental concepts and skills and then gives them an opportunity to study specialized topics. From chemistry, to medicine, to engineering, students are prepared for successful careers in the sciences.
Courses in the department encourage critical thinking and problem solving by empowering students to form hypotheses and plan experiments to test them. We teach them that failure and iteration are parts of the process that help us grow. Our goal is to develop innovative learners who will improve the world.
Courses in the department encourage critical thinking and problem solving by empowering students to form hypotheses and plan experiments to test them. We teach them that failure and iteration are parts of the process that help us grow. Our goal is to develop innovative learners who will improve the world.
Course Listings
List of 14 items.
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Science 6: Integrated Earth Science
This course integrates fundamental concepts in chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, and engineering through a problem-based learning approach. During the year, students will explore four key topics: water, fire, land, and air, which align with their English, Social Science, and Jewish Studies classes. In science, students will learn how to ask questions, define problems, plan investigations, collect and analyze data, write clear explanations, and summarize their findings. By thinking and working as scientists, students will gain an understanding of major scientific concepts while developing their scientific reasoning skills. -
Science 7: Life Science
In this course, students will study the organization of matter, the difference between living and non-living things, the structure and function of plant and animal cells, how cells transport materials, what makes a trait heritable, the importance of evolution, the difference between biotic and abiotic factors of ecosystems, and key cycles of matter like nitrogen, carbon, water, and phosphorus. In addition students will build skills of investigation and learn to ask questions like, What is a testable question, and how can you design a repeatable experiment to gather relevant and accurate data? Students will also learn about current topics in science and medicine. -
Science 8: Physical Science
In this course, students will take a deep dive into exploring matter. This journey begins with understanding the periodic table of elements and the structure of an atom. Students will discover trends and patterns in physical and chemical properties of elements on the periodic table; understand the difference between physical and chemical changes; compare and contrast covalent, ionic, and metallic bonds and compounds; write and balance chemical equations, and investigate one-dimensional kinematics (speed, velocity, acceleration and force) to understand how and why objects move in certain ways. Through their experiences, students will ask questions like, When chemicals react, how do I predict what will happen? How can I predict the motion of an object and describe that motion in words and with diagrams? -
Grade 9: Biology (College Prep and Honors)
Biology is a contemporary life science inquiry-based course designed to facilitate students’ self-discovery and thought processing. Students learn to collect, record, and analyze scientific data through studying living things within the science of biology. Major topics include ecology, the cell, energetics, genetics, and evolution. Emphasis is placed on developing logical and creative solutions to real world problems. -
Anatomy & Physiology of Sports Medicine (College Prep)
Students learn the many systems of the body (circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, etc.), how these systems interact with each other, and can be affected through injury in sports. Students receive hands- on experience relating to anatomy and how physiological statuses can be measured and monitored. Sports injuries and treatments are addressed. Prerequisite: Biology -
Anatomy & Physiology: College Prep
Anatomy and Physiology is a second year biology course focused on the structures and functions of the human body. Students learn the systems of the body, how they work, and how they interact with each other. Through laboratories, case studies, projects and group work, students explore medical issues and collaborate to understand their origins and potential treatments. Prerequisite: Biology. -
AP Biology
AP Biology is a rigorous and demanding introductory college biology course. Content is covered in depth and great expectations are placed on interpretation and analysis of information than previous biology courses. In addition, students perform statistical analysis of data and modeling of concepts. Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry. -
AP Chemistry
The AP Chemistry course is the equivalent of the General Chemistry course students often take during their first year of college. Building upon topics that were introduced in Chemistry or Honors Chemistry, this second-year course is designed to expand a student’s understanding of the subject. It is an extremely fast-paced and rigorous course with an emphasis on laboratory experience. By the end of this course students gain the perspective required to become engaged and informed citizens and be able to carry reasoning and problem solving skills to other subjects. Prerequisite: Algebra II and Chemistry. -
AP Physics 1
AP Physics 1 is structured around the big ideas of physics, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes of the discipline. The framework allows students to make connections across domains through a broad way of thinking about the physical world. Students learn basic concepts and principles of physics and apply these concepts and principles to the solution of physical problems. Students cultivate their understanding of physics and science practices as they explore objects and systems and the interactions between them. Other key topics include: change, momentum, energy and probability. Corequisite: Precalculus. -
AP Physics 2
AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. Co-requisite: Precalculus. Note: AP Physics 1 is not required as a prerequisite, but if it has been taken, a student must earn a score of 3 or higher to take this course. -
Chemistry: College Prep and Honors
Students gain a fundamental understanding of chemistry, as it relates to their daily lives. Students learn to collect, record, and analyze scientific data in order to propose solutions to problems. Projects allow students to research and synthesize information and present findings to an audience in a variety of modalities. By engaging in hands-on laboratory experiments and projects, students increase their scientific reasoning skills and gain a greater understanding of the world around them. Honors students must be enrolled in Algebra II or higher. -
Marine & Environmental Science (College Prep)
Students explore the environmental challenges of our expanding global society. Students examine the sources, consequences, and potential solutions for both natural- and human-created environmental problems. Students integrate aspects of biology, chemistry, earth science and government policy. Although this course will have a global approach, an emphasis will be placed on environmental concerns for Southern California and Los Angeles, in particular. Students learn about how the properties of our ocean support a variety of marine life, and how human activity can affect the balance of these ecosystems. Students explore how fishing, land use, chemicals, recreation, trash, wastewater, and more can change the world and our local oceans. Students study current events to deepen understanding of course topics. Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry. -
Neuroscience (College Prep)
The human brain controls everything from the rhythm of our breath, to every sensation, emotion, and memory, making it one of the most complex and fascinating subjects of study. Students study the mammalian nervous system, emphasizing the structural and functional organization of the human brain. Students explore neurons and the cells that make up the nervous system, and how information is encoded within and between neuronal networks and sensory and motor systems. Building on these fundamentals, students examine the neurochemical basis of a variety of behaviors, such as cognition, learning and memory, motivation (hunger and sex), and disorders of the brain. Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry. -
Physics: College Prep and Honors
Physics is all around us. Any problem that deals with temperature, motion, force, position, shape or color involves physics. Students explore the physics behind everyday situations by building on their conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. In Honors Physics, students explore complex problems using simple equations and fundamental theories, while examining the basic principles of the universe: matter, interaction, and change. Physics students must be enrolled in Algebra II or higher.
Honors Science Research
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Science Department Faculty
List of 18 members.
Mitchell Academy of Science+Technology Signature Program
Mitchell Academy of Science+Technology (MAST) prepares students to pioneer new frontiers of scientific discovery. Through MAST, they access extraordinary elective and extracurricular opportunities that inspire and motivate them for success. In collaboration with Milken’s Innovation & Fabrication and Science Departments, MAST offers students a wide variety of programs in advanced research and design, computer science, engineering and robotics.
List of 6 items.
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Creative Coding (Middle School)
Students explore digital design skills through a variety of projects. They will begin learning Python with Tracy and Java with Alice to create their own video games. They will create digital music with GarageBand. Students will also explore Virtual Reality realms of design and use Oculus Go headsets to view their creations in real-time 3D. This introductory course is appropriate for students with little to no experience in the digital realm as well as adaptable for students with prior coding and digital design experience. -
Innovation + Fabrication Workshop (Middle School)
Students design and create great things while exploring the tools of the Idea Lab through hands-on projects. Students learn 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and large format printing. They will apply these skills to projects such as prototyping a new contraption, or designing and printing art posters, stickers, or t-shirts. Part of this course will be in the Guerin FABLab, where they will learn how to use traditional woodworking tools. After learning the fundamental skills, they will use them in a culminating project of their own design. This valuable training will allow students to use these skills outside of the classroom and empower them to independently use the tools of the Idea Lab and Guerin FABLab to innovate, design and create to their heart’s desire. -
Advanced Innovation + Fabrication Workshop (Middle School)
Take your design and fabrication skills to the next level in this advanced class. If you have already created brilliant things in Designer’s Workshop, you are ready to make your designs light up, move, and otherwise amaze. In this class students will use new and different processes and materials to innovate, fabricate and create. Prerequisite: Innovation + Fabrication Workshop. -
Robotics (Middle School)
In the Engineering and Robotics elective, students will learn engineering and design principles through different types of Robotics tools and equipment. In this hands-on course they will work on projects that teach physics, electronics, and coding. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to elect to participate in a team experience by building a competitive robot for Milken’s FIRST Tech
Challenge (FTC) competition. -
Science Research + Design (Middle School)
For the intrepid scientist! We do all sorts of sciences- from agriculture to For the intrepid scientist! We do all sorts of sciences- from agriculture to chemistry to engineering. Challenges often involve research and presentations, so be prepared. Actual projects can be completed in a single day to a month, and the topics vary with the class’s interests. This class is for independent workers who
enjoy design thinking and iteration. -
Computer Science & Design
This course engages students in programming and computational thinking to solve human-centered, technically challenging projects at the intersection of engineering and computer science. The goal of this course is to engage students in meaningful versions of the practices of professional engineers and computer scientists while sparking a passion for engineering, computational thinking, and problem-solving that will serve all students no matter what their future career goals may be.
List of 6 items.
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Website + App Development
Students merge their interests with emerging digital tools to explore, examine, discover, and make new creations. Class sessions alternate between discussions, working sessions, design jams, and presentations. Students obtain the underlying skills required to build engaging, interactive user experiences for the web, mobile, and smart devices. The course covers technologies, tools, processes, and techniques, including programming, image manipulation, and layout of text, graphics, and video. Emphasis is placed on designing digital experiences and interactions with websites and mobile apps that are useful, easy, and enjoyable. Note: This course fulfills the UC/CSU science requirement (Area D). Prerequisite: Computer Science & Design -
VR + Game Design
Students merge their interests with emerging digital tools to explore, examine, discover, and make new creations. Class sessions alternate between discussions, working sessions, design jams, and presentations. Students learn how to use various game-development programs to create interactive games in a range of modes, as well as about different game types, programming concepts, and the game-design process. This course delves into the fast-growing and evolving space of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) and introduces students to the technologies that underpin AR/VR systems. Students also explore the risks and side effects of these systems, including health, privacy, and ethical implications. Prerequisite: Computer Science & Design. -
Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. In this course, students will learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They will incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students will also explain how computing innovations and computing systems, including the Internet, work, explore their potential impacts, and contribute to a computing culture that is collaborative and ethical. It is important to note that the AP Computer Science Principles course does not have a designated programming language. Teachers have the flexibility to choose a programming language(s) that is most appropriate for their students to use in the classroom. Prerequisite: Computer Science & Design and/or Instructional Leader approval. -
Science Research I | H Science Research II-III
Students learn the fundamentals of scientific/social science research and are immersed in the scientific research of their chosen field. Students apply their knowledge to create hypotheses and experimental designs with the goal of performing original research in teams, independently, and/or with leading scientists. In the first year, students explore their interests, find a topic to research, and seek placement in a research lab. Students practice effective communication of research, and how significant conclusions may be drawn about findings. Students enroll in this program beginning in the 10th-12th grades and participate for up to three years. Students interested in all science and social science fields are welcome. -
Engineering I
Students explore mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, and aerospace engineering through a series of design challenges that illustrate how engineering can improve people’s lives and health, meet the special needs of different customer groups, and even enable creativity in the arts. This course expands opportunities for all students by building creative problem-solving and engineering design skills; teaching the value of collaborating to solve complex, modern problems; and creating a strong foundation for future STEM learning. Students who plan to pursue future engineering studies benefit from learning rigorous design skills and habits of mind and from exploring multiple engineering fields and professions. Those with other plans benefit from learning to think critically and solve complex problems – skills that are useful in any field. -
Engineering II
In this course, students build upon their introductory skill set and engage in increasingly advanced challenges in mechanical engineering and robotics, with a focus on how to design and build objects that move. Students will also grow their computer coding and electrical engineering skills as they design and build control mechanisms for their robots. Prerequisite: Intro to Engineering Design or instructor approval. Prerequisite: Engineering I.
At Milken Community School, we think education is more than what you know. Our School, founded on Jewish values, is about who our children can become and how they can help others become who they might be. Because the world our children will create tomorrow is born in the School we build today, our mission is to educate our children so they can surpass us.
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