California - San Diego Ninth Grade Science

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Raised in San Diego. Science was required in 9th grade. That was in the mid-'90s. A great deal has changed since then, but I don't think that has.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

Two years of science required for graduation. Usually Physical Sciences and Biology - usually in that order, but not necessarily.


http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs/hsgrtable.asp

And it's possible you won't take either in ninth grade, taking them in tenth and eleventh, if that's required for your story.

Some states require three years of science for graduation. Just state that in your high school, in your town or city or district, it is required for Grade 9 students to take science. (As requirements can vary from state to city to town, etc.)

Where I taught, it was Earth Science for about 20 years; then Environmental Sciences and now it is Physical Science.

But you can make it anything you want, as nothing would seem unusual. The next town over from mine required Bio in Grade 9; the closest big city allowed students to choose between Bio, Earth Science or Physical Science. (In many states all students have to take at least one year of Biology, so make it Biology.)

You have a lot of leeway on this one.

Debbie:

This is from the San Diego Unified School District website, sandi.net. Looks like Biology would be the typical ninth-grade course.

It's really going to depend on what the students plan is for after graduation. Are they trying to meet the minimum, or gain access to a college? If it's the minimum, then probably earth science in 9th, and Biology later. If college, could be Biology or Physics first, with a lab, followed by another advanced course, and perhaps a third - depending on their college requirements.

The Link I gave is from the California State Requirements.

mine was biology. that was in the late 90s

I think if your character is college bound, I'd make it biology. If they are just headed for high school graduation - maybe struggling a bit - Physical Science, then Biology and they've met the minimum requirements.