Science

Graduation Requirements for Science:

9 credits are required from courses that meet requirements under 

Science 9, Biology, and  Chemistry or Physics

Science 9

• Required: 9

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Fulfills Graduation Requirement for: Science 9

Science 9 will focus on physical science and earth science concepts while incorporating real world connections. Each area is covered using a hands-on approach and research projects.

Honors Science 9

• Elective: 9

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Fulfills Graduation Requirement for: Science 9 (optional course instead of Science 9)

This comprehensive course will delve more deeply into further investigating Science 9 topics that require a strong math background. This course will provide a stronger foundation for students wishing to study physics and chemistry.

Biology

• Required: 10

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Fulfills Graduation Requirement for: Biology

This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to build an understanding of biological concepts such as. Concepts include chemistry of life, cells, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, and ecology. Students will engage in a variety of learning experiences including small group work, laboratory activities, films, lectures, and interactive technology. This course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding and appreciation of life from the atom to the organism.

Biology: MN Wildlife

• Elective: 10

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Meets the Biology Standard

This course can be taken in place of Biology. This biology course will include biological concepts such as chemistry of life, cells, genetics, evolution, biodiversity and ecology, but will have an emphasis in understanding the relationships between plant and animal species and their habitats. Students will engage in a variety of learning experiences including outdoor observations, laboratory activities, wildlife identification and collecting and analyzing specimens while utilizing the outdoor spaces.  This course is designed for the students who are planning on going into the natural sciences for example Wildlife Biology, Working for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Forestry or working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In this course you will be required to go outside all school year in all types of weather.  Additionally, because this is an outdoor learning environment, students must be able to follow directions and participate safely in order to continue in the course.  

Project Lead the Way: Principles of Biomedical Sciences (PBS) "ACC"

• Elective: 9, 10, 11, 12

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Meets the Biology Standard

Articulated credit at SCSU is granted for Biology 103, when the student meets the requirements.

In the PLTW Biomedical Science introductory course, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems. Students will be playing the role of 40 biomedical specialists. The course includes independent study, where students are responsible for their own note taking with the assistance of an outline and teacher-led labs. Students must be independently motivated.

AP Biology

• Elective: 10 (May be taken in Grade 11 and 12 for Elective Credit only) (AP Level)

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Meets the Biology Standard

• Weighted Grade

This course can be taken in place of Biology. The Advanced Placement Biology curriculum is equivalent to an Introductory Biology college course. This course is designed to be fast paced and in depth. Concepts studied in this course include chemistry of life, cell energetics, heredity, molecular genetics, evolution, diversity of organisms, structure and function of both plants and animals, and ecology. All students in AP Biology are encouraged to take the AP Exam in the spring for college credit.

Chemistry

• Elective: 11, 12

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Fulfills Graduation Requirement for: Chemistry or Physics

• Availability of College in the Schools (CIS) based on student enrollment

Chemistry is a specialized science dealing with the structure and composition of materials and the changes that occur during chemical reactions. The laboratory experiences compliment the concepts learned in class and promote writing and communication skills through detailed lab reports. This class contains introductory college level rigor. Excellent reading skills and completion of Algebra II or currently enrolled in Algebra II is required.

Practical Chemistry

• Elective: 11, 12

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Fulfills Graduation Requirement for: Chemistry or Physics

In this course, students will meet the requirements of the graduation standards while introducing students to basic chemistry concepts. Students will practice what they have learned through a variety of learning experiences. Concepts are connected to real life skills including math and scientific reading skills, and current events using an activity-based format. This course is designed to prepare students for a technical college experience or a non-science four-year degree.

AP Chemistry

• Elective: 11, 12 (AP Level)

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Fulfills Graduation Requirement for: Chemistry or Physics

• Weighted Grade

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a college level chemistry course. This course is an in-depth study of the principles and concepts in chemistry. Content includes atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids/bases, quantitative analysis and organic chemistry. All students in Advanced Placement Chemistry are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Exam in the spring.

Environmental Science

• Elective: 11, 12

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Fulfills an Elective Credit

Environmental Science is the study of how humans interact with the environment. Students will be investigating various environmental issues impacting our environment. Students will also be introduced to the biodiversity and conservation of Minnesota wildlife.

Physics

• Elective: 11, 12

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Fulfills Graduation Requirement for: Chemistry or Physics

• Availability of College in the Schools (CIS) based on student enrollment

This class is designed to prepare students for rigorous college coursework. The laboratory will be used extensively to help you study matter, energy, and transformation of energy. A mathematics background is necessary to understand the concepts as well as the interpretation of physical information. Credit may be available at SCSU through the Senior to Sophomore program.

Practical Physics 

• Elective: 11, 12

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Fulfills Graduation Requirement for: Chemistry or Physics

• Not NCAA Approved

Practical physics is a course designed to give students a hands-on experience in understanding matter, energy, and transformation of energy. This course is designed to prepare students for a technical college experience or non-science four-year degree.

AP Physics

• Elective: 11, 12 (AP Level)

• Length of Course:  Three trimesters

• Fulfills Graduation Requirement for: Chemistry or Physics

• Weighted Grade

Students in this class study force, motion (including rotational dynamics), work, energy, power, sound, and electric circuits. It is the equivalent to a first semester Algebra based college physics course and students may earn college credit by taking the AP Physics 1 test in May of each year. In addition, some Calculus based physics will be discussed as some students may wish to take the calculus-based AP Physics C Mechanics test given in May of each year.

Forensic Science

• Elective: 11, 12 

• Length of Course: One, two, or three trimesters

• Prerequisite:  A Biology or BioMed Course

In this science elective, students dive into the world of crime scene investigators and forensic lab technicians.  Activities in this course range from examining trace evidence like hair and fibers, to determining information about skeletal remains, to interpreting blood spatter, and analyzing DNA.  Students learn the real science behind some of  their favorite shows like:  CSI. Bones, Forensic Files, NCIS, Criminal Minds, Dexter, and Law and Order.  Forensic Science can be taken all year or 1 trimester at a time.

Human Anatomy & Physiology

• Elective: 11, 12

• Length of Course: Three trimesters

• Prerequisite: A Biology or BioMed Course

• Availability of College in the Schools (CIS) based on student enrollment

This course is designed for those students who wish to obtain a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Physiology is the branch of biology in which students study and interpret the functions of cells, tissues, organs and systems. Anatomy is studied by the dissection of the fetal pig and other animal organs. Time will be spent in the lab and in lecture discussion sessions. The student may receive three SCSU Senior to Sophomore credits for Human Biology 103 upon successful completion of the course.