Science

This laboratory course in life science challenges students to explore a broad range of topics and major themes centered on living organisms. Students will participate in laboratory investigations and develop a rich and full understanding of the inquiry process. Major topics of study will include biochemistry, cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and classification. This course explains life from the microscopic level of cells to the interactions of populations and their environment. 

This life science laboratory course introduces students to all of the concepts found in Biology, but more in-depth. Through scientific inquiry, students will conduct research on a variety of biological topics. The course is organized around the following biological themes: evolution, diversity and unity of living things, genetic continuity of life, relationships between organisms and the environment, relationships between structure and function, and science as inquiry. Laboratory investigations will supplement class activities. Each student will be required to complete various independent and group projects. 

This dual credit college course is an introductory course designed to fulfill the general education requirement for life science with a laboratory. The course covers cell biology, genetics, evolution and diversity, plant and animal structure and functions, animal behavior, and ecology. Students may earn dual credit with PSC if they earn a C or better and are in their junior or senior year. 

This course is an introduction to the study of matter with emphasis on present chemical theories regarding atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reaction, descriptive chemistry, acids and bases, chemical equilibrium, gases, and nuclear activity. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course. 

This is an accelerated course that includes the study of matter and changes in matter with emphasis on atomic structuring, descriptive chemistry, chemical bonding, energy changes, chemical reactions, acids and bases, redox reactions, gases, chemical equilibrium, organic chemistry, and electrochemistry. Laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course. 

This course includes the basic concepts of general chemistry such as nomenclature, mass relationships, solutions, acids and bases, and bonding. Students may earn dual credit with PSC if they earn a C or better and are in their junior or senior year. 

This introductory course in classical physics is intended as the first course in the interconnected sequence of physics, chemistry, and biology.  Physics First is lab-based and will help students implement mathematical applications as well as develop the skills needed to write quality lab reports. Topics include the study of motion, energy, waves, electricity, light, and magnetism. Algebra will be used frequently throughout this course. 

This lab course has a lecture/discussion format with related laboratory experiences. Students will investigate the physical interrelationships between matter and energy with special attention to mechanics, dynamics, sound, light, electricity and wave phenomenon, and nuclear physics. Trig functions will be used in some of the problem-solving experiences. Graphing calculators are an integral part of this course. 

AP Physics I is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. This course is math intensive, but also focuses on improving science reasoning skills, scientific inquiry, and other skills necessary to succeed in college science courses. AP Physics I may be taken as a first year physics course with teacher recommendations. 

How is life on earth affected by the universe around it? Why does our earth look so beautiful when seen from space? What is really down at the bottom of the ocean? Discovering new things about our earth has been the dream of scientists and explorers for centuries. Today it is your turn to continue that journey of discovery. In this course, you’ll take a look at the sky above, the oceans below, and the rocks beneath our feet. Since the beginning of time, our earth has been changing. You’ll discover that our earth is still changing, sometimes by natural forces and sometimes by the things that we humans do. What does not change, however, is the need to take good care of our planet. In this course, you will study the earth’s structure, processes, atmosphere, water, and astronomy. You will think like a scientist and perform scientific labs. 

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Unlike most other introductory-level college science courses, environmental science is offered from a wide variety of departments, including geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. This course emphasizes the study of environmental issues from a sociological or political perspective rather than a scientific one.  

This course provides the opportunity to learn fundamental concepts in agriculture and to inform students about the industry that is so vital to society and to their future. Major units of instruction include an introduction to the agricultural industry, animal science, plant science, horticulture science, agribusiness, environmental science, agricultural mechanics, food science, and leadership and personal development. Participation in FFA student organization activities is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration, and reinforcement of academic concepts.  Participation in FFA [Future Farmers of America] is mandatory.

This course provides learning experiences in Food Science and Safety which allow students to apply scientific knowledge and processes to practices used in the development and processing of food products. Issues of Food Science and Safety are examined from a scientific and technological perspective. Students critically analyze information to evaluate and draw conclusions on the appropriate use of technology to implement Food Science and Safety practices. Units of instruction include Food Safety, Food Chemistry, Food Processing, Food Product Development, Food Selection, Consumer Health and Marketing. Careers to be examined include meat inspector, quality control technician, food processor, and sanitation supervisor. Students will use scientific and technological information about Food Science and Safety as a part of developing career and personal viewpoints on societal issues concerning the development and preservation of food products. Participation in FFA student organization activities and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects is an integral course component for leadership development, career exploration and reinforcement of academic concepts.  Participation in FFA is mandatory. This course can count as either a CTE credit or Science credit. 

This is an introductory course of the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science program; 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, labs and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems. This class is eligible for college credit with the University of Iowa contingent upon students passing the end of course assessment with a score of 6 or better and a fee ($75 or $150). This is an agreement solely between PLTW and University of Iowa. Please direct any questions regarding college credit to pltwiowa.org. 

In this lab-based course, students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis in the body. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases. This class is eligible for college credit with the University of Iowa contingent upon students passing the end of course assessment with a score of 6 or better and a fee ($75 or $150). This is an agreement solely between PLTW and University of Iowa. Please direct any questions regarding college credit to pltwiowa.org  

In this lab course, students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.