GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: 6 science credits
To meet all MN science standards and credit requirements, students in grades 9-12 must successfully complete:
1 year (2 credits) of Biology,
1 year (2 credits) of Chemistry or Physics, and
1 year (2 credits) of science electives.
For the class of 2027 and beyond, the elective science credits must include at least 1 credit of a course that fulfills the Earth and Space Science standards requirements, such as Earth & Space, Earth & Climate, or another course that meets these standards.
Several options exist for students to complete the science requirements, which allow for flexible pathways based on students’ interests and academic goals. While Biology A & B are a grade 9 course, most other courses may be taken by any student in grades 10-12 who meets the prerequisites. Students are encouraged to consider additional science electives beyond the minimum 6 credits. Agricultural Science courses may also fulfill science elective credits.
Required Courses
In PersonCourse: 161200, 161201
Online Course: 165200,165201
Grade Level: 9
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Graduation Requirements: Biology/Life Science standards (full)
This yearlong course will engage students in three-dimensional learning through storylines as they make observations, ask scientific questions, and design their own investigations to develop explanations for real world biological phenomena and events. Students will explore how ecosystems work, the management of wildfires, the biological basis of cancer, the effect of urbanization on wildlife, and how polar bears have evolved through five units of study, including: 1) Ecosystem Interactions and Dynamics, 2) Ecosystems: Matter & Energy, 3) Inheritance & Variation of Traits, 4) Natural Selection & Evolution of Populations, and 5) Common Ancestry & Speciation.
In Person Course: 161202, 161203
Online Course: 165202, 165203
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Graduation Requirements: Chemistry standards (full); Earth & Space Science standards (partial)
Prerequisite: Biology
In this yearlong course, students will explore matter, energy, and reactions at the atomic and molecular levels as they investigate their questions about real-world phenomena and life experiences. With an emphasis on developing scientific skills to form explanations based on evidence, students will understand how climate change affects coastal communities, the cause of lightning, the availability of natural resources, the effects of ocean acidification, and the potential for alternative fuels for vehicles. Chemistry includes five units of study: 1) Thermodynamics in Earth’s Systems, 2) Structure and Properties of Matter, 3) Molecular Processes in Earth’s Systems, 4) Chemical Reactions in our World, and 5) Energy from Chemical and Nuclear reactions. *Completion of this course along with either the Earth and Space course or Physics A & B will satisfy the Earth and Space Science standards requirements.
In Person Course: 161306, 161307
Online Course: 165306, 165307
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Graduation Requirements: Physics standards (full); Earth & Space Science standards (partial)
Prerequisite: Biology
In this yearlong course, students will gain a concise, immersive understanding of physics and astronomy while exploring energy and celestial dynamics using a three-dimensional approach to learning. Students will further develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills through class discussions, interactive lectures, hands-on experiments, and virtual simulations as they observe, question, and explain phenomena such as designing reliable energy systems, Earth’s internal forces, transportation safety, collisions with objects from space, the practical uses of radiation, and the nature of light found in stars. Learning will occur over six units of study, including: 1) Energy Flow from Earth’s Systems, 2) Energy, Forces, and Earth’s Crust, 3) Collisions and Momentum, 4) Meteors, Orbits, and Gravity, 5) Electromagnetic Radiation, and 6) Stars and the Big Bang. *Completion of this course along with either the Earth and Climate course or Chemistry A & B will satisfy the Earth and Space Science standards requirements.
Course:161209
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
Graduation Requirements: Earth & Space Science standards (partial)
Prerequisite: Biology
This course explores the phenomena of our planet and the universe. We will delve into the fundamental principles of astronomy and Earth’s dynamic processes. Students will investigate tectonic plate movement, and gain insights into the formation and evolution of celestial bodies, including stars, planets, and galaxies. Through preliminary research, experimentation, and interactive simulations, students will develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and our place within the cosmos. Join us on a journey of scientific discovery, from Earth's core to the farthest reaches of the cosmos. *Completion of this course along with either the Earth & Climate course or Chemistry A & B will successfully fulfill the MN Earth and Space Science standards requirements.
Course: 161210
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
Graduation Requirements: Earth & Space Science standards (partial)
Prerequisite: Biology
This course explores the intricate relationships between the Earth's atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Through hands-on experiments, data analysis, and engaging discussions, students will investigate the science behind climate patterns, geological processes, and environmental sustainability. Discover the impact of human activities on the environment and examine solutions to mitigate these effects. Gain essential scientific literacy and critical thinking skills as you uncover the forces that shape the world around us and learn how to make informed decisions for a more sustainable future. *Completion of this course along with either the Earth & Space course or Physics A & B will successfully fulfill the MN Earth and Space Science standards requirements.
Elective Courses
Course: 161304
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1, Science Elective
Additional Credit Option: CLC BIOL 1404 – 3 cr
Prerequisite: Biology
This course introduces the structure and function of the human body. Topics include a Body Systems Overview, basic chemistry, cells, tissues, and integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems. Dissections will include the sheep brain and sheep eye. Body systems will be modeled using Anatomy in Clay ManikensⓇ. If college credit is desired, students must also enroll in CIS Human Biology B. Note: Students have the option of concurrently enrolling in CIS Medical Terminology.
Course: 161305
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1, Science Elective
Additional Credit Option: CLC BIOL 1404 – 3 cr
Prerequisite: Human Biology A
Required: Accuplacer score of 237 in reading
This course introduces the structure and function of the human body. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Dissections will include the sheep heart. Body systems will be modeled using Anatomy in Clay ManikensⓇ. Note: Students have the option of concurrently enrolling in CIS Medical Terminology.
Course: 161206
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1, Science Elective
Prerequisite: Biology
Recommended: PLTW Intro to Engineering Design
Students will explore how biological engineering contributes to feeding a growing human population by increasing nutritional content in staple food crops, eliminating the need for pesticides and herbicides, and creating drought and frost resistant crops. Students will test foods for the presence of GMO's, manipulate DNA, conduct PCR and gel electrophoresis, engineer their own plasmid, transform bacteria, clone a gene and more. This course is PLTW Environmental Sustainability and largely focuses on environmental science concepts and applications.
In Person Course: 161301
Online Course: 165301
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
Graduation Requirements: Science elective
Prerequisite: Biology
This course deeply investigates the environmental topics of air, water, and soil pollution, climate change, energy, and Minnesota ecology. We will also explore how environmental policy is created and implemented on a federal and state level. This is a project-based course which includes both individual and group performance assessments. This course is intended for learners of all levels.
Course: 161208
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1, Science Elective
Additional Credit Option: St. Cloud State University- 3 credits
Prerequisite: Biology & PLTW Biological Engineering
Recommended: CIS Intro to Engineering Design
Students will explore how chemical engineering techniques will improve global access to clean water and renewable fuel sources. Students will design and build a water filter and test water for various contaminants. Students will make various biofuels including biodiesel and analyze how biofuels from renewable sources like algae and yeast can reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. This course is PLTW Environmental Sustainability and largely focuses on environmental science concepts and applications.
Advanced Courses
Course: 161204, 161205
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Graduation Requirements: Science elective; Rigorous course option
Prerequisites: Biology & Advanced Algebra (or concurrent enrollment)
Recommended: Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment)
This is a college-level introductory biology course with extensive laboratory work. AP Biology-A topics include chemistry of life, cells, cellular energetics, cell communication, cell cycle, and heredity. AP Biology-B topics include gene expression and regulation, natural selection, and ecology. Students will take the AP Biology exam in May.
Course: 161309, 161310
Grade Level: 10*, 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Graduation Requirements: Science elective; Rigorous course option
Prerequisite: Chemistry & Advanced Algebra, *highly motivated grade 10 students may register with instructor approval
This is a college level introductory course. AP Chemistry-A topics include, atomic structure, states of matter, and reactions of aqueous solutions, bonding, and kinetics. AP Chemistry-B topics include equilibrium of gaseous and aqueous systems, acid-base chemistry and equilibrium, thermochemistry, and electrochemistry. The course includes significant laboratory work. Students will take the AP chemistry exam in May.
Course: 161311, 161312
Grade Level: 11, 12
Credits: 2, Yearlong Course
Graduation Requirements: Science elective; Rigorous course option
Prerequisites: Biology & Advanced Algebra
Recommended: Students earned a “C” or higher in Advanced Algebra
This course is an algebra-based, introductory college level physics sequence to support future advanced course work in the sciences. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop critical thinking, and reasoning skills. Students will cultivate their understanding of physics and science practices as they explore: kinematics, dynamics, Newton’s Laws, circular motion and universal law of gravitation, simple harmonic motion, impulse, linear momentum, collisions, work, energy, rotational motion, rotational kinematics and energy, rotational dynamics, conservation of angular momentum, and fluid dynamics.