Science

Science Department

SCIENCE 9 - EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES

No. 1300 & 1301 | Course Credit: 2 | Grade Level: 9

This course focuses on how the Earth has changed over time and how it continues to change.  Earth Science is divided into 4 areas: Astronomy, Geology, Hydrology and Meteorology.  This course is required for graduation and meeting Minnesota State Standards in Science. 

Careers related to this course:

• Forester, Natural Resource Manager, Environmental Scientist, Land Use Planner, Marine Geologist

BIOLOGY

No. 1310 & 1311 | Course Credit: 2 | Grade Level:  10

Biology is designed to consider unifying principles and help students gain a general understanding of life processes and an increased appreciation for life itself.  Some of the topics covered include: General Principles, Population and Resource Ecology, Cellular Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Microorganisms, Botany, Human Biology, and Introductory Anatomy and Physiology.

Careers related to this course:

• Geneticist, Physician, Environmental Contractor, Forestry Technician, Medical Sales Representative, Nurse, Teacher, Conservation Officer, Veterinarian

STANDARDS BASED CHEMISTRY

No. 1318 | Course Credit:  1 | Grade Level: 11 - 12

Topics include: periodic table basics, periodic trends, organic chemistry, hydrocarbons and carbon fibers, chemical equations, solubility and solutions, activity series of ions, factors that affect reactions, gas laws and greenhouse gases, acid/base, nuclear chemistry.  Students must pass either this course or regular chemistry to graduate.  If you are uncertain which chemistry course is for you, please watch the video that explains the differences between the courses or reach out to Mr. Ward.

Careers related to this course:

• Lab Technician, Veterinary Technician, Food Technician, Plant Operator, Food Tester

CHEMISTRY

No. 1320 & 1321 | Course Credit: 2 | Grade Level: 11 - 12

This full year chemistry class is an option to complete the requirement for chemistry grad standards.  This course provides students with an opportunity to study the relationships among matter, energy, and structure.  Some topics included are:  measurement, classification of matter, formula writing, qualitative and quantitative problem-solving, atomic theory, chemical bonding, gas behavior, and acid-base relationships.  Lab opportunities are included. Students must pass both semesters to graduate.  The completion of concurrent enrollment in higher algebra or other advanced mathematics courses are strongly recommended.  You must have completed and passed geometry and algebra before taking this class.  If you are uncertain which chemistry course is for you, please watch the video that explains the differences between the courses or see Mr. Ward.

Careers related to this course:

• Chemical Engineer, Biochemistry, Forensics, Pre-Med, Education

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

No. 1324 | Course Credit: 1 | Grade Level: 11 - 12

Topics will include the physical and biological aspects of oceanography including technologies used to study the deep sea and wise use of ocean resources. The biological section includes a group shark dissection. Students will also learn the physical and ecological sciences of streams and lakes. The last unit of the semester is the biology of fishes (form and function) and their role in ecosystems.

Careers related to this course:

• Environmental Architecture and Environmental Design/Engineering, Natural Resources, Environmental Health & Safety, Marine & Aquatic Sciences, Marine Biologist, Laboratory Technician

ASTRONOMY

No.  1326 | Course Credit: 1 | Grade Level: 11 - 12  

Humans once thought Earth was at the center of the universe, Mars was inhabited, and our galaxy was the universe.  Come and discover how we now know that Earth is not the center of anything.  Mars most likely was a wet world back in the day and maybe had simple life but no evil aliens.  The universe is much larger and more vast than we can ever imagine, and we know how the universe sprang into existence 13.8 billion years ago.  Come learn about the greatest show on Earth, The Universe.  You will also discover how the solar system formed, design a colony on Mars, and be able to locate planets in the night sky and identify constellations.

Careers related to this course:

• Astronomer, Astrophysicist, Aerospace Engineering, Research Scientist, Education

METEOROLOGY

No.  1327 | Course Credit: 1 | Grade Level: 11 - 12

Why does an east wind usually mean precipitation is likely?  Why is it not the heat but the humidity that is more critical to weather matters?  Take a journey into the atmosphere and learn about the powers that drive weather.  Explore how temperature, pressure, humidity, precipitation, and wind make the weather what it is.  Learn how to read a weather map and predict weather.  What makes severe weather stand out from regular weather?  Become a master at spotting severe weather and know how to be safe.

Careers related to this course:

• Broadcast Meteorologist, Environmental/Pollution Control, Hydrologist, Aviation Forecasting, Climatology

INTRO TO ROBOTICS

No. 1735 |  Course Credit: .5 | Grade Level: 9 - 12

The purpose of this class is to introduce students to the amazing field of Robotics.  In this class students will be using the First Robotics Competition (FRC) to learn design and planning using Autodesk Inventor.  They will also learn programming using basic and Arduino software and other engineering practices to build a robot and compete at the FRC competition.  This course is ONLY offered for Industrial Tech credit.

Careers related to this course:

• Engineering, Computer Programming, Mechanics, Manufacturing, Health Care

ROBOTICS OPEN LAB

(Prerequisite No. 1735)

No. 1736, 1737 | Course Credit: .5 | Grade Level: 9 - 12

In this course students will continue to advance their programming skills using Java, learn about chassis design, chassis development, and building a chassis. This course will also increase drafting skills with the use of Autodesk Inventor Professional. Other lab topics covered are: 3-D printing, pneumatics, electronics, sensors, encoders, and CNC controlled machines.This course is ONLY offered for Industrial Tech credit.

Careers related to this course:

• Engineering, Computer Programming, Mechanics, Manufacturing, Health Care

INTRO TO HEALTH CARE

No. 3300 | Course Credit: 1 ; 3 college credits through MN State | Grade Level: 11-12

This course provides a high-level experiential overview of the basic aspects of various healthcare related fields of study.  Topics include communication, awareness and sensitivity, successful behavior in a healthcare setting, healthcare ethics, safety and standard precautions, legal issues in healthcare, diversity in a healthcare setting, handling patient records, and career exploration.  This is an online class that will require in person attendance at the high school.  You will also be meeting a local healthcare provider as well.

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

No. 3301 | Course Credit : 1 ; 3 college credits through MN State | Grade Level: 11-12

This course covers prefixes, suffixes and root words used to compose medical terms.  The student learns to spell, pronounce, define, analyze and formulate terminology related to body structure, disease, diagnosis and treatment.  Medical abbreviations are also included.This is an online class that will require in person attendance at the high school.  You will also be meeting a local healthcare provider as well.

COLLEGE CHEMISTRY

(Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed Higher Algebra 1226 & 1227 with a C.)

No. 3320 & 3321 | Course Credit: 2 (4 college credits) | Grade Level: 11 - 12 

This full year chemistry class is an option to complete the requirement for chemistry grad standards.  Juniors with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or seniors with a cumulative 2.5 GPA can earn college credit through Central Lakes College.  You will complete objectives for topics including: measurement, classification of matter, atomic structure and theory, bonding, stoichiometry, gasses, solutions, and acids and bases.  Lab opportunities are included.  Students must pass both semesters to graduate.  The completion of or concurrent enrollment in higher algebra or other advanced math courses is strongly recommended.  This course goes at a much more rapid pace than regular chemistry.  Student work is held to a higher standard and students must be motivated to complete more work and do more learning on their own time.  Students who struggle in math tend to struggle in this course.  If you are uncertain which chemistry course is for you, please watch the video that explains the differences between the courses or see Mr. Ward.

Careers related to this course:

• Chemical Engineer, Biochemistry, Forensics, Pre-Med, Education

COLLEGE BIOLOGY/HUMAN ANATOMY

No. 3330 & 3331 | Course Credit:  2 (3 college credits) | Grade Level: 11 - 12

Students will demonstrate an understanding of how humans fit into the natural world, the process of science, how to evaluate a scientific claim, and the role of science in society.  Students will demonstrate a chemical, cellular, and system-level understanding of current health issues.  Students will also apply the biological understanding of current health issues to make informed personal and political decisions.  Students will be able to articulate a personal ethics of decision-making based on scientific information.  The course will contain many dissections.

Careers related to this course:

• Doctor, Nursing, Veterinarian, Speech-Language Pathologist, Marine Geologist, Medical Field

COLLEGE PHYSICS  

No. 3332 & 3333 | Course Credit: 2 (4 college credits) | Grade Level: 12

Successful completion of the first semester of pre-calc is required 

This course will provide opportunities for students to develop, explore, and use mathematical and physical models to develop qualitative and quantitative understandings of motion, forces, momentum, kinetic and potential energy, energy and work, states of matter, waves, light, sound, electricity, electromagnetism, the atom, and atomic and nuclear physics. 

Careers related to this course:

• Engineering, Computer Hardware, Software, Information Technology, Doctor/Physicians Assistant, Occupational/Physical Therapist, Sonographer, Kinesiologist

HEALTH SCIENCE OCCUPATIONS & MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

No. 1340 | Course Credit: 2 | 2-Hour Block - 1 Semester  |  Grades 11-12

Students enrolled in this course will participate in a unique partnership between Little Falls High School and various community health care organizations.  IUsing the traditional classroom, guest speakers and on-site experiences, students will have a greater understanding of the growing healthcare industry and careers.  Students will be introduced to the world of health careers varying from doctors to home health assistants. Students will also study the history and present state of healthcare, successful and essential behaviors of healthcare workers, as well as legal and ethical issues in healthcare.  A major component of this course is participation in the healthcare core curriculum that aligns with state and national standards for the preparation of students interested in healthcare.  You can also earn a Nursing Assistant Registered (NA) certificate that provides the skills needed to be successful in multiple health careers.

           Careers related to this course:

• Doctor, Nursing, Veterinarian, Speech-Language Pathologist, Marine Geologist, Medical Field

INTRO TO COMPUTER SCIENCE 

(Algebra 1 preferred)

No. 1331/ | Course Credit: 1 | Grade Level: 10-12

An interactive introductory course for students brand new to programming that teaches the foundations of computer science using the Python language.  Not only will this semester (or) year-long course prepare students for AP Computer Science and AP Computer Science Principles, but it will teach students how to think computationally and solve complex problems, skills that are important for every student.

Careers related to this course:

• Software Engineer, Computer Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, Mobile Developer, IT Technician

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES 

(Prerequisite: Be enrolled in Higher Algebra, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus) 

No. 3334 & 3335 | Course Credit: 2| Grade Level: 11 - 12

AP Computer Science Principles is a complete, full-year course developed in partnership with

the University of Texas at Austin’s UTeach Institute that focuses on the 7 “Big Ideas” in computer

science using project-based approaches. The course introduces students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity, and how computing impacts our world. Students will develop the computational thinking skills needed to fully exploit the power of digital technology and

help build a strong foundation in core programming and problem-solving. This course will prepare students for the end-of-course AP Exam.

Careers related to this course:

• Software Engineer, Computer Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, Mobile Developer, IT Technician