Science

Grades 11-12 (1 Credit/2 Semesters) This course is designed to expand on students’ basic knowledge of chemistry and prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam for college credit and/or college placement. Credit awarded depends on exam score and college. Students will perform experiments, explain results with mathematical and molecular models and analyze and identify unknown chemicals. Topics covered will include: atomic theory and structure, bonding, oxidation-reduction and electrochemistry, thermodynamics, organic chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acid base theory and reaction writing .

Grades 11-12 (1 Credit/2 Semesters) This is a college-level, introductory environmental science course. The course will prepare interested students for the Advanced Placement Exam in Environmental Science, given in May and possibly resulting in college credit. This course will provide students with an understanding of how the natural world works, the interrelationships living things have with each other and with their environment, and how to identify environmental problems. Students will develop their understanding through a variety of laboratory experiences, including an independent research project. The La Follette Arboretum and other nearby natural areas will be used for field study. This course qualifies for the Global Scholars Program. 

Grades 11-12 (1 Credit/2 Semesters) This course is for students who have taken physics or AP Physics 1 who want to learn more physics. Topics include fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetism, optics, and quantum, nuclear and atomic physics. The course prepares students for the Advanced Placement AP Physics 2 exam, possibly resulting in science credit at many colleges/universities. More information is available online from the College Board website. 

Grades 11-12 (1 Credit/2 Semesters) This is a college-level biology course.  Students develop their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes - energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, evolution, and interactions. The course prepares students for the Advanced Placement biology exam, possibly resulting in science credit at many colleges/universities. More information is available online from the College Board website. 

AP Physics 1

Grades 11-12 (1 Credit/2 Semesters) This is an algebra-based, introductory physics course that is the equivalent of a first-semester college course in physics. AP Physics I is taught over a full academic year to enable students to develop a deep understanding of the content and to focus on applying their knowledge through inquiry labs. The course covers kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, circular motion, gravitation, simple harmonic motion, and rotational motion. The material covered in this course prepares students to take the AP Physics I exam.

Grades 11-12 (.5 Credit/1 Semester) Earth science is a project-based science course that allows students to design solutions to problems facing humanity. Students will explore the underlying Earth systems that cause these problems, ways that these systems affect humans, and what we can to overcome or mitigate these issues. Some topics discussed in Earth Science include climate change and sustainability, natural disasters (such as earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes), meteorology, which is the science that allows us to predict weather, electricity production, and environmental contaminants in soil and water. 

(1 Semester - well paired with Astronomy)

Grades 11-12 (.5 Credit/1 Semester) Astronomy is a project-based science course that explores Earth’s place in the solar system and universe. Students will discover the cycles and processes that govern our universe, understand how the universe came to be, and engineer potential strategies for further exploring space and colonizing additional planets or other celestial objects. Some topics discussed in astronomy include planet colonization, which is how humans will make other planets livable, space exploration technology, stellar evolution, celestial objects in solar systems and galaxies, nuclear fusion, and the Big Bang Theory. 

(1 Semester - well paired with Earth Science)

Grades 11-12 (1 Credit/2 Semesters) This course offers a survey of the plant and animal kingdoms as a foundation course for college bound students interested in majoring in the biological sciences. It is also an elective for any students interested in biology. Special emphasis will be placed on Wisconsin biological communities with extensive field research opportunities. Collection, observation, microscopy, dissection, and experimentation are used to study the structure, function, and importance of organisms. Also included are subjects such as taxonomy, adaptation, evolution, extinction, and ecology. 

Grades 11-12 (1 Credit/2 Semesters) Learn more about the human body and the intricate processes of how it works.  A great class for students considering the medical class. Topics will include medical terminology, molecular and cell biology, histology, and human anatomy and physiology. Human anatomy will be studied using dissection to illustrate the various organ systems in humans. 

Grades 11-12 (.5 Credits/1 Semester) Biotechnology is all about learning how we use living organisms as tools.  Topics will include: how we can transfer genes from one organism to another, and DNA analysis. You will also learn new lab techniques like using micropipettes, gel electrophoresis, centrifuge, and more!