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In the science program at MHS, students can choose a 3-year science path or, for students with a greater interest and aptitude for the sciences, a 4-year path by applying to be in the MHS Science Academy. Students who chose the 3-year science route will take Physical Science as a freshman, Biology as a sophomore and an additional credit of a science elective in either of their junior or senior years. Students enrolled in the 3-year science plan can take additional science electives during their junior or senior year if they choose. Students who choose to enroll in the MHS Science Academy will take Biology their freshman year, Chemistry their sophomore year and an additional 2 credits of science electives during their junior and senior years. Students will apply for placement in the MHS Science Academy and will be selected based on a demonstrated interest and aptitude in the hard science and math as evidenced by scores and standardized tests and 8th grade classroom grades.
3 credits of science are required
3 credits of science are required
GENERAL PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade level: 9
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisites: None
Description: General Physical Science is a course which studies the nature of the material world such as the atomic theory, the nature of motion, the nature of energy and the interactions between matter and energy. In addition, this course integrates concepts in Earth Science, STEM and Chemistry. Appropriate levels of mathematical skills will be integrated as necessary to help make predictions and draw conclusions in developing rational thought.
BIOLOGY - REQUIRED
Grade level: 10
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: General Physical Science
Description: Biology is the study of life. This course begins with an exploration of the structure and function of the cell as the basic unit of life and continues throughout the year to develop an understanding of how cells are organized in all living organisms to support life processes. Along the way, students will investigate the cycling of matter and energy as they relate to the interdependent relationships of organisms in ecosystems as well as the mechanisms of genetic inheritance and the forces that change the distribution of traits over time.
HONORS BIOLOGY
(THIS COURSE MEETS THE BIOLOGY GRADUATION REQUIREMENT)
Grade Level: 9 or 10
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Accepted application into the Science Academy or B or higher in Physical Science
Description: This course is designed for students with a high interest and aptitude in the sciences, who desire a more challenging and rigorous science path throughout high school or who are interested in science related careers. Students accepted into the MHS Science Academy will begin their science journey by taking this class which will cover the standards taught in Biology at a more rigorous and in-depth level including a strong emphasis on problem-solving, critical-thinking and inquiry skills. In addition, students will cover the chemistry concepts necessary to study biological concepts at this level as well as prepare them to enter the upper-level science classes. Students will also explore a variety of careers related to STEM and the Health Sciences.
GENERAL CHEMISTRY
Grade level: 10-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology and Grade of ‘C’ or better in Algebra I
Description: A laboratory oriented course that includes conceptual explanations and practical applications of matter and energy. This includes units on the structure and properties of atoms, chemical bonding, and properties of substances. Also, principles of chemical reactions and descriptive chemistry of the elements are studied. Recommended for students who desire a more in-depth look at chemical concepts introduced in Physical Science. Chemistry integrates STEM standards and topics. It is recommended for students pursuing further education in fields such as journalism, business administration, elementary education, laser technicians, medical assistants, agriculture, etc.
HONORS CHEMISTRY
Grade level: 10-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology and Grade of ‘B’ or better in Algebra I or Geometry.
Description: Follows the same topics as General Chemistry, but often in more detail. Mathematical computation, technical reading and writing, and problem solving are highly integrated into the curriculum. Recommended for students going to school in science related fields such as medical technology, nursing, medical fields, engineering, forestry, dietetics and natural resource careers.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
(WILL BE OFFERED ODD YEARS, ALTERNATING W/AP BIOLOGY)
Grade Level: 11-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology with a grade of C or better; completion of Chemistry or concurrent registration in Chemistry
Description: This is a year-long course that studies the structures and functions of the human body. In this course, students will explore all human body systems and learn how they interact with each other to carry out the essential functions of life. This course is recommended for students who are interested in a deeper understanding of how the human body works and for those interested in pursuing science/health-related careers such as medicine, nursing, physician’s assistant, laboratory technician, forensic science, genetics, biomedical engineering or science research. This is a dual credit/transcripted course with NTC and students may earn three college credits (with qualifying grade) by taking it at MHS in addition to the science credit earned for MHS.
Dual Credit
Body, Structure & Function
10-806-110
3 NTC CREDITS
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
(WILL BE OFFERED EVEN YEARS, ALTERNATING W/ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY)
Grade Level: 11-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: High Achievement (A/B Average) in both Biology and Chemistry. Prior teacher recommendation required.
Description: This rigorous, second-year biology course is a valuable class for students interested in health or science-related fields as it is designed to give students the equivalent of a freshman college biology course. In the spring, students have the option to take the AP Biology Test for possible college credit. For this reason, students who enjoy science but are not necessarily interested in pursuing a career in science can also benefit from this class by earning college credit toward science electives. The class is organized around the core scientific principles, theories, and processes that govern living organisms and biological systems. Hands on, inquiry based labs with accompanying data analysis are an integral part of this course. It studies topics not covered in the first year of biology as well as increasing the depth of understanding of first year topics.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(WILL BE OFFERED ODD YEARS, ALTERNATING W/AP CHEMISTRY)
Grade Level: 11-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Chemistry with a grade of C or better
Description: Organic chemistry is the study of the chemistry of carbon compounds which includes most of the compounds around us and almost all molecules in living organisms. This is a great class choice for students who are interested in pursuing careers in health or science-related fields such as medicine, nursing, veterinary science, dentistry, pharmacy, laboratory technicians, chemical/biomedical engineering or synthesis chemistry…anyone who sees themselves taking an introductory biology or chemistry class in college would benefit from this class. The topics studied include an introduction to the naming, properties and reactions of different classes of organic compounds as well as the health and environmental implications of the chemicals studied. The class also extends select topics of first-year chemistry as they relate to the study of the organic molecules found in all living things.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
(WILL BE OFFERED EVEN YEARS, ALTERNATING W/ORGANIC CHEMISTRY)
Grade Level: 11-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: High achievement (A/B average) in Chemistry & completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II. Prior year teacher recommendation required.
Description: This rigorous, second-year chemistry course is a valuable class for students interested in health or science-related fields as it is designed to give students the equivalent of a freshman college chemistry course. In the spring, students have the option to take the AP Chemistry Test for possible college credit. For this reason, students who enjoy science but are not necessarily interested in pursuing a career in science can also benefit from this class by earning college credit toward science electives. The class is organized around the underlying principles of chemistry. It studies topics not covered in the first year of chemistry as well as increasing the depth of understanding of first year topics. Hands-on, inquiry-based labs and problem-solving skills are an integral part of this course.
PHYSICS
Grade level: 11-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: Geometry & Chemistry
Description: Physics describes the behavior of matter and energy in quantitative terms. This course is a unit on Mechanics-Motion, Forces, and Energy. Through laboratory investigations students will use computer technology to integrate mathematical skills (algebra, trigonometry, and basic calculus) with data to describe the nature of motion, forces and energy. Students planning careers in fields such as engineering, mathematics, electromagnetism, computer science, nursing, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, medical technology, electronics, laser technology, agricultural sciences and architecture should take this course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS
Grade level: 11-12
Year: 1 credit
Prerequisite: High achievement (A/B average) in Chemistry & Geometry. Prior year teacher recommendation required.
Students taking Physics may take it as an AP class. Focus is on mechanics, motion and electricity topics. Students planning careers in fields such as engineering, mathematics, electromagnetism, computer science, nursing, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, medical technology, electronics, laser technology, agricultural sciences and architecture should take this course.
METEOROLOGY
Grade level: 11-12
Spring Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Biology
Description: Meteorology is a semester course designed to study the atmosphere of planet earth. The course covers topics such as layer of the atmosphere, atmosphere characteristics – pressure, humidity, and pressure, fronts, air masses, clouds, the jet stream, severe weather – lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards. Students will learn how to forecast the weather. The course also examines the climates around the world and how latitude, altitude, and ocean currents affect the climate location. Optional field trips may include visiting a national weather center or a local TV weather forecast station.
ASTRONOMY
Grade level: 11-12
Fall Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisites: Biology
Description: Astronomy is a study of the skies. The course covers topics such as our solar system – sun, planets, comets, eclipses, and the moon. We go beyond into the Milky Way and other galaxies even into black holes. The course also covers space travel of the past, present and future. An optional field trip to a planetarium is planned. Night observations of constellations, planets, and the ISS flying overhead are possible weather depending and are not mandatory.
VETERINARY SCIENCE
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Large Animal Science, Small Animal Care, or Biology (with a “C” or higher)
Description: Do you like animals and caring for animals? Are you planning to get into the medical field? Then Veterinary Science is the course for you! In this class students will take a hands-on approach to learning how to manage, handle and feed animals. The course includes the study of diseases, animal nutrition, health, medical terminology, anatomy, and genetics. Hands-on labs will be a major part of this course. We will also learn about the opportunities available in the career fields of animal care and veterinary science.
GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT / PLANT SCIENCE
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Exploring Plants
Description: This class covers the study of ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables. Subject material includes factors that affect plant growth, landscaping, floriculture, orchard management, pruning, and gardening. Students will be involved in greenhouse and lab activities. The study of soils and important field crops like corn, soybeans, and barley will also be a part of this class.
FORESTRY
Grade level: 11-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: None
This course is also eligible for a Science credit.
Description: Subject material covered will include career opportunities, forest equipment safety, forestry skills and techniques, felling and limbing trees, harvesting wood products, and managing forest land. Tree identification and tree anatomy will be covered throughout the course. Top students will be eligible to compete in state forestry contests.
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