SCIENCE

Grade(s): 9 Prerequisite: None

Credit: 1.0 Science (Life) Year Course

Students in Biology will investigate and explore the biological sciences through laboratory work and collaborative problem solving. Topics of study will include cellular biology, genetics, homeostasis, evolution and ecology. Students will gain the essential background necessary for a variety of careers in biology. Students will have the option of earning a notation of ‘Honors’ on their transcript for each semester of the class.

Grade(s): 9 Credit: 1.0 Science (Life) Year Course

Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Spanish III, Spanish Language Arts or native Spanish fluency is required.

Students in this course will learn a wide-range of basic biological concepts while gaining Spanish language fluency. Emphasis is placed on laboratory work, modeling, science biliteracy, and problem solving while navigating the Spanish language through four domains: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Topics studied include cellular biology, genetics, homeostasis, evolution and ecology. The course topics will provide students the opportunity to acquire essential background for a variety of careers and future science courses. Students will have the option of earning a notation of 'Honors' on their transcript for each semester of the class. 

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry)

Credit: 1.0 Science (Life) Year Course

Students in AP Biology will participate in laboratory activities, develop problem solving skills and gain additional background knowledge in biology. Activities will include microbiology lab exercises, human genetics problem analysis, plant and animal observation, and dissection. AP Biology is designed to be equivalent to an introductory, college-level biology course - students will have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking the AP exam in May.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry)

Credit: 0.5 Science (Life) Semester Course

Students in Field Biology will learn concepts about ecology through outdoor activities and an exploration of a variety of ecosystems. Students will work with field biologists from the DNR, University of Wisconsin and conservation organizations while exploring and taking part in field research. The majority of class periods will be spent in the field (outdoors) with biologists studying topics and issues related to wildlife, forestry, grasslands and stream ecology. Active participation in field experiences will be critical as course assessments will be tied directly to field experiences.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry)

Credit: 0.5 Science (Life) Semester Course

Students in Introduction to Biotechnology will experience an introduction to the rapidly growing field of molecular biology and its applications in areas such as agriculture and medicine. Intro to Biotechnology will provide students with skills biotechnologists and college courses use in lab settings, such as micropipetting, gel electrophoresis, transformation, bacterial plating, sterile technique, etc. In addition, students will discuss the social, legal and ethical issues surrounding current topics in biotechnology (stem cells, genetic testing, and genetically modified foods).

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry)

Credit: 1.0 Science (Life) Year Course

Students in AP Environmental Science will have a lab-oriented, project-based experience that examines the environment, its function and how humans impact its well-being. Topics of study will include geology, ecology, soil, agriculture and food systems, water ecology and resources, pollution, atmospheric and oceanic science, air pollution and climate change, human and wildlife populations, urban planning and energy systems. Students will have the opportunity to participate in trips to local areas of interest and may be involved in service-learning at local natural areas. Students will have the option of taking the AP Environmental Science exam for college credit in May.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry)

Credit: 0.5 Science (Life) Semester Course

Students in Environmental Studies will participate in project-based learning that focuses on environmental sustainability through the lenses of science, social justice and responsibility. Through self-selected topics and discussions, students will better understand how current issues like biodiversity loss, climate change, energy use, waste management, agriculture and food security affect the natural world. Students will examine scientific questions related to ecological processes, biodiversity, habitat-loss and landscape modification, human populations and resource use, and how these issues are intimately connected to politics, economics, and social justice. Students will examine changing environmental attitudes in history and media as well as make connections to their own experiences in order to understand the relevance of these pressing environmental and societal concerns.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: None

Credit: 0.5 Science (Life) Semester Course

Students in Food Science will engage in hands-on, experiential learning through both classroom and lab experiences. Emphasis will be placed on the relationships among food science, food preparation, and consumers' concerns about nutritional quality as it relates to the food industry. Units of study will include food safety, food processing, preservation, sensory science, and product research/development. Learn science concepts and cooking knowledge through this exciting, hands on, engaging course.

Note: Students interested in earning Career & Tech Ed credit instead of Science should instead register for FCS1575.

Grade(s): 10 Prerequisite: Biology

Credit: 1.0 Science (Physical) Year Course

Students in Chemistry will gain an understanding of basic chemistry concepts and how they relate to current topics such as nuclear power production, ocean acidification and climate change. Content will include the relationship between matter and energy, the structures of atoms and molecules, as well as the mathematical and science practice skills needed to have a thorough understanding of chemistry. Students will have the option of earning a notation of ‘Honors’ on their transcript for each semester of the class.

Grade(s): 11,12 Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry

Credit: 1.0 Science (Physical) Year Course

Students in AP Chemistry will complete the equivalent of the introductory chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college and covers chemical concepts at a greater depth than general Chemistry. Students will learn about atomic structure, the properties and types of bonding, intermolecular forces and gases, types of chemical reactions, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Students will work to broaden their depth of knowledge of chemistry by making connections between topics by developing problem solving skills, laboratory skills, as well as interpersonal skills.  Instruction is provided via lecture, laboratory activities, discussions and small group work. This course provides a good introductory background for those interested in entering any science field.  Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking the AP exam in May.

Grade(s): 11,12 Prerequisite: Geometry and Biology

Credit: 1.0 Science (Physical) Year Course

Students in Conceptual Physics will study motion, force, momentum, energy, sound, light, and electricity. Practical applications to the student’s world are emphasized mainly in a conceptual approach.  Frequent laboratory experiences and hands on experiences, at times crafting projects, support this emphasis as well. Problem solving is approached through graphing using equations as support.

Grade(s): 11,12 Prerequisite: Biology, and completion or current enrollment in ALGEBRA II

Credit: 1.0 Science (Physical) Year Course

Students in Math Physics will study motion, force, gravity, space, momentum, energy, thermodynamics, waves, sound, light, and electricity. Practical applications to the student’s world are emphasized both in a mathematical and conceptual approach.  Frequent laboratory experiences and hands on experiences support this emphasis as well. Problem solving is approached through equations using graphing as support.

Grade(s): 11,12 Prerequisite: Conceptual Physics or Math Physics

Credit: 0.5 Science (Physical) Semester Course

Students in Advanced Physics will participate in rigorous levels of critical thinking and problem solving. The topics covered will involve college level material related to engineering and physics. Units of study will include: introduction to engineering mechanics, electric circuits, special theory of relativity, the general theory of relativity, introduction to quantum mechanics and introduction to string theory.

Grade(s): 12 Prerequisite: Conceptual Physics or Math Physics

Credit: 1.0 Science (Physical) Year Course

Students in AP Physics II will study fluid statics and dynamics, thermodynamics with kinetic theory, PV diagrams and probability, electrostatics, electrical circuits with capacitors, magnetic fields, electromagnetism, physical and geometric optics, and quantum, atomic and nuclear physics. The focus will be on the ability to develop and apply physics knowledge to the practice of scientific inquiry and reasoning. Laboratory investigations will foster student engagement in the practice of science through experimenting, analyzing, making conjectures and arguments and solving problems in a collaborative setting. AP Physics II is designed to be equivalent to an introductory college-level course.  Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking the AP exam in May.

Grade(s): 11,12 Credit: 0.5 Science (Physical) Semester Course

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 2.0 science credits (completion or concurrent enrollment in Conceptual Physics or Math Physics is encouraged)

Students in Physics of Astronomy will survey the basic topics and concepts of astronomy in this one-semester class.  Topics include history of astronomy, tools of astronomy, the solar system, stars, galaxies, the universe, and even space exploration.  Our look back at ancient astronomy will include cultural perspectives on the sky and astronomers from different parts of the world. There may also be opportunities to stargaze at local parks.

Grade(s): 9,10,11 Prerequisite: None

Credit: 1.0 Science (Life) Year Course

Students in Principles of Biomedical Science will investigate the biomedical sciences through hands-on projects and problem solving opportunities. Students will prepare for a career in medicine or health care and be challenged to solve real-world problems. They will practice how to think creatively and critically to innovate in science and gain practical experience tackling challenges that biomedical professionals face in the field. Students will work through real-world situations, cases, and problems, such as solving a medical mystery case, diagnosing and treating a patient, and responding to a medical outbreak. The PBS curriculum is delivered through an on-line platform and focused on independent and small group work. 

Note: Qualified students may receive college credit for this class at the end of the course. Please see your instructor for additional information. 

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Principles of Biomedical Sciences, or strong Biology skills

Credit: 1.0 Science (Life) Year Course

Students in Human Body Systems (HBS) will examine the interactions of body systems as they explore identity, communication, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Students will design experiments, investigate the structures and functions of the human body and use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration. As they explore science in action, students will build organs and tissues on a skeletal mannequin, work through engaging real world case studies, perform multiple dissections and play the role of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries. The HBS curriculum is delivered through an on-line platform.

Note: Qualified students may receive college credit for this class. Please see your instructor for additional information.

Grade(s): 11,12 Credit: 1.0 Science (Life) Year Course

Prerequisite: Must have taken one of the following: Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems, Intro to Biotechnology, or AP Biology

Students in Medical Interventions (MI) will investigate a variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease as they follow the lives of a fictitious family. MI will serve as a “how-to” manual for maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body as students explore how to prevent and fight infection, screen and evaluate the code in human DNA, prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through these scenarios, students will be exposed to the wide range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics. Lifestyle choices and preventive measures will be emphasized throughout the course as well as the important roles scientific thinking and engineering design play in the development of interventions of the future. The Medical Interventions curriculum is delivered through an on-line platform.

Note:  Qualified students may receive college credit for this class. Please see your instructor for additional information.