Science
BIOLOGY I
Two semesters 1.0 credit
A required freshman course. Biology is the study of living things. In this course students will learn the basic concepts and processes associated with living things. Topics of the study include: Scientific method, Ecology, Chemistry of Living Things, Cellular Biology, Cell Reproduction, Energetics (Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration), DNA and RNA, Genetics, and Classification & Taxonomy. Classroom work will consist of lectures, class discussions, technologically integrated material, and laboratory work. Science projects will be required throughout the year. On occasion, guest speakers may be utilized. Daily homework and/or study time of 30 minutes is to be expected.
CHEMISTRY
Two semesters 1.0 credit
Enrollment in Chemistry or Physics is required for all sophomore students. Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. In this course students will learn the basic concepts associated with chemical reactions and properties of matter. Topics of study include: Scientific Method & Measurement, Matter, Atomic Structure, Periodicity and Bonding, Nomenclature, Stoichiometry, Formula Writing, Gas Chemistry, Solution Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry and possibly Thermodynamic Chemistry and some Organic Chemistry. Daily homework and/or study time of 20- 30 minutes is to be expected.
PHYSICS
Two semesters 1.0 credit
Enrollment in Chemistry of Physics is required for all sophomore students. Physics is translated as the “knowledge of nature”. Physics, therefore means studying nature at its most base level - matter, behavior and motion, energy types, time and space, and their actions and interactions. Topics of study include: One-dimensional motion, Forces and Newton's laws of motion, Two-dimensional motion, Uniform circular motion and Gravitation, Work and Energy, Linear momentum and Collisions, Torque and Angular momentum, Harmonic motion and Waves, Sound, Static electricity and Circuits. Daily homework and/or study time of 20- 30 minutes is to be expected.
Science Electives 10th Grade – 12th Grade Students
ANATOMY A: Medical/ Veterinary Terminologies & Introduction to Anatomy
One semester. 0.5 credits.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Biology (9th grade) required, B- or better is recommended.
Anatomy is the study of organismal body structures. In this course students will learn advanced concepts specific to the fields of human medicine and/ or veterinary medicine. Students will learn the following: Terminologies and Language/ Vocabulary specific to medicine, how to explore and Identify Body Tissues (Histology), and specifics of the Human Skeletal System. Due to the nature of the course and the materials utilized, homework is minimal for this course.
ANATOMY B: Gross Anatomy- Exploration of Body Systems
One semester. 0.5 credits.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Biology (9th grade) required, B- or better is recommended. Furthermore, completion of Anatomy A is highly required!
Anatomy is the study of organismal body structures. In this course students will learn advanced concepts specific to the fields of human medicine and/ or veterinary medicine. Students will learn the following: Application of Terminologies and Language/ Vocabulary terminologies coupled with the systematic exploration of body systems- the Integumentary System, review of the Skeletal System, the Muscular System, the Digestive and Urinary Systems, Respiratory and Circulatory systems. This course involves the comprehensive dissection of a cat. Talk to students in the class! They will tell you that after getting over the initial “Eww” factor, that it is one of the coolest experiences they have had in high school. Due to the nature of of the course and the materials utilized, homework is minimal for this course.
BOTANY
Two Semesters 1.0 Credit
Prerequisite: Biology
A comprehensive course covering aspects of plants as they relate to consumers and agriculture and natural resource industries. Topics include: cell biology, photosynthesis, taxonomy, Michigan agriculture, soil formation, fertilizers, food and fiber production, and greenhouse management. An introduction to key biochemical processes will be covered, focusing on plant anatomy. This class includes greenhouse work where participation and teamwork are required. The greenhouse project will include plant anatomy and requirements for growth in a controlled environment. Priority is given to seniors, juniors, and sophomores.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
One Semester 0.5 Credits
Prerequisite: Biology
Environmental Science provides students with an introduction to the study of the natural world and how it is influenced by its living inhabitants. Students will explore the patterns and processes of Earth and how these are affected by natural and human impacts. Students will study environmental issues and the efforts to solve these problems.
FORENSIC SCIENCE A: Investigations in Forensics
One semester. 0.5 credits.
Prerequisite: C- or better in Biology (9th grade) and a C- or better in Chemistry or Physics.
Students who like to watch CSI or Criminal Minds will enjoy this class. Forensic science is the application of scientific principles and techniques to matters of criminal justice especially as relating to the collection, examination, and analysis of physical evidence. During this semester-long elective science course students will investigate the following forensic science topics: Crime scene investigation, Fingerprint analysis, Document and Handwriting analysis, Counterfeiting, Trace evidence, Blood spatter analysis, DNA analysis and Autopsy/ Dead body analysis. Related investigation to these topics will include the study of the Menendez brothers murders, the murder of JonBenet Ramsey, the murder of Marilyn Sheppard and dead body analysis or numerous celebrities. There is also a focus on careers in forensic science and students will conduct independent investigations. Forensic science will apply many of the concepts of Chemistry as well as Biology. Priority is given to seniors, juniors, and sophomores. This is a no homework course, provided students use class time daily. NOTE: Due to the nature of the content, this course will contain mature and graphic subject matter.
FORENSIC SCIENCE B: Cool Case Studies in Forensics! +
One semester. 0.5 credits.
Prerequisite: Completion of Forensics A. A grade of C- or better in Forensics A is required.
Do you wonder what drove Jeffrey Dahmer to murder a number of individuals? Did OJ Simpson do it? During this semester-long elective science course students will apply the knowledge and concepts acquired in Forensics A to analyze prominent cases in Forensic Science. These cases include OJ Simpson, and prominent Serial Killers including Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Ed Gein, John Wayne Gacy, David Berkowitz, Gary Ridgway and potentially others through a course project NOTE: Due to the nature of the content, this course will contain mature and graphic subject matter.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFE:
One Semester 0.5 credit
Prerequisites: Biology
This course introduces students to concepts of natural resource science and management. This will include ecological concepts and scientific principles, renewable and nonrenewable resources, fish and wildlife ecology, forestry and predator/prey relationships.
ZOOLOGY I:
Two Semesters 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: Biology
This course covers many topics concerning the structure and functions of animals, many from an agricultural standpoint and their relationship to consumers. Topics include anatomy, taxonomy, functions of livestock (food supply), Michigan wildlife management, and nutrients. Biochemical processes as they relate to animal anatomy are key components to class material. A fetal pig dissection is used to supplement animal anatomy, systems, chemical structure and functions. Priority is given to seniors, juniors, and sophomores.
ZOOLOGY II:
Two Semesters 1.0 Credit
Prerequisites: "B" or better in Zoology I
The basis of this class will focus on the complex relationship between the environment and animals. Students will be covering topics such as taxonomy, continental species, Characteristics of Phylum’s, environmental impacts on habit, etc. Dissections and a field trip are incorporated into this course, as well. Scientific vocabulary knowledge and use will be necessary to be successful. Projects will be an integral part of the class and opportunities for individualized lessons/projects are possible. (Ex. Students interested in Veterinary Medicine will have opportunities to research/study/learn in that area). Prerequisite: “B” or better in Zoology.