Science

Biology  : 1152/2152 

1 credit 

Required 

Biology is a full-year course covering  topics from the molecular and cellular level through heredity, natural selection and ecology.  Laboratory activities centering on biochemistry, genetic inheritance, and the environment are included throughout the course.  Students learn how to observe the natural world, formulate hypotheses, collect data, and argue claims using evidence and reasoning. 

Biology II : 0159 

0.5 credit 

10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq:  Biology 

Biology II is a one-semester course focused on the evolutionary classification of Kingdom Animalia and molecular/cellular biology. Students will explore topics such as cellular development, systemic and physiological studies of animal phyla, nitrogen-based biochemistry, basic ecological principles and sustainability, and the evolution and diversity of life. This hands-on, lab- and project-based course emphasizes the ability to analyze, interpret, and present data effectively through meaningful laboratory presentations, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of biological processes. 

Chemistry : 1160/2160 

1 credit 

10th, 11th, 12th  

Prereq: Algebra/Algebra A

Chemistry is a full-year course. This class is a laboratory-centered course that uses mathematical procedures to explain chemical phenomena. Students explore matter and its interactions by studying atomic theory, chemical bonding, reactions, and stoichiometry. These skills are used to understand real-world applications such as nuclear chemistry, thermochemistry, gases, and solutions, including acids and bases. Students carry out laboratory investigations, create models of matter at the particle level, collect data, and utilize calculations to analyze chemical and physical processes. 

Earth to Space : 0157 

0.5 credit 

10th, 11th, 12th 

Earth to Space is a one-semester course.  The first part of this class explores the dynamic geological processes that occur on earth.  This includes a closer look into the history of the earth and why it looks the way it does today.  The second part of this course will examine our solar system and deep space.  This includes investigating our sun and planets, the life and death of stars, as well as black holes.

Ecology : 0155 

0.5 credit 

10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq:  Biology 

Ecology is a one-semester course that serves as a prerequisite for AP Environmental Studies, focusing on the interactions between organisms and their environments. Topics include energy flow in ecosystems, nutrient cycles, local and global terrestrial and aquatic biomes, trophic cascades, population dynamics, and current environmental issues. Field trips are a key component, allowing students to explore local ecosystems and conduct hands-on lab activities, including data 

Human Anatomy : 1119/2119 

1 credit 

10th, 11th, 12th 

Human Anatomy is a full year course dealing with various aspects of the 11 human body systems.  

Major topics presented include:  

First semester - will deal with anatomical positions, directional terms, and an introduction to Greek and Latin terms in medicine. Systems covered include: skeletal, immune, and integumentary systems.  Additionally, we will integrate the genetic basis of disease into all units 

Second semester - will build on information presented in the first semester. This semester includes important anatomical terms, review of gross body areas and an overview of functions that must be performed to sustain life. The remainder of body systems are explored, including muscular, endocrine, blood and its role in the cardiovascular system, digestive, nervous, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems.

Physics : 1155/2155 

1 credit 

10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq: Algebra/Algebra A 

Physics is a one-year course designed to provide a deep, conceptual understanding of the fundamental principles of the universe. Students will be engaged in lab experiments, problem solving, lectures, demonstrations, projects, and related films in order to develop conceptual understanding and basic scientific skills. Topics covered are motion, forces, energy, collisions, gravity, waves, electricity and magnetism. 

AP Physics : 1112/2112 

1 credit 

Prereq: Algebra II (or concurrently enrolled in) 

AP Physics I is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning and labs, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Students who complete the course will be prepared for the AP exam in May as well as future college coursework, especially in physical sciences. 

AP Biology : 1158/2158 

2 credits 

11th, 12th 

Prereq: Chemistry 

Advanced Placement (AP) Biology is a full-year course that meets for two class periods each semester. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by college freshman. AP Biology is a rigorous course that requires students to have strong study habits including reading, writing, and note-taking. Some students find it beneficial to have completed courses such as Biotechnology, Biology II, Ecology, or Human Anatomy prior to taking this course. Big ideas in AP Biology include Evolutionary Patterns, Biological Energy and Processes, Genetic Information Storage and Transmission, and the Complexities of Biological Interactions. This course prepares students to think critically about science as a process, including experimental design. 

Students who complete the course will be prepared for the AP exam in May as well as future college coursework, especially in life sciences. 

AP Chemistry : 1159/2159 

2 credits 

11th, 12th grade 

Prereq: Chemistry 

Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry is a full-year course that meets for two class periods each semester. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course. AP Chemistry is a rigorous course that requires students to have strong independent work habits. Big ideas in AP Chemistry include scientific practices, energy, transformations, structures and properties of matter, and mathematical routines in science. Some of the topics covered in Chemistry are covered more in-depth in AP Chemistry and are more mathematically oriented. There is also a large laboratory component of the class, and lab investigations will make up 25% of the course time. The pace of this course is rigorous, requiring an hour or more of homework or study time each evening.  There is also required summer assignment to prepare for AP Chemistry.

Students who complete the course will be prepared for the AP exam in May as well as future college coursework, especially in the physical sciences.  

AP Environmental Science :  1111/2111 

1 credit 

10th, 11th, 12th 

Prereq: Biology, Chemistry or Physics, Ecology (or concurrent enrollment) 

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that combines biology, chemistry, earth science, and social studies to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. In addition to the study of the natural world, the course requires the student to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the risks associated with the problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Topics include resource use, environmental quality, pollution, waste treatment, human health, global changes and the tradeoff between economics and the environment. 

Students may take Ecology and AP Environmental Science concurrently, if they are enrolled in Ecology during the fall semester.  

Students who complete the course will be prepared for the AP exam in May as well as future college coursework, especially in environmental sciences.

Youth Apprenticeship 

Health Services Pathway or STEM-Biotechnology Pathway 

1 credit 

11th, 12th 

The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program integrates school-based and work-based learning.  Youth apprenticeship students will continue taking classes at their high school while working as an apprentice at a participating business.  Students will be enrolled in a technical class related to their youth apprenticeship program.  These courses may be offered at either their high school or off campus.  Entry into a youth apprenticeship program requires an application process.  

See your school to career coordinator or school counselor to guide you through this process.  Refer to the Work-Based Learning page for more details about the Youth Apprenticeship Program.