Science
Course Descriptions
Intro to Physics (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 09
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: None Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
This activity driven physics course uses algebraic equations and graphs to solve physics problems. Instruction includes the use of calculators, spreadsheets, and computer simulations. Major areas of study include Newtonian Mechanics (force, velocity, acceleration, momentum, work, energy), and Waves (periodic motion, light optics and sound).
Honors Option Available (Students must inform their counselor and teacher if they are interested in enrolling in honors option.) Honors Physics students are required to complete additional labs and produce more advanced computer programs for simulating physics topics learned in class.
Chemistry (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 10
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: None Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
This course uses unit themes to help students develop an understanding and appreciation of how chemistry is important in everyday life. Students learn how elements combine in molecules and rearrange in chemical reactions. In the 2nd semester, students apply this knowledge in the study of weather, energy, organic chemistry, and the environment. In each unit, students master key concepts as they perform laboratory investigations and complete group projects.
Honors Option Available: (Students must inform their counselor and teacher if they are interested in enrolling in honors option.) Taught within the general Chemistry class, Chemistry Honors option provides students the opportunity to explore topics in more depth and introduces new topics. During the first semester, Honors students learn about quantum theory and electrochemistry. They write more complicated chemical equations and complete advanced conversions. In the second semester, honors students study mathematical and social implications of nuclear technology, and complete additional advanced gas law calculations. Honors Chemistry is strongly recommended for students who plan to enroll in Advanced Placement Chemistry the following year.
Biology: Exploring Multiple Scientific Perspectives (Required)
Grade Level Placement: 11, 12
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: One year of science Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
This course immerses students in rich content that is filled with big ideas and probing questions. It consists of eight units, each focusing on the perspective of a scientist in a particular branch of biology. The students assume a variety of roles as they explore the main themes in biology. For example, students study science from the perspective of a Biologist, Ecologist, or Geneticist. The course offers many opportunities for students to apply the concepts and ideas they are learning to real-life assessment situations. Instruction incorporates a rich variety of hands-on methods including inquiry-based labs and the use of technology and simulations. Finally, the coursework guides students to deepen their awareness of the complexity of life as it functions at many levels.
Students will take the Biology End of Course Exam at the completion of this course. This required exam must be taken by all high school students prior to graduation.
Honors Option Available (Students must inform their counselor and teacher if they are interested in enrolling in honors option.)
Science Research
Grade Level Placement: 10, 11, 12
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
This course offers students the opportunity to participate in the community of scientific research and scholarship as part of their high school experience. Students select a topic of interest and explore it through library research, laboratory work and communication with scientists. In the development of their research question, students develop sophisticated data collection and laboratory skills. Their findings are presented at a school symposium as well as in local, regional and/or state competitions. This course may be repeated.
Modern Physics I and II
Grade Level Placement: 10, 11, 12
½ Unit/S 1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: “C” in Algebra II, Geometry, and Chemistry; recommendation and/or Instructor approval Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
Physics is recommended for students intending to major in math or science in college. This course is a continuation of Introduction to Physics. Topics studied include: electricity, magnetism, astrophysics, relativity, nuclear physics, the standard model, and the basics of quantum mechanics.
Eco-Act
Grade Level Placement: 11, 12
1/2 Unit/S 1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: “Application and Interview with instructor Credit Type: Science (SCI)
This course is NOT NCAA Approved.
Eco-Act is an environmental leadership program for juniors and seniors in high school, operated by the Missouri Botanical Garden in partnership with MRH and other St. Louis area schools and districts. The class includes a summer workshop where students learn leadership and teamwork skills. During the year, students prepare weekly lessons to teach to MRH 4th graders. Also, students research, design, and implement an environmental action project that focuses on an environmental issue in the greater St. Louis community. Students enroll for a full year and receive science or elective course credit.
Exp. Environmental Sustainability
Grade Level Placement: 11, 12
1/2 Unit/S 1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Instructor approval Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
This course is intended for students interested in learning more about issues involving environmental sustainability. Students take an in-depth approach to understanding environmental processes by conducting research, laboratory activities, and fieldwork. This project and issues based class uses case study work to help illustrate main ideas. Ethical decision-making skills are taught throughout the course as each student learns how humans affect the environment.
St. Louis Community College (STLCC) offers students who take this course the opportunity to earn 3 college credit hours for taking this course for the full year. Students electing to earn college credit will need to pay a small fee to STLCC.
Human Body: Health & Fitness
Grade Level Placement: 11, 12
1/2 Unit Prerequisite: “B” in Biology recommended, Chemistry recommended, and/or instructor approval
Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
Anatomy physiology, or “A & P,” consists of topics that explore how our bodies are put together and how they work. This course explores different human body systems through the use of case studies, projects, and lab exercises. The focus is on the body systems associated with health, nutrition and fitness, including the digestive, urinary, skeletal, muscular, and cardiovascular and respiratory system. An emphasis on health and medical-related careers are integrated throughout the semester.
College credit: See note after Human Body: Growth & Development
Human Body: Growth & Development
Grade Level Placement: 11, 12
1/2 Unit Prerequisite: “B” in Biology recommended, Chemistry recommended, and/or instructor approval
Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
Anatomy and physiology are topics that explore how our bodies are put together and how they work. This course explores different human body systems through the use of case studies, projects and lab exercises. The focus in this semester is on the body systems associated with maintaining homeostasis, necessary for human growth and development, including the nervous, endocrine, lymphatic and reproductive systems. An emphasis on health and medical related careers are integrated throughout the semester.
St. Louis Community College (STLCC) offers students, who take both Human Body courses (Health & Fitness and Growth & Development), the opportunity to earn 3 college credit hours for upon completion of both courses. Students electing to earn college credit will need to pay a small fee to STLCC.
Advanced Placement Chemistry (W)
Grade Level Placement: 11, 12
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: successful completion of Chemistry, 2 years of Algebra, instructor recommendation, and must meet MRH AP requirements and expectations
Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a 1st year college Chemistry course. Because of the complex nature of the content, enrollment is limited to students who have demonstrated an advanced level of proficiency in Chemistry and Algebra II. The fundamental concepts taught in the first year of chemistry are explored in more depth. New material is introduced as well. The topics taught in class are reinforced with daily homework. Students are expected to take the College Board AP exam in May and could receive college credit based upon their test performance.
Advanced Placement Biology (W)
Grade Level Placement: 11, 12
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (minimum “B” average in both), instructor approval and must meet MRH AP requirements and expectations
Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
This course is designed to offer college-bound students the opportunity to receive college credit in Biology upon completion of coursework and demonstrated competency on a standardized exam. The Advanced Placement College Board administers the course requirements and standardized exam. Students are expected to take the AP Biology examination in the spring.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers 11/12th grade students with a 3.00 GPA or higher who take this course the opportunity to earn 5 college credit hours per year. Students electing to earn college credit will need to pay a small fee to UMSL.
AP Environmental Science (W)
Grade Level Placement: 11, 12
1 Unit/Y Prerequisite: Chemistry and Biology (minimum "B" average), or may be currently enrolled in Biology as per instructor approval; must meet MRH AP requirements and expectations.
Credit Type: Science (SCI)
NCAA Approved Course
This course is designed to offer college-bound students the opportunity to receive college credit in Environmental Science upon completion of coursework and demonstrated competency on a standardized exam. The Advanced Placement College Board administers the course requirements and standardized exam. Students are expected to take the AP Environmental Science examination in the spring.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers 11/12th grade students with a 3.00 GPA or higher who take this course the opportunity to earn 5 college credit hours per year. Students electing to earn college credit will need to pay a small fee to UMSL.