Teachers: Mr. Gabany, Mrs. Nerud and Mr. Stone
Credits: .5 per semester, Passing grade is required in order to graduate from RIHS
Course Description: This introductory course addresses skills necessary to take other science courses later on in high school. In class, students have opportunities to practice microscope skills, using evidence-based data to argue, utilizing the metric system to analyze data and staying current on science topics like genetics, viral diseases and ecology. Labs include: Paper Chromatography, DNA Extraction, Plant/Animal Cell Tissue Microscope Explorations, Testing for Macromolecules in Foods, and Antibiotic Resistance. For more information, contact courtney.stone@rimsd41.org.
Teachers: Mrs. Vroman, Mrs. Dennis , Mrs. Trimble, and Mr. LaRoche
Credits: .5 per semester, Prerequisite is Biology I, Grades 10-12
Course Description: This course is designed for those students who exhibit interest in science and gives a general overview of the study of molecules and their interactions. Chemistry is not just lectures and notes but also hands-on laboratory exercises in order to feel and experience science. Chemistry covers the essential topics like Matter, Periodic Trends, Bonding and Forces, Reactions and their Rates, Molecular Measurements, Formula Writing, Scientific Design, Thermal, and Nuclear Chemistry to give students a firm foundation for classes you may take later and for the chemistry you experience in everyday life. Once a student leaves this Chemistry class they will be able to predict and verify both the type of reaction run and the amount and types of end products formed. Most people in the world can not perform these tasks but your student will! The power of science is amazing so come join the rewarding field of Chemistry.
Teacher: Mrs. Vroman
Credits: .5 per semester, Weighted Credit, Grades 10-12
Description: Do you want to understand how fireworks work or explain how elements bond? Then honors chemistry may be the class for you. This course is a study of the basic laws of chemistry, covering the common elements of the periodic system, their structure, interactions, and energy relationships. The course is accompanied by work in the mathematical solution of chemical problems and laboratory use of experimental data. Math skills are a must if you would like to take this class and it is especially important for students planning on attending college in a scientific or health-related field of study. Honors chemistry utilizes the same curriculum as general chemistry but moves at a much faster pace and in more depth. For more information about this course, please email Mrs. Vroman at laura.vroman@rimsd41.org
Teachers: Mrs. Anderson and Dr. Kirgan
Credits: .5 per semester, Grades 10-12
Description: Interested in the Weather, Space, Volcanoes and beyond? Earth Science takes an in-depth look at four major branches of science. Quarters One and Two include an Intro to Planet Earth Unit and Meteorology, including in-depth investigations of hurricanes, tornadoes, local weather, extreme weather, and how the weather is forecasted. Quarter Three focuses on Astronomy, with galaxies, our solar system, stars, planets and other phenomena in space. Quarter Four is balanced between Geology, with volcanoes, mountains, earthquakes, tsunamis, rocks, and minerals, and finally Oceanography with tides, salinity, and currents. As you can see, this class involves a dynamic array of interesting subjects with an emphasis on science practices in lab-based activities. For more information about the course, please email Mrs. Anderson and lori.anderson@rimsd41.org, or Dr. Kirgan and ben.kirgan@rimsd41.org.
Teachers: Mrs. Trimble and Mrs. Anderson
Credits: .5 per semester, Grades 11-12
Description: Are you thinking about a career in the medical field? Maybe sport science or physical therapy... or maybe you just have a general interest in the human body? Well then Anatomy and Physiology might be the class for you!
Anatomy and Physiology is a laboratory-based course that investigates the structure and function of the human body. Topics covered will include the basic organization of the body and major body systems along with the impact of diseases on certain systems. Students will engage in many topics and competencies related to understanding the structure and function of the human body. Working with topics of basic anatomical terminology to the mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis, all the way into great detail of each of the major systems of the body. Students will learn through reading, lecture and discussion, case studies, collaborative group work, projects and labs including various dissections. Each year dissection labs typically include the: chicken wing, sheep eye, brain, heart and kidney and round out the year with a fetal pig dissection. Most years, a small group of anatomy students is given the opportunity to attend the St. Ambrose University Cadaver Lab where students are able to view human cadavers, allowing, another form of comparative anatomy.
Please note that this course is extremely vocabulary heavy and will require outside studying to be successful in this course. One of the goals of this course is to prepare students with the skills necessary to be successful in future science classes in high school, college and medical fields.
For more information regarding the fascinating works of human body please contact Mrs. Trimble at Jennifer.trimble@rimsd41.org
Teacher: Dr. Kirgan
Credits: .5 per semester, Weight Credit
Description: If you are interested in being well prepared for life science in college and/or doing well on the AP Biology Exam in May, then AP Biology is for you. The College Board’s AP Biology Curriculum is closely followed, including: life properties, cellular reactions, cell division and cancer, genetics, DNA, biotechnology, evolution, and ecology. Many hands-on labs are taught in this course, and we also take a field trip to local prairies, with all kinds of plants and animals! If you aspire to be in one of many life science careers, including healthcare, medicine, fighting diseases, working with plants or animals, forensics, nature conservation, or just want to learn a lot about how life works, then you are welcome to join up! Successful completion of Chemistry is highly recommended. For more information about the course, please email Dr. Kirgan at ben.kirgan@rimsd41.org.
Teachers: Mr. LaRoche
Credits: .5 per semester, Year-Long Course, Grades 10-12
Description: Click on this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Co3F5dZFT-ujqCWVay9d6wvO-uP27FiskVvlKwSwQ5Y/edit?usp=sharing
Teacher: Mr. LaRoche
Credits: .5 per semester, Weighted Credit, Grades 11-12
Description: Click on this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Co3F5dZFT-ujqCWVay9d6wvO-uP27FiskVvlKwSwQ5Y/edit?usp=sharing
Teacher: Mrs. Vroman
Credits: .5 per semester, Weighted Credit, Grades 11-12
Description: Have you ever wondered what you could do to help the future of our planet? Then AP Environmental Science may be the class for you. AP Environmental Science is a junior and senior level science course that requires students to identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. This is a very hands-on class. Students in this class have taken field trips to Augustana College to do water quality labs and trips to Maquoketa Caves. For more information about this course, please email Mrs. Vroman at laura.vroman@rimsd41.org
Teacher: Mrs. Dennis
Credits: .5 per semester, Grades 9-12
Description: Do you like to solve problems? If so, engineering is the field for you! Engineering jobs are among the fastest growing, and best paying. Introduction to Engineering is designed to introduce you to the incredible field of engineering! This course focuses on making students everyday problem solvers. Students will practice basic skills required in the engineering fields, including math and spatial relationships. Students will learn to use three dimensional modeling software and be exposed to the basics of 3D printing. Students will complete multiple projects that will focus on the design process, problem solving, communication, and teamwork. Be a problem solver and sign up for Engineering!
Teacher: Mr. Laingen
Credits: .5 per semester, Grades 10-12
Description: This is a Project Lead the Way foundation course (PLTW). This course exposes students to major concepts they will encounter in a post-secondary engineering course of study. Topics include mechanisms, energy, statics, materials and kinematics. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges, document their work and communicate solutions. Strong math skills are recommended.
Teacher: Mr. Laingen
Credits: .5 per semester, Grades 11-12
Description: Civil Engineering and Architecture is the study of the design and construction of residential and commercial building projects. The course includes an introduction to many of the varied factors involved in building and site design and construction including building components and systems, structural design, stormwater management, site design, utilities and services, cost estimation energy efficiency, and careers in the design and construction industry. Students use industry standard 3D architectural modeling software to facilitate site and building design and technical documentation.
Teacher: Mr. Laingen
Credits: .5 per semester, Weighted Credit, Grade 12
Description: Engineering Design and Development (EDD) is a high school level course that is appropriate for 12th grade students. Since the projects on which students work can vary with student interest and the curriculum focuses on problem solving, EDD is appropriate for students who are interested in any technical career path. EDD should be taken as the final capstone Project Lead the Way (PLTW) course since it requires application of the knowledge and skills introduced during the PLTW foundation courses.