R = Fulfills graduation requirement at grade level
E = Elective and the year student is eligible for the course
Course #: 400 & 401 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 9-12 Credit: 1.0
Recommended Course: None
Biology is the natural science that studies life and living organisms. This is a laboratory based general science course designed to examine aspects of the living world. Students will investigate a wide range of topics that include topics ranging from cell biology, energy of life biochemistry, genetics, evolution taxonomy and ecology. Lab time will be spent doing hands-on laboratory exercises and activities using microscopes and dissection of animals such as worms, crayfish, and frogs. Projects, unit packets and reading assignments support may be required with each unit of instruction. Students will be challenged to develop scientific thinking, reading, writing and science skills throughout the course year. Students will needwill be needencouraged to take an active part in the learning process in order to be fully successful. Successful completion of biology is required for graduation.
Course #: 422 & 423 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 10-12 Credit: 1.0
Recommended Course: None
This laboratory science course consists of one trimester of introductory Chemistry and one trimester of introductory Physics concepts. This course introduces the general concepts of physics and chemistry. Physics topics include measurement, motion, Newton's laws of motion, momentum, energy, work, power, waves, sound, light, and electricity. Chemistry topics include properties of matter, the atom, the periodic table, solutions, acids & bases. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-style learning and development of skills such as observing, inferring, data collecting, and graphing. This course is designed for students who have not yet taken and/or passed chemistry and/or physics.
Course #: 406 & 407 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 10-12 Credit: 1.0
Recommended Course: None
This is a college prep course with emphasis on chemical theory. Chemical concepts often involve a functional knowledge of algebra. Lecture, discussion, demonstration and laboratory are all used during instruction. The following general areas will be covered: properties of solids, liquids, and gases; atomic structure; chemical reactions and the mass and energy relationships involved with them. A scientific calculator is required.
Course #: 408 & 409 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 10-12 Credit: 1.0
Recommended Course: None
This is a college prep course designed to teach concepts of physics to any student who plans to continue his or her education beyond high school or to pursue a career in a technical field. Some of the topics covered are linear motion, projectile motion, circular motion, forces, momentum, work, power, energy, waves, sound and electricity.
Course #: 412 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5
Recommended Course: None
Topics studied will include principles of electricity, the components of simple circuits and how they function, basic circuit laws and circuit calculations. In this course, students will use applied physics concepts in a hands-on manner building simple circuits to learn these concepts.
Course #: 413 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 10-12 Credit: 0.5
Recommended Course: Biology
Students will be given the opportunity to explore and study the earth as an ecological system through a case-based approach. An emphasis will be placed on the human role in the environment and the strategies that can buffer this impact through decisions that are made. Current environmental topics will also be considered each semester. In this course, students will use concepts learned in physical science, biology, and/or chemistry.
Course #: 414 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 10-12 Credit: 0.5
Recommended Course: Biology
Geology is the study of our earth as a wondrous source of beauty, power and resources. This course uncovers the processes that build up and tear down the earth’s crust. Major topics discussed are plate tectonics (volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain building), dinosaurs, groundwater, Wisconsin geology, rock cycle and geology of our National Parks such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. This course utilizes concepts learned in physical science and biology or biology and chemistry.
Course #: 415 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5
Recommended Course: Biology
This space science course covers topics including: nuclear fusion, the lives of stars, our solar system, formation of elements, possibilities of extraterrestrial life form, NASA/Hubble Telescope data, the Big Bang, and Black Holes. This course utilizes concepts learned in physical science, chemistry, and biology.
Course #: 416 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5
Recommended Course: Biology
This course includes topics in modern forensic science including the understanding of analytical instrumentation, pathology, toxicology, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, blood analysis, hair & fiber analysis, handwriting analysis, soil analysis, behavioral profiling, arson, time of death, forensic anthropology, forensic entomology, and autopsy. Actual forensic cases will be discussed throughout the course in lectures and class discussions. Error analysis, reliability and predictability of results will be considered. The CSI Effect will be evaluated throughout the course along with constant improvement of critical thinking skills through experiments, case analyses, and logic puzzles.
Course #: 417 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5
Recommended Course: Biology
Learn to integrate the most important concepts in classical and molecular genetics into an overall picture of what a gene is, how it functions, how it may be altered and how it is inherited. Study the molecular basis of gene function and mutation, Mendelian genetics, transmission systems, regulation of cellular processes, developmental genetics, cytoplasmic inheritance, population genetics and multifactorial inheritance. Learn about recent advances in biotechnology that have genetic implications, including the Human Genome Project and advances in genetic engineering technology. Students use hands-on activities and laboratory procedures, and discuss current issues such as stem cell therapy, genetic testing, and genetically-modified food.
Course #: 420 & 421 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 1.0
Recommended Course: Biology
Human Anatomy is the science that explores the intricate and sophisticated relationship between the structures and functions in the human body. This is a two trimester, hands on, laboratory based science course that provides students an opportunity to explore topics such as the basic organization of the body, structures and functions of the major body systems, and how each system works to maintain homeostasis. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented in the course. Projects and reading assignments are required with each unit of instruction. Students will be challenged to develop scientific thinking, reading, writing and science skills throughout the course year. Students will be encouraged to take an active part in the learning process in order to be fully successful. Dissection of a mink and other appropriate organs will complement our course work. One of the goals of this course is to prepare students with the skills necessary to be successful in future science classes in college, veterinary and medical fields.
Course #: 419 Length: 1 Trimester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 0.5
Recommended Course: Chemistry
This course is designed to provide a fundamental overview of organic chemistry to students interested in pursuing a career in the sciences. Upon successful completion of this class, students will understand the relationship between structure and function of molecules, the major classes of reactions, reaction energetics and mechanisms, and synthesis of organic compounds. Several themes are prevalent in each unit of study: nomenclature, chemical and physical properties, structures, mechanisms, common molecules, and the diversity of organic molecules in plants, bacteria, and animals. The societal, pharmaceutical or industrial importance of specific compounds will also be discussed.
Course #: 436, 437 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 1.0
Recommended Course: Successful completion Biology and Chemistry
AP Biology is an intensive course designed to be the equivalent of an introductory biology course taken in college. The emphasis is on developing an understanding of biological concepts rather than an accumulation of facts. Students will cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions. Students should understand and appreciate the science of biology as a process and a personal experience in scientific inquiry that develops their problem solving and critical thinking skills.
This course also prepares the high school student to take the AP exam given in May. In order to pass the exam (usually this is with a score of 3 or higher), students must be highly motivated and driven to excel in this challenging course.AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course that covers two college semesters worth of content. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions. This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Exam in May.
Course #: 432 & 433 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 1.0
Recommended Course: Chemistry
AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course designed for students who may be planning to pursue a career in biological sciences or to meet the science requirement for non-science majors. This is a two trimester course that uses inquiry-based investigations to cultivate a deeper understanding of biology through the exploration of topics such as evolution, energetics, systems interactions, information storage and transfer. Multilevel laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented in the course. Projects and reading assignments are required with each unit of instruction. Students will be challenged to further develop their scientific thinking, reading, writing, and science skills throughout the course year. Students will be encouraged to take an active part in the learning process in order to be fully successful. This class is designed to help prepare students for the AP exam in May.
Course #: 434 & 435 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 11-12 Credit: 1.0
Recommended Course: SM 2
This is a college course designed for students who may be interested in studying physics as a basis for more advanced work in life sciences, medicine, and other technical areas, or as a component in a non-science college program that has a science requirement. AP Physics 1 is equivalent to a non-calculus college course in physics which covers the following topics: motion, forces, momentum, energy, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves, rotation, electrostatics, and circuits. Completing Physics before taking AP Physics 1 is helpful but not required.
Course #: 440 & 441 Length: 2 Trimesters Grade Level: 9-12 Credit: 1.0
Recommended Course: None
This is a college course designed to provide students with the content and skills needed to understand the various interrelationships in the world, to identify and analyze environmental problems and to propose and examine solutions to these problems. It is a laboratory and field-based course that is equivalent to a biological elective in college. The course encompasses human population dynamics, interrelationships in nature, energy flow, resources, environmental quality, human impact on environmental systems, and environmental law.