Science

Science Course Sequence

Regular Science Pathway

9th Grade Required: Integrated Science

  10th Grade Required: Biology

11th-12th Grade Required: Chemistry or Physics

Advanced Science Pathway

9th Grade Required: Integrated Science

  10th Grade Required: Accelerated Biology (Accelerated Chemistry can be taken concurrently)

11th-12th Grade Required:  Accelerated Chemistry or CIS Physics

Elective Courses 

Forensics

Environmental Science

Anatomy and Physiology (CIS)

Biology (SPC)

Freshmen will enroll in the following science course:

Integrated Science

Course Number(s):  S401401

Length: 2 Semesters (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: None

Grade: 9

Integrated Science is a year-long laboratory course where students focus on earth and space science. Students learn about biology, physics, and chemistry concepts through their relation to space systems, the history of the earth, earth systems, weather and climate, and human sustainability. This course will build on students’ natural curiosity and prior knowledge of the world around them and beyond. It will  expand their understanding of how science can help them be a knowledgeable participant in their own lives and within their community, and help students make connections to career and college opportunities. To do this, students use the practices of science and engineering: questioning, problem solving, making observations, engaging in laboratory investigations, data analysis, argumentation, and communication to analyze and understand the science of everyday phenomena.

Sophomores must enroll in one of the following two courses:

Biology

Course Number(s): S406111

Length: 2 Semesters (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: None

Grade: 10

This laboratory course studies living things and how they interact with each other.  Students will learn about the chemistry of life, cells, genetics/DNA, evolution, ecology, and disease and human body systems while learning the skills of science and engineering. Students will participate in laboratory activities that promote scientific thinking.  Successful completion of this course fulfills the state graduation requirement for biology and prepares students for future science courses.

Accelerated Biology (Honors)

Course Number(s): S436111

Length: 2 Semesters (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: B or better in Integrated Science or teacher recommendation.

Grade: 10

This laboratory course is a detailed study of living systems.  Students will learn about the chemistry of life, cells, genetics/DNA, evolution, ecology, and disease and human body systems while learning the skills of science and engineering. This course emphasizes investigative learning through laboratory experiences, with thorough record keeping, written analysis and presentation of results.  The content and pace of the course are enhanced to be consistent with the CIS program and prepare students for CIS Biology.  Successful completion of this course fulfills the state graduation requirement for biology and prepares students for future science courses.

Juniors and Seniors must enroll in either Chemistry or Physics

Chemistry

Course Number(s): S404111

Length: 2 Semesters (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: None

Grade: 11-12

This laboratory course covers basic high school chemistry concepts that help students understand how the universe works at the micro-level. Students will learn about chemical and physical properties, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, chemical reactions, the Mole, stoichiometry, solutions, and kinetic molecular theory while learning the skills of science and engineering. Class discussions, hands-on activities, group projects and laboratory work are an integral part of this course.  Successful completion of this course fulfills the state graduation requirement for chemistry/physics and prepares students for future science courses.

Accelerated Chemistry (Honors)

Course Number(s): S434111

Length: 2 Semesters (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: ‘C’ or better in Biology or Accelerated Biology 

Grade: 10-12

This rigorous laboratory course is designed to prepare students for the rigors of advanced chemistry courses. Students will learn about chemical and physical properties, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, chemical reactions, the Mole, stoichiometry, solutions, and kinetic molecular theory while learning the skills of science and engineering. This course emphasizes investigative learning through laboratory experiences, with thorough record keeping, written analysis and presentation of results. The content and pace of the course are enhanced to be consistent with the IB/AP program and prepare students for further science courses.  Successful completion of this course fulfills the state graduation requirement for chemistry/physics and prepares students for future science courses.

Physics

Course Number(s): S405111

Length: 2 Semesters (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: None

Grade: 11-12

Physics engages students in engineering design problems related to aerospace information systems, astronautics, rocketry, propulsion, the physics of space science, space life sciences, the biology of space science, principles of aeronautics, structures and materials, and systems engineering. Using 3-D design software, students work in teams utilizing hands-on activities, projects and problems and are exposed to various situations encountered by aerospace engineers. Completion of this course fulfills the science graduation requirement for physics or chemistry.

CIS: Physics with Writing (Honors)

Course Number(s): S495111

Length: 2 Semesters (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus (can be taken concurrently)

Grade: 11-12

This course is for the highly motivated science student. Mature study habits are a necessity. This course deals with more topics at greater depth and at a faster pace than regular physics. There is an emphasis on developing problem solving, computer, and scientific writing skills. The main emphasis will be on the branch of physics known as mechanics. This is the study of motion and the causes of motion through the applications of fundamental principles of physics.

Note: College in the Schools is a program in which a University of Minnesota course is taught in high school.  Upon successful completion of this course, students receive four semester credits from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

…

Elective Classes Offered

The following elective classes satisfy the general Science credit requirements

CIS: Anatomy and Physiology (Honors)

Course Number(s): S495141

Length: 2 Semesters (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: B or better in Biology and Chemistry

Grade: 11-12

Anatomy and Physiology is an advanced biology course offering students the opportunity to examine in depth the unbelievably fascinating structure and function of human organ systems. Students examine body systems (skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, integumentary, and digestive). Lab work, class discussion, reading, and animal dissection will result in tremendous gains in the understanding of the human body. This course is highly recommended for any student who has a strong interest in science and medicine.

Note: College in the Schools is a program in which a University of Minnesota course is taught in high school.  Upon successful completion of this course, students receive four semester credits from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

SPC: Biology I (Honors)

Course Number(s): S495151

Length: Fall Semester (5 Credits)

Prerequisites: C or better in Accelerated Biology or teacher recommendation.

Grade: 11-12

This is a fall semester, two period-long course that studies biological processes including cell chemistry, metabolism, reproduction, genetics, and complex cell physiology. The lab component covers the application of concepts through observation, experimentation, and problem analysis. This course is intended for students who may become biology majors, students requiring a strong biological background for selected majors, including nursing and other allied health fields, or interested college students. This class is only offered in the fall and should be taken the same school year as CIS Biology II

Note: SPC is a program in which a Saint Paul College course is taught in high school.  Upon successful completion of this course, students receive five semester credits from Saint Paul College.

SPC: Biology II (Honors)

Course Number(s): S495251

Length: Spring Semester (5 Credits)

Prerequisites: CIS Biology I with a grade of C or better.

Grade: 11-12

This course is an extension of CIS Biology I and covers biological processes, including a variety of life forms (viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals), their evolution, and ecology. The lab component covers organism taxonomy, classification, and mammalian systems, including comparative anatomy, organism dissections, ecological interrelationships of organisms and their environment, and independent biome research projects. Some activities include the dissection of preserved animals. This class is only offered in the spring and should be taken the same year as CIS Bio I.

Note: SPC is a program in which a Saint Paul College course is taught in high school.  Upon successful completion of this course, students receive five semester credits from Saint Paul College

Environmental Science

Course Number(s): S403111

Length: 1 Semester (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: Physical Science or Biology 

Grade: 10-12

Environmental Science is the class for students interested in the interactions between people, economies, societies and the environment. Issues of pollution, population growth, urban sprawl and habitat destruction are investigated. Global and local environmental problems are discussed, researched, and approached from the laboratory perspective. Service learning projects to help solve local environmental issues are developed and implemented. Any student with an interest in environmental issues will find this a provocative and stimulating classroom. Classroom discussions are thought-provoking and inspirational.

Introduction to Industrial Robotics 

Course Number(s): S402601

Length: 1 Semesters (2 Credits)

Prerequisites: None

Length: 1 Semesters (2 Credits)

Grade: 10-12

Introduction to Industrial Robotics Lab is a lab-based science elective that introduces industrial robotic programming and applications.  The course uses the Festo Mechatronics Training Systems to address the state of Minnesota’s physical science standards.  Topics for the course include: electrical circuits, digital logic, sensors, pneumatic and electrical actuators, programmable logic controllers, and computer modeling and simulations with industrial applications.  This course is designed to prepare students to continue training in electromechanical systems at St Paul College or other institutions.

Principles of Engineering (PLTW) 

Course Number(s): S431491

Length: 2 Semesters (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: None

Grade: 10-12

PLTW: Principles of Engineering covers general concepts of engineering, physics, engineering technology and its career possibilities. This course involves a number of projects that explore careers in engineering, principles of design, control systems, materials science, general mechanics and chemistry. The projects involve learning and applying fundamental principles of physics and chemistry, solving problems, designing and modifying devices. They will also learn how engineers address concerns about the social and political consequences of technological change. Note: Students can earn college credit by passing the PLTW summative test at the end of the semester.

Biomedical Science and Forensics (PLTW) 

Course Number(s): S434911

Length: 2 Semesters (4 Credits)

Prerequisites: None

Grade: 10-12

Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) is a full-year high school course in the PLTW Biomedical Science Program. This course serves to provide foundational knowledge and skills in fields such as biology, anatomy & physiology, genetics, microbiology, and epidemiology as well as engage students in how this content can be applied to real world situations, cases, and problems. Through both individual and collaborative team activities. projects, and problems, students will tackle real-world challenges faced by biomedical professionals in the field. They will work with the same tools and equipment used in hospitals and labs as they engage in relevant hands-on work. Students will develop skill in technical documentation to represent and communicate experimental findings and solutions to problems. In addition, students will explore how connections to other disciplines such as computer science and engineering shape the future of medicine and practice collaboration techniques that will help them connect with professionals across any field.