Earth and Space Science (9-12) (Full year)

Students will investigate phenomenon on earth and the universe beyond by exploring the Earth’s spheres including the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.  Course topics include matter and energy, geologic structures and forces, the waters on our planet, atmospheric forces that shape our world, and the solar system.  Students will use inquiry, observation, and scientific measurements to analyze their world.

Principles of Biomedical Science (9-12) (Full year) 

(Teacher approval required for Freshmen) (Prerequisite: Full year of Biology or concurrent enrollment recommended)

In this course, students explore concepts of biology and medicine as they take on the roles of different medical professionals to solve real-world problems.  Over the course of the year, students are challenged in various scenarios including investigating a crime scene to solve a mystery, diagnosing and proposing treatment to patients in a family medical practice, tracking down and containing a medical outbreak at a local hospital, stabilizing a patient during an emergency, and collaborating with others to design solutions to local and global medical problems. 

Biology (10-12) (Teacher approval required for freshmen) (Full year)

Biology is a major branch of science that deals with all living things and is the first step toward many careers in science and health science..  Students will develop an understanding of the basic processes essential to all living organisms.  This course will explore the many areas of biology including studies of plants and animals, classification, cells and cellular processes, genetics, and ecology.  Several projects and experiments are conducted to provide inquiry driven learning opportunities (i.e. model making, simulations, use of digital data collecting equipment, etc.).  As time allows, students will also have the opportunity to work in the greenhouse and perform dissections of select organs/organisms.  This course must be completed to be eligible for Kansas Scholar consideration. 

Chemistry (10-12) (Full year) (Prerequisite: Biology or Biomed and Geometry or teacher approval) 

Chemistry will pick up where Biology left off and will build a foundation of atomic structure, properties, and interactions of elements using the periodic table.  It will also include topics like types of reactions, stoichiometry, acids and bases, gas laws, and energy changes.  Labs are performed to represent the real world implications of Chemistry concepts.  This course must be completed to be eligible for Kansas Scholar consideration. 

Human Body System (10-12) (Full Year)(Prerequisite: Principles of Biomedical Sciences)

Step inside the human body and explore the systems that help us move, protect us from disease or injury, and facilitate communication within the body and with the outside world. Solve a medical mystery. Analyze a medical case file and diagnose disease. Design experiments to explore structure and function of the human body. How do the systems of the body work together to keep us well? 

Environmental Science (11-12) (Full year) (Prerequisite: Biology or teacher approval) (Full year of Earth and Space Science suggested) 

This course offers an overview of topics and disciplines needed to understand the environmental issues and challenges of today’s world.  The course integrates aspects of biology, ecology, earth science, basic chemistry, and environmental law.  The course focuses on understanding how the earth changes naturally and how human activities are altering it.  Specific topics will include preservation of biodiversity and nature, pressures of the human population on the environment, energy consumption rates and concepts, and sustainable resource use.  This course also integrates case study analysis and laboratory investigations where students will use critical thinking and analytical skills to demonstrate the sustainable use of the environment and natural resources in an effort to make a positive impact on the environment and put the knowledge they gain into practice.  Grading is based on daily work, quizzes, projects, exams, and lab investigations.  Students should have good problem solving skills and be prepared to discuss case studies and research either in a small group or class setting.

Medical Interventions (11-12) (Full year)  (Prerequisite: Principle Of Biomedical Science and Human Body Systems)

Follow the fictitious Smith family as you learn about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Play the role of biomedical professionals to analyze case information and diagnose and treat your patients. Investigate the medical interventions of the past and present, and begin to brainstorm the innovations of the future.

Advanced Biology (11-12) (Teacher approval required for sophomores) (Full year) 

(Prerequisite:  One year Biology and one year Chemistry required or instructor approval.)   

This course includes a more detailed study of the chemistry of life, cell biology, heredity/ genetics, and zoology.  Laboratory work includes the topics of microbiology, biochemistry, the nature of cells, and the anatomical investigation of organisms from several different phyla.  This course has a rigorous curriculum that builds on the general concepts students learned in Biology.  Students will be expected to practice appropriate laboratory techniques and be able to apply the coursework to a laboratory setting when gathering and analyzing data.  Students will have the opportunity to conduct experiments that relate to a variety of careers in biology related fields and will be taught how to complete a formal lab report after conducting their investigations.  Grading is based on daily work, quizzes, projects, exams, and lab exams.  Students should have good study and problem solving skills and be prepared to read many different types of material from the textbook to published research.

Anatomy and Physiology (11-12) (Full year) (Prerequisite: Biology or Principles of Biomedical Science and Chemistry or Adv. Biology or instructor approval.)

This course offers a detailed study of the structure and function of the human body.  Laboratory work includes tissue examination, physiological experiments utilizing Vernier digital equipment and graphing software, and structural identification of all human body systems.  This course is a rigorous curriculum, and the content relies heavily on vocabulary and medical terminology and the application of that content in the lab for exams and for case study analysis.  In addition, students will conduct clinical analysis of specific diseases and disorders and will become the “experts” when reviewing case studies and presenting their findings to the class or working in a group.  Schedules permitting, the class will end in the spring semester with a trip to the cadaver lab at WSU.  Grading is based on daily work, quizzes, projects, exams, and lab exams.  For success, students should have good study and problem solving skills and be prepared to read many different types of material from the textbook to published research.

Physics (11-12) (Full year) (Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II or teacher approval.)

Physics increases the understanding of how the world works around us.  This class will be geared to preparing students for understanding mechanics.  This may include basics of movement, projectile motion, energy, and momentum.  Along with this, students may learn about electrical concepts, light, and waves as well.  Labs will be an important part of the class so that students are able to get hands on experience with these concepts.

Animal Science   (10-12)    (Full year)  (Prerequisite: Agriscience [or Intro to Agriculture]  or teacher approval)

 This course will impart information about the care and management of domestic and farm animals.  The course will cover animal nutrition, health, behavior, selection, reproduction, anatomy and physiology, facilities, product processing, and marketing.  Students will also study a particular companion animal in order to learn how to care for and maintain companion species as a more inclusive study.