Classes labeled DUAL are Dual Credit classes, meaning you can earn college credit for them. Classes labeled AP are Advanced Placement classes.
The past several years has brought significant changes to science at Ida B. Wells due to the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards and the new core science sequence. We have also changed some of our course offerings to be consistent with the other high schools in Portland Public Schools. Students at Ida B. Wells are encouraged to go beyond the required core courses in science and are provided a wide range of electives to encourage them to diversify their scientific skills and interests. The goal of the department is to help all Ida B. Wells students understand what science is, what it can do, and how it will affect their lives. Ida B. Wells’ Science Department has been developing and teaching innovative curriculum since the school opened in 1957. While the staff and students have changed, quality remains a unifying theme. All science courses at Ida B. Wells are lab sciences.
Grade: 9 Prerequisite: None
This lab-based course is designed to provide the foundation for the other core science classes by covering the fundamental concepts of Physics: motion, forces, momentum, energy, waves, and electromagnetism. Students will design experiments, take data, learn how to use new technologies, and identify patterns in order to create engineering solutions to real world problems that they identify. The Physics: NGSS class guides students by promoting problem solving, innovation, design, and critical thinking. This course is designed to be highly engaging and differentiated for all learners in order to give every student a strong start in the three-year core science sequence.
Grade: 10 Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to offer students a foundation in the basic concepts of chemistry with integrated laboratory experiences. The information presented in this course can be used in everyday living as well as in post–high school training or college.
Grade: 11 Prerequisite: None
This lab-based course covers the foundational principles of modern life focusing on molecular processes. The course is framed around the themes of structure and function as well as interaction and change. Course content will include the studies of biochemistry cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Technological, historical, political, and environmental aspects of biology will be addressed. Content learned in physics and chemistry courses is built upon and expanded using a biological context.
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisites: Chemistry and Physics, and Advanced Algebra 3-4 (or concurrent enrollment)
This year–long AP class embraces numerous subjects and disciplines. This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Environmental Science exam. In addition, this course will delve in depth into traditional ecology, and to encompass a local and global understanding of current environmental issues. Students will explore earth systems and their resources, population dynamics, resource usage, global change, energy flow in the ecosystem, and the relationships between social/cultural/economic systems and ecological issues. The study of local and global ecosystems, impact of human activities on the environment, and potential solutions to ecological problems will be explored through reading, writing, modeling, research, and class discussions. Research experience, field trips, and class debates are important aspects of this course. Students should be self–motivated and ready for a challenging and exciting year of study.
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisites: Physics and Chemistry Notes: This class is only being offered as a two-period block; highly recommended grade of C or better in Chemistry and Physics
AP Chemistry/AP Chemistry Lab is being offered as a two-credit course pairing only. This course is ideal for students who will be pursuing careers in the sciences, engineering, or medicine. It covers an entire year of college chemistry, including 16+ labs, and is designed to ensure students have a solid foundation in chemistry prior to future college classes. Topics include stoichiometry and reactions, atomic and molecular structure, intermolecular forces, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and electrochemistry. It is highly recommended that students take the Advanced Placement test at the end of the year to potentially earn college credit.
Grade: 11 Prerequisite: Biology (or concurrent enrollment) and Chemistry Notes: Highly recommended: grade of “C” or higher in Chemistry
Students will study the human body from cells and tissues to body systems and learn how these systems interact. It is valuable for students interested in medical or health science related careers. A major portion of the course will be devoted to laboratory work. This course is required for CTE Health Science honors. It is a rigorous course offered as a dual credit class in partnership with Oregon Institute of Technology-BIO 103 (Completion of the entire year course is required to earn OIT credit.)
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: None
Students will study astronomy, meteorology, environmental science, and structural and historical geology in this project–oriented, problem solving class. Methods of investigation will include the use of telescopes, computer simulations, and outside materials.
GR 11-12 Prerequisite: None Note: Elective
Climate Justice/Environmental Justice is an elective course that explores the topics of climate change and environmental justice through both science and social studies lenses. This course takes a service learning approach service-learning approach to learning in order to: 1) study the causes and consequences of the global environmental crisis; 2) to understand the various approaches of groups here in Portland, across the U.S., and around the world who are working toward solutions to the crisis; and 3) to actively engage with community organizations and initiatives that are working to make the transition to a more just and sustainable future. By looking at the many ways in which Portland- and Northwest-based groups are addressing the environmental crisis - through community organizing, urban planning, political action, and sustainable economic initiatives, for example - the course will introduce students to ways in which they can play active, leadership roles in shaping a more sustainable future.
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: None
This class puts students at the scene of crimes and provides them with the skills, laboratory experience and knowledge to assist in solving those crimes. The students will gain proficiency in the identification of fingerprints, hair follicles, drug screening, poisons, minerals, soils and any other evidence present. We will introduce students to the criminal investigative process beginning from the time the crime is committed, through the identification, collection, preservation and presentation of evidence. This class provides the opportunity for students to take a firsthand look at exciting career opportunities in law enforcement.
Course: G201 (+ 204 lab) Dynamic Earth: Interior and G202 (+ 205 lab) Dynamic Earth: Surface
Grade: 11-12 Notes: Strongly recommended grade of B or higher in previous science courses
This is a dual-credit class, with Portland State University, that focuses on the study of Earth’s formation, composition, structures, and the processes that have changed its surface over time. The laboratory component of the class will cover basic geologic principles and processes emphasizing rocks, minerals, topographic and geologic maps, with special equipment provided by PSU. Register and pay $220 each semester (with documented financial need, cost reduced to $50 per semester). Four college credits per semester, 8 credits total. For a school brochure with registration deadlines and more information, go to this Link and click on “School specific information” in the menu bar across the top of the page.
Grade: 12 Prerequisites: Chemistry and Biology
This course involves in–depth studies of selected topics in biology, including laboratory work involving AP Biology Labs, various class activities and an annual field trip to OHSU. Biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, human anatomy and physiology, and plants are studied throughout the year. Students must be willing to dedicate an adequate amount of academic effort to master the college–level content of this course. This course is recommended for students planning to continue as biology majors in college, including those considering careers in fields such as medicine, dentistry, or nursing. This class is a recommended part of our Health Sciences CTE Pathway.
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisites: Physics and Algebra 3-4
This class explores the fundamental relationships and equations that govern the way the world works in subject areas beyond those in Physics. The primary topics are fluid dynamics; thermodynamics; electromagnetic forces and fields; light-wave duality; and optics. Students will engage in rich lab work, engineering projects, and use computers to model the behavior of systems. Students wishing to get Advanced Placement Credit for this class will need to complete a significant independent assignment the summer before they take this course in order to cover topics that will otherwise be covered after the AP exam in May. This course will teach content that is very helpful for a wide range of other advanced science classes and is particularly relevant for students planning to study the life sciences, environmental science, chemistry, physics, or earth science in college.
Grade: 11-12 Prerequisites: Grade of C or higher or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB Notes: Recommended grades of C or better in Physics and Chemistry
This calculus-based physics course which provides instruction in the following seven content areas: Kinematics; Newton’s Laws of Motion; Energy; Momentum; Circular Motion; Oscillations; and Gravitation. The course will be focused on the application of introductory differential and integral calculus to solving problems in the physics content areas. The course utilizes guided inquiry and student–centered learning to foster the development of critical thinking skills. The course includes a lab component equivalent to 25% of the student’s class time. Successful students will be well prepared for the official AP Physics C: Mechanics exam offered by the College Board in May. This course is particularly relevant for students planning to study engineering, math, and architecture in college. Due to significant content overlap, students usually do not take both AP Physics 1 and Physics C: Mechanics during their time at Wilson. If you are interested in doing so, speak to your physics teacher.
GR 11-12 Prerequisite: Earth & Space Science
Astronomy 1 (Fall Semester) and Astronomy 2 (Spring Semester) pick up where Space Science left off in Earth & Space Science. Each of the eight required units in Space Science: The Night Sky, Light, Gravity, Our Solar System, The Sun, Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology would be taken to a deeper level typical of an introductory college class in astronomy. Each student would also conduct an independent project of their own design with instructor guidance.