Science

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Course: 122201/222201 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 9 or teacher consent

Prerequisite: None Fee: $10.00

This course is designed to serve as a foundation for students planning to take additional work in Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics.  This course may not be pursued concurrently with Physics or Chemistry and may not be taken after a student has completed either of these courses.

*If not grade 9, need the consent of the instructor.

BIOLOGY I

Course: 122011/222011 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 9-12

Prerequisite: Required for all students for graduation. Fee: $10.00

Biology I explores the fundamentals of life through hands-on laboratory investigations and real-world problem-solving. Students study life's essential units, including cells, cell processes, and the principles of genetics and heredity. The curriculum covers evolution and the diversity of life, including bacteria, protists, fungi, and plants. Major units also focus on invertebrate and vertebrate animals, the functions of the human body, and the causes of disease. A special emphasis is placed on Ecology, with students conducting field-based studies of the biodiversity and health of the Wausau East Ponds. This course develops essential scientific skills like data analysis and modeling, preparing students for future science coursework.

BIOLOGY IB I

Course: 122061/222061 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: “C” average in Biology I and Chemistry I, or have the consent of the instructor.

Fee: $10.00

IB Biology I is the first year of the two-year course sequence that explores life through the core themes of unity and diversity and form and function. Students engage in in-depth laboratory work and inquiry-based learning, developing high-level conceptual understanding and advanced scientific skills. The curriculum provides an intensive study of fundamental biological molecules, including water, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. A central focus is placed on the modern synthesis of evolution and the complex interrelationships between the molecular basis of life and the diversity of organisms. This course lays the necessary foundation for success in the second year of the IB Biology curriculum and the final assessment.

BIOLOGY IB II

Course: 122071/222071 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 12

Prerequisite: Passing grades in Biology IB I or have the consent of the instructor.

Fee: $10.00

IB Biology II is the capstone year of the challenging, two-year sequence, reinforcing advanced concepts through the major themes of interaction and interdependence and continuity and change. The course integrates complex topics such as nucleic acids, metabolism, physiology, and ecology, focusing on how living systems function and evolve. A significant component of the course is the Internal Assessment (IA), where students design, conduct, and write a comprehensive, independent scientific investigation. This highly rigorous year culminates in preparation for the final IB examinations and the development of the essential critical thinking and research skills required for university-level science. 

CHEMISTRY I

Course: 122091/222091 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 10-12

Prerequisite: “C” average in Algebra 1 and Biology I or have the consent of the instructor

Fee: $10.00

Chemistry I deals with an overview of the field of chemistry.  This is followed by a study of the principles of chemical reactions.  A scientific or graphing calculator is required for this course. Chemistry I is designed to prepare students for higher level Chemistry courses such as Chemistry IB & college level Chemistry.

CHEMISTRY B

Course: 122101/222101 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: Passing grades in  Algebra 1 and Biology I or have the consent of the instructor

Fee: $10.00

This course provides an overview of the basic concepts of Chemistry.  The course is activity oriented, but basic Algebra is needed.  It also looks at Chemistry and its relation to science as a whole.

CHEMISTRY IB II

Course: 122111/222111 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: Chemistry I (advanced students) Fee: $10.00

Advanced Topics of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry. Course is intended for students pursuing careers in science or enrolled in the IB program. This course along with Chemistry I, covers the content of IB Standard Level Chemistry. This course will help prepare the students for possible advanced university standing or may help earn university credit after taking the exams in May. Please research the following websites for further information on local, national and international university recognition policies:  http://www.ibo.org/university-admission/, and http://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/testing/ib.aspx.

PHYSICS B

Course: 122221/222221 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology I and Algebra 1 Fee: $10.00

This physics course is similar to Physics IB I but a little slower paced.  Topics include motion, mechanics, waves and electricity.  Students should have a decent understanding of basic algebra skills and be able to solve for variables in an equation.  Major events that occur in the class are Rube Goldberg night where students build and present Rube Goldberg projects for the public and Great America Theme Park where students are invited to go on a field trip to Six Flags Great America and analyze rides for their final semester project.

PHYSICS IB I

Course: 122211/222211 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: “C” average in prior mathematics and science courses or have the consent of the instructor.

Fee: $10.00

Physics IB I is geared toward stronger math and science students.  Students are expected to bring a scientific calculator to class each day as the class has a large emphasis on computation and story problems.  Students wishing to test in Physics IB should plan on taking the 2nd year of Physics IB after successful completion of Physics IB I.  The purpose of the first year is to introduce students to the major areas of physics such as motion, forces, energy, waves and electricity.  There is a heavy emphasis on demonstrations and labs as well as problem solving in the course.  Physics students will build a Rube Goldberg project to present to the public for Rube Goldberg evening in the spring.  The final course project culminates in the amusement park at “Six Flags Great America”.

NOTE: IB policy only allows students in grade 11 to take SL exam; grade 12 for the HL exam if you wish to test in the Physics IB.  So this means that a junior in Physics IB II would not be allowed to test HL for IB.

PHYSICS IB II

Course: 122231/222231 Credit: 1.0 Length: Year Year Taken: 12

Prerequisite: Physics I IB Fee: $10.00

Advanced Physics will extend the study of many topics started the first year in Physics IB I course. Additional topics relate to waves, power, climate change, quantum and nuclear physics, heat, optics, and engineering physics. Upon completion of this course, students will have the option of taking either the Standard level or Higher level IB Physics Exam. Scoring well on this exam may allow the student to get higher placement or college credit. This course will help prepare the students for possible advanced university standing or may help earn university credit after taking the exams in May. Note: IB policy only allows students in grade 12 to take HL exam. Please research the following websites for further information on local, national and international university recognition policies:  http://www.ibo.org/university-admission/, and http://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/testing/ib.aspx.

ASTRONOMY/ EARTH SCIENCE

Course: 122001/222001 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 1 or 2 Year Taken: 10-12

Prerequisite: Passing grades in prior Science courses and Algebra I Fee: $5.00

Astronomy/Earth Science will be offered each semester.  This course begins with the study of the moon and solar system, and gradually works to the far reaches of the universe.  Some basic mathematics is required in the study of size/distance relationships, modeling and light intensity.  Use will be made of the planetarium at West High School.  Part of the course requirement involves the students making outdoor observations in a journal.

BIOLOGY II (HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY)

Course: 122031/222031 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 1 or 2 Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology I Fee: $5.00

Human Anatomy and Physiology is an in-depth course focusing on the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body, using a systems-based approach. The curriculum begins with a microscopic view, studying the four major tissues of the body. Subsequent units provide a detailed exploration of the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Students will engage in hands-on labs and practical activities, including virtual and physical dissections, to visualize complex physiological processes. A strong emphasis is placed on career exposure, connecting the concepts learned to various professions in medicine, healthcare, and allied health fields. This course is ideal for students interested in pursuing health-related careers.

FIELD BIOLOGY

Course: 122171 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 1 Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology I or consent of the instructor Fee: $5.00

Content:  Field Biology is a field research course.  Students will spend time outside conducting research.  The class will cover Ecological concepts such as forest ecology, water ecology, invasion species, birds, WI lakes, wildlife, population change and community dynamics.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Course: 122161/222161 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 1 or 2 Year Taken: 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology I Fee: $5.00

The goal of this course is to provide students with scientific principles, and concepts required to understand the relationships of the natural world.

Topics include: The characteristics of ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resource use. Content is supported by fieldtrips, laboratory and project work.

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Course: 122361/222361 Credit: .50 Length: Semester 1 or 2 Year Taken: 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology I or consent of the instructor Fee: $5.00.

Medical Terminology guides you along the path of vocabulary development that thoroughly prepares you to communicate as a medical professional, insurer, lawyer, equipment supplier, pharmaceutical representative and others who interact with health care providers and consumers. It is a lifelong learning course that can be used to help you understand every day medical terms whether it is at the doctor’s office or just watching TV. This rigorous course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis, and reconstruction of terms with emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. Students are then introduced to the operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all the body systems as well as structure, function and surgical terminology. Hands on activities are an integral part of the course to help with memorization. Students who successfully complete this course may qualify for a dual credit through Northcentral Technical College.

Additional Elective Courses from the Agriscience, Science, and Family and Consumer Science Departments help meet WSD high school graduation requirements. See course descriptions for more details.

• Principles of Engineering (Tech Ed Dept.- West)

• Vet Science (Agriscience Dept.)

• Horticulture/Greenhouse (Agriscience Dept.)

• Advanced Conservation (Agriscience Dept.)

• Food Science (FCS Dept.)