A student's educational experience in science begins with Physical Science in 9th grade. Students take Biology in 10th grade. Students then pick elective science courses in their 11th and 12th grade years. Students often take 2 science courses in their 11th and 12th grade years. 

The Wausau School District requires 3 years (6 semesters) of science to graduate.  It is recommended by colleges that a minimum of 2 credits come from lab-based courses.

Additional Non-Lab Elective Courses from the Agriscience, Technology and Engineering Education, 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.)

• Vet Science (Agriscience Dept.)

• Horticulture/Greenhouse (Agriscience Dept.)

• Advanced Conservation (Agriscience Dept.)

• Food Science (FCS Dept.)

PHYSICAL SCIENCE 9

Course: 122241/222241 Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 9

Fee: $5/Sem Prereq: None

This is a one-year course required for Freshmen.  This course develops basic skills, knowledge and appreciation of science.  Most of the instruction is laboratory based and includes investigations from chemistry, earth science, environmental science and physics.  Scientific skills, problem solving and critical thinking skills are highly emphasized.  This course builds a strong foundation for students as they prepare to move through upper level science classes in the future. 

SCIENCE 9/10 ACCELERATED PHYSICAL/BIOLOGICAL

Course: 122381/222381 Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 9

Fee: $5/Sem Prereq: See note

This is an ACCELERATED science course open to some Freshmen.   The curriculum compresses topics from two year-long courses; (Physical Science 9 and Biology 10) into a single year. Successful students learn rapidly, enjoy learning about science, understand science concepts easily, have study skill, and have a strong desire to take at least one science class per semester through 12th grade at Wausau

To be eligible for the course student must apply and meet the following requirements:

1. Earn a grade of at least an A- in their 8th grade science course and at least a B-in their 8th grade math course.

2. Have decent attendance with minimal behavioral issues.

3. Receive approval from your 8th grade science teacher.

For non-John Muir students, the admission procedure involves an alternate screening process (please contact anjohnson@wausauschools.org) 

BIOLOGY 10

Course: 122261/222261 Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 10

Fee: $5/Sem Prereq: Physical Science 9

This course will introduce the student to basic concepts of life science, how they are related in the natural world, theory and its practical application, laboratory procedures, problem solving, and research and data analysis. 

PHYSICS

Course: 122211/222211 Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 11-12, or 10 with consent of Science 9/10 instructor

Fee: $5/Sem Prereq: Physical Science 9 and Biology 10 (or Science 9/10) and current enrollment in Integrated Math II. 

General Physics is a year-long introductory course designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the principles that govern the physical world. Through a combination of hands-on experimentation, conceptual exploration, and mathematical reasoning students will investigate key topics such as motion, forces, energy, and the behavior of matter.

This course emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Algebra and basic geometry are used throughout the course, making it suitable for students who have completed or are concurrently enrolled in Integrated Math II. 

First Semester Topics will include:

• Motion (velocity & acceleration)

• Forces

• Energy

• Projectiles 

Second Semester Topics are voted on by the students but often include:

• Momentum & Collisions

• Waves, Sound, & Music

• Nuclear Physics

• Light & Optics

• Circuits 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 1

Course: 122391/222391 Credit: 1.0/Year   Offered: Year Year Taken: 11-12, or 10 with consent of Science 9/10 instructor    Fee: $5/Sem Prereq: Physical Science 9 and Biology 10 (or Science 9/10) and Integrated Math II.

Physics is NOT a prerequisite for AP Physics. 

AP Physics 1 is an introductory course designed to be equivalent to a first-semester algebra-based physics course offered at the university level. This rigorous, year-long course focuses on developing deep conceptual understanding and strong problem-solving skills. Algebra and basic trigonometry are used throughout the course, making it suitable for students who have completed Integrated Math II. 

Students explore foundational topics in classical mechanics, including motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and simple harmonic motion, and fluids. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, connecting physical principles to real-world phenomena, and representing physical situations mathematically and graphically.

In May students will have the option of taking the AP Physics 1* exam. Colleges may grant college credit for passing the exam. This can be especially helpful for students who do not plan on going into a scientific field as this will usually count towards basic science requirements. 

*Students who are also enrolled in AP Calculus will have the option of taking the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam. 

EARTH SCIENCE

Course: 122151/222151 Credit: 0.5/Sem or 1.0/Year Offered: Sem or Year Year Taken: 11-12, or 10 with consent of Science 9/10

Fee: $5/Sem Prereq: Completion of Phys Sci 9, Bio 10 or 9/10

Students may enroll for either semester or both semesters. 

In the first semester we will look at the awesome universe as we study astronomy and meteorology.  Topics include galaxies, stars and planets; the Earth, moon and sun; the Earth’s atmosphere; storms (tornadoes and hurricanes); weather maps and weather predictions.  During the astronomy unit there will be one class meeting a week in the Planetarium.  Optional nighttime telescope viewing may be available.

Second semester topics include creative relationships between the Earth’s interior and exterior.  Discover the importance of geography and geology in everyday life as we study the following areas: geographical information systems (GIS) on computers, geographic position system (GPS), rocks and minerals and mining, the effect of plate tectonics including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, mountains and ocean floor features such as trenches and ridges. 

SCIENCE SURVEY

Course: 122291/222291 Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 11-12

Prereq: Junior standing Lab Fee: $5/Sem

This lab science course is intended for juniors and seniors who seek additional opportunities in the four science disciplines of physics, chemistry, earth science, and biology through 4 to 6 week units.  This problem solving, critical thinking course will help students prepare for additional advanced studies in science at Wausau West and will assist students to better understand the world.  Juniors will also practice ACT science test skills and seniors will design and create a science project.

This class is not approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

CHEMISTRY

Course: 122091/222091 Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 11-12, or 10 with consent of Science 9/10 instructor

Lab Fee: $5/Sem Prereq: Completion of Phys Sci 9, Bio 10 or 9/10

Chemistry is taught with the purpose of making the next level of chemistry easier.  We cover most of the topics covered in a first year college chemistry class.  Who should take chemistry?  Anyone wanting to pursue a career in any part of a medical field (nurse, doctor, dental hygienist, dentist, pharmacist, phlebotomist, veterinarian, lab technician), engineering, CSI, fire investigation, brewing, and a whole bunch of other careers.  Yes, we blow up a few things as well. 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY

AP Chemistry Course: 122131/222131

Credit: 1.0/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 11-12 Lab Fee: $5/Sem

Prereq: Completion of Chemistry (with an A or B grade highly recommended)

You will be automatically enrolled into:

Chemistry Seminar Course: 122141/222141

Credit: 0.25/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 11-12

After successful completion of chemistry, you are invited and encouraged to enroll in AP Chemistry / Chemistry Seminar.  This 2nd year is designed to give you the equivalent of a freshman college chemistry course.  In May, students will have the option of taking the College Board AP Chemistry test.  Colleges may grant credit for passing this exam. Chemistry Seminar will feature the laboratory experiences similar to a first year college chemistry program.

Create a flammable gas with electricity, predict which chemical reactions are spontaneous and what the products will be, determine the shape of molecules and do titrations with strong acids. Once you have taken chemistry, more details of the world of matter and energy will be opened up for your enjoyment.  Enroll in AP Chemistry to explore the underlying principles and structure of what makes up our world.

Students not interested in a science career can also benefit from this course by earning college credit towards science electives.  This allows students time to focus on their major while in college. 

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY

Course: 122031/222031 Credit: 0.5/Sem    Offered: Sem I or II Year Taken: 11-12, or 10 with consent of Sci 9/10 instructor

Prereq: Completion of Physical Science 9 or Science 9/10 and Biology 10                    Lab Fee: $5/Sem  

Human Physiology and Anatomy is a semester-long course that provides an exploration into the human body and its systems.  In this class, students will engage with the structure and function of major body systems, including the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems.  Through interactive activities, hands-on labs, and dissections, students will gain an understanding of how these systems work together to maintain homeostasis in the human body. By the end of the semester, students will be equipped with a foundational knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and will have gained critical thinking and analytical skills essential for careers in health sciences, medicine, biology and related fields.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY

AP Biology Course: 122051/222051 Credit: 1.0/Year  Offered: Year Year Taken: 11-12

Prereq: Completion of Phys Science 9 & Biology 10 or Science 9/10         Lab Fee: $5/Sem

You will automatically be enrolled into:

Biology Seminar Course: 122081/222081

Credit: 0.25/Year Offered: Year Year Taken: 11-12

AP Biology is an introductory, college-level laboratory course that provides students the opportunity to engage in inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. Prior to taking the course, it is recommended that students have successfully completed high school courses in biology and chemistry

In AP Biology, students will learn how to collect data, use data to form conclusions, and will then apply their conclusions to larger biological concepts. Students will report recorded data and quantitative conclusions drawn from the data to their peers in written and visual formats.  Students will also develop an understanding of how changes in the design of the experiments will impact the validity and accuracy of results.   Students taking this course will have the option to register for the AP National Exam in spring.  Students are not required to take the National Exam but may choose to take this course simply to become more career and college ready. 

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Course: 122361/222361 Credit: 0.5/Sem Offered: Semester I or II Year Taken: 11-12

Prereq: Junior or Senior, 2nd semester Biology Extended recommended Lab Fee: $5/Sem

Textbook/Workbook Fee: $15

Credit: Dual credit available

Understanding medical terminology is vital for entry in a wide range of professions including those entering the medical, coding or billing fields; those seeking careers in the hospital, insurance companies or government agencies; biotechnology research; or those in the legal profession. If you are interested in pursuing a health and science career requiring the ability to communicate with physicians, dentists, or other medical professionals, this class will provide the necessary skills.

You will learn and recognize word roots, prefixes, and suffixes used in medical language today. You will learn to combine word parts in order to create meaningful medical vocabulary as well as comprehend their definition. This course will cover medical terms related to all major body systems such as: muscular, circulatory, skeletal, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, endocrine and the urinary system. Vocabulary comes alive through animations, lectures, computer work, speakers, and labs using real organs and dissections.

Note: This is a Dual Credit course.  Students who successfully complete this course with a 80% or better will be eligible for three (3) transcript credits through NTC.  You will also receive 0.5 Science elective credit.