Science

408 - PHYSICAL SCIENCE: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 9 [Additional Course Information] [Watch Course Video]

This course includes traditional introductory topics drawn from chemistry and physics, which are also integrated with interdisciplinary science topics that include nature of science topics, problem-solving experiences, and engineer concepts. Chemistry topics include atomic structure, patterns in the periodic table, writing chemical formulas, and balancing chemical equations. Physics topics include motion, forces, mechanical energy, work, power, and electricity.

409 - ENRICHED PHYSICAL SCIENCE: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 9 [Watch Course Video]

Enriched Physical Science is designed for students with high interest and aptitude in science and math. The course applies mathematics to chemistry and physics concepts, extending learning to topics not typically taught in 9th-grade Physical Science. These topics include the thermodynamics of chemistry, projectile motion, and self-designed research projects. This course moves at an accelerated pace and requires demanding supplemental readings and the use of a graphing calculator. Students registering for this course need to have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Accelerated Geometry.

1. Students in Accelerated math-8 (Intermediate Algebra) or UMTYMP who are interested in taking Enriched Physical Science should register for 0015P Enriched Physical Science Hold to indicate their interest in taking the course. Students will not be able to enroll directly into Enriched Physical Science

2. There are a limited number of seats available for enrollment. If registration exceeds the enrollment limit, students will be selected based on a profile of the following data:

• 8th-grade Science District Common Assessment data

• 8th-grade science grades

• 8th-grade Math grades

Priority will be given to students currently in Intermediate Algebra or UMTYMP. If there are seats available, a student not in Intermediate Algebra may double up in Math and register for Enriched Physical Science. This determination will be made in August. Students interested in this should follow these steps:

1. Register for Physical Science

2. Work with your HS counselor in August to determine if seats are available. If space permits and the student is selected to enroll based on their profile as outlined above, their schedule will be adjusted accordingly.

There are three options for students to meet the Biology Graduation Requirement:

• Biology (2 terms) or

• AP Biology (3 terms) or

• Biomedical Biology (2 terms) + Ecology and Evolution (1 term) or a different course that fulfills the ecology and evolution standards

Students who choose Biomedical Biology will be automatically registered for the 1 term Ecology and Evolution class in order to address the ecology and evolution standards. Students may arrange with their counselor to substitute Ecology and Evolution with any of these courses: Wildlife Science (2-terms); Environmental Science (2-terms); AP Environmental Science (2-terms); AP Biology (3-terms).

415 - BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY, Project Lead the Way (PLTW): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 10 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

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 semester, students are challenged in various scenarios including investigating a crime scene, 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.

In order to meet the Biology requirement for graduation, students taking Biomedical Biology will be automatically registered for the 1 term class Ecology and Evolution in order to address the ecology and evolution standards. Students may arrange with their counselor to substitute Ecology and Evolution with any of these courses: Wildlife Science (2-terms); Environmental Science (2-terms); AP Environmental Science (2-terms); AP Biology (3-terms).

416 - BIOLOGY: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

This new course replaces the former Biology and BioX classes. It provides a challenging, inquiry-based experience to explore and make sense of biological phenomena and the key biological questions: How do organisms live and grow? How and why do organisms interact with their environment? How are characteristics of one generation passed to the next? And what evidence shows that different species are related? This is a high school-level course that prepares students for college-level classes.

418 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12, [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

Our population is growing by 1 billion approximately every 15 years. Many of the environmental issues we have stemmed from population growth, and they will be covered in this course. Topics include invasive species, water issues, the atmosphere (including air pollution, acid rain, ozone depletion, and global climate change), population, biomes, soil, and ecology. There is an outdoor component to this class with studies of Elm Creek, soil, trees, and other ecological studies. This class can serve as a companion class to Biomedical Biology as it addresses the graduation standards in ecology and evolution that are not part of the Biomedical Biology curriculum.

419 - WILDLIFE SCIENCE: 2 Terms/2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [What Course Video]

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

Students will learn ecology, geology, and biology as it applies to wildlife in the State of Minnesota, as well as understanding what biodiversity is and the effect it will have on the future of humans on planet Earth. Students will study biology, ecology, natural history, and issues of the Gray Wolf in Minnesota, Yellowstone National Park, and Europe. The wolf study will conclude with a field trip to the Wildlife Science Center for a day of observing behavior in several captive packs of wolves. Some of the inquiry activities will be done in our outdoor learning areas. This class can serve as a companion class to Biomedical Biology as it addresses the graduation standards in ecology and evolution that are not part of the Biomedical Biology curriculum.

420 - HUMAN ANATOMY: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology or Biomedical Biology

This course is designed as a college prep course; it will be especially helpful to students interested in the biomedical sciences as careers. The topics include muscle physiology, human organs, and cardiovascular physiology. The major lab activity will be cat dissection. A grade of C or better in Biology, or Biomedical Biology is recommended for this course.

421 - ZOOLOGY: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Biology or Biomedical Biology

When most people think about studying animals they probably focus on the animals at the zoo. Unfortunately, they fail to realize that a majority of the animal kingdom is made up of organisms that differ greatly from lions, tigers, and bears. Through research, video, scientific articles, and dissections, Zoology will delve into this unique world of invertebrates from a comparative anatomy approach. Class dissections will include earthworms, crayfish, starfish, squid, and dogfish sharks. A grade of C or better in Biology, or Biomedical Biology is recommended for this course.

422 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [View Course Video] [Additional Course Information]

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

Topics covered in this course will include ecosystems, population, land and water use, energy, pollution, and global change. There will also be an outdoor component to this class. Students will study Elm Creek and contribute to data looking at this local stream’s health. In addition, students will attend a field trip to Gale Woods farm to explore sustainable farming and will have the opportunity to help out on the farm. This class can serve as a companion class to Biomedical Biology as it addresses the graduation standards in ecology and evolution that are not part of the Biomedical Biology curriculum.

423 - FORENSIC SCIENCE, APPLIED SCIENCE: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 [View Course Video]

Prerequisite: Chemistry or Chemistry X

The course is for upperclassmen that are interested in applying scientific principles to the law and crime scene evidence. Units of study include crime scene procedures, death investigations, criminal psychology, fingerprints, DNA, blood /blood spatter, and trace evidence analysis. The curriculum will help students develop proficient and independent lab skills, apply and integrate chemistry, math, biology, physics, and law within the forensic science field. Labs will include, but are not limited to crime scene analysis, fingerprint dusting/lifting, impression & bite mark evidence, microscopic analysis of hair and fibers, blood typing, analysis of blood spatter patterns, arson analysis, DNA fingerprinting, forensic autopsies, entomology, and human anthropology. The course is for students who are able to discuss and evaluate the mature subject matter and enjoy working independently. Criminal case studies will be used as examples of how forensic procedures are used to solve real crimes. A grade of C or better in Chemistry is recommended for this course.

424 - HUMAN GENETICS: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12 [View Course Video]

Prerequisite: Biology or Biomedical Biology

This course will review the basics of inheritance and investigate the complexity of inheritance patterns and expression in humans. Students will explore our understanding of the human genome and how individuals and the medical community can use the knowledge to make informed decisions about health and medicine. Topics may include human disorders, genetic history, genetic testing, genetic screening, genetic engineering, and ethics. This course includes reading a novel to help students address questions about what we can do now with genetic manipulation and what should or should not be allowed in the future. A grade of C or better in Biology, or Biomedical Biology is recommended for this course.

425 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY: 3 Terms / 3 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

AP Biology is a rigorous college-level course offered as both a first and second-year Biology class at WHS. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, biochemistry, cellular energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions. Students build understanding not only of content but also of science practices.

AP Biology is appropriate for most students after they have taken Biology. This is the recommendation of both the College Board and WHS. This course includes a considerable amount of college-level reading and writing to prepare for the AP Biology exam. Students planning to take this as a first-year course should consider the balance of their schedule, interest in the topics, and ability to process and apply information quickly. Students can anticipate an average of 1-2 hours per day, outside of school, to prepare for this course. Before deciding if this course is right for you, please review the sample resources that you would be expected to use.

Sample Classwork and Homework

OpenStax Chapter 3.1 and 3.2: these two sample sections provide a flavor for the level and amount of text students would be expected to read independently each day, for homework. The actual course text is Campbell Biology, 12th edition.

Cockroach assignment with article: this is an example of an in-class assignment students would engage in during the unit on evolution.

Nebcutter Activity: this is an example of an in-class assignment during the biotechnology unit.

Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP Biology exam given in mid-May. Those who score well may earn college credit for Biology, depending on the college they attend.

This class can serve as a companion class to Biomedical Biology as it addresses the graduation standards in ecology and evolution that are not part of the Biomedical Biology curriculum.

451 - MARINE BIOLOGY: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Biology or Biomedical Biology

Our planet is over 70% water, most of which is found in the oceans. There is another world under the surface of these waters that few people have the chance to explore. Marine Biology provides students with the opportunity to experience this world in the classroom. Through research, experimentation, video, computer interactives, and hands-on activities, students will experience each of the diverse ecosystems within the ocean, the organisms that live in them, and how they relate to each other ecologically. This course is not focused on the anatomy and physiology of the organisms and has no dissection (which is more the focus of Zoology), but rather focuses on the bigger picture of the ocean and how each part relates to the other. A grade of C or better in Biology, or Biomedical Biology is recommended for this course.

456 - ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION: 1 Term/1 Credit, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Through the lens of natural selection, students will investigate ecological and evolutionary principles. Students will engage in phenomenon-driven learning experiences, such as case studies of lions and sea otters, which will help them make sense of the many connections between living organisms. Students will explore the scientific evidence of evolution through its 4.5 billion year history through an examination of fossils, teeth, hominid skull replicas, and biomimicry. Any interested student may take this class. Students taking Biomedical Biology will be automatically registered for this class in order to address the ecology and evolution standards. Biomed students may arrange with their counselor to substitute Ecology and Evolution with any of these courses: Wildlife Science (2-terms); Environmental Science (2-terms); AP Environmental Science (2-terms); AP Biology (3-terms).

413 - MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

The Medical Terminology course introduces students to the language of medicine and healthcare. Any student interested in pursuing a health-related career will find value in building a foundation of this understanding. Students will learn about the structure of medical terms, including prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, and singular and plural forms, plus medical abbreviations and acronyms. This understanding can then be applied to future studies related to pharmacology, medical procedures, human anatomy, and physiology.

426 - CHEMISTRY: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisites: Geometry or Accelerated Geometry + Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

This course provides a basic introduction to chemistry topics. Topics covered include the atom, periodic table, bonding, reactions, stoichiometry, solution, and gas chemistry. Laboratory experiments are an integral part of the course.

428 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Chemistry or Chemistry X

This course introduces the topic of carbon chemistry; time is spent on general organic (nonliving systems) and biochemistry (living systems). This course provides background for students planning on majoring in chemistry at college or for those going into a medically related area, such as medical technology, nursing, veterinary science, dentistry, or medicine.

430 - CHEMISTRY X: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisites: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science + Geometry or Accelerated Geometry

This course will provide a solid Chemistry background for college-level chemistry. Students should be comfortable with rearranging algebraic equations and with mathematical reasoning. Topics covered include equation writing and balancing; quantitative relationships in chemical reactions; kinetic theory; atomic and molecular structure and its application to a study of reactions including rates, energies, and equilibrium acid-base. Laboratory experiments are an integral part of the course. Experimental design, data collection and interpretation, discussion of errors, and problem-solving are part of the course experience. Students may take this course if concurrently enrolled in Geometry or Accelerated Geometry.

433 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY: 3 Terms / 3 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Chemistry X (or instructor approval if you took Chemistry)

This course will study the topics of a typical freshman college chemistry course. The lab will be used to emphasize selected topics and will average an experiment every two weeks. A grade of B or better in Chemistry X is recommended for enrollment in this course.

There are four choices for introductory physics courses (Physics, Physics X, AP Physics 1 & 2, and AP Physics C). All four assume a basic understanding of physics concepts from the physical science course taken in 9th grade. All four courses approach the topics with a conceptual emphasis; the main difference between the courses is the mathematical level of numerical problem-solving.

443 - PHYSICS: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Accelerated Algebra 2

This course provides a background for college-bound students who are planning majors other than physics, chemistry, or engineering. The basic topics of this course include motion, forces, energy, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Practical applications to the student’s world are emphasized in a conceptual approach; frequent laboratory experiences support this emphasis as well. This course may be taken concurrently with Algebra 2 or Accelerated Algebra 2.

446 - PHYSICS X: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: PreCalculus or Accelerated PreCalculus

This course is intended for students who may be considering post-secondary study in the physical sciences; topics include kinematics, dynamics, conservation of energy and momentum, thermodynamics, sound optics, electricity, and magnetism. Practical applications and laboratory work are emphasized. As the prerequisite implies, students who elect this class should be comfortable with basic algebra and trigonometry. Note: Since both this class and AP Physics are designed to be first courses in physics, students are discouraged from enrolling in AP Physics after completing Physics X. Also, if students are planning on taking Chemistry X and Physics X during their high school career, it is recommended to take Chemistry X first. This course may be taken concurrently with PreCalculus or Accelerated PreCalculus.

449 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 1 & 2: 3 Terms / 3 Credits, Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: PreCalculus or Accelerated PreCalculus

This is an introductory college-level course that prepares students for further study in the physical sciences while also preparing them for the AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 exams. Major topics of study include motion, forces, energy, thermodynamics, modern physics, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. This course is similar to Physics, Physics X, and AP Physics C, and a student would choose only one of these four courses. *Students may be concurrently enrolled in PreCalculus or Accelerated PreCalculus while taking this course.

452 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C: 3 Terms / 3 Credits, Grades 11-12

Prerequisites: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science + AP Calculus AB*

This is an introductory college-level calculus-based physics course that prepares students for further study in the physical sciences, physics, or engineering, while also preparing them for the AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exams. Major topics of study include motion, forces, energy, thermodynamics, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. This course is similar to Physics, Physics X, and AP Physics 1 & 2 and a student would choose only one of these four courses. *Students may be concurrently enrolled in AP Calculus AB while taking this course.

458 - INTRO TO PARTICLE PHYSICS: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisites: Algebra 2 or Accelerated Algebra 2 + Physics or Physics X or AP Physics 1 & 2 or AP Physics C

This course will allow students to explore some of the most current research being performed in the area of physics. What are the particles that make-up protons and neutrons? What research is currently being done to better our understanding of matter and energy? Topics in this course will explore answers to these questions as well as introduce students to mysteries physicists are still working on such as dark matter, supersymmetry, and a modern explanation of gravity. Students in the course will construct a unique research question and answer it by analyzing current data.

459 - PROJECT-BASED PHYSICS: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisites: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science + Algebra 2 or Accelerated Algebra 2.

The projects will vary from year to year based on student interest and availability. Possible projects include designing an amusement park ride, building a milk carton boat for the annual race at Valleyfair, and creating a Rube Goldberg Machine from smaller projects built throughout the term. Students who have previously taken a Physics class will be given the opportunity to apply their physics knowledge through scenarios and experiences in real life and thus gain a deeper understanding of the connections between concepts of Physics. Students who have not previously taken a Physics class will receive a general introduction to some of the core concepts of Physics through inquiry and discovery.

457 - CIRCUITS AND ELECTRONICS: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisites: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science + Algebra 2, Algebra 2 Extended, or Accelerated Algebra 2

This course will give students an introduction to electronic components and circuitry through circuit building. Students will explore the fundamental principles of AC and DC circuits, Ohm’s Law, diodes, transistors, capacitors, and transformers. Students will work in small groups to complete lessons at their own pace.

440 - ASTRONOMY: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Teacher: Brandon Heebink

Prerequisite: Geometry or Accelerated Geometry

Astronomy is a branch of physics with its origins dating back thousands of years. This course will focus on all parts of our universe, especially our solar system, the Milky Way Galaxy, and the stars in it. In addition to these topics, this course will also look at how astronomy, astrophysics, space travel, and our understanding of the universe are continually changing. Online simulations will be used along with small-scale lab experiments to touch on concepts such as distance measurements, the use of optical devices, the nature of light, the structure of stars and planets, and the distribution of stars and galaxies within the universe.

454 - GEOLOGY OF MINNESOTA: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Teacher: Jill Holz

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

Come explore the processes that create Minnesota’s great landscape! Using Minnesota State Parks and other natural landmarks, we will examine Minnesota’s rich geological features. Topics include lakes and rivers, caves and karst topography, rocks and minerals, glaciers, tectonic rifting, mining and Iron Ranges, quarrying and geological products, post-secondary geoscience opportunities, and geoscience careers. This course has several geology trips throughout Minnesota to give students real field experiences. Students will make observations and interpretations, as well as evaluate scientific data, in order to tell Minnesota’s geological story.