Science

410 - Earth Science: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 9

Earth Science 9 is a required, semester-long course that explores the natural world and our place in the universe. You'll use scientific investigation, data analysis, and modeling to study:

• Water (oceans and the water cycle).

• Climate and Weather (atmosphere and the greenhouse effect).

• Earth's Geology (plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes).

• Space (the Big Bang, stars, and the solar system).

The course focuses on understanding Earth's place in space, its systems and geologic processes, and how they are affected by human activity.

440 - Astronomy: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12

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 examine how astronomy, astrophysics, space travel, and our understanding of the universe are continually evolving. Online simulations will be used alongside small-scale lab experiments to cover 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 throughout the universe.

454 - Geology of Minnesota: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Earth Science

Minnesota’s landscape didn’t happen by accident - it was shaped by fire, ice, and water over billions of years.

In Geology of Minnesota, you’ll explore the real geological forces that shaped our state - from ancient oceans and massive glaciers to volcanic rifting and flowing groundwater. With potential field trips to state parks, rivers, mines, caves, and Lake Superior for hands-on investigation, Minnesota becomes your classroom.

You’ll investigate:

• Glaciers and how they reshaped Minnesota’s landscape

• Lakes, rivers, groundwater, and karst/cave systems

• Rocks, minerals, mining, and the Iron Ranges

• Tectonic rifting and Minnesota’s ancient geologic past

• Human impacts on water and natural resources

This hands-on, project-based course focuses on observation, data analysis, and real-world geology; it is ideal for students interested in science, the outdoors, environmental issues, or geoscience careers.

Student Testimonial:

• "Geology of Minnesota is one of the best classes offered at WHS. I have found myself applying the learning from class to real life and telling friends about the world around us. The field trips are insanely fun, and I have connected not only to so many new people but also to the land surrounding me. I absolutely loved GOM.”

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

• Biology (2 terms) or

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

• AP Biology (3 terms)

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: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 10 [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Earth Science

Step into the world of medicine! Students role-play as medical professionals to solve real-world challenges such as crime scene investigations, patient diagnosis, outbreak tracking, and emergency care. Students automatically register for Ecology and Evolution (or another approved course such as Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science, Wildlife Science, or AP Biology) to meet graduation standards. This class also offers college credit through St. Cloud State University.

To meet the Biology graduation requirement, students taking Biomedical Biology will be automatically registered for the 1-term class, Ecology and Evolution, 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  [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Earth Science

Explore biology through four storylines—Africa, Homeostasis, Melanin, and Disease—using real-world data. Students identify patterns, investigate phenomena, and build models. This high school course prepares students for college-level science, including AP Biology.

417 - Botany - Understanding Plants: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology, AP Biology, or Biomedical Biology

Study plants from molecules to ecosystems. Labs, fieldwork, and lectures cover plant growth, structure, reproduction, and ecological importance. Ideal for students interested in biological fields in college.

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

Prerequisite: Earth Science

Investigate environmental issues caused by population growth, including invasive species, water and air quality, climate change, and soil. Outdoor studies at Elm Creek and other sites provide hands-on experience.

419 - Wildlife Science: 2 Terms/2 Credits, Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Earth Science

Study ecology, biology, and geology through the lens of wildlife. Focus on local and global wildlife, including a field trip to observe wolves. Outdoor inquiry activities complement classroom learning.

420 - Human Anatomy: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology, AP Biology, or Biomedical Biology

College-prep course covering muscles, organs, and cardiovascular systems. Includes cat dissection. Recommended grade of C or higher in Biology.

422 - AP Environmental Science: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 9-12  [Watch Course Video] [Additional Course Information]  HYBRID COURSE

College-level course covering ecology, population, land and water use, energy, pollution, and global change, with preparation for the AP Environmental exam. Includes outdoor labs and local environmental assessments.

423 - Applied Science: Forensics: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Chemistry or Enriched Chemistry

The course is for upperclassmen interested in applying scientific principles to 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, independent lab skills and 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 can discuss and evaluate mature subject matter and enjoy working independently. Criminal case studies will illustrate how forensic procedures are used to solve real crimes. A grade of C or better in Chemistry is recommended for this course.

Student Testimonial:

• "Forensics is a great class to take. We learned so much about things that actually apply to what crime scene investigators do on a daily basis. We had real crime scenes to investigate, with multiple pieces of evidence. We dealt with blood spatter and figured out the path blood takes when it is cast off the murder weapon. We also practiced doing an autopsy on a pickle to see what cuts are made when figuring out the cause of death. One fun thing we would do every week is watch Forensic Files and learn about a murder case. We also got to put our fingerprints on a 10 Card--the same way people do when they are being arrested."

424 - Human Genetics: 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology, AP Biology, or Biomedical Biology

Explore inheritance, the human genome, genetic disorders, testing, engineering, and ethics. 

425 - AP Biology: 3 Terms / 3 Credits, Grades 10-12  [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Earth Science

College-level course covering cellular/molecular biology, ecology, and evolution. Labs and data analysis are emphasized, with preparation for the AP Biology exam.

AP Biology is appropriate for most students as a second-year biology course, taken after completing Biology or Biomedical Biology. This is the recommendation of both the College Board and WHS. Students planning to take this as their first biology course in high school should strongly consider: the overall demands of their schedule, their prior knowledge of biological topics, their interest in biology, their technical reading and writing skills, and their ability to process and apply information quickly. 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 each day independently, 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 enrolled in the course 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 Term / 2 Credit, Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology or Biomedical Biology

Dive into ocean ecosystems! Students explore marine organisms, ecosystems, and ecological relationships through research, experiments, videos, and hands-on activities. The course also includes an introduction to ethical considerations in marine science, opportunities for guided dissections to better understand anatomy, and a possible field trip to a local aquarium/zoo to experience ocean life up close.

Student Testimonial:

• "This class is a great opportunity for students to dwell in a different, arguably overlooked aspect of biology. The lessons were very informative and engaging. I loved the opportunity to do dissections; they were my favorite aspect of the class. I never would have thought that I would be able to hold a squid in my hands and open it up."

456 - Ecology & Evolution: 1 Term/1 Credit, Grades 10-12 [Watch Course Video] 

Companion course for Biomedical Biology students. Investigate how organisms survive and how populations change over time. Focus on real-world problems through inquiry and experiments.

Student Testimonial:

• "Ecology & Evolution helped me understand how the environment around me worked and how we as humans came to be. Even after the class, I can connect the information I learned in ecology to topics in other classes, like world history, where we talk about how humans came to be. I can find connections in my prior learning. Overall, I really enjoyed this class and found it not only informative but also interesting."

426 - Chemistry: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12

Prerequisites: Geometry or Accelerated Geometry and Earth Science

Introduction to chemistry concepts and applications. The class uses hands-on labs and simulations to explore “why” things happen, with basic algebra used for calculations.

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

Prerequisite: Chemistry or Enriched Chemistry

Study carbon chemistry, including organic and biochemistry. Lab-focused, with an emphasis on molecular modeling,  ideal for students planning to study chemistry or medical fields in college.

430 - Enriched Chemistry: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 10-12

Prerequisites: Geometry or Accelerated Geometry and Earth Science

Advanced first-year chemistry for students planning college-level chemistry or STEM majors.  The class covers more topics than Chemistry, requires more in-depth thinking, uses lab experiences, and has greater mathematical rigor.

433 - AP Chemistry: 3 Terms / 3 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisite: Enriched Chemistry (or instructor approval and completion of Canvas assessments if you took Chemistry)

This course will study the topics of a typical freshman college chemistry course with frequent lab experiments. Recommended grade of B or higher in Enriched Chemistry.

There are four choices for introductory physics courses (Physics, Enriched Physics, AP Physics 1 & 2, and AP Physics C). All three pathways emphasize concepts. If students plan to take both a Chemistry and a Physics course during their high school career, it is recommended that they take the Chemistry course first. If students are looking to earn a full year’s college credit through either AP pathway, many college science and engineering programs require two semesters of physics: Semester 1: AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C: Mechanics; Semester 2: AP Physics 2 or AP Physics E/M.

443 - Physics: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or Accelerated Algebra 2 (concurrent enrollment is permitted)

This course provides students with a background for those who plan to continue their education after high school.  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 reinforce this emphasis.

444 - AP Physics 1: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: PreCalculus or Accelerated PreCalculus or AP PreCalculus

This is a first-semester, introductory, college-level physics course based on trigonometry, preparing students for the AP Physics 1 exam.  This course and the AP Physics 1 Exam will use scientific laws, graphical analysis, and trigonometry as tools for problem solving and for justifying & defending scientific claims. Major topics of study include motion, forces, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, rotational motion & energy, and fluids.

445 - AP Physics 2: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12

Prerequisite:  AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C: Mechanics

This is an introductory college-level physics course based on trigonometry, preparing students for the AP Physics 2 exam.  This course and the AP Physics 2 Exam will use scientific laws, graphical analysis, and trigonometry as tools for problem solving and for justifying & defending scientific claims. Major topics of study include thermodynamics, electrostatics, electric current, magnetism, waves, and modern physics.

Student Testimonial:

• "I found AP Physics 1 & 2 to be an amazing class for going in depth into the fundamentals of physics without being bogged down with having to learn and apply calculus at the same time. Group work is a highly emphasized component of this class: I worked with 1-3 other students on everything from crashing carts together to competing for the most pull-ups (totally optional, but lots of fun). The instructors were very approachable when I would come to them with questions and patient when answering them. It’s thanks to them that I feel very confident going into the AP tests and any future physics classes in university. For anyone interested in taking a well-paced, accelerated start to physics, AP 1 & AP 2 are the classes for you. I also highly recommend this class for anyone planning on balancing physics and calculus in the same semester."

447 - AP Physics C: Mechanics: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12

Prerequisites: AP Calculus AB

AP Physics C: Mechanics is equivalent to a first-semester calculus-based college 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 exam. Major topics of study include kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Work/Energy/Power, Momentum, Rotation, and Oscillations.

448 - AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12

Prerequisites: AP Physics C: Mechanics

AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism is equivalent to a second-semester calculus-based college physics course that prepares students for further study in the physical sciences, physics, or engineering, while also preparing them for the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam. Major topics of study include electrostatics, conductors, capacitors and dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism.

Student Testimonials:

• "AP Physics C contains rigorous topics that are backed by unique labs and numerous opportunities to collaborate with classmates. Despite appearing daunting at first glance, the class provides numerous resources that, together, can enhance the learning experience and help students keep track of homework (which is also manageable). The class is a great opportunity to get a head start on college-level physics courses while applying the sciences to real-world situations." 

• "AP Physics C was one of the most rewarding classes I have taken during my time at WHS. The course offers amazing opportunities to learn and grow as a student, and the instructors do an incredible job of providing a fun learning environment while helping their students to succeed. AP Physics C has everything, from water balloons to escape rooms, with an in-depth look at physics from a calculus perspective. It certainly wasn’t the easiest course to complete, but if you are interested in conceptual physics and the math behind it, I can’t think of a better class for you."