Science

410 - EARTH SCIENCE: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 9

Earth Science is all around us! In this class, students will explore the phenomenon of Earth's atmosphere, geological processes, and Earth's place in the universe. With an inquiry focus, students will participate in planning investigations, collecting and analyzing data, developing models, and communicating their understanding to demonstrate learning. Students will explore natural events like storm formation and the life cycle of stars, as well as human-impacted events like river management and using natural resources. Due to a shift in Minnesota Academic Standards, Earth Science is now the required 9th grade course for graduation.

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

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]

NOTE - Geology of Minnesota will not be available for the 2023-2024 school year. It will resume the following year, in 2024-2025.

Prerequisite: Earth Science or 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.

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

Prerequisite: Earth Science or 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).

This class is an opportunity to earn science elective credit from St. Cloud State, see PLTW website:  https://www.pltw.org/state-announcements/university-credit-opportunity for more information.

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

Prerequisite: Earth Science or Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

This course provides students with a challenging, inquiry-based experience to explore and make sense of biological phenomena.  Using authentic real world data, students engage with a variety of recurring biology concepts as they navigate four individual storylines, Africa, Homeostasis, Melanin and Disease.  Students have the opportunity to relate previously learned concepts to new phenomena and identify patterns and relationships between biological events.  Organizing learning in this way, versus discrete topic specific units, encourages deeper and longer lasting understanding as it is developed and reinforced within multiple contexts.  Further, students are excited to do the next lesson that can help them figure out the overarching question or problem.  Throughout the course students continue to develop their skills as scientists by developing models, planning and carrying out investigations, and engaging in argument from evidence.  It is through this multi-dimensional approach that students figure out ways in which the natural world works.  This is a high school-level course that prepares students for college-level classes, including AP Biology. 

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

Prerequisite: Earth Science or 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: Earth Science or 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]

COURSE CURRENTLY NOT OFFERED

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 9-12  [View Course Video] [Additional Course Information] 

          HYBRID COURSE

Prerequisite: Earth Science or Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

Topics covered in this course will include ecology, population, land and water use, energy, pollution, and global change. There will also be an outdoor unit in this class in which students will spend time outside participating in a variety of activities. Students will assess Elm Creek and contribute to data for Hennepin County, evaluating this local stream’s health. In addition, students will do a variety of assignments and labs that help connect their learning with the “real world”. 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 - APPLIED SCIENCE: FORENSICS: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 [View Course Video]

Prerequisite: Chemistry or Enriched Chemistry

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.

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 that we had 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 a 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  [View Course Video]

COURSE CURRENTLY NOT OFFERED

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: Earth Science or Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

AP Biology is a rigorous college-level course where students expand upon their understanding of a wide variety of biological topics primarily stemming from the fields of cellular and molecular biology, ecology, and evolution.  The specific content covered is aligned to the content assessed on the AP Biology test.  The textbook used in the class is a college-level text and technical reading, writing, and analysis skills are required for the successful completion of the application-based assessments.  The course includes labs and focuses on processing data using statistical tools such as standard deviation, standard error of the mean, and chi squared tests.  

AP Biology is appropriate for most students as a second year biology course, taken after the completion of 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 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 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: 1 Term / 1 Credit, 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.  A grade of C or better in Biology, or Biomedical Biology is recommended for this course.

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

Ecology and Evolution is designed to be a companion course for students choosing to take BioMedical Science, but is an option for any student, regardless of which Biology course they take.   Any student who is interested in learning more about the subject matter is welcome to register.  In this one term course students will be engaged in figuring out phenomena of the natural world. Students will follow a series of lessons to build understanding of how organisms get what they need to live and survive.  In another series of lessons, students will work to understand how populations of organisms change over time.  Throughout the course real world problems are explored through inquiry and investigation in order to build understanding. Biomedical Biology students must register for a 1-term course that addresses the ecology and evolution standards, which this course does.  You can look in the registration guide for additional information on other course offerings you can pair with BioMedical Science to meet this requirement. 

Student Testimimonal:

• "Ecology and 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 in world history, when 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 [Watch Course Video]

Prerequisites: Geometry or Accelerated Geometry and Earth Science or Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

This college-prep course is an introduction to Chemistry concepts and their application to real world events and problems. There is an emphasis on students figuring out how and why certain things happen, therefore hands-on and simulated laboratory activities are an integral part of the course.  There is also a focus on the use of qualitative data to make sense of these chemistry phenomena, but students are expected to solve basic algebraic problems, using skills from Algebra 1, to further their explanations quantitatively.  This course meets the graduation requirement for Chemistry. 

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

Prerequisite: Chemistry or Enriched Chemistry 

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

Prerequisites: Geometry or Accelerated Geometry and Earth Science or Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

This course offers an experience for students considering taking college Chemistry, including AP Chemistry, or entering a STEM related field after high school.  This is the most mathematically intensive of the first-year Chemistry offerings.  The topics of the course are the same as Chemistry, but students will engage with them in more complex ways, and be expected to use mathematical and computational thinking readily, utilizing skills from Algebra 1 and 2.  Engaging in these practices, and expanding on their explanations, will deepen student understanding of the real world chemistry concepts they are learning about.  This course meets the graduation requirement for Chemistry. 

433 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT 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. The lab will be used to emphasize selected topics and will average an experiment every two weeks. A grade of B or better in Enriched Chemistry is recommended for enrollment in this course.

There are four choices for introductory physics courses (Physics, Enriched Physics, AP Physics 1 & 2, and AP Physics C). All four courses approach the topics with a conceptual emphasis; the main difference between the courses is the mathematical level of numerical problem-solving. If students are planning on taking both a Chemistry course and a Physics course during their high school career, it is recommended to take the Chemistry course first.

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. As the prerequisite implies, students who elect this class should be comfortable with basic algebra. This course may be taken concurrently with Algebra 2 or Accelerated Algebra 2.

446 - ENRICHED PHYSICS: 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. 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, Enriched Physics, 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 during first semester while taking this course.

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

Prerequisites: 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, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. This course is similar to Physics, Enriched Physics, 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.

Testimonials:

• "AP Physics C contains rigorous topics that are backed with unique labs and numerous opportunities to collaborate with classmates. Despite appearing daunting at first glance, the class provides numerous resources that collectively can enhance the learning experience and help students keep track with homework (which is also manageable to do). 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."

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

Prerequisites: Algebra 2 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.

Testimonial:

• "Circuits and Electronics is a wonderful opportunity to learn the basics of electrical engineering through hands-on investigation and collaboration. This course allowed me to gain experience building circuits by working with my peers and experimenting with the relationships between various electrical components. Additionally, we had the opportunity to learn how to control servo motors and sensors (such as the ultrasonic distance sensor) by working with projects on the Arduino circuit board. All in all, this course offers students practical and hands-on experiences with circuits and electronics, and it may be insightful to those who are interested in the STEM field."

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

Prerequisites: Any Physics course and Earth Science or Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

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.