The Science curriculum for West Ottawa Virtual Academy is created by teachers at West Ottawa Public Schools. 

Biology

• 9th Grade

• Required

• Two semesters

Biology is the pursuit of learning about living things and how they interact in our world.  Students will learn how their lives relate to the study of biology, and how biologists approach the study of living organisms.  The topics will be widespread, but always connected by a theme: cell structure, energy in living things, genetics, evolution, ecology, and human impact on the environment.

Chemistry 

• 10th Grade

• Required

• Two semesters

•  Prerequisite:  Biology

This course will prepare the science major for college as well as prepare students for technical training and the local job market.  The traditional topics of Chemistry will be taught within the context of their relationship to and the solving of real life problems.  Chemistry will be taught in relationship to the following: our water supply, air and climate, conservation of our chemical resources, petroleum, and nuclear chemistry.

Anatomy and Physiology I & II

• 11th – 12th Grades

• Elective

• Two Semesters

This course prepares students for further study in the field of medicine and helps them to make informed medical decisions in their personal lives.   Students will gain an understanding of the complexity of life in this comprehensive look at form and function within the body.  This course incorporates numerous dissections and lab experiences.  Any student considering a career in health care, or those who wish to make good decisions concerning their own health, should consider this course. Health care careers are projected to be in high demand for the foreseeable future. There are literally 100's of careers to choose from in this field, see a list here.  

Physics 

• 11th – 12th Grades

• Required

• Two semesters 

• Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II (or concurrently taking Algebra II)

• It is strongly recommended that students who take this course have earned a "B" or better in Algebra and Geometry

Students planning to take Physics should have a solid background and interest in science and mathematics. For the student who does not plan to take senior math, Physics provides the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of trigonometry and applied math. Students who intend further study in such areas as medicine, science, engineering, mathematics, electronics, optics, dentistry, and computer science should definitely consider taking Physics or Advanced Placement Physics.  Topics covered include: measurement, thermal energy, sounds and waves, light (refraction/reflection), electrostatics and magnetism, electric circuits, kinematics (motion in 1-D), dynamics, forces, vectors, 2-D motion, circular/rotational motion, work, and momentum.

Zoology

• 11th – 12th Grades

• Elective

• One Semester

Zoology is the sub discipline of Biology, the study of life.  It focuses on all aspects of the animal kingdom, from physiology and behavior, to evolution and diversity.  Eight invertebrate phyla and the large subphylum Vertebrata (animals with backbones) are examined during this course, from the simplest sponges to complex mammals.  Lecture, labs, homework, tests, quizzes, and projects, both group and individual, are a part of the course.