SCIENCE

Biology Honors parallels the core biology curriculum with greater rigor in skills and content. A course that receives an honors designation has expectations for students that are broader, deeper, or more complex in comparison to its standard course. Therefore, students must be motivated learners. This course incorporates project based learning and research projects. 

This course investigates the substances, which make up our environment and the changes they undergo.  Atomic theory, kinetic theory, equilibrium, acids and bases, and chemical bonding are studied during both semesters.  Laboratory activities introduce students to verifications of the concepts presented during class.

This fast-paced, laboratory-based course is designed for motivated students with strong science and math skills.  This class provides a detailed investigation into the nature of matter and the chemical changes it undergoes. Students will explore the structure and behavior of matter through topics including atomic theory, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, states of matter, solutions, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Emphasis is placed on quantitative problem solving, experimental design, and scientific communication. The course builds a strong foundation for future advanced and AP science classes.

Earth Science explores the dynamic processes, properties, and biotic evolutions shaping our planet. From understanding the forces driving weather patterns to analyzing the 4 billion year process shaping today’s landscapes, students will gain insights into Earth’s intricate systems.  Engage with topics such as atmospheric anomalies, the unique power of the water cycle, and how the specific climatic conditions that fostered our unique complex lifeforms hangs in the balance.

This course will not count as the FIRST Physical Science credit for graduation.

This yearlong elective course will review systems from Biology and explore additional systems. Students will study the human body from a textbook, anatomic models, and websites. By the end of the semester, students will have explored the eleven systems of the body to gain a general understanding of how the body works. Laboratory dissections of mammalian organs and one small mammal will allow comparison to human structures.

This course is designed to study basic concepts in mechanics, including motion in 1D and 2D, forces and equilibrium, work, power, energy, momentum, waves and sound, electrostatics, current electricity and DC circuits, and the study of electromagnetic radiations and light. Demonstrations and laboratory exercises are integrated into the course to provide student involvement in the study of Physics. A working knowledge of algebra will be utilized extensively in this course.

This course addresses topics that were not discussed in Physics I and that are included by the AP Physics 1 curriculum. Students will do a thorough review of Physics I, with additional laboratory exercises, and then explore topics such as rotational motion, angular momentum, torque, statics (the study of equilibrium), waves and sound, and electricity. Time permitting, quantum physics and nuclear physics will be discussed. Activities include launching rockets, building a Rube Goldberg machine, constructing Newton scooters, and more. A strong working knowledge of algebra is required. 

 AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course.  Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics:  evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions.  This course is constructed to give the student the equivalent of a college level first-year course for biology majors.  This course is content-heavy and carries a rigorous workload; students considering this course should also be prepared for summer homework and possible after school labs during the year.

 Dual-Credit/PIE Biology 141 is a UW-Whitewater course offered at Whitewater High School that serves as a biology-for-majors elective course. Students participate in a Lecture/Lab format of class and gain a greater understanding of the living world through the following topics: biochemistry, cellular structure and function, cellular energy and metabolism, genetics and heredity, and the central dogma.This course is constructed to give the student the equivalent of a semester-long college-level experience for incoming freshmen. This course is content-heavy and carries a rigorous workload; students considering this course should also be prepared for summer homework and possible after-school labs during the year

Dual-Credit/PIE Biology 141 is a UW-Whitewater course offered at Whitewater High School that serves as a biology-for-majors elective course. Students participate in a Lecture/Lab format of class and gain a greater understanding of the living world through the following topics: heredity and genetics, evolution and natural selection, ecology, taxonomy, and phylogenetics. This course is constructed to give the student the equivalent of a semester-long college-level experience for incoming freshmen. This course is content-heavy and carries a rigorous workload; students considering this course should also be prepared for summer homework and possible after-school labs during the year.

This survey course of engineering exposes students to major concepts they’ll encounter in a post-secondary engineering course of study.  Students employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems.  They develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges, documenting their work and communicating solutions to peers and members of the professional community.