Science

This course is an in-depth study in the use of the scientific method, graphing, graphic interpretation and other important science skills in the context of an introduction to physics and chemistry fundamentals.

This course is a study of life. After becoming familiar with the techniques of the microscope, topics such as natural selection, heredity, cell biology, and taxonomy are covered.

This course is an in-depth study of the physical and chemical processes of life. It includes the metric system, graphing and scientific techniques. After becoming familiar with the techniques of the microscope, the student will study such topics as cell biology, evolution, heredity, and taxonomy. The student who takes this course will be scheduled for Chemistry or Honors Chemistry the following year.

This course is strongly recommended for college-bound students. Topics include Atomic Theory, bonding, nomenclature, reaction types and balancing equations, and stoichiometry. Laboratory experiences are correlated with classroom discussion. TI-83/ 84 or N-Spire family of graphing calculators is required.

This course is recommended for students intending to take a challenging course of study that that can prepare the student for AP Chemistry. The course moves at a faster pace and covers topics in a greater depth than regular chemistry and includes significant accompanying lab activities. Topics include atomic theory, nomenclature, periodic table, nuclear chemistry, bonding, reaction types, balancing equations, energy, stoichiometry, gas laws, acids and bases, basic organic nomenclature, equilibrium, kinetics, and thermochemistry. TI-83/ 84 or N-Spire family of graphing calculators is required. NOTE: Students who have taken regular biology CAN take honors chemistry with a solid B for the second semester in regular biology and teacher recommendation.

This FULL YEAR course is a continuation of the study of chemistry. The student explores in greater depth such topics as rates of reactions, oxidation-reduction, solutions and equilibrium. TI-83/ 84 or N-Spire family of graphing calculators is required. Students must take the Advanced Placement Exam to receive the A.P. designation on the transcript and to have the additional honor point calculated into the grade point average.

This course (or AP Physics 1) is strongly recommended for the college bound student. Through frequent group and individual laboratory experiences, the student learns about key principles of motion and forces, as well as momentum and energy. New for the next school year, this course will integrate a significant amount of astronomy and space science (to include telescopes and rocketry). Basic coding skills (using Vpython) are a part of this course. Physics rounds out the high school science curriculum for any college-bound student. Any scientific calculator (can work with exponents) is required.

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. A previous physics course is not a requirement, but students who have previously taken Physics may take AP Physics 1 as an additional Science credit. Basic coding skills (using Vpython) are a part of this course. This course is strongly recommended for students anticipating a science, engineering, or medical career field where college-level physics will be required. Students must take the Advanced Placement Exam to receive the A.P. designation on the transcript and have the additional honor point calculated into the grade point average. Any scientific calculator (can work with exponents) is required.

AP Physics 2 is a follow-on to AP Physic 1. AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as fluid statics and dynamics, thermodynamics with kinetic theory, electrostatics, electrical circuits with capacitors, magnetic fields, electromagnetism, physical and geometric optics, and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will also develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. Basic coding skills (using Vpython) are a part of this course. Any scientific calculator (can work with exponents) is required. Students must take the Advanced Placement Exam to receive the A.P. designation on the transcript and have the additional honor point calculated into the grade point average.

Students will learn the importance of the structure and function of the human body through lecture, laboratory experience and dissection. Students interested in pursuing a health or medical related field in college should consider taking this course. Literature review, research, and writing are a significant part of this course.

Lecture and laboratory experiences enable the student to learn the interactions of living organisms to each other and to their environments. The interaction of humans as a population in the ecosystem and the human use of the world’s resources are emphasized. Students participate in the study of the Rouge River. Any scientific calculator (can work with exponents) is required.

This FULL YEAR course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Any scientific calculator (can work with exponents) is required. Students must take the Advanced Placement Exam to receive the A.P. designation on the transcript and to have the additional honor point calculated into the grade point average.

This course covers an introduction to direct current electronics as well as programming the Arduino micro-controller platform. Student will have hands-on experience, building and programming many different types of projects. It will NOT meet the core science requirement for some major universities, but is an NCAA approved science course.

This one semester course for juniors and seniors gives students an introduction to the field of robotics while using and focusing on the Engineering Design Process (EDP) through using mechanical, electrical, and computation engineering. In building a robot, students will learn creativity and engineering based concepts such as gear ratio, torque, power, lifting systems, and mechanical integration.

The goal of this class is to prepare students to develop a clear and concise writing style suited for science online publications (blogs, tweets, online newspaper, and science magazine feature content) and to nurture the skills and habits of the science journalist.

This course is a continuation of Science in the News. Intended to allow students to expand upon their science journalism skills.

This is a semester course that introduces students to the foundations of microbiology as well as laboratory techniques. Concepts include the ecology and diversity of microbial communities in soil, water and air and the role microbes play in their everyday lives. In the laboratory, students will learn specialized techniques for sampling, culture, isolation, identification and carry out inquiry based investigations that require group cooperation and discussion.

Duties of a science student assistant include assisting in a laboratory setting, setting up labs, preparing chemicals used in the laboratory and supervising their use and disposal. Assistants may also be asked to perform and record themselves doing experiments and editing the video for absent students. Assistants will also assist students in the use of equipment and clean up/storage of lab materials.