SCIENCE DEPARTMENT. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or teacher recommendation

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1 Earth Science 2 semesters Prerequisite: Freshman standing The geology portion includes the study of the earth's structure and its dynamic interior and surface. Cartography is the science of mapmaking, and will help students in their understanding of maps, ability to use maps, and ability to derive information from maps. The examination of water on and in the earth and in the earth s atmosphere is hydrology. Ecology will emphasize the problems of pollution, acid rain, the energy crisis, energy alternatives that man has put on the environment, and how various ecosystems are affected by man's influence. Astronomy includes the study of our universe and how our planet earth is part of this universe. The principles of atmospheric conditions, climate, and weather are included in the meteorology portion. To acquaint the student with some of the tools and the methods of science. To provide an introduction to the sciences of geology, cartography, hydrology, ecology, astronomy, meteorology, earth s resources and surface processes, and scientific graphing. The course will serve as preparation for more advanced science studies. Biology 2 semesters Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or teacher recommendation It is the study of the origin, structure, and life functions of plant and animal life. Through the use of living materials, and indoor and outdoor laboratories, the students are able to learn by first hand experience. Topics covered include ecology, cytology, cell chemistry, reproduction and development, genetics, organic evolution, bacteriology, and conservation. To provide the student with the study of living matter in all it s forms and phenomena, and an understanding of his/her relationship to the environment. $10.00 for laboratory manual

2 Principles of Biomedical Sciences 2 semesters Prerequisite: Freshman through Senior standing; Biology (or concurrent enrollment) Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Sciences curriculum is a hands on, reality based sequence of courses providing a glimpse of what it would be like in the field of biomedical sciences. The courses are designed to be taken along with traditional math and science courses and to fit into any student s schedule. This course provides an overview of all the courses in the Biomedical Sciences program and lays the scientific foundation for subsequent courses. Units of study include investigate various health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases. This course provides the opportunity for students to earn 3 quarter credits from MSOE if a students earns a B or better in the course and scores above a 70% on the final exam. Chemistry 2 semesters Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra is highly recommended Chemistry deals with the characteristics of elements and simple substances, the changes that take place when they combine to form other substances, and the laws of their combinations and behavior under various conditions. Special emphasis is placed on the chemical reactions, problem solving, periodic relationships, and the structure of the atom. To provide the student with the study of the structure of matter and the changes it undergoes. This is a lab intense course. $5.00 for safety glasses and $3.00 for lab books

3 Astronomy and Geology 1 semester Prerequisite: Sophomore through senior standing This class explores the dynamic and potential future of both our planet and the universe around us. The Geologic History of the Earth unit focuses on major atmospheric, geographic, geologic and biologic changes over time. In the natural Disasters unit, we will study the dynamic geologic forces that rapidly change our world. This unit will also address historic events in an effort to understand and predict future problems. The Astronomy portion of the class focuses on the origins and structure of the universe itself. Topics include historical perspectives on the universe, current debates in modern cosmology and important celestial bodies near our own planet. Media clips, animations and discussions reinforce each topic. To provide an increased understanding of the sciences of astronomy and geology beyond that offered in the Earth Science course. Optional $20.00 for field trip Anatomy and Physiology 1 semester Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry) Units are presented that include studies of these topics: skeletal system, muscular system, digestive system, circulatory, the peripheral nervous system, and respiratory system. The course includes a detailed dissection of a fetal pig or cat. To introduce concepts and provide knowledge about the structure and function of the human body. $30.00 for field trip to Concordia, a workbook and gloves

4 Environmental Science 1 semester Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry) Units are presented that include studies in the following areas: current environmental events, waste disposal, air quality, water quality, soil pollution, endangered species, etc. A strong emphasis will be placed on students conducting individual field projects in the surrounding Grafton area. To introduce to the student concepts involving environmental science that go beyond biology, showing the interrelation between the student and the environment. This course is designed for students with an interest in continuing biological studies and as a college prep for students pursuing a career in an environmental field. Physics 2 semesters Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra (or concurrent enrollment in Advanced Algebra) The course in Physics deals with scientific measurement, graphical analysis, the laws of motion, the effect of forces, work and energy, the properties of waves, sound, light, electricity, electrical circuits, and magnetism. To study physical relationships of matter and energy, to develop laboratory techniques in the study of physical concepts, and to utilize mathematics in the development of problem solving skills.

5 AP Biology 2 semesters Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry and consensus approval by the Science Department staff This course is divided into 4 major content areas: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. Biological systems utilize energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis. Living systems retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes. Biological systems interact, and these interactions possess complex properties. Students enrolling in the revised AP Biology course will experience decreased breadth of, and increased depth of material and understanding. AP Biology is a rigorous, year long Biology course designed to be taught on a first year college level. Upon completion of the course the student will be prepared to take the AP Biology Exam which, if passed, may give the student up to 10 hours college credit in Biology. AP Exam (optional) AP Chemistry 2 semesters Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry and Physics (or concurrent enrollment in Physics) and consensus approval by the Science Department Staff Units of study include Stoichiometry, Thermochemistry, Gases, Electron Structure of Atoms, Chemical Equilibrium, Solubility Equilibria, Oxidation/Reduction, Electrochemistry, and Acids and Bases. AP Chemistry is a rigorous, year long Chemistry course designed to be taught on a first year college level. Upon completion of the course the student will be prepared to take the AP Chemistry Exam which, if passed, may give the student up to 10 hours college credit in Chemistry. Student s independent study of each unit is critical to their success as class time is devoted to discussion and lab activity. AP Exam (optional) and $5.00 for safety glasses

6 AP Environmental Science 2 semesters SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Prerequisite: Junior and senior standing, Chemistry (or concurrent enrollment) and consensus approval by the Science Department Staff AP Enviromental Science follows the curriculum prescribed by the College Board for enviromental science. It is intended to be the equivalent of a 1st year environmental science course in college. Student s independent study of each unit is critical to their success as class time is devoted to discussion and lab activity. Units of study include Earth Systems, Biogeochemical Cycles, Soil Science, Agriculture, Ecology, Population Studies, Land Use, Energy Resources and Consumption, Global Climate Change, and Pollution. This course provides the opportunity for students to take the AP Enviromental test in May and depending on their college and choice of majors, may qualify them for college credit or a higher placement in science. AP Physics B 2 semesters Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry and Advanced Math (or concurrent enrollment) and consensus approval by the Science Department Staff This course is divided into 5 major content areas: Newtonian Mechanics 35% Kinematics, Newton s laws of motion, work, energy, power, linear momentum, circular motion, gravitation and oscillation Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics 15% Hydrostatic pressure, Bernoulli s equation, buoyancy, continuity, temperature, heat, Laws of Thermodynamics and heat engines. Electricity and Magnetism 25% Static electricity, circuits, capacitance, magnetic fields, Biot Savart law and Ampere s law. Waves, light and optics 15% Wave motion, speed of light, physical optics and geometric optics (lenses and mirrors) Atomic and Nuclear Physics 10% Atomic physics, bohr atom, quantum physics, uncertainty principle, nuclear half life, nuclear decays, mass defect and nuclear applications AP Physics B is a rigorous, year long Physic course designed to be taught on a first year college level. Upon completion of the course, the successful student should be able to take and pass the AP Physics B Exam which, if passed, may give the student up to 10 college credits depending on the university. AP exam (optional), $10.00 for lab notebook, binder and dry erase markers