This course is a basic introduction to the study of the universe. Students will study the history of astronomy, the physical laws of nature as they apply to the universe, the solar system, cosmology, and space exploration. Activities will include lectures and demonstrations, written assignments, and monthly night sky viewing. Because the sky observations occur outside the normal school day, students will need to have free time in the evening and be able to make transportation arrangements.

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Physical Science Concepts

Prerequisite: Algebra

This course will examine the broad concepts of biology with emphasis on the environment and the effect people have on the world. The interactions of people, science, and nature will be studied. Lab work will include introductory microscopy, the care and maintenance of organisms, and dissection. Classroom activities will include lecture, lab work, and discussion.

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Physical Science Concepts. Students will be placed in this class based on the recommendation of their current science teacher.

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Physical Science Concepts with teacher recommendation.

This course will cover thematic units based on the Chemistry in the Community curriculum. The course's focus will be how chemistry can be used to explain the world around us. Standard chemistry concepts such as solubility, chemical equations, formulas, and gas laws will be covered from the perspective of how these concepts can be used to solve real-life problems. While there will be less emphasis on the mathematics of chemistry, this course will help prepare students for future chemistry courses in college. Unit activities include content reading guides, investigating matter through laboratory work, modeling matter at the atomic and molecular levels, and making everyday life decisions based on chemistry content learned in class.

Chemistry (YR)

This course is intended for those students who seek a solid chemistry background in preparation for college or desire a complete understanding of chemical principles. Students will study the structure, properties, and changes in matter as well as the laws, principles and theories describing matter. Classroom activities will include lectures, demonstrations, problem solving and experiments.

Prerequisite: Physical Science and grade of “C+” or better in Algebra.

Ecology (YR)

Ecology will provide hands-on, often outdoor, learning experiences through project-based problem solving activities. Students will learn about the interrelationships of living things and their physical environments. Students will be involved in independent research projects culminating in multi-media presentations and will work with community partners (i.e., the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District).

Prerequisite: “B” average or better in previous year science.

This is an introductory electronics course designed to help the student understand the function of active and passive components, alternating current effects, basic amplifier circuits, and basic electronic circuit applications. Much of the course is designed for lab work, including problem detection and repair. Students will also be required to design a project during the course of the semester.

One semester, one credit, open to juniors and seniors.

Environmental Science (YR)

Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the methods of science as well as an overview of a broad range of topics in the physical sciences. The scientific method, the nature of matter, forms of energy, the metric system, law of motion, and properties of matter will be covered. During the year, students will work in small groups on various projects designed to develop problem solving skills and applications of scientific principles. While the curriculum is similar to the Physical Science course, it is designed for students who have difficulty with reading or math and/or have special learning needs.

Prerequisite: Students will be recommended for this course based on their placement test score and/or teacher recommendation.

The purpose of this course is to give students an introduction to basic physics and chemistry. This is a project-based course with emphasis on developing problem-solving skills necessary for scientific investigations. The students will learn fundamental laboratory skills through which teamwork and cooperative learning will be emphasized. First semester topics include the metric system, motion, forces, energy, and electricity. Topics covered in the second semester will consist of machines, physical and chemical properties, using properties to classify matter, the periodic table, chemical formulas, and nomenclature. Activities will include projects, laboratory work, formal assignments, lectures, and demonstrations.

Prerequisite: An “A” in both semesters of Biology and an “A-” in Honors Advanced Algebra or a “B+“ in Honors Pre-Calculus

Advanced Placement Biology (YR)

Physics is a college preparatory course designed for students who have a strong mathematical background and an interest in problem solving and abstract reasoning. This course delves into the study of matter and energy. The primary focus of this course will be on the laws of conservation of matter, energy, momentum, and electrical charge. Topics include the mechanics of solids and liquids, wave phenomena, electricity, the dual nature of light, and atomic structure. Students will be required to complete lab assignments and one major project.

Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of three years of mathematics. Advanced Algebra is required. Successful completion of chemistry is recommended.

In this first-year course, students develop an understanding of effective problem solving and machine/robotics design while exploring fundamental engineering concepts including statics (objects of equilibrium), dynamics (objects in acceleration), sensor and control system function, and embedded logic programming.