Science class offerings/descriptions
Course #65 Physical
Science 2 credits/1st&2nd
semester Grad Stand: History of
Science
Physical science is an introduction to chemistry and physics. The first
semester is spend on chemistry. Activities include labs, projects and
lecture on classifying matter, structure of matter, elements and chemical
reactions. The semester project is researching an element and orally
reporting the findings.
The second semester is spend on physics activities, including labs, projects and
lecture on force, work, motion, heat, light and radiation. The semester
project is the grad standard for physical science.
This course is required of all ninth grade students. Only basic math
skills are needed. You will need access to a calculator for most of the
year.
Prerequisite
none Grade
Elig: 9
Course #66 Chemistry
2 credits/1st&2nd
semester Grad
Stand: Concepts in Chemistry
Chemistry is an important aspect of the world in which we live. Very
little of what we do anymore is not directly dependent upon the field of
chemistry. Agriculture, medicine, food processing, engineering,
photography and many other areas depend directly upon the field of chemistry for
research and development of new products. Due to the world's dependence
upon chemistry, it is important for each individual to have an understanding of
its benefits and consequences.
This is a year long course which is intended to pay particular attention to the
chemical nature of the world in which we live. This course deals
w/material such as classification of matter, structure of matter, gasses,
solutions and various types of chemical reactions. Much of the material
covered in this course is also reinforced in laboratory work. Due to the
dependence of chemistry upon mathematics, at least one year of algebra is
required. The course is appropriate for anyone who is college-bound
and is also intended for those who will be finishing their science education in
high school.
Prerequisite Algebra I and Physical
Science Grade Elig: 11-12 (10
w/instructor permission)
Course #68 Physics
2 credits/1st&2nd semester Grad
Stand: Concepts in Physics
Physics is very important as a foundation to a large number of professional and
nonprofessional careers. Engineers, doctors, architects and pharmacists
are all required to take college physics classes. In addition, many other
areas such as agriculture, mechanics and construction depend directly upon the
basic principles of physics.
This year-long course is intended to cover the physical aspects of the
universe. It will cover such areas as mechanics, heat, optics, sound,
electricity and magnetism. Many of the concepts covered in the regular
material will also be reinforced in the laboratory work. This course
depends a great deal upon mathematics and at least one year of high school
algebra is required. This course is appropriate for anyone who is
college bound and is also intended for those who will be finishing their science
education in high school.
Prerequisite Physical Science & Algebra
I Grade Elig:
11-12
Course #69 Biology
2 credits/1st&2nd
semester Grad
Stand: Concepts in Biology
Biology is a year long course devoted to the study of life processes and the
many different forms that life takes. Major emphasis will be directed
toward the following: Biochemistry - matter and energy;
photosynthesis and respiration; carbon/biological molecules: Continuation
and History of Life - cells: mitosis; reproduction:
meiosis; development; heredity; diversity of
life: Ecology - interactions and interdependence of
life; populations dynamics; communities and ecosystems.
Prerequisite Physical
Science
Grade Elig: 10-12
Course #70 Genetics
1 credit/1st
semester Grad
Stand: Research process
Advanced biology is a semester long course. Course outline: (I)
Chapter 9: How Cells Reproduce - in order for life to continue from one
generation to the next, cells must be able to multiply. The cell cycle is
examined along w/mitosis and meiosis.
(II) Chapter 10: Mendelian Genetics - the works of Mendel are examined and his
contributions to modern day theories are brought to light. (III)
Chapter 11: Human Genetics - the human genome is examined and genetic disorders
are discussed. (IV) Chapter 12: DNA; the Genetic Material - the
history of the works of different scientists are examined as they pave the way
to our modern understanding of DNA as the basic units of life. (V) Chapter
12: Gene Technology - recent advances in molecular biology have given up
powerful new tools with which to investigate genetics at the molecular
lever. These techniques offer enormous potential for the agriculture and
medicine of the future.
Prerequisite
Biology Grade
Elig: 11-12
Course #71 Anatomy
& Physiology 1 credit/2nd
semester Grad Stand:
This course is designed to familiarize the student with basic human structures
and functions. Students will learn how the human body is organized and how
this organization helps it to function as a whole unit. Topics covered
will be the brain, the nervous system, the eye and vision, the skeletal system,
and the muscular system. Labs will help students to understand the
chemistry behind how the body works. The study of the muscular and nervous
system will be enhanced with a petal pig dissection.
Prerequisite
Biology
Grade Elig: 11-12
Course #72 Environmental Science
2 credits/1st&2nd semester Grad
Stand: Environmental Systems
This is an introductory course to environmental science. Some of the
topics may include ecosystems and biomes of the world, water pollution, air
pollution, global warming and how you as a human are affected by the number of
people on earth. This is meant to give you a background on the environment
so you can decide for yourself how issues concerning the environment should be
dealt with.
There are several labs and field activities that will be completed throughout
the year as well as lecture. Field trips to the Jackson Water Plant, Great
Plains Zoo and the Ecology bus tour have been taken in past years.
Prerequisite Physical
Science
Grade Elig: 10-12