Science

INSTRUCTORS: Jane Dusel-Misfeldt | Joan Lahm | Barb Malicky
Tom Salyard | Vern Younger

LIFE SCIENCE
Grade 7
Full Year
Required

The seventh grade Life Science course proceeds from a survey of our environment to an exploration of living things from the simplest cells and organisms to the most complex. The students will be introduced to the life processes of all the different kingdoms. A science binder will be kept by each individual student of class notes, study sheets, and lab experiments and observations. The students will learn the impact science and technology have on each of them and their success in everyday living depends on their interest in the understanding of their world. The curriculum will cover simple scientific fundamentals that will have carry over value at high school level courses.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Grade 8
Full Year
Required

The development and exploration of an atomic model of matter is the essential theme running throughout the year. Beginning with an examination of some characteristic properties of matter, students will uncover evidence leading to an atomic model of matter which can be used to explain diverse phenomenon such as electrical charge, radioactivity, chemical interactions and other basic properties of matter. Student involvement in laboratory work is an essential component of the course.

EARTH SCIENCE
Grade 9
Full Year - 10 Credits
Required

Earth Science is a course designed to give students an understanding and appreciation of the physical environment in which they live. This course will cover a wide range of topics dealing with the planet Earth. Topics include origin of the Earth, rocks/minerals, weather/climate, various forces that reshape the Earth's surface (i.e. volcanoes, earthquakes, weathering, rivers, glaciers, etc.), astronomy, oceanography, resource management, and interpretation of maps.

BIOLOGY
Grade 10
Full Year - 10 Credits
Required

Biology is a science dealing with the study of life. The line of study consists of four main units. Unit One deals with the general life functions and the relationship between organisms in their environment. Units Two and Three consist of plants and animal studies respectfully. Unit Four consists of a study of the human body. Biology is a lab-oriented course and could be a stepping stone for students interested in some career-related science (medicine, nursing, agriculture, forestry, etc.).



CHEMISTRY
Grades 11-12
Full Year - 14 Credits
Elective
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, and be enrolled in or have taken Algebra II
The atom and its structure, the periodic table, solutions and states of matter are examined. The basic terminology of inorganic chemistry is learned. The lab procedures introduce basic skills and safety procedures through a variety of experiments that correlate with material being studied in class.

ACCELERATED CHEMISTRY
Grades 11-12
Full Year - 14 Credits
Elective
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, and be enrolled in or have taken Algebra II
Accelerated Chemistry was created for those students who have the aptitude and desire to pursue science as a potential career. It is a fast-moving course that requires self-motivation, independent learning, and abstract thought. In-depth study of the atom and its structure, the history of atomic theory, and the many facets of the periodic table are just the beginning. Inorganic nomenclature, stoichiometry, and acid-base chemistry are also included in this course.

PHYSICS
Grades 11-12
Full Year - 20 Credits
Elective
Prerequisite: Algebra II

Physics is an exploration of how the universe works! This science attempts to understand and predict how physical objects and quantities will behave. During the year, the student will conceptually and mathematically analyze topics from some of these areas: force and motion, energy, heat and temperature, wave motion, light and optical devices, electricity and magnetism. Regular laboratory work compliments classroom discussion and lecture. Students planning on careers in science or related fields will find this course useful.

PHYSIOLOGY
Grade 12
Full Year - 10 Credits
Elective
Prerequisite: 80% in Biology or instructor's permission

Physiology is a branch of Biology dealing with human body structures and function. The class is lab-oriented with an emphasis placed on comparing normal functions with abnormal functions and normal structures with abnormal structures. The daily class schedule will be filled with labs, discussions, guest lectures, student activities, field trips (hopefully) and other material pertaining to the human body. Any student planning on a career in medicine (i.e., doctor, nurse, veterinarian, physical education, physical therapy, athletic training) or if you are just interested in science, plan on taking this class.