LIFE SCIENCE 7 (Year) Course #170/171
Students will interact with living organisms, ecosystems and their dynamics through extensive observations and investigations. This course is strongly project-based, utilizing both the lab and local environments. Major concepts include classification, local ecosystems and populations, cell biology, human body systems, and basic genetics. Back to List
EARTH SCIENCE 8 (Year) Course #172/173
In earth science, students use observation and questioning skills to design investigations and understand earth systems through field and classroom study. Major topics will include glacial formations, erosion and deposition, plate tectonics, weather, geology, and astronomy. Real life experience in earth science concepts is emphasized throughout the course and culminates in a five day field investigation trip to South Dakota in May. Back to List
PHYSICAL SCIENCE 9 (1 Credit) Course #174/175
Physical science is an introduction to chemistry and physics to show the relationship between matter and energy. Students will use the scientific method to solve problems of inquiry-based lab activities. We encourage students to design and conduct experiments of concepts we are investigating. Laboratory safety is stressed and practiced when using chemicals and equipment when experimenting. Back to List
BIOLOGY 10 (1 Credit) Course #176/177
A general biology class required of all students, this course is an active and project-based approach to a study of living systems. The course will have extensive investigations in the lab as well as the local environments. Major concepts include ecology and water studies, cell theory, and mechanisms of heredity and biological change over time. Back to List
CHEMISTRY (Credit) Course #178/179
Chemistry is a must for students interested in careers of nursing and other health fields, conservation, engineering and other science related courses. This is an introductory course in basic chemistry principles, including: atomic structure, chemical bonding, formula and equation writing, stoichiometry, properties of gases, solutions, acids and bases, organic and environmental chemistry. Material is covered in the traditional lecture-lab approach, as well as inquiry-based labs. A scientific calculator is required. Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Biology. Back to List
CHEM COM A/B (1 Credit) Course #184/185
Chemistry in the community (Chem Com) is organized around societal issues involving chemistry. Students learn more organic and biochemistry than in traditional chemistry, as well as some environmental and industrial chemistry. The course is about 50% laboratory-based and features decision-making activities which give students practice in applying their chemistry knowledge in decision-making situations. Chem Com is an excellent chemistry course for students who are not pursuing a career in nursing or other science related careers. Back to List
EARTH SYSTEMS (.5 Credit) Course #190
With an emphasis on the interaction of systems and study through local and state field investigations, this course will tackle the following questions: How do geology and hydrology affect groundwater? What dynamics are affecting the Mississippi River? How does geology help us interpret what has happened in the past? How do plate tectonics allow life to continue on earth? What evidence is there for climate change? How do natural disasters occur and how do they impact human populations? How is the universe changing over time? What processes allow life on earth and how are these different from processes on other planets? Open to students in grades 10-12, this course is required to fulfill state standards for the class of 2009 and above. Back to List
FORENSICS (1 Credit) Course #188/189
The criminal mind and crime scene investigative techniques are what this course is centered around. Students will have the opportunity to apply science to solving crimes in this lab-based class and ultimately in a "CSI Parkers Prairie" scenario during the last three weeks of the course. Any one interested in CSI, pursuing criminal justice, law enforcement or forensic science should take this class. Prerequisites: Offered to students in grades 10 who are currently enrolled in Biology or to students in grades 11-12 who have successfully completed Biology. Back to List
GENETICS (08-09) (.5 Credit) Course #182
Genetics is the study of how genes bring about characteristics, or traits, in living things and how those characteristics are inherited. This course will focus on the molecular basis of life and its current influence and importance in dealing with human affairs. Genetic research has incredible impact not only in the applied areas of biology, medicine, and agriculture but also in areas such as philosophy, law and religion. Thus, an overall goal of this course is to discuss the role that science plays in ethics and decision-making. Prerequisites: Biology. Back to List
HUMAN ANATOMY A (.5 Credit) Course #186
In this first half-year of Anatomy A, students will get an introduction to the human body with an overview of each body system's structure and function, the key components to maintaining life and homeostasis within the body, and a close up look at the body tissues that make up organs. We will also have an in-depth study of the nervous system with an emphasis on addictive behaviors, psychological disorders and how we are wired for learning. Lastly the special senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch are considered. Students will dissect both a fetal pig and a beef eye during this class. Anyone interested in pursuing a career in the health fields, or simply wanting to learn more about the amazing human body should take this course! You may enroll in Human Anatomy A alone or in conjunction with Human Anatomy B. Prerequisites: Biology. Back to List
HUMAN ANATOMY B (.5 Credit) Course #187
In this second half-year of Anatomy B, students will get an in-depth study of the structure, function and development of the human body. The goal is for students to leave with an understanding of how the body is built, how it operates and how to care for it. We will study the skin, skeletal, muscular, endocrine, blood, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Students will dissect a cat during this class and take a field trip to a cadaver dissection lab. Anyone interested in pursuing a career in the health field or simply wanting to learn more about the amazing human body should take this course! You may enroll in Human Anatomy B alone or in conjunction with Human Anatomy A. Prerequisites: Biology.
*I highly recommend taking both sections of Human Anatomy if you plan to enter any health related field (nursing, medicine, physical therapy, dental, x-ray or ultra-sound technicians etc.), veterinary medicine, and pharmacy, or if you are interested in pursuing a science major in college.
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MICROBIOLOGY (09-10) (.5 Credit) Course #183
Microbiology is a specialized area of biology that deals with living things ordinarily too small to be seen without magnification. This course is designed to give students a peek into the world of microorganisms and is a prerequisite for anyone considering entering the fields of health professions, biotechnology or just to expand their science background. The goal of this course is to present a balanced coverage of traditional and "cutting edge" microbiology, for students to develop an understanding of the complex roles that microorganisms play in every aspect of existence, and to render sound decisions in their daily life. Prerequisites: Biology. Back to List
PHYSICS (1 Credit) Course #180/181
This course is recommended for students going to college or tech school for a career in a science-related field. Physics is a course that deals with matter and energy in the study of forces, motion, light, sound, heat and electricity. A scientific calculator is required. Subjects will be covered in a traditional lecture-lab setting, as well as inquiry-based labs. The class also competes locally with other schools in bridge building and physics-based mechanics. Prerequisite: Junior/Senior and two years of science & Algebra 1. Chemistry and Geometry are highly recommended. Back to List
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