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Science
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Science is an integral part of our lives. To understand yourself and the world around you, an understanding of science is essential. We live in a society whose development is intimately related to science. An understanding of science by members of society is necessary to ensure that scientific knowledge is effectively used rather than abused, and that science and its technological outgrowths be servants rather than masters of society. The science program is designed so that there is an ample selection of courses available to all students. Students who plan to go to college should take a minimum of three credits in science. Those planning a science related career should take as much science as possible.
COURSES REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION FROM THIS DEPARTMENT: 2 Credits
Comprehensive Natural Science 9 - 1 Credit
Comprehensive Natural Science 10 - 1 Credit.
Successful completion of both CNS 9 and CNS 10 is equivalent to the content of one semester each of biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics.
ADVANCE STANDING COURSES (MARKED*)
OBJECTIVES:
The science program will provide students the opportunity to:
- discover science rather than learn only facts
- become scientifically literate
- develop the ability to live harmoniously with nature
- understand the processes of science
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Comprehensive Natural Science 9 - No. 310
(Physics/Earth Science)
1 Credit Required - This course is only open to students who did not receive the full CNS credit in 9th grade, and is a requirement for graduation.
This class is a required integrated science course, which is based on Wisconsin's Model Academic Standards for Science. Through six units of study, students will explore topics related to earth and space science and physics. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of science methods and concepts through activities that will include lab and field observations, readings, and classroom and individual projects.
The successful completion of CNS 9 would be equivalent to completing one semester of Physics and one semester of Earth Science. |
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Comprehensive Natural Science 10 - No. 316
(Chemistry/Biology)
1 Credit Required - Grade 10
This class is a required integrated science course, which is based on Wisconsin’s Model Academic Standards for Science. The content focuses on biology and chemistry through six units of study. This course is a hands-on approach to science that stresses the inquiry method. Students will conduct a year-long project that involves direct, independent research of a question of their own choosing.
The successful completion of CNS 10 would be equivalent to completing one semester of Chemistry and one semester of Biology.
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Principles of the Environment - No. 320
(Environmental Science Level II) - Grades 11, 12
1/2 credit elective - gateway course into level III
Prerequisites - Successful completion of CNS 9 and CNS 10
This course will continue the ecological and environmental science concepts that were introduced in CNS 9 and CNS 10. Topics of study include ecosystem structure and function encompassing ideas such as communities and biomes, energy flow and matter cycling; environmental issues such as natural resource and land use and pollution. A unit on water will include the study of a local creek. The topic of energy use will also be explored in detail. Methods of study will include laboratory work, lecture, discussions, use of classroom materials and technology, and a class project. A $5.00 lab fee is required for this course. |
Principles of Biology - No. 324
(Biology Level II) - Grades 11, 12
1/2 credit elective - gateway course into Level III
Prerequisites - Successful completion of CNS 9 and CNS 10
This course will continue the study of biological topics that was started in CNS 9 and CNS 10. This course is designed for students who need to take an additional science course to meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and for students who desire to take a Level III Biology course. As part of the study of the modern system of scientific classification, students will learn why scientists classify living things. Students will learn the major characteristics of organisms in each of the currently recognized Kingdoms, and will study representatives of each of the Kingdoms. Through the study of the evolution of life on Earth and hereditary genetics, students will learn about the history of life and processes that result in change to organisms. Methods of study will involve lab work including dissection, lecture, and discussion. A $5.00 lab fee is required for this course. |
*Human Anatomy & Physiology (HONORS)
- No. 326 (Biology Level III)
1/2 credit elective - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Principles of Biology
This advanced course in biology is designed for students who require complete knowledge of the human body. Through lab, lecture, and discussion based activities, use of classroom materials and technology, and group projects, students will study the structure and function of the human body. Cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems will be studied individually and as cooperative parts of the body. Inherited and acquired diseases of the systems will be studied to clarify the proper functioning of each system. Students will use knowledge gained through dissection of vertebrates to understand human form and function. Career options involving advanced knowledge of the human body will be explored. A $5.00 lab fee is required for this course. |
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DNA science & Technology - No. 328
(Biology Level III)
1/2 credit elective - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Principles of Biology
This advanced rigorous course in biology includes an in-depth study of the DNA molecule and its uses. This course consists of the study of current applications of DNA technology in forensics, agriculture, medicine, and industry. Specific topics of study include genetic modification of organisms, DNA profiling, amplification of DNA by PCR, current understanding of cancer and its genetic origins, and investigation of stem cell research. Social ramifications of the use of biotechnology will be investigated. Methods of study include lab, lecture, discussion, modeling, internet research, use of technology, and group projects. A $5.00 lab fee is required for this course.
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Principles of Chemistry - No. 330
(Chemistry Level II) - Grades 11, 12
1/2 credit elective - gateway course into level III Prerequisites - Successful completion of CNS 9 and CNS 10.
This course will continue the study of chemistry that was started in CNS 9 and CNS 10. This course is designed for students who need to take an additional science course to meet graduation or college entrance requirements, and also for students who desire to take a Level III Advanced Placement Chemistry course. Chemistry is the study of matter. Topics studied will include chemical compounds, chemical quantities, chemical equations, acids and bases, water and solutions. Methods of study will include laboratory work, lecture, discussion, and use of classroom materials. A scientific calculator is desired for this course. A $5.00 lab fee is required for this course. |
Organic and Biochemistry (HONORS) - No. 334
(Chemistry Level III)
1/2 credit elective - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Principles of Chemistry
This advanced course in chemistry is designed for the student who has an interest in an engineering, medical or health related professional career in science. Students will study organic functional groups and polymers as well as biochemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and cellular respiration. Methods of study will include laboratory experiments, lecture, discussion-based activities, use of classroom materials and technology, and a research project. A $5.00 lab fee is required for this course. |
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Principles of Physics - No. 340
(Physics Level II) - Grades 11, 12
1/2 credit elective - gateway course into level III
Prerequisites - Successful completion of CNS 9 and CNS 10; grade of C or better in Core 2 or Geometry
This course is an overview of physics. This course is designed for students who need to take an additional science course to meet college entrance requirements, and for students who desire to take a Level III Physics course. Physics is concerned with the relationship between energy and matter. Topics studied will include forces and motion, waves, sound and light; and electricity and magnetism. These essential topics of physics are covered using laboratory experiments and classroom materials. The emphasis is on the descriptive aspects of physics, but concepts will be reinforced through problem solving. A calculator is required for this course. A $5.00 lab fee is required for this course.
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PHYSICAL GEOLOGY - No. 336
(Earth Science Level II)
1/2 credit elective
Prerequisites- Successful comletion of CNS 9 and CNS 10
Offered in alternate years beginning with the 2010-2011 school year.
Students will continue the study of Earth Science topics that were introduced in Comprehensive Natural Science 9 (Physics/Earth Science) during the ninth grade year. Through studying properties of minerals, the formation of rocks, weathering and erosion, and plate tectonics, students will gain an understanding of why Earth's surface looks the way that it does. Students will use their understanding of geological processes to explore the history of landforms in Central Wisconsin. This course will help students with an interest in Earth Science meet graduation and college entrance requirements. A $5.00 lab fee is required for this course.
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Meteorology, Oceanography, anD Climatology -No. 338
(Earth Science Level II)
1/2 credit elective - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite- successful completion of CNS 9 and CNS 10
Offered in alternate years. This course will NOT be offered during the 2010-2011 school year.
Students will continue the study of Earth Science topics that were introduced in Comprehensive Natural Science 9 (Physics/ Earth Science) during the ninth grade year. Students will explore the characteristics of the atmosphere and the oceans and investigate the process that influence weather and climate. Major topics will include physical and chemical properties of the oceans, weather patterns that affect Central Wisconsin and North America, and worldwide climate patterns and their causes. Students will use tools of meteorologists to understand local weather, and historical and current climate data to investigate patterns of climate change. This course will help students with an interest in Earth Science meet graduation and college entrance requirements. A $5.00 lab fee is required for this course.
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AP Environmental Science - No. 323
(Environmental Science Level III)
1/2 credit elective - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Principles of the Environment
AP Environmental Science is designed to be the equivalent of a one semester, introductory college course in environmental science and specifically intended for those students who intend to take the college Board AP Environmental Science exam in May. (There will be a cost for this exam ) This course will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. A $5.00 lab fee is required for this course. |
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AP CHEMISTRY - No. 331
(Chemistry Level III)
1 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Principles of Chemistry and at least one additional Level II science course.
AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a general chemistry course taken during the first year of college. Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics will be covered in considerable depth. Students will engage laboratory work that challenges their abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas with clarity and logic including an emphases on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles. A $5.00 Lab fee is required for this course. A calculator is also required.
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*AP PHYSICS - No. 345
(Physics Level III)
1 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite - Successful completion of Principles of Physics and at least one additional Level II science course.
AP Physics provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry. This course covers topics in Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, atomic and nuclear physics. This one-year course provides a foundation in physics for students interested in the life sciences, pre-medicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science. It also includes a laboratory component. Students completing this course will be eligible to take the College Board AP Physics B exam. A $5.00 Lab fee is required for this course. A calculator is also required.
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