GENERAL SCIENCE 9                    1 Year – .5 Unit Each Sem.

General Science course combines more than one branch of science into a cohesive study or may integrate science with another discipline.  General scientific concepts are explored, as are the principles underlying the scientific method and experimentation techniques.

EARTH SCIENCE 10-11-12                    1 Year – .5 Unit Each Sem.

Prerequisite:  General Science

Earth Science studies the planet Earth.  Included in the course are the topics of geology, meteorology, and astronomy.  Many lab activities are included.

BIOLOGY 10-11-12                    1 Year – .5 Unit Each Sem.

Prerequisite:  General Science

This course is a study of biology from a functional point of view.  Topics covered include:  cell physiology, cell structure, histology, bacteriology, plant anatomy, plant physiology, chordate anatomy, human physiology, genetics, ecology and animal taxonomy.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE 10-11-12                    1 Year – .5 Unit Each Sem.

Prerequisite:  General Science

This course uses many hands on activities to explore the concepts of chemistry and physics.  Some of the concepts in chemistry include the classification on matter, atomic structure, and the periodic table.  Some of the concepts in physics include electricity, magnetism, and simple machines.  We also build catapults, mousetrap cars, and Rube Goldberg machines.

CHEMISTRY 10-11-12                            1 Year – .5 Each Sem.

Prerequisite:  Algebra I

Chemistry is the study of the structure of matter and changes in the structure of matter.  The purpose of this course is to provide the general concepts of chemistry and experience with many of the lab techniques used in chemistry.  Some of the topics covered are chemical formulas and equations, structure of the atom, chemical bonding, gases, acids and bases and organic compounds.

ECOLOGY 10-11-12                              1 Semester – .5 Unit

Prerequisite:  General Science

Ecology is the study of the relationships among plants, animals, and their environment.  In this course, the student will study ecological concepts (communities, food webs, succession, etc.), natural resources, environmental issues, and the human relationship to the environment.  Students will learn to identify vertebrates and the invertebrates’ common to Northeast Iowa.

PHYSICS 11-12                    1 Year – .5 Unit Each Sem.

Prerequisite:  Algebra 1

Physics is the study of energy and the relationships between energy and matter.  The course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of physics, experience with many lab techniques and equipment used in physics, and practice with rational thinking as it applies to problem solving and decision-making.  Some of the topics covered are forces, motion, heat, light, sound, electricity, the atom and the nucleus.

ADVANCED BIOLOGY 11-12                    1 Year – .5 Unit Each Sem.

Prerequisite:  Biology and Chemistry

This course will provide the student with a molecular approach to the study of biology.  Invertebrate studies, cell biology, biochemistry, plant physiology, chordate anatomy, animal physiology, and human genetics will make up the bulk of the curriculum.

ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGY 1 Semester – .5 Unit

Prerequisite:  Biology

Usually taken after a comprehensive initial study of biology, Anatomy and Physiology courses present the human body and biological systems in more detail.  In order to understand the structure of the human body and its functions, students learn anatomical terminology, study cells and tissues, explore functional systems (skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, nervous, and so on), and may dissect mammals.