31011-31012 Physical Science

31011-31012 Physics

31011 - Fall     31012 - Spring
 
(Credit - 2) (Elective) (Year) (Grade: 9)
 
An activity based course spanning motion to electricity;  including in‐depth studies of forces, energy, circular motion, matter, thermodynamics, waves, and the nature of science.  Current societal and technological issues in physics are explored throughout the year using integrated problem solving activities in physics to better understand physics content in relevant ways.

31021-31022 Physics Advanced

31021-31022 Physics Advanced

31021 - Fall     31022 - Spring
 
(Credit - 2) (Elective) (Year) (Grade: 11-12)
 
Prerequisite: Math 3
 
This class provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of problem solving ability.  It is assumed that the student is familiar with algebra and trigonometry as this is a computational physics class.  Topics covered but not limited to: Kinematics, Forces, Rotational Motion and Dynamics, Fluids and Pressure, Electrostatics, Electricity, and Nuclear Physics.
 
Offered alternate years with Engineering & Design. Next offered 2016-17.

32011-32012 Chemistry

32011-32012 Chemistry

32011 - Fall     32012 - Spring
 
(Credit - 2) (Elective) (Year) (Grade: 10)
 
Prerequisites:  Physics or Principles of Engineering (POE) & Math 1
 
A two‐semester course in general chemistry that is designed to be activity based and engage the students in the ideas of chemistry with less emphasis on mathematical problem solving.  This course studies composition, properties, and reactions of substances.  Topics explore such concepts as the behavior of solids, liquids, and gases; acid/base and oxidation/reduction reactions; and atomic structure.  Chemical formulas, equations and nuclear reactions are also included in this course.  All topics are geared towards the societal and technological issues and historical discoveries

32021-32022 Chemistry-Advanced Studies

32021 - Fall     32022 - Spring
 
(Credit - 2) (Elective) (Year) (Grade: 10)
 
Prerequisites:  Physics or Principles of Engineering (POE) & Math 1
 
A full year course in general chemistry designed for the college prep sophomore, junior and/or senior student who is interested in pursuing or has a high interest in science or scientific careers.  Emphasis is placed on the application of chemistry topics with quantitative analysis (mathematical applications).  Topics and concepts stressed include, but not limited to:  scientific method in measurement and investigation, the mole concept in chemical reactions, atomic and molecular structure, kinetic‐molecular theory, chemical equilibrium, oxidation‐reduction reactions, periodic trends, introduction to Organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.  Laboratory work is required.  Safe practices, proper equipment usage, and procedures will be introduced and covered.  Methods of instruction include:  lectures, demonstrations and student laboratory experiments.  Evaluation of student’s progress is based mostly upon chapter and/or unit tests, quizzes, and analysis of laboratory investigations.

33001-33002 Biology

33001-33002 Biology

33001 - Fall     33002 - Spring
 
(Credit - 2) (Elective) (Year) (Grade: 11)
 
An activity based exploration of life, spanning ecological principals to microbiology; including in‐depth studies of biochemistry, cellular function, genetics, evolution, and the nature of science.  Current societal and technological issues in biology are explored throughout the year.

34001Biology 2 - Anatomy (Fall)

34001-34002 Biology 2

(Credit - 2) (Elective) (Year) (Grades 11-12)
 
34001 - Fall
Prerequisite:  Demonstrated success in Biology or Biology Honors (C or above).  Can be taken concurrently with Biology with approval of instructor.  Can be taken concurrently with Introduction to Health Occupations class.

Course is offered for juniors and seniors who are interested in anatomy or pursuing a health-related career, as well as someone with a general interest in the life science. Dissection and comparison of a fetal pig anatomy is a required activity at the end of the first semester.


Concentrated study of the human organ systems with study of the anatomy of each system.  Course consists of anatomical study, dissection of particular organs, and other learning activities.  Learning occurs in groups and individually as each student works to master the content.  Assessment of anatomical learning occurs at regular intervals and students can repeat assessments.  Goal is to have 80% mastery of content or higher during all units.

34002 Biology 2 - Physiology (Spring)

34002 Biology 2

(Credit - 2) (Elective) (Year) (Grades 11-12)

34002 - Spring

Prerequisite:

  • Success in Biology or Honors Biology (C or above).  Can be taken concurrently with Biology with approval of instructor.

  • Student has demonstrated success in Anatomy (Fall Semester) or has completed Introduction to Health Occupations class.(C or above)  

Strong emphasis on the physiology human body systems.  Course consists of physiological study, laboratories and activities involving the study of each system.  Includes guest speakers and ethical decision-making activities.  Vernier probeware is used to measure performance of student body systems.  


Sample studies include - Development of Cancer, Tissue Engineering, Guest Speaker from Iowa Donor Network, Brain Day with Psychology class, Muscle contraction and reflexes, Cardiac Physiology, Respiratory Physiology, Urinary Physiology.

Brain Day - Psychology & Physiology

Psychology and Physiology Class Combination.

One Day - Combination Class - Spring Semester

The two classes prepare by studying the anatomical structure of the brain and the cognitive function of each structure.  Groups are assigned a case study where their subject has had some kind of brain injury.  Students identify affected structures of the brain and how those structures function.  How the subject deals with these changes in their life socially is illustrated.  Therapies and treatments are also discussed.  Sheep brain dissection is a part of brain structure study. Guest speakers are often a part of the day.