Science

Course: 6905/6906 Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 8B Physics A and Physics B fulfills the 1.0 credit physical science graduation requirement for the graduation class of 2020 and 2021.
Physics A and Physics B is a required course for the graduating classes of 2022 and beyond.
In Physics A, students will study Newton’s laws of motion and investigate motion, energy, and momentum. These investigations will include lab work, models, graphs, and mathematical equations. In Physics B, students will study sound, light, electricity, magnetism and heat through lab activities that drive our discussion and problem solving.

Course: 6701 Grade: 10-12 
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra 9B Chemistry A fulfills the 0.5 credit physical science graduation requirement for the graduating class of 2022 and beyond.
Chemistry A and Chemistry B fulfills the 1.0 credit physical science graduation requirement for the graduating class of 2020 and 2021.
Chemistry focuses on the interaction of matter and energy in chemical reactions. Concepts include periodic trends, chemical bonding, writing formulas for compounds and reactions, Students will perform experiments individually and collaboratively.

Course: 0550
Grade: 10-12

Apply scientific concepts and procedures through a variety of laboratory activities and experiments focused on food and nutrition. Understand how the physical and chemical properties of food products are related to elements, chemical bonds, and molecular structures. Evaluate the chemical reactions that occur in processing and storage of food products and analyze the factors affecting the rate of reactions.  Explore the relationships between energy, molecules, and states of matter in the development and improvement of food products and packaging.

** This course meets the state chemistry standards and the graduation requirement for Chemistry.

*** This course is taught by the Agriculture Department

Course: 6601/6602 Grade: 11-12 
Recommendation: Completion of Chemistry or Physics prior to taking this course. Successful completion of these courses will satisfy the one credit in biology required for graduation.
What makes people sick? Why are people alive? What hidden worlds exist beyond people's eyes? Biology A takes students through a journey that investigates these questions as well as the nature of life and living organisms. Students become scientists as they discover organisms that inhabit both visible and invisible spaces. Students will pursue the nature of cells, life’s energy, and human body systems. The focus of this course is on problem solving in science through activities and lab investigations. Jeans or Genes? Join Biology B to crack the genetic code. Investigate past, present, and future secrets held in DNA. Heredity, adaptation, genetic engineering, selective breeding and mutation are some of the topics explored in Biology B. Students will learn to apply experimental techniques to discover how DNA and genes operate. Students will also link the structure and function of DNA and genes to evolutionary change and the struggle for existence. Students who received credit for Field and Forensic Biology A/B cannot receive credit for Biology A/B. Students who received credit for Biology A/B cannot receive credit for Field and Forensic Biology A/B.

Course: 6806 Grade: 11-12 In this required course, students will investigate Earth and Space through four major units: space, plate tectonics, geologic time, and climate change. Students will explore star composition and galaxy motion using light evidence, read about Icelandic volcanoes, and evaluate the human interaction with Earth’s four spheres (atmosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere). This course is offered in two different formats: traditional or hybrid (both in the classroom and online). Students enroll in the traditional course and are placed in the hybrid section through their dean.

Course: 6500 Grade: 9
Prerequisite: No other high school science courses have been taken. Students have not met the math requirements for Physics A and B. Students may not self-register for this course, instructor permission is required at the time of registration. The Applied Science course is designed to build foundational science skills and will address many of the science process and engineering standards. For those approved for the course, this will meet their ½ credit science elective. This course will discuss science method, and students will participate in experimental design, measurement, and data analysis. Topics covered will range from consumer science and energy issues to new research and product design.

Course: 6605 Grade: 11-12 
This is a course that focuses on the complexity of natural and environmental systems. Through the application of the scientific method, students will participate and initiate research projects that examine all aspects of environmental stability. In their research, students will analyze the way humans impact and interact with their natural environments, and learn what is being done to preserve and conserve environmental areas into the future.

Course: 6600
Grades: 10-12
Minnesota is a biologically diverse state because we exist at the convergence of three major land biomes and we are home to three different freshwater biomes. In this course, students will study the characteristics of the biomes of the world with special attention being given to the biomes of Minnesota. During the course of this study, students will also learn about classification and claudistics, energy roles in an ecosystem, succession, chemical and biological water testing, and environmental issues facing Minnesota’s future.
and Forensic Biology B.

Course: 6611 Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of either Biology A/B  or AP Biology A/B/C.
This high life-science course is organized around the core principles of anatomy and physiology, such as homeostasis, chemical interactions, structure and function relationships, and the levels of organization. Modeled around an introductory college-level course, students will use scientific literature, class discussion, case studies, and specimen dissections to understand the details of eight major body systems. This class is a great option for students interested in pursuing a career in health care or a related field.  

Course: 6612
Grades: 10-12
Discover the differences between the Hollywood version CSI and true forensic science. This course is designed to investigate the real-world applications of using science in the analysis of crime scene evidence. Students will study the many jobs of the criminalist and learn how to apply forensic science principles through units focused on processing crime scenes, fingerprints, DNA, handwriting analysis, tool marks, blood and blood spatter, determining time of death, forensic anthropology, and forensic entomology.

Course: 6608 Grades: 10-12 Our diverse forests are one of the most unique characteristics of Minnesota’s natural resources. Students in this course will study basic plant biology and taxonomy as it pertains to Minnesota flora. Students will apply this new knowledge to design, set-up, and conduct a long-term inquiry based plant experiment. Students will also study the techniques used for various forestry field skills, positives and negatives of different logging techniques, forest pests and diseases, and spend time looking at the current environmental issues facing the health and future of our Minnesota forests.

Course: 6702 Grade: 10-12 
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Chemistry A.
Chemistry B is an elective credit for the graduating class of 2022 and beyond, and highly recommended for students that wish to attend a 4-year university.
Chemistry A and Chemistry B fulfills the 1.0 credit physical science graduation requirement for the graduating class of 2020 and 2021.
This course is ideal for the student who asks the question: “Why are certain gases poisonous or why do some substances dissolve in water and others don’t?” Chemistry focuses on the interaction of matter and energy in chemical reactions. Concepts include, stoichiometry, acids and bases, gases, rates and organic. Students will perform experiments individually and collaboratively. Chemistry B allows for opportunities to complete several inquiry type labs.

Course: 6807 Grade: 10-12
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop and apply knowledge of the universe and compare the conditions, properties, and motions of bodies in space. Emphasis will be placed on concepts basic to Earth, including materials, processes, scientific laws, history, and phenomena. Astronomy is the scientific study of the contents of the entire Universe. This course will provide the student with a study of the universe and the conditions, properties, and motions of bodies in space. The content includes, but is not limited to, historical astronomy, space exploration, astronomical instruments, the celestial sphere, the solar system, the earth as a system in space, the earth/moon system, the sun as a star, and stars.  

Course: 6805 Grade: 10-12 Meteorology introduces students to basic weather concepts, instrumentation, and maps. Students will learn about various aspects of weather, including the atmosphere, seasons, severe weather, and much more. Weather data will be collected from instruments used by the students outside and around the school.