Grade 9. Teacher recommendation, weighted grade.

The laboratory experience emphasizes biology as an investigative process based on inquiry. Creating hypotheses by studying the facts and devising an explanation for them is a crucial part of this curriculum. Teaching strategies enable students to learn science through a natural development process. Beginning with exploration and moving through invention to application, students build solid foundations in biological concepts and theories while developing higher-order thinking skills.

Grade 9. No prerequisite

This laboratory is the traditional biology course. It is organized and conducted to provide students with a sound and comprehensive understanding of biology. Strong emphasis is given to understanding fundamental biological processes and how they apply to our lives.

Grade 10-12. Prerequisites are successful completion of Biology, Chemistry or Instructor approval. Weighted grade.

This course is a college-level laboratory course dealing with advanced topics in Biology. There are twelve mandatory laboratory experiences dealing with such topics as diffusion, osmosis, enzyme catalysis, molecular biology, and genetics. Students who successfully complete this course and the AP Biology examination may receive college credit and/or higher placement in college.

Grade 10-12. Prerequisite is Geometry (may be taken concurrently).

Students begin their journey with the Big Bang and explore the universe through the eyes of Galileo, Copernicus, Kepler, Newton, and other great minds. On the journey into present day, students study the extinction of dinosaurs, the solar system, galaxies, stars, black holes, and the laws governing the universe. Many laboratory experiences and group projects, along with trips to the planetarium, are used to reinforce astronomical concepts. Each student will also construct a refracting telescope. A field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry to explore the Henry Crown Space Center and Omnimax Theatre is included.

Grade 10-12. Prerequisites are Biology and Chemistry (may be taken concurrently).

This college level course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of genetics. Students are acquainted with not only classical patterns of inheritance but also present day findings in molecular genetics. Laboratory experiments provide active participation in demonstrating and applying the theories of genetics and biotechnology. Present day bioethics issues in biotechnology are addressed.

Grade 10-12. Prerequisite is Chemistry and Biology (may be taken concurrently with Instructor approval).

This college level course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of human anatomy and physiology. Particular emphasis is placed on animal dissections to help the students learn how the human body functions. Students may apply to earn dual credit through COD.

Grade 10-12.  Prerequisite is one year of Science or Instructor Approval

This college preparatory course will challenge students to sharpen their awareness of how the natural world functions and empowers students to function positively in the real world as a living human. This course forces the student to recognize their interdependence with many aspects of the Earth’s systems. EES will explore plate tectonics, landscaping forces, food production, water consumption, climate change and weather. Ultimately, students will connect their impact to each of these systems.

Grade 10-12.  Prerequisites are Biology, Chemistry (may be taken concurrently), Algebra 2/Trig.  Weighted grade.

The goals of the AP Environmental Science course are to 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 man-made; to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems; and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.  Environmental Science is interdisciplinary, embracing a wide variety of topics that include Ecology, Geology History, Sociology, Economics and Chemistry.  Field experiences may include a trip to northern Wisconsin and/or one-day trips to local prairies, streams and forests.  Students who successfully complete the course and AP examination may receive college credit and/or a higher placement in college.

Grade 10-12. Prerequisite is Biology.

This course places emphasis on botany, plant parts and processes, propagation, careers, and plant identification. Students are introduced to greenhouse management, landscape, and floral design through the greenhouse and floral lab. This college-preparatory course is geared toward students interested in majoring in biological sciences or horticulture. This course does not meet NCAA eligibility requirements.

Grade 10-12.   Prerequisite is one year of Science or Instructor Approval

This course provides students with a solid foundation of physical science and the laboratory techniques used to test and support such knowledge. One semester is an introduction to the principles of chemistry; the other is an introduction to the principles of physics.

Grade 10-12. Prerequisite is Biology and concurrent enrollment in Geometry.

This course introduces the college-bound student to basic chemistry principles through lecture, laboratory, and group work. The laboratory experience emphasizes the discovery of key concepts through the analysis of student-generated data.

Grade 11-12. Prerequisites are Biology, Chemistry and Algebra 2/ Trig. Weighted grade.

Advanced Chemistry is a college level laboratory course dealing with advanced topics in inorganic chemistry. Students may receive college credit in Advanced Chemistry by qualifying on an examination administered by the College Entrance Examination Board at the conclusion of the course. This course is weighted and emphasizes problem solving and lab experience.

Grade 10-12. Prerequisites are Biology & Geometry. Weighted grade.

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of chemistry. This laboratory course emphasizes problem-solving, analysis, critical thinking, and experimentation.

Grade 11-12. Prerequisites are Biology, Chemistry, Algebra, and Geometry.

Physics presents a practical overview of general classic and modern physics topics. In this introductory course, the emphasis will be upon laboratory investigations leading to a firm grasp of conservation of momentum, energy, and charge. The math requirement entails proficient use of algebra and geometry.

Grade 11-12 Prerequisites are Chemistry, Honors Physics and Calculus.  Weighted grade.

This calculus-based college style Physics course is structured to provide a strong preparation in Physics for those intending to major in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy or Medicine.  Students who successfully complete the course and AP examination may receive college credit and/or a higher placement in college.

Grade 10-12. Prerequisites are Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra 2/Trig. – Weighted grade.

This course introduces students to the basic concepts and theories of physics. The pace and scope of this course are designed for students with a sound understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. This course emphasizes problem-solving and experimentation. Honors Pre-calculus is also strongly recommended.

Grade 10-12 Semester Course

How can science be harnessed to better manage energy use in our society? This online eLo course will examine this problem using a variety of skills and concepts from the worlds of engineering, math, and science. Concepts such as sustainability, thermodynamics, design, statistics, public opinion, and much more will be explored. This course will be a stimulating introduction to the field of sustainable energy.

Grade 10-12.  Prerequisite is one year of Science or Instructor Approval

This college preparatory course investigates the uniqueness of Earth and illustrates how Earth is part of a bigger universal system. Students will compare how the objects of our universe form and compare them in order to better understand the origins of Earth and how it changes through time. ESS will explore the origins of the universe, how we observe the universe, the structure of our solar system and the geological history of Earth.

Grade 11-12. Prerequisite is Horticulture.

This course stresses greenhouse management, plant production, and floral design. Specific topics include but are not limited to botany, plant identification, propagation, and careers. Extensive use of lab facilities and greenhouse will be used to demonstrate concepts and supply students with first-hand knowledge of plant growth and management practices. The students will create a greenhouse design and management project. This course does not meet NCAA eligibility requirements.