Course offerings are designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and skills. All courses involve laboratory work. Some courses require advanced reading and math skills; these usually have a challenge level similar to freshman college courses. The Wayzata School District requires students to take 8 credits in science. In order for students to select courses that match ability, interest level, and reading level, descriptions should be read carefully. Interest level and reading skills are considered in all courses. Math skills are considered more important as students move from biology to chemistry to physics. 9 TH GRADE SCIENCE 408 PHYSICAL SCIENCE 9 2 Terms Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Prerequisite: Grade 9 The ninth grade physical science course includes traditional introductory topics drawn from chemistry and physics, which are also integrated with interdisciplinary science topics that include earth science topics, problem-solving experiences, and engineer concepts. Chemistry topics include: atomic structure, patterns in the periodic table, writing chemical formulas, and balancing chemical equations. Physics topics include: motion, forces, mechanical energy, work and machines, power, electricity, and magnetism. 409 ENRICHED PHYSICAL SCIENCE 9 2 Terms Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Integrated 2X Academic Profile: 7 th grade Spring or 8 th grade Fall MAP Reading score of at least 235 7 th grade Spring or 8th grade Fall MAP Math score of at least 260 Enriched physical science is a rigorous course designed for motivated students with a high level of science reasoning skills in addition to advanced math skills. It combines chemistry, physics and mathematics, and extends learning to topics not typically taught in 9 th grade science such as the thermodynamics of chemistry, projectile motion and selfdesigned research projects. The course will move at an accelerated pace and will include demanding supplemental readings and use of a T1 graphing calculator. Students who qualify by meeting the advanced math requirement as well as the desired MAP profile will receive a letter inviting them to register for the course. Students who do not meet the desired profile should register for Physical Science. The Physical Science curriculum is differentiated to meet the academic needs of all students. If a student does not meet the prerequisites and would like an opportunity to enroll in EPS, the student may need to participate in the summer EPS Test In process. Information on this program will be available on the website in March. 73
BIOLOGY Biology is taught at two levels. Biology is the least demanding of reading skills, Biology X requires grade level or above reading skills. Both are introductory biology courses. Advanced biology courses include Human Anatomy, Human Genetics and Zoology. These advanced courses are non-sequential and require successful completion of Biology X or Biology with instructor's approval. Advanced Placement Biology is designed to provide students with the experience of a challenging college-level introductory biology course and prepare students to take the AP test in the spring. Students who do well on this test may earn college credit in biology. 416 BIOLOGY Prerequisite: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science (Formerly Honors Physical Science) The topics in Biology will be the same as Biology X: nature of science, cell structure and function, genetics, human biology, microbes, evolution and ecology. Laboratory work, averaging 1 or 2 activities per unit, will be an integral part of the course. Please note that students who take Biology must receive instructor s approval to enroll in advanced life sciences courses, such as Human Anatomy, Genetics and Zoology. 417 BIOLOGY X Prerequisite: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science (Formerly Honors Physical Science) The Biology X text requires 11 th grade reading skills, and is a preparatory class for upper level science classes offered at WHS. This course will cover topics in greater depth than Biology. Assessments contain a higher proportion of application and synthesis-based questions. The topics covered include the nature of science, cell structure and functions, genetics, human biology, microbes, evolution and ecology. Laboratory work, averaging 1 or 2 activities per unit, will be an integral part of the course. Students completing this course with a C grade or better may enroll in Human Anatomy, Genetics and Zoology. Students receiving a D may enroll with instructor's approval. 418 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Prerequisite: Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science and either Biology or Biology X (or instructor s approval if neither of these have been taken). Many people see a future of increasing global prosperity while others see impending catastrophe. This course will study the natural world, our environment, human influence and impact, and will discuss issues relating to the natural world and society. Environmental Science will include lab activities, technology applications, class activities, discussions, and individual and group research. 419 WILDLIFE SCIENCE Prerequisite: Biology or Biology X or with teacher approval Wildlife Science will center its activities in learning the process of scientific inquiry as it applies to Minnesota wildlife. Students will learn ecology, geology, and biology as it applies to wildlife in the State of Minnesota, as well as understanding what biodiversity is and the effect it will have on the future of humans on planet Earth. We will study the biology, ecology, natural history and issues of the Gray Wolf in Minnesota, Yellowstone National Park, and in Europe. The wolf study will conclude with a field trip to the Wildlife Science Center for a day of observing behavior in several captive packs of wolves. Some of the inquiry activities will be done in our outdoor learning area. 74
420 HUMAN ANATOMY This course is an advanced elective designed as a college prep course. It will be especially helpful to students interested in the biomedical sciences as careers. The topics include muscle physiology, human organs, and cardiovascular physiology. The major lab activity will be cat dissection. 421 ZOOLOGY When most people think about studying animals they probably focus on the animals at the zoo. Unfortunately, they fail to realize that a majority of the animal kingdom is made up of organisms that differ greatly from lions, tigers and bears. Through research, video, scientific articles, and dissections, Zoology will delve into this unique world of invertebrates from a comparative anatomy approach. Class dissections will include earthworms, crayfish, starfish, squid, and dogfish shark. 422 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL Prerequisite: Completion of Biology or Biology X; Completion of Chemistry or Chemistry X; Completion or concurrent enrollment in Integrated Math 3 AP Environmental Science is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science. The goal of the course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Topics covered in this course will include ecosystems, population, land and water use, energy, pollution and global change. 423 APPLIED SCIENCE: FORENSICS Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry This course will help the students to develop skills in applying the analytical techniques used by forensic scientists, to evaluate evidence, to investigate relevant instrumentation, to apply an interdisciplinary approach to real work scenarios. Topics covered in the course would include: Introduction, History and Exchange Principle; Evidence and Crime Scene; Fingerprinting; Decomposition and Entomology; Blood and DNA 424 HUMAN GENETICS This course will include studies of human genetics, population genetics, and genetic conditions. A research project will be completed by each student. 425 ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY 3 Terms Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Prerequisite: Biology X with a strongly recommended grade of "B" or better and completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry. This is a rigorous college level course that includes topics from Biology X in much greater depth as well as additional topics such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration, cell signaling, population genetics, behavior, nervous system, and endocrine system. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP Biology test in mid-may and those who score well on it may earn college credit for freshman biology. 75
451 MARINE BIOLOGY Our planet is over 70% water, most of which is found in the oceans. There is another world under the surface of these waters that few people have the chance to explore. Marine Biology provides students with the opportunity to experience this world in the classroom. Through research, experimentation, video, computer interactives and handson activities, students will experience each of the diverse ecosystems within the ocean, the organisms that live in them, and how they relate to each other ecologically. This course is not focused on the anatomy and physiology of the organisms and has no dissection (which is more the focus of Zoology), but rather focuses on the bigger picture of the ocean and how each part relates to the other. 453 THE ECOLOGY OF FOOD Prerequisite: Biology or Biology X Investigate the saying, "you are what you eat." This course will examine the ecological connections between food production, human health, and ecological sustainability. The course will provide you with an understanding of where your food comes from with a focus on the basic skills needed for food production in urban areas and the ethics behind sustainable agriculture. Issues covered in class will include balanced diets, reliable food sources, clean drinking water, sustainable agricultural systems, plant pollinators, and how they contribute to our individual wellbeing and the well-being of the planet. Students will visit local farms, markets and restaurants to gain an understanding of a sustainable food system with a hands-on component to the class of consisting of planning, planting and maintaining a community garden at WHS. CHEMISTRY There are two sequences for a full year of beginning chemistry. The two sequences are Chemistry and Chemistry X. Both approaches assume a foundational understanding of chemistry from ninth grade physical science and cover the main topics of general chemistry. They differ in the depth at which the topics are covered and mathematical emphasis. Chemistry X is more difficult and assumes a stronger math background. Background in Organic Chemistry will be very useful for students planning to pursue a medically related area or a major in Chemistry. There is also a 3-term sequence of Advanced Placement Chemistry, which uses college level materials and requires the successful completion of Chemistry X as a prerequisite. 426 CHEMISTRY Prerequisite: Integrated Math 2 or 2X This course approaches chemistry from the point of view of various issues in science and technology confronting society. Specific chemical principles are introduced as needed to better understand these central issues. Laboratory experiments are an integral part of the course. This class will provide an adequate background in chemistry for college-bound students who do not intend to major in science. 428 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Prerequisite: Chemistry or Chemistry X This one term course introduces some of the topics of carbon chemistry. Equal time is spent on General Organic (nonliving systems) and Biochemistry (living systems). This course would be a valuable background for students planning on majoring in chemistry at college or planning on going into a medically related area, such as medical technology, nursing, veterinary science, dentistry, or medicine. The math level is comparable to Chemistry. 76
430 CHEMISTRY X Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Integrated Math 3 or 3X This sequence will provide a solid background for college chemistry. The student should feel comfortable with math. THE STUDENT SHOULD BE IN THE TOP 40 PERCENT OF THE CLASS. Topics covered will include equation writing and balancing; quantitative relationships in chemical reactions; kinetic theory; atomic and molecular structure and its application to a study of reactions including rates, energies, and equilibrium acid-base. Laboratory experiments are an integral part of the course. 433 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY 3 Terms Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Prerequisite: Chemistry X with a strongly recommended grade of "B" or higher This is a full-year advanced chemistry course that will study the topics of a typical freshman college chemistry course. The lab will be used to emphasize selected topics and will average an experiment every two weeks. Students taking this course are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Test in the spring. Students who have applied themselves in this course have done well on the advanced placement test. PHYSICS There are three sequences for a full year of beginning physics. Two of these, Physics and Physics X, differ in depth of topics covered and in mathematical background. The Physics X course is more challenging and assumes the student is either enrolled concurrently in, or has completed, the Integrated PRECALCULUS 4 or 4X course. The third sequence available to highly motivated students with a very strong math background, concurrent enrollment or completion of calculus, is Advanced Placement Physics. 443 PHYSICS Prerequisite: Completion or a concurrent enrollment in Integrated Math 3 or 3X Enrollment in this course assumes concurrent enrollment in, or completion of, Integrated Math 3 or 3X. The Physics sequence provides a reasonable background for college-bound students who are planning majors other than physics, chemistry, or engineering. The basic topics of physics will be covered, including motion, forces, energy, waves, sound, light, electricity and magnetism. Practical applications to the student's world are emphasized in a conceptual approach; frequent laboratory experiences support this emphasis as well. 446 PHYSICS X Prerequisite: Completion or a concurrent enrollment in Integrated Math 4 or 4X. This is a comprehensive course intended for students who may be considering post-secondary study in the physical sciences. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, conservation of energy and momentum, thermodynamics, sound optics, electricity and magnetism. Practical applications and laboratory work are emphasized. As the prerequisite implies, students who elect this class should be comfortable with basic algebra and trigonometry. (Note: Since both this class and AP Physics are designed to be first courses in physics, students may not take AP Physics after completing Physics X.) 77
449 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS 1 Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Calculus AB This is an introductory college level course that prepares students for further study in the physical sciences while also preparing them for the AP Physics 1 exam. Topics are similar to those discussed in Physics X. Both courses emphasize lab work and practical applications. The courses primarily differ in the pace and depth with which topics are discussed. AP Physics 1 does not directly use calculus, but completion or concurrent enrollment indicates a student has the math skills needed to be successful in the course. This course is offered terms 1 and 2. (Note: AP Physics 1 is a first course in physics, while AP Physics C: Mechanics is an advanced second course. It is okay to register for AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C: Mechanics the same academic year. Students may not, however, take AP Physics 1 after completing Physics X, as these two courses cover much of the same material.) 452 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C: MECHANICS Prerequisite: Completion of AP Calculus AB and either Physics X or AP Physics 1 This is an advanced course which corresponds to the first semester of a college physics program for students majoring in the physical sciences, engineering or mathematics. This course will prepare students to take the AP Physics C: Mechanics test in the spring. In this course, students will be completing rigorous lab activities emphasizing the applications of calculus to the topics of kinematics, dynamics, momentum and energy, which were previously studied in Physics X or AP Physics 1. This course will be offered terms 3 and 4. It is okay to register for AP Physics 1 (or Physics X) and AP Physics C: Mechanics in the same academic year. In addition to the mechanics topics studied, students will also investigate modern physics topics such as relativity, quantum mechanics and particle physics during this course. EARTH/SPACE This course is an elective in Earth and Space Sciences for grades 10-12. 440 ASTRONOMY Prerequisite: Integrated Math 2 or 2X Astronomy is an elective course that is probably the oldest and first science humans have considered. In addition to the topics of astronomy and astrophysics, we will also look at how astronomy, space travel and our understanding of the universe is continually changing. This course will also focus on how the skies have shaped the lives and beliefs of many cultures and societies across history. The main text is Astronomy Today for astronomical scales, measurements, optical devices and objects within our solar system and beyond. It will also work with the nature of light, the structure of stars and the stars distribution in the physical universe. 78
At a Glance Grade 9 Requirement 2 credits Physical Science 9 Enriched Physical Science 9 Grade 10 Requirement 2 credits Biology Biology X Chemistry/Physics Class of 2017 and beyond, completion of at least one of these courses is required for graduation. Regular Course Options Chemistry Physics Accelerated/Advanced Course Options Chemistry X Physics X AP Physics 1 AP Physics C: Mechanics Grade 10, 11, 12 Course Offerings Courses available to meet the graduation requirement of 8 or more total credits in Science One Credit Courses Human Anatomy (11-12) Human Genetics (11-12) Organic Chemistry (11-12) Zoology (11-12) Two Credit Courses Astronomy (10-12) Environmental Science (10-12) Wildlife Science (10-12) Forensics (11-12) Marine Biology (11-12) The Ecology of Food (11-12) AP Environmental (11-12) Three Credit Courses AP Biology (11-12) AP Chemistry (11-12) 79