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Science
All students are required to complete six semesters of science.
ACS Engineering is a sicence elective open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. This course does not fulfil a BSM science requirement. Avaiation, Astronomy and Electronics are open to juniors and seniors and these courses do fulfill one science credit.
Freshman
Enrollment in a yearlong Physical Science course is required of freshmen. Placement is based on test scores and teacher recommendation. Beginning with the class of 2015, two semesters of either Chemistry or two semesters of Physics will be required.
Physical Science Concepts (YR)
This is a project based course covering physics and chemistry topics, with a focus on developing skills for scientific investigation. Students will practice useful laboratory skills, where teamwork and cooperative learning will be utilized. An understanding of scientific knowledge will be increased while critical-thinking and algebra skills are employed. First semester topics include general science skills, motion and forces, Newton’s laws, mechanical energy, and simple machines. Second semester topics include the properties of matter, the separation and identification of matter, the periodic table, and energy. Activities will include semester-ending projects, laboratory work, online simulations, formal lab write-ups, written assignments, lectures, and demonstrations.
Placement determined by grade school teacher recommendation and Explore test scores.
Two semesters, two credits, open to freshmen.
Physical Science (YR)
The purpose of this course is to give students an introduction to basic physics and chemistry. This is a project-based course with emphasis on developing problem-solving skills necessary for scientific investigations. The students will learn fundamental laboratory skills through which teamwork and cooperative learning will be emphasized. First semester topics include the metric system, motion, forces, energy, and electricity. Topics covered in the second semester will consist of machines, physical and chemical properties, using properties to classify matter, the periodic table, chemical formulas, and nomenclature. Activities will include projects, laboratory work, formal assignments, lectures, and demonstrations.
Two semesters, two credits, required of freshmen.
Sophomore
Enrollment in a yearlong Biology course is required of sophomores. Placement is based on test scores and teacher recommendation. Elective options available to sophomores are Astronomy and Engineering Level 1.
Biology Concepts (YR)
This course will examine the broad concepts of biology with emphasis on the environment and the effect people have on the world. The interactions of people, science, and nature will be studied. Lab work will include introductory microscopy, the care and maintenance of organisms, and dissection. Classroom activities will include lecture, lab work, and discussion.
Prerequisite: Physical Science or Physical Science Concepts. Students will be placed in this class based on the recommendation of their current science teacher.
Two semesters, two credits, open to sophomores.
Biology (YR)
This course examines the biological world with an emphasis on real-world applications. Topics covered will include cell biology, molecular basis of inheritance, and interdependence of organisms, living systems, and the behavior of organisms. Students will use technology in the classroom and be involved in many laboratory activities such as DNA gel electrophoresis, and fetal pig dissection.
Prerequisite: Physical Science or Physical Science Concepts with teacher recommendation.
Two semesters, two credits, required of sophomores.
Junior and Senior
Enrollment in a yearlong Science course is required during either junior or senior year to meet the three-year Science requirement. Placement may be based on a grade prerequisite and/or a teacher recommendation.
Applied Chemistry (YR) This project-based chemistry course focuses on the real-world applications of chemistry concepts. Thematic units lay the groundwork for topics such as solubility, the periodic table, chemical reactions, moles, gas laws, and calorimetry. Activities include unit-ending projects, class discussion, student presentations, and laboratory work. This course does not meet the core course requirements of the NCAA.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
Astronomy (S1)
This course is a basic introduction to the study of the universe. Students will study the history of astronomy, the physical laws of nature as they apply to the universe, the solar system, cosmology, and space exploration. Activities will include lectures and demonstrations, written assignments, and monthly night sky viewing. Because the sky observations occur outside the normal school day, students will need to have free time in the evening and be able to make transportation arrangements.
Prerequisite: Physical Science or Physical Science Concepts
One semester, one credit, open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Aviation (S2) OFFERED 2013-14
This course consists of the same material included in a private pilot ground school in preparation for the FAA written examination. The fundamentals of flight, aircraft and engine function, and navigation will be studied.
Prerequisite: Algebra Plus
One semester, one credit, open to juniors and seniors.
Chemistry (YR)
This course is intended for those students who seek a solid chemistry background in preparation for college or desire a complete understanding of chemical principles. Students will study the structure, properties, and changes in matter as well as the laws, principles and theories describing matter. Classroom activities will include lectures, demonstrations, problem solving and experiments.
Prerequisite: Physical Science and grade of “C+” or better in each semester of Algebra Plus or a "C" or better in each semester of Advanced Algebra.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
Ecology (YR)
Ecology will provide hands-on, often outdoor, learning experiences through project-based problem solving activities. Students will learn about the interrelationships of living things and their physical environments. Students will be involved in multiple research projects culminating in multi-media presentations and will work with community partners (i.e., the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District).
Prerequisite: “B-” or better in each semester of a previous year science.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
Electronics (S2)
This is an introductory electronics course designed to help the student understand the function of active and passive components, alternating current effects, basic amplifier circuits, and basic electronic cuircuit applications. Much of the course is designed for lab work including problem detection and repair. Students will also be required to design a project.
One semester, one credit, open to juniors and seniors.
Environmental Science (YR)
In Environmental Science, students will be engaged in a diverse study of our environment. Through exploring, observing, discussing, and reading, students will learn the science background they need to analyze for themselves many of the issues concerning our environment.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
Science Advanced Placement and Honors
Advanced Placement Biology (YR)
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. This course differs significantly from the usual high school course in biology with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required of students. Lab work will concentrate on the set of 12 labs to be covered in the AP exam. A variety of classroom settings will be incorporated including lecture, discussion, lab work, and computer simulations. These will include enzyme assay, cell respiration determinations, manipulation and study of bacteria and fruit flies, developmental studies of organisms, and molecular genetics. The course will culminate with the dissection of a cat. This course is a preparation for the AP Biology Exam that is given in mid-May. It is expected that students taking this course will take the AP Biology Exam.
Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “A-“ in sophomore Biology. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry is required.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
Accelerated Chemistry (YR)
Accelerated Chemistry is a rigorous course designed to challenge students who have a great curiosity and ability in science. The faster pace of this course covers the same material as in the regular Chemistry course, while allowing additional topics to be covered. Because of the faster pace, students will be expected to be hard workers, motivated learners, and able to grasp scientific concepts quickly. Students will also be expected to handle mathematical manipulations easily.
Prerequisite: A minimum grade in each semester of either an "A-" in Honors Advanced Algebra or a "B+" in Honors Precalculus.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
Physics (YR)
This college preparatory course is designed for students who have a strong mathematical background and an interest in problem solving and abstract reasoning. This course delves into the study of matter and energy. The primary focus of this course will be on the laws of conservation of matter, energy, momentum, and electrical charge. Topics include the mechanics of solids and liquids, wave phenomena, electricity, the dual nature of light, and atomic structure. Students will be required to complete lab assignments and one major project.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of three years of mathematics through Advanced Algebra. A grade of either a“C+” or higher in Advanced Algebra is required or a “C” or higher in Honors Advanced Algebra. Successful completion of chemistry is recommended.
Two semesters, two credits, open to seniors.
View a Senior Physics Project video >>
Advanced Competitive Science
Advanced Competitive Science (ACS) is a conceptual engineering program in which students explore mechanical and electrical systems through fabrication and assemblies, design processes utilizing 3D modeling tools, and control systems incorporating sensor interfacing, data collection, motion control and embedded logic programming. ACS provides a learning environment whereby students pull learning elements from various resources to develop advanced problem solving skills and sub-level of mastery of formal teachings in science and mathematics as a result of direct application of these knowledge sets. By engaging students in the iterative process of problem formulation, abstraction, analysis, design, prototyping, testing and evaluating, ACS expands student development beyond information concentricity and toward innovation and entrepreneurialism. ACS activities may require travel. All levels of Engineering are designed as full-year courses, requiring satisfactory completion of semester one prior to entrance into semester two.
Engineering I (YR)
In this first-year course, students develop an understanding of effective problem solving and machine/robotics design while exploring fundamental engineering concepts including statics (objects of equilibrium), dynamics (objects in acceleration), sensor and control system function, and embedded logic programming.
Two semesters, two credits, open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Engineering II (YR)
This second-year course is open to students who have successfully completed Engineering I and have instructor approvall. This level expands on the skills developed in Engineering I, introducing students to advanced programming, designing with 3D CAD software, generating custom designs, fabrication with rapid prototyping, and preliminary development of an advanced project that will carry over to Engineering III.
Two semesters, two credits, open to juniors and seniors.
Engineering III (YR)
In this third-year course, students who have successfully completed Engineering II and have instructor approval will continue to expand skills and knowledge in engineering and problem solving. Students will complete a high-level project (begun in Engineering II) with the possibility of entering this project into a competitive engineering event.
Two semesters, two credits, open to students who have successfully completed Engineering II and have instructor approval.
A background in science provides students with skills that may be used in many areas of life. Science teaches students how to make observations, formulate questions, solve problems, think critically, be creative, work cooperatively with others, and use technology.
Life Science 7
In science 7th grade students examine living systems, their interactions and interdependence. Areas of study include the scientific method and inquiry-based investigation, plants, animals, microorganisms, genetics, the human body, ecology, and the effects of humans interacting with the environment. Special emphasis during the year is placed on current events in science-related technology.
Year-long course required of 7th graders.
Earth Science 8
In 8th grade science students will explore the natural processes at work in the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere of the Earth, as well as Earth's place in the universe. This class includes an introduction to geology, meteorology, and astronomy. Special emphasis during the year is placed on local geology and current events. Technology will be used throughout the school year as a tool for teaching as well as learning.
Year-long course required of 8th graders.
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