Science
Overview
Science is the process of exploring and explaining the processes, structures, designs, and systems that make up our natural and human-made world. In these courses, all students use science and engineering practices such as making observations, developing and revising models, and analyzing and interpreting data to answer scientific questions and design solutions to problems. In science classroom communities, students will investigate real world phenomena, make observations, design investigations to answer questions, make connections between ideas across the science disciplines, and solve problems using technologies to prepare them from an ever-changing, future world.
Students looking to pursue post-secondary education in the sciences or STEM related fields are strongly encouraged to consider a minimum of 8 semesters of coursework throughout their 9th - 12th grade academic career.
Requirements for all students:
Students need 3 years or 6 semesters for graduation. The following science classes are required:
- 2 semesters:
- Earth and Space Science OR
- AP Environmental Science*
- 2 semesters:
- Biology OR
- AP Biology* OR
- 2 semesters:
- Chemistry OR Honors Chemistry (2 semesters) OR
- Physics (2 semesters) OR
- AP Chemistry* (2 semesters at North and 3 semesters at South) OR
- AP Physics 1* (2 semesters)
*Denotes Rigorous Course Waiver meeting MN State Standards requirements
Science Courses (Alphabetical from A to Z)
- Advanced Placement (AP) Biology
- Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry (LNHS)
- Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science
- Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1
- Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 2
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- College Now Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry 1, 2, 3 (LSHS)
- Earth and Space Science
- Forensics and the Science of Crime
- Honors Chemistry
- Internal Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical & Health Professions
- Physics
- Science of Natural Disasters
- Structural Anatomy/Physiology
- Wildlife Ecology
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology
SCB-A00-11 / SCB-A00-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course guides students to a deeper understanding of biological concepts including the “4 Big Ideas”: Evolution, Energetics, Information Storage & Transmission and Systems Interactions.
The primary units of study include: Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure & Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication & Cell Cycle, Heredity, Gene Expression & Regulation, Natural Selection and Ecology.
The students will demonstrate learning through class participation, group projects, individual projects, labs, homework, quizzes and tests.
Course Recommendation:
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by Biology majors during their first year.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Biology for the AP Course
James Morris; Domenic Castignetti; John Lepri; Rick Relyea
W.H Freeman
ISBN: 9781319113315
Additional Registration Information:
This course meets the rigorous course waiver for the Biology requirement. Summer homework may be required. In addition to the units of study, the AP Biology curriculum has “Six Science Practices” that will be covered over the course of the year. There is a SIGNIFICANT emphasis on quantitative skills and application of mathematical methods during the course and on the AP exam in May.
| Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
| Fulfills Biology Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: None |
|
Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry (LNHS)
SCC-A00-11 / SCC-A00-12 ► In-Person (North)
Course Description:
Advanced Placement Chemistry is the study of the elements that make-up our world and how they can be combined, arranged and rearranged to modify a substance or create something new. Students will develop skills to answer many types of scientific questions.
The primary units of study include structure of matter, states of matter, chemical reactions, kinetics, equilibria, thermodynamics and electrochemistry.
The students will demonstrate learning through tests, quizzes, daily assignments and laboratory exercises.
Course Recommendation:
This course is the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course usually completed by students in a STEM field of study. This course is designed to be a continuation of chemistry knowledge course and requires prior knowledge that is gained when 2 semesters of general or honors chemistry is taken. The College Board indicates, “Students should have successfully completed a general high school chemistry course and Algebra 2” as prerequisites to the AP Chemistry course.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Chemistry: The Central Science
Theodore Brown – Pearson Prentice Hall – 2006 – Print
ISBN: 9780131937192
Additional Registration Information:
None
| Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
| Fulfills Chemistry Option for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: Concurrent Enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher |
|
Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science
SCZ-A00-11 / SCZ-A00-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the systematic study of earth’s environment and human’s place within it.
The primary units of study include earth systems and resources, the living world, population demographics, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution, and issues of global environmental change.
The students will demonstrate learning through labs, inquiry-based projects, presentations, quizzes, and tests. This course includes some field investigations and field trips.
Course Recommendation:
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Environmental Science course.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Environmental Science for the AP Course
Andrew Friedland - Rick Relyea Bedford, Freeman, & Worth - 2019 - Print
ISBN: 9781319113292
Additional Registration Information:
AP Environmental Science will be an optional rigorous course waver for Earth and Space Science.
| Grades: 9-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
| AP Environmental Science will be an rigorous course waver for Earth and Space Science. NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: None |
|
Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1
SCP-A00-11 / SCP-A00-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of college physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using high-level math skills. The primary units of study include Newtonian Mechanics (including kinematics, forces, momentum, rotational dynamics), Work, Energy, Power, Oscillations, and Fluids.
The students demonstrate learning through tests, quizzes, homework, and hands-on labs.
Course Recommendation:
It is recommended that students have a strong mathematics background and have taken Algebra 2. Students will need a quad-ruled laboratory notebook.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
College Physics Enhanced 7th Edition
Raymond Serway – Jerry Faughn – Chris Vuille – Charles Bennett – Brooks Cole – 2006 – Print
ISBN: 9780495113690
Additional Registration Information:
None
| Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
| Fulfills Physics Option for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: Algebra 2 |
|
Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 2
SCP-A20-11 / SCP-A20-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of college physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using high-level math skills. The primary units of study are thermodynamics, electrostatics, steady-state DC and RC circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, geometric and physical optics, quantum physics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics.
The students demonstrate learning through tests, quizzes, homework, and hands-on labs.
Course Recommendation:
It is recommended that students have a strong mathematics background and have taken Algebra 2 and either AP Physics 1 or a full year of General Physics.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
College Physics Enhanced 7th Edition
Raymond Serway – Jerry Faughn – Chris Vuille – Charles Bennett – Brooks Cole – 2006 – Print
ISBN: 9780495113690
Additional Registration Information:
None
| Grades: 11-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
| Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: Algebra 2 and AP Physics 1 or full-year of General Physics |
|
Astronomy
SCA-100-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole.
The primary units of study include an introduction to the night sky, history of astronomy, light and telescopes, solar systems, stars and their evolution, deep space astronomy and astrobiology.
The students will demonstrate learning through small and large group activities, quizzes, tests, projects and laboratory assessments.
Course Recommendation:
This course is recommended for students who have an interest in the field study of astronomy.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
TBD
Additional Registration Information:
None
| Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
| Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation | |
| Prerequisite: None |
|
Biology
SCB-100-11 / SCB-100-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of the living organisms in this world. The primary units of study include ecology, cell biology, genetics, the history of biological diversity, the diversity of life, and the human body, as well as cross-curricular topics. Students will demonstrate learning through inquiry-based and hands-on investigations of real-world phenomena, construct explanations for scientific phenomena and design solutions for real-world problems. Primary Resource Modules will offer a framework of instruction and multiple formative and summative assessment strategies.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Inspire Science: Biology
McGraw-Hill Education 2020
MHID: 0076884341 | ISBN13: 9780076884346
Additional Registration Information:
None
| Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
| Fulfills Biology Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: None |
|
Chemistry
SCC-100-11 / SCC-100-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
Chemistry is the study of the elements that make-up our world and how they can be combined, arranged and rearranged to modify a substance or create something new. Students will develop skills to answer many types of scientific questions.
The primary units of study include states of matter, bonding, the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical reactions and stoichiometry.
Students will demonstrate learning through laboratory work, worksheets, quizzes, and tests.
Course Recommendation:
This course is recommended for students who need to fulfill the Chemistry requirement for graduation.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Holt Chemistry
R. Thomas Myers - Keith B Oldham - Salvatore Tocci - Holt, Rinehart and Winston – 2006 – Print
ISBN: 9780030391071
Additional Registration Information:
None
| Grades: 11-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
| Fulfills Chemistry Option for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: Geometry |
|
College Now Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry 1, 2, 3 (LSHS)
SCC-A10-00 ► In-Person (South: AP Chem 1)
SCC-A20-00► In-Person (South: AP Chem 2)
SCC-A30-00 ► In-Person (South: AP Chem 3)
Course Description:
The course College Now AP Chemistry (CN AP Chemistry) is the study of the elements that make-up our world and how they can be combined, arranged and rearranged to modify a substance or create something new. Students will develop skills to answer many types of scientific questions.
The primary units of study are the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry curriculum which include structure of matter, states of matter, chemical reactions, kinetics, equilibria, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Furthermore, the course sequence contains an additional significant laboratory component.
Students will demonstrate learning through tests, quizzes, daily assignments, laboratory exercises and laboratory assessments.
Course Recommendation:
This course is a college chemistry course usually completed by students in a STEM field of study.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Chemistry: the Central Science AP Edition 13th Ed
Theodore Brown – Pearson Prentice Hall – 2014 – Print
ISBN: 97801319357412
Additional Registration Information:
At LSHS, students have the following scheduling options:
- After successful completion of 2 semesters of general or honors chemistry, students may take CN AP Chemistry 2 and CN AP Chemistry 3.
A student earning a passing grade in CN AP Chemistry 2 & 3 of the course earns 9 Southwest Minnesota State University Credits from the College Now concurrent enrollment program. CN AP Chemistry 2 earns 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit and CN AP Chemistry 3 earns 3 lecture credits and 2 lab credits.
The College Now concurrent enrollment credit is offered at LSHS only. LNHS students provide their own transportation.
| Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Three semester-long |
| Fulfills Chemistry Option for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: Concurrent Enrollment in Algebra 2 or higher during semester two of the course |
|
Earth and Space Science
SCA-110-11 / SCA-110-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
Earth and Space Science is all around us. In this class, students will explore the phenomenon of Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, geological processes, and Earth’s place in the universe. Students will participate in inquiry, planning investigations, collecting and analyzing data, developing models, and communicating their understanding to demonstrate learning.
Course Recommendation:
Earth and Space Science is a required science course to meet the updated Minnesota Science Standards.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Inspire Science: Earth
McGraw-Hill Education 2020
MHID: 002145261X | ISBN13: 9780021452613
Additional Registration Information:
None
| Grades: 9 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
| Fulfills Earth and Space Science Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: None |
|
Forensics and the Science of Crime
SCZ-120-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course provides an overview of the most commonly used scientific methods in crime scene investigation.
The primary units of study include modern DNA analysis, fiber analysis, ballistics analysis, tool marks, print impressions, digital imaging, bone and dental comparison and many more forensic methods for gathering and interpreting physical evidence.
The students will demonstrate learning through small and large group activities, quizzes, tests, and labs.
Course Recommendation:
This course is recommended for students who have an interest in the field study of forensics.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Forensics Science for High School
Barbara Deslich - John Funkhouser - Kendall/Hunt – 2006 – Print
ISBN: 9780757518256
Additional Registration Information:
None
| Grades: 11-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
| Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: Any biology, chemistry or physics course or instructor approval |
|
Honors Chemistry
SCC-H00-11 / SCC-H00-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
Honors Chemistry is the study of the elements that make-up our world and how they can be combined, arranged and rearranged to modify a substance or create something new. Students will develop skills to answer many types of scientific questions.
The primary units of study include states of matter, bonding, the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical reactions and stoichiometry.
Students will demonstrate learning through laboratory work, worksheets, quizzes, and tests.
Course Recommendation:
This course is recommended for the highly motivated Science student. The faster pace and increased rigor prepares students for more advanced science classes. Students best suited for this class should have excelled in previous science classes.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Holt Chemistry
R. Thomas Myers - Keith B Oldham - Salvatore Tocci - Holt, Rinehart and Winston – 2006 – Print
ISBN: 9780030391071
Additional Registration Information:
This course, in conjunction with Physics/AP Physics, meets the rigorous course waiver for the Physical Science requirement. The hybrid course is offered at LSHS only. LNHS students provide their own transportation.
| Grades: 11-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
| Fulfills Chemistry Option for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: Geometry |
|
Internal Anatomy & Physiology
SCN-200-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course covers the structure and function of the body systems that play a role in control and coordination, transport, absorption and excretion, and reproduction.
The units of study include: Control and Coordination (Nervous, Sensory, and Endocrine Systems), Transport (Blood, Circulatory, and Respiratory Systems), Absorption and Excretion (Digestive System, Nutrition and Metabolism, and Urinary System), and Reproduction (Male and Female Reproductive Systems, Gamete Production, and Pregnancy and Development).
The students will demonstrate learning through small and large group activities, quizzes, tests, labs, and projects. These activities will also introduce students to health career opportunities and information. This course is largely dissection based.
This course includes the following dissections: Control and Coordination Unit: Sheep Brain & Cow Eye, Transport Unit: Sheep Heart, Absorption and Excretion Unit: Pig Kidney, and a final lab practical Cat Dissection that will cover structures from all of the systems. (These dissections may vary due to product availability.)
Course Recommendation:
This is a college preparatory course and is recommended for students interested in learning about the human body and who may be interested in pursuing a career in health or life sciences.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
Gerard J. Tortora - Bryan Derrickson - Wiley – 2006 – Print
ISBN: 9780471689348
Additional Registration Information:
This course can be taken as a single semester course. It is highly recommended that students interested in Health or Life science careers take both Structural Anatomy & Physiology and Internal Anatomy & Physiology in their High School career. These courses can be taken in any order and can be taken in different academic years.
| Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
| Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: Biology (any level) or concurrently enrolled in biology |
|
Medical & Health Professions
SCZ-130-00 ► In-Person (North)
Course Description:
This course is recommended for students who want the opportunity to investigate and explore a wide variety of medical and health careers.
The primary units of study include career interest assessments; medical and health career terms, descriptions, and education needed; medical terminology; personal qualities of healthcare workers; legal and ethical responsibilities; first aid techniques; job shadow.
The students will demonstrate learning through assignments, projects, demonstrations, participation, job shadow completion, and tests.
Course Recommendation:
This course is recommended for students who are interested in learning about a variety of medical or health careers and where their interests lie.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Simmers DHO Health Science
Louise Simmers - Cengage Learning
2014 - Print
ISBN: 978-1-13369-361-1
Additional Registration Information:
There is an optional fee for First aid certification.
| Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
| Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, however does not meet requirements for NCAA | |
| Prerequisite: Biology (Any level) |
|
Physics
SCP-100-11 / SCP-100-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of matter, energy and the fundamental laws that govern our physical world.
The primary units of study include motion, forces, momentum, energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, sound, and optics.
The students will demonstrate learning through unit tests, quizzes, projects, labs, and homework problems.
Course Recommendation:
This course is recommended for students who excel in Science and have strong problem-solving skills.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Physics: Principles and Problems
Paul W Zitzewitz - Todd George Elliott - David G Haase - Kathleen A Harper - Glencoe/McGraw-Hill – 2005 – Print
ISBN: 9780078458132
Additional Registration Information:
None
| Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
| Fulfills Physics Option for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: Algebra 2 |
|
Science of Natural Disasters
SCZ-100-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the in depth-study of important earth science disasters that impact humans on local and global scales.
The primary units of study include tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, floods, earthquakes, asteroid impacts, landslides, volcanic eruptions and tsunami.
The students will demonstrate learning through tests, quizzes, labs and inquiry-based projects.
Course Recommendation:
This course is recommended for students who are looking for an engaging, project and inquiry-based science elective course.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Prentice Hall Earth Science
Edward J Tarbuck - Frederick K Lutgens - Pearson/Prentice Hall – 2006 – Print
ISBN: 978013258525
Additional Registration Information:
The order of topics may change to reflect the timely study of any natural disaster that occurs. This course does not meet the requirements for NCAA approved core courses. See your Dean for more information.
| Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
| Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation | |
| Prerequisite: None |
|
Structural Anatomy/Physiology
SCN-100-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course covers the basics of the study of anatomy and physiology and the structure and function of the body systems that play a role in protection, support and motion of the body.
The units of study include: Introduction to Anatomy and Anatomical Terminology, Protection (Integumentary, Lymphatic, and Immune Systems), and Support and Motion ( Skeletal, Joints, and Muscular Systems).
The students will demonstrate learning through small and large group activities, quizzes, tests, labs, and projects. These activities will also introduce students to health career opportunities and information.
This course is not dissection based, but students will learn the structures of each of the systems and be tested on them using images and models.
Course Recommendation:
This is a college preparatory course and is recommended for students interested in learning about the human body and who may be interested in pursuing a career in health or life sciences.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Principles of Anatomy and Physiology
Gerard J. Tortora - Bryan Derrickson - Wiley – 2006 – Print
ISBN: 9780471689348
Additional Registration Information:
This course can be taken as a single semester course. It is highly recommended that students interested in Health or Life science careers take both Structural Anatomy & Physiology and Internal Anatomy & Physiology in their High School career. These courses can be taken in any order and can be taken in different academic years.
| Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
| Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: Biology (any level) or concurrently enrolled in biology |
|
Wildlife Ecology
SCE-100-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of both local and global ecology, with an emphasis on Minnesota Wildlife. Students develop the skills needed to study wildlife in a natural ecosystem.
The primary units of study include Orienteering/Using a Compass, Ecology (aquatic and terrestrial), Wildlife Management, Invasive Species and Endangered Species, Survival Skills including winter survival, Wildlife Identification (Minnesota mammals and birds) and Animal Migration.
The students will demonstrate learning through daily activities and labs, tests, quizzes, projects, and presentations using a variety of computer presentation programs.
Course Recommendation:
This course is recommended for students who have an interest in studying wildlife or working in wildlife professions.
Additional Registration Information:
This course includes some field trips.
| Grades: 11-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
| Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
| Prerequisite: Any Biology Course |
|