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Human Anatomy is a survey course of the human body including principal structures and functions of the body systems and the diseases and disorders associated with them. It is designed for students preparing for careers in health professions, dietetics, and athletic training. Students taking the anatomy course needs to have good study skills and be a motivated, self-directed learner. The course will look at the more in-depth medical side of anatomy and not the general informational anatomy. It is strongly recommended for anyone going into medical-related careers. Prerequisite: B or above in Biology highly recommended
The biology course involves the scientific study of living organisms and deals with the study of plants and animals from the cellular level to organized, living systems. In this course, the student will develop an understanding of life functions, activities and relationships of organisms. The course considers the interactions among the vast number of organisms that inhabit planet Earth. It presents the basic form and function of these organisms, from cells to organ systems, from simple viruses to complex humans. Topics to be covered include from molecules to organisms: structures and processes. Ecosystems: interactions, energy, and dynamics. Heredity: inheritance and variations of traits. Biological evolution: unity and diversity. There will be research projects tied into the course material. Students will be engaged in lectures, independent work, cooperative learning and laboratory experiences. Prerequisite: physical science
- sophomore students will take Introduction to biology-based on Iowa Assessment scores, MAP test scores, physical science achievement, and teacher recommendation)
Personal Health emphasizes the importance of knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to personal health and wellness. It is a course designed to expose students to a broad range of issues and information relating to the various aspects of personal health, which include the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and environmental aspects. Topics of exploration include, but are not limited to: physical and mental wellness, nutrition, drug use, diseases, reproductive health, contraceptives, and human development.
Health II is an elective course open to students in grades 9-12. It is the general study of the mental, social and physical health of adolescents. This is an elective course and is designed to give the student a better understanding of basic health issues. It is also designed to be helpful for the students everyday life and concerns. It is a project-based class that requires self-motivation. Prerequisite: Health I
Nutrition (semester through MCC)
Identifies nutrients, food sources, and their role in human physiological functions. Examines dietary adequacy and nutrient needs throughout the life cycle. Employs critical thinking activities with a focus on current nutritional issues and consumerism with application to nutritional status, disease/disorder risk factors, and well-being.
Physics is an elective course offered to seniors. This course is a college preparatory course and good math skills are a must. Physics class will study motion, force, machines, light, sound, and their measurements. Prerequisite: Algebra and/or Geometry
Chemistry is an elective course offered to juniors and seniors who have successfully passed biology and physical science. Chemistry is a college preparatory course with a curriculum aimed at college-bound students. Chemistry explores the chemical makeup of substances and how they react and interact. Students are actively engaged in laboratory work, lectures, and cooperative learning. Students will often prepare, study, and work in groups. Algebraic knowledge is needed for classwork assignments. Prerequisite: grade of a C or higher in biology, physical science, and Algebra (Maximum Class Size: 15)
Honors Chemistry is an elective course offered to juniors and seniors who have successfully passed biology and physical science. This course is strongly recommended for anyone going to a four-year college and looking for a career in the science area. This class explores the chemical makeup of substances and how they react and interact. Students are actively engaged in laboratory work. The students will be expected to do outside reading and should expect homework daily. Students taking the Honors chemistry class need to have average or above-average science grades and be self-motivated learners, with good study skills or willing to develop good study skills. Honors chemistry is designed to take a more in-depth look at topics and should help the student be better prepared for college science courses. Prerequisite: grade of a C or higher in biology, physical science, and Algebra (Maximum Class Size: 15)
Introduction to Biology (year-long)
This class is an alternative to the conventional biology class. This class deals with the study of plants and animals from the cellular level to organized, living systems. In this course, the student will develop an understanding of life functions, activities, and relationships of organisms. Students will be engaged in lectures, independent work, cooperative learning, and limited laboratory experiences. This course WILL fulfill the student’s biology requirement for high school graduation. It may not meet college admission requirements. Prerequisite: physical science
- sophomore students will take Introduction to biology-based on Iowa Assessment scores, MAP test scores, physical science achievement, and teacher recommendation)
The physical science course involves the study of physics and chemistry. Topics to be covered include: matter and its interactions; motion and stability: forces and interactions. Energy; waves and their applications in technologies for information transfer, also Earth and Space Science as well. There will be research projects tied into the course material. There will be independent, partner, and group work during this course.
Environmental Science (year-long)
Natural Resources and Ecology provides students a variety of experiences in the fields of natural resources and ecology. Students will explore hands-on projects and activities while studying topics such as land use, water quality, stewardship, and environmental agencies. Study of the natural world including biomes, land, air, water, energy, use, and care as well as a focus on issues surrounding man’s interaction with the Earth will be addressed in this course. Students will select an ecosystem to study throughout the course and apply principles of natural resources and ecology from each unit of study to that ecosystem. Prerequisite: Physical Science and Biology OR Intro to Biology
The Principles of Agricultural Science – Plant (ASP) course will expose students to the world of agriculture, plant science, and career options. Students will have experiences in various plant science concepts through exciting “hands-on” activities, projects, and problems. Student experiences will include the study of plant anatomy and physiology, classification, and the fundamentals of production and harvesting. Students will learn how to apply scientific knowledge and skills to use plants effectively for agricultural and horticultural production. Students will discover the value of plant production and its impact on the individual, the local, and the global economy.
This class is designed to build upon prior Biology classes and take you deeper into the six kingdoms of life. Zoology takes us to sponges, worms, arthropods, echinoderms, fish and amphibians, reptiles and birds, and mammals. Further topics will be discovered as students show interest and time allows. Classes will have a final project as well as a final exam and will include labs and dissections. Prerequisite: Physical Science, Biology with a C or better, Intro to Biology with a B or better
