Science
Biology I
Grades 9-12 1 credit
This class provides a strong basis in general biology. The main concepts are: inquiry, reflection and social implications; organization and development of living systems; interdependence of living systems and the environment; genetics, evolution and biodiversity.
A.P. Biology
Grades 11-12 1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology
A.P. Biology conforms to the standards instituted by the College Board for all Advanced Placement courses and covers all of the topics in the A.P. Biology Course Description. These include biochemistry, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, molecular basis of inheritance, DNA technology, evolution, microbiology, classification, plants, animals, animal physiology and ecology. Furthermore, all of the above topics are integrated throughout the course using the eight major themes for the A.P. Biology Curriculum Requirements. There is strong laboratory emphasis which covers all major themes. Upon successful completion, students receive high school credit by semester, but depending on the college or university, credit may be awarded for completion of coursework and/or scores from Advanced Placement standardized national tests. Students must check with individual colleges or universities for credit standards. The cost of the national test is the responsibility of the student.
Bio Field Studies/Limnology
Grades 11-12 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Biology
This course will investigate such topics as water chemistry, aquatic micro/macro-invertebrates, algae, exotic species, fish, ecology, birds, plants and animals associated with lakes, streams and rivers. In addition, students will spend numerous hours out of the classroom and in the field gathering data on these topics and presenting this data to local groups. Students will hear from guest speakers and interact with professionals from the Soil Conservation District, DNR, DEQ, and numerous community groups.
Living Chemistry
Grades 10-12 1 credit
Living Chemistry is a course that includes the regular content of chemistry, such as: matter, energy, atomic structure, chemical formulas, chemical equations and mole, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, carbon chemistry, and real-world applications of chemistry. Participating in lab is an important part of the course as well as developing mathematical skills in chemistry. This course meets the Michigan Standards for a required chemistry course.
Chemistry I
Grades 10-12 1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Chemistry I is a college prep course with a rigorous approach to the regular content of chemistry such as: matter, energy, atomic structure, stoichiometry, chemical formulas, chemical equations, gas laws, solutions, acids, bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry. The lab is an important part of the course and strong algebra skills are emphasized.
A.P. Chemistry
Grades 11-12 1 credit
Prerequisites: Algebra II and Chemistry I
This rigorous course in Advanced Placement Chemistry will cover the topics of stoichiometry, acid base chemistry, re-dox, chemical equilibrium, nuclear chemistry, significant figures, solution chemistry and colligative properties, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, rates of reactions and organic chemistry. A major emphasis of the course will be college level lab experiments and preparation for college board Advanced Placement tests. Upon successful completion, students receive high school credit by semester, but depending on the college or university, credit may be awarded for completion of coursework and/or scores from Advanced Placement standardized national tests. Students must check with individual colleges or universities for credit standards. The cost of the national test is the responsibility of the student.
Conceptual Physics
Grades 10-12 1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II or concurrent
This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding. Topics to be covered include: motion, gravity, mechanics, waves and electricity. Participating in lab is an important part of this course as well as developing mathematical skills in physics. This course meets the Michigan standards for a required physics course.
Physics
Grades 11-12 1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra II
This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding along with problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry. This is a one-year course that includes a formal laboratory component. This course provides a foundation in physics for students who plan to study life sciences, pre-medicine, engineering, as well as other fields not directly related to science. Topics to be covered include: motion, forces, gravity, special relativity, waves and electricity.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Grades 10-12 1 credit
The course is offered for students interested in learning more about the structure and function of the human body. The students will learn the basics of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, disease process and prevention of each body system. (This course may be applied towards a science elective credit.)
Applied Botany/Horticulture
Grades 10-12 1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology
This course is designed to develop skills in the areas of plant science and the horticulture field. Students will follow the Michigan Center for Career and Technical Education curriculum. Areas covered include: forestry, plant ID, plant physiology, soil analysis and nutrients, greenhouse management, IPM, landscape design, landscape construction and maintenance, hydroponics, pomology and viticulture and careers in the horticultural field. This is a science-based course with many opportunities for hands-on learning. (This course may be applied towards a science elective credit.) See articulation agreements for this course on pg. 5.
Advanced Applied Botany/Horticulture II
Grades 11-12 1 credit
Prerequisite: Applied Botany/Horticulture
This course is the continuation of the Applied Botany/Horticulture curriculum and covers material from the remaining required segments. These segments include leadership, careers in the industry, irrigation, turf grass, alternative energy/sustainable agriculture, landscape design & maintenance and floral design. (This course may be applied towards a science elective credit.)
Sustainable Operations Advisor/Horticulture III
Grade 12 1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Horticulture I & II
This course allows students to further develop skills learned in Applied Botany/Horticulture I & II. Students will focus on maximizing production from systems established by the horticulture class. This entails collecting data, trouble-shooting disease/growth problems, daily lab maintenance, establishing and coordinating planting schedules and rotations, facilitating and verifying operations required of lab groups and communicating ordering needs to instructor. Final assessment includes student-developed portfolio of horticulture experience.