Science

Courses

The Gaylord High School Science Department is at the leading edge of modern scientific study and technology. Classes are available from basic life and earth science up to second-level chemistry and physics. Honors programs for accelerated learners are also available.

Physical Science

Grade 9      1 credit

This class focuses on the Michigan High School Content Standards and Expectations for Physics and Chemistry. It is based at the essential level of content knowledge and performance expectations for these subjects. Successful completion of Physical Science is strongly recommended before taking other science classes or electives.

Biology I

Grades 9-12      1 credit
Prerequisite: 8th grade teacher recommendation or successful completion of Physical Science

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.

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.

AP Biology

Grades 11-12      1 credit
Prerequisite: Biology

AP Biology conforms to the standards instituted by the College Board for all AP courses and covers all of the topics in the AP 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 AP 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.

Living Chemistry

Grades 10-12      1 credit

Living Chemistry is for non-science majors, designed to expose students to the chemistry that surrounds them daily. Living Chemistry covers many different areas without difficult math concepts. There is still some mathematical application in Living Chemistry, along with a strong emphasis on the lab component. It is designed for those students who want to know something about chemistry and how it affects them in daily life, but are reluctant to take Chemistry I. THIS COURSE MEETS THE MICHIGAN STANDARDS FOR A REQUIRED CHEMISTRY COURSE.

Chemistry I

Grades 10-12      1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I 

Chemistry 1 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 mathematics skills are emphasized.

AP 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. This course will require an extra class period per week for extended lab experiment time. The extra time will most likely be scheduled during activity period one day per week. 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 11-12      1 credit

This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of Physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding. This is a one-year course that includes a laboratory component. It is suitable for non-science majors. Topics to be covered include: motion, gravity, special relativity, waves and electricity. THIS COURSE MEETS 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 meets Michigan Standards for Science credit and online experience which is required for graduation.