Program of Studies
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Program of Studies
- Agriculture
- Arts: Performance & Visual
- Business
- Driver's Education
- English Language Arts
- English Learner (EL)
- Family & Consumer Science
- General Electives
- Graphic & Digital Communication
- Health & Physical Education
- Health Science
- Information Technology
- Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Music
- Science
- Service Learning
- Social Studies
- Special Services
- Supplementary Services
- Technology Engineering / Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
- Trade & Industry
- World Languages
Science Curriculum
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The purpose of science education is to develop scientific literacy by providing a body of knowledge that will enable students to make informed decisions regarding personal and societal issues. Many of the courses are designed to meet the needs of students who are planning a professional career.
Course Descriptions
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Advanced Anatomy / Physiology I (Dual Credit)
This course is designed for those motivated biology students who want an in-depth study of human anatomy and physiology. The following topics and systems will be covered over the duration of the semester: orientation to the human body, basic chemistry, tissues, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous systems and domatic Senses. This course is taught through laboratory work, lectures, and worksheets. Anatomy/Physiology is for the student who may be interested in medicine, nursing, medical technology, sports training, physical therapy, nutrition, or other related fields. Students are encouraged to take Anatomy/Physiology II following this course. (Dual credit with NDSCS; however the dual credit will transfer to most local colleges).
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Advanced Anatomy / Physiology II (Dual Credit)
This course involves the study of the systems not previously covered in Anatomy/Physiology I. The following topics and systems will be covered over the duration of the semester: endocrine, blood, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and lymphatic systems. Students will be dissecting sheep hearts and other structures in conjunction with the systems being covered. This course is taught through laboratory work, lectures, and worksheets. Anatomy/Physiology is a course designed for the student who may be interested in medicine, nursing, medical technology, sports training, physical therapy, nutrition, or other related fields. (Dual credit with NDSCS; however the dual credit will transfer to most local colleges).
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Anatomy / Physiology I
Anatomy/Physiology is a course that involves the study of the structures and functions of the human body. It is taught from the cellular level through the organ systems. The following topics and systems will be covered over the duration of the semester: orientation to the human body, tissues, skin, skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems. This class is a laboratory course (cat dissection) including lectures, worksheets, and videos. Anatomy/ Physiology is a course designed for the student who is interested in understanding the human body. Having an understanding of the human body both structurally and functionally is very important to all students. Students are encouraged to take Anatomy/Physiology II following this course.
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Anatomy / Physiology II
This course involves the study of the systems not previously covered in Anatomy/Physiology I. The following topics and systems will be covered over the duration of the semester: nervous, somatic senses, endocrine, blood, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and lymphatic systems. Students will be dissecting pig hearts, beef eyes, sheep brains, and other structures in conjunction with the system being covered. This course is taught through laboratory work, lectures, videos, and worksheets.
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AP Biology (Dual Credit)
AP Biology is designed to be equivalent to a college introductory course in terms of textbook used, range and depth of topics covered, type of laboratory work, and time and effort required of students. This course is for any student interested in pursuing a biology related career or would like to complete science credits before college. Up to eight college credits can be earned by either taking the advanced placement exam at the end of the course or by enrolling for dual credit through NDSCS. Areas of study include: molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations.
Note: AP Biology can be taken either as a dual credit course or an AP course; students/parents can decide.
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AP Chemistry
This second-year chemistry course is designed to prepare students for the AP Chemistry exam and prepare students for a typical general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. The material covered in the course may lead to advanced placement at the college level, since the course outline follows the requirements of the College Board Advanced Placement Exam. This course will emphasize chemistry for pre-medicine, pharmacy, nursing students, or anyone going into the sciences as a career choice. AP Chemistry will allow students to attain a depth of understanding of chemistry fundamentals at a level beyond the general chemistry course. The course is designed to contribute to the development of students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their oral and written ideas with clarity and logic. Topics covered will include organic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, electrochemistry, biochemistry, chemical equilibria, analytical chemistry, and instrumentation. The course will include lectures and hands-on experiments. AP Chemistry differs from general chemistry as to the topics covered, an additional emphasis on chemical calculations, the mathematical formulation of principles, and the depth and variety of laboratory work done by students.
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AP Physics C: Mechanics, Electricity, & Magnetism
AP Physics C is a second-year, calculus based physics course, which covers the topics of mechanics (motion) as well as electricity and magnetism. Calculus is used as a tool for the physics, and the calculusneeded will be taught by the instructor as the course progresses. Grades are based on homework, labs, tests, and projects. This course qualifies as one of the science requirements for high school graduation and university entrance. This course will serve as excellent preparation for those students interested in physics, math, or engineering fields. There are two AP Physics C exams (mechanics, electricity, and magnetism,) that can be taken in May with the potential for a year’s worth of college physics credit.
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AP Physics I
AP Physics I is a more challenging introductory algebra-based physics course that uses lab activities, lecture/discussion, and projects to investigate basic physics topics. The focus is on the lab activities. Topics include: mechanics (motion), fluids, waves and sound, and electricity. This course qualifies as one of the requirements for high school graduation and university entrance. This is a good course for anyone interested in a science or math related field or anyone who wants a better understanding of how and why things work. Physics is a very visual science and one that all students use every day. AP Physics I exam is offered for possible college credit.
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Applied Biology
The course consists of 5 modules that include cells, medical science, microbiology, forensic science, and genetics. Students work in research teams to learn a variety of science skills where they gain knowledge and understanding of how science is applied in the real world. Students then use their science skills to solve a wide range of real world science problems. They conduct experiments, collect and organize data and must report their findings in both written and oral format. The course stresses: critical thinking and problem solving skills, science and math skills, & personal skills used in business. Applied Biology meets one of the three credits of science required for graduation.
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Applied Chemistry
This course is designed for students who plan on attending college or university, but will more than likely not major in science or a medical field. Applied Chemistry provides an understanding of important chemical concepts as they apply to everyday life. The course covers: matter, measurements, the Periodic Table and atomic structure, chemical compounds and equations, gases, solutions and acid/base chemistry. Some of the everyday topics covered could include: art, electricity, fireworks, scuba diving, cosmetics, caves and health issues. The classroom time will include: lecture, group work, activities and laboratory experiments.
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Biology
Biology studies the major concepts involved with living systems: Six unifying principles are discussed: evolution, homeostasis, energy-matter-organization, growth and development, ecology, and continuity. The course will greatly emphasize cooperative group and lab work with lectures and demonstrations included. Biology is required for graduation.
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Chemistry
Chemistry is designed for mathematically inclined students, students who will major in a science at college, and students who are capable of handling a more challenging course. Students who plan on taking chemistry in college or plan to enter a technical or scientific field such as medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, veterinary science, pharmaceuticals, or engineering will find this course useful in their college preparation. This course consists of theory, practical application, and laboratory work. This course will be graded on tests, project based lab technique, and project based lab writing abilities. Course topics include the science of chemistry, atomic structure, chemical names and formulas, chemical properties and reactions, acids/bases, electrochemistry, thermodynamic and kinetics, organic chemistry, and as time permits, special topics.
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Earth Science
Earth Science is a lab-based class that offers insight into the environment on Earth and the Earth’s environment in space. Students will learn about local geology by studying soils, glaciation and effects of water including testing the Sheyenne River. Students will also study space, looking at Earth’s place in the universe. There will be a project involving weather and climate that students will create. Earth Science will help students develop a better understanding of the world around them.
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Environmental Science
Environmental Science is an applied lab course. Students will study current environmental problems involving Midwest soil, forestry, wildlife, water conservation and other issues. Students will participate in the Sheyenne River field testing study; learn GIS, map and compass techniques, population study techniques and environmental decision-making skills. Students should exit the course with a deeper understanding about how natural resources are obtained and the effects of their use. They should gain skills to help them become a more active part of the environmental solution and obtain a deeper appreciation for their natural world.
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Field Biology
The course consists of 5 special topic areas that include Ecology, Field biology Techniques, Red River Valley Ecological concerns, Wildlife Biology and Conservation Practices. Students work in research teams to learn a variety of science skills where they gain knowledge and understanding of how science is applied in the real world. Students then use their science skills to collect data about the natural world and solve problems relating to human use of natural resources. Students will collect and analyze field samples, identify organisms, conduct experiments, and create a solution for the problem using holistic thinking skills. Students need to be comfortable in the outdoors in extreme weather, and be willing to handle organism specimens. This course would fulfill the 3rd required credit for science.
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Genetics
This course is a study of human genetics. The topics covered include human development, transmission genetics, DNA and chromosomes, population genetics, immunity and cancer, genetic engineering and biotechnology. Students will be required to conduct a research project pertaining to genetics of fruit flies. This course is NOT a dual credit. Genetics meets one of the three credits of science required for graduation.
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Microbiology (Dual Credit)
This course is a study of microorganisms. The topics covered include cells, laboratory methods in microbiology, bacteria, viruses, growth, nutrition, metabolism, control of microbes, and disease. This course is heavily lab-based and students will be required to conduct a research project pertaining to microbes. The students also read the novel The Hot Zone as part of the study of infectious disease. Microbiology is a semester long dual credit course, so it fulfils only ½ of a science credit, but it can be paired with other dual credit semester long courses.
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Physical Science
Physical Science is a lab based course that introduces the student to the fundamentals of chemistry and physics. Topics covered include measurements, simple machines, heat, light, electricity, solutions and periodic law. The student will use formulas and mathematical manipulation to develop and demonstrate their science knowledge. Students are required to take either physical science or both physics and chemistry. Physical Science meets one of the three credits of science required for graduation.
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Physics
This introductory physics course uses lab activities, lecture/discussion, and projects to investigate basic physics topics. The topics covered include: mechanics (motion), fluids, optics, and electricity. Students will use basic algebra and right triangle trigonometry with assistance from the instructor. Grades are based on homework, quizzes, labs, projects, and tests. This course qualifies as one of the science requirements for high school graduation and university entrance. This is a good course for anyone interested in a science or math related field or anyone who wants a better understanding of how and why things work. Physics is a very visual science and one that all students use every day.