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Science
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Advanced Physics is a course available to students who successfully completed Physics during their junior year. This class focuses on the physics of energy in its different forms, with students being able to explore topics of their choosing under this umbrella. Potential topics include: work and energy, momentum and collisions, light and sound, behavior of states of matter, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, special relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. The design and format of the course is similar to Physics, but with more emphasis on student-designed labs.
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In Environmental Science, we will examine local and global environmental topics such as invasive species, alternative energy, and water quality. Environmental Science integrates ecology, economics, and policy for a well-rounded curriculum that includes both life science and physical science. Students will gain a better understanding of local natural resources, and the way that decisions concerning those resources are made.
Environmental Science is a laboratory, project and discussion based class, and students will put together portfolios at the end of the second and fourth quarters to showcase their work.
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Anatomy & Physiology is an upper level course targeted at those students with a particular interest in the workings of the human body, such as students looking towards a career in nursing, medicine, or physical therapy. This course covers the anatomy and physiology of internal and external systems, reproduction and development, and the body’s defenses against diseases of all types. Material will be covered at an adult level that is more in-depth than what would be found in a general biology or health class. We will also conduct many lab activities, including experiments in which the students will be the test subjects (such as measuring heart rate after exercise) and dissections of grasshoppers, crayfish, cow hearts, sheep brains, and fetal pigs.
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Physics is an upper-level elective designed for students with good math skills. We explore force and motion theoretically, experimentally, and mathematically. The course is challenging, but we move at the pace that the students prescribe, getting an in-depth experience with the concepts involved in the field of mechanics. Our year will begin with a discussion of what Physics is in general, but will quickly move to practical applications of velocity and acceleration. We conduct many investigative labs, some student designed, that explore the physics of vehicles, sports, space flight, and free-fall. The year ends with out annual rooftop egg drop contest. Start planning your designs now!
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In Chemistry, we will focus on the application of elements and chemicals in our daily lives. We will look at how and why matter undergoes change, how the elements are used in common objects and modern conveniences, and how chemical reactions use or produce energy. We will be applying our knowledge of chemistry to such world concerns as alternative fuel and pollution.
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In Biology, we examine life on a microscopic and macroscopic scale, by studying the building blocks of life, cells and cell division, the energy exchange between plants and animals, and the evolution of advantageous traits. We also conduct a unit on genetics, including the history of the study of genetics, human genetics, inherited disorders, and the structure of DNA.
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In Earth Science, our focus is the interactions between different earth spheres: the land, the water, the air, and the living things. Specific topics to be explored include plate tectonics, rocks and minerals, geological time, weather, natural resources, and natural and human-induced disasters of all types. Earth Science is a dynamic subject, and integrates well with the other freshman courses of English 1 and Human Geography.
Rock formation in The Badlands, SD
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