JHS Science Classes

   The science department offers the following classes. Links to course pages will be added as pages are created by JHS teachers. If a class is taught by more than one teacher, the teachers will be listed in parentheses after the class name.

GENERAL SCIENCE (1)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None

General Science is a full year course with an emphasis on Earth Science the first semester, and Physical Science the second semester. This course is designed to follow the course sequence implemented for the Middle School 7th and 8th grade. Core objectives for the program are based upon the essential outcomes established by the State of Michigan.

LIFE SCIENCE (1)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None

The Life Science course is designed for the non-college bound student. It is a comprehensive biology course that reflects the basic biology concepts that when taken with general science provides the background that can be applied toward success on the H.S.P.T. or M.E.A.P. as well as knowledge that can be used to make appropriate choices in daily life. Topics to be covered reflect both the requirements described in the Michigan Educational Goals and Objectives in Science Education as well as a section on human biology and how it can be applied in daily life.

EARTH SCIENCE (2-3)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None

Earth Science is a comprehensive course that examines the composition, processes, environments, and features of our planet as it relates to its place in the Universe. Topics such as physical and historical geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology will be introduced to help students discover our dynamic planet. Discussions that involve the environment, global resources, and current events will be used to integrate day-to-day living with appropriate science themes. Life Science and physical concepts will be integrated into the teaching where appropriate. A research paper will be used to integrate English and Research Techniques.

BIOLOGY (3)

Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: 9th grade reading level or above

This course is concerned with background in basic biological principles and an introduction to the diversity of organisms. This is also a preparatory course for those students with the ability and interest to pursue further study in advance biology in high school and beyond. It is designed to provide a functional understanding of the role of man in nature, the inter-relationships of living things and man himself including his body, heredity and diseases. Reproductive health and genetics are included as well as Integrated Earth Science and Physical Science components.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (3-4)

Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry

The Advanced Placement Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. This course includes those topics covered in a college biology course. AP Biology aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology.

ASTRONOMY (2-3)

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra or prerequisite Algebra test (test key)

Astronomy will focus on the cosmos and its components. During this course, students will learn how to identify patterns in the night sky, become familiar with the motions of celestial objects, telescopes, and related scientific principles. Topics such as the life cycles of stars, planets of our solar system and galaxies will be explored along with comparisons between systems. Threaded throughout the course is a history of astronomy, the U.S. space programs, and the problems and benefits of a space-faring society. Relevant current events relating to our understanding of the universe or observing the night sky are also included. In addition, students will learn how to observe and identify many of the bright stars and constellations in both the planetarium and then in the real night sky.

PRACTICAL CHEMISTRY (2)

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Any previous science course in grades 9-12

This course is a study of how chemistry relates to the student’s day-to-day life experiences. It is a laboratory course that deals with units and standards of measurements, classifications of matter, elements and their structure, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, gases, liquids and solids, solutions, acids and bases, structure of the atom, classification formulas, nomenclature of compounds, and matter and energy. In addition, earth and life science concepts will be reviewed.

OCEANOGRAPHY (2-3)

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Earth Science or Biology

This course introduces students to another exciting field of science, the study of the ocean - how it works, how it influences our lives, and how it may affect our future. The study of the ocean involves students in the solid earth sciences, the atmosphere, the life sciences and the physical sciences. Students will study the topography, characteristics, and marine life in the world’s oceans, as well as man’s impact on our water-covered planet. An understanding of Oceanography provides a useful background to individuals dealing with a variety of problems and conflicts in industry, government, and the private sector.

GEOLOGY (3)

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Earth Science or Biology

Physical Geology is the branch of science that deals with the physical properties of the earth, its materials and how they are changed by natural processes. The structural characteristics and features of the earth’s crust and the history of life on earth as shown by fossils are studied. The ways in which the many different types of landforms are produced and then destroyed are discussed.

EVERYDAY PHYSICS (2-3)

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Any previous science course in grades 9-12

This course is designed to be an introduction to how the laws of physics play an important part in everyday living. This course would be well suited for the non-science major or the student who enjoys science but is intimidated by the math required in a traditional physics course. Students will explore a lighthearted, curiosity approach to what makes their world work. The course will also review basic life and earth science concepts.

CHEMISTRY (3)

Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology & Algebra or prerequisite Algebra test (key)

Chemistry is a study about all those things that we can see, touch and smell. Lectures, demonstrations and laboratory activities are used to study the structure, properties and energy content of such substances as fuels, salts, minerals, vitamins, metals and foods. In addition, earth and life science concepts will be integrated into the chemistry course where appropriate. This is a college preparatory class.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY (5)

Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry

The Advanced Chemistry course will be taught on a level of difficulty equal to that of a college freshman chemistry course. Most of the topics covered during the student’s first year chemistry course will be covered at a greater depth in this course. New fields such as qualitative analysis, biochemistry, and thermodynamics will be studied. Many interesting laboratories such as water, bleach and aspirin analysis will also be performed.

MICROBIOLOGY (3-4)

Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology and either Chemistry or Practical Chemistry

Microbiology is a hands-on laboratory class that involves students in real world situations. Students learn the necessary skills to work in a microbiology laboratory. Students are introduced to a world of living things that they may never have known existed. Students will learn basic microbiological techniques such as, microscopy, staining techniques, preparation of bacteriological media, and maintenance of bacterial cultures and identification of selected microbes. In addition, students will gain an insight into health-related occupations and research.

PHYSIOLOGY (3-4)

Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology and either Chemistry or Practical Chemistry

Physiology is the study of the human body. All body systems will be studied: skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, lymphatic, endocrine, and reproductive. Laboratory is an integral part of the course.

PHYSICS (4)

Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry (3)

Physics is a study of energy. Topics covered include the nature and or/cause of motion, force, heat, sound, light and electricity. Laboratory and problem solving skills will be practiced. Demonstrations will be performed to clarify concepts. The ability to reason and apply mathematical relationships is necessary to learn physics. Curiosity and the desire to explain observations will make physics interesting.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS (4)

Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Physics

The Advanced Placement Physics course will be taught on a level of difficulty equal to that of the college freshman non-calculus based physics course. Most of the topics covered during the student’s first year physics course will be covered at a greater depth in this course. New topics such as astrophysics and nuclear physics will also be covered. Many interesting laboratory experiments will be performed using the same technology and computer programs as a college.

GENETICS (3-4)

Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry or Microbiology

Genetics is a one-year, elective, advanced life science course. The course is designed to allow microbiology students to utilize their skills in a hands-on laboratory oriented class. The program introduces genetics as a human endeavor describing changes that have taken place since the inception of genetic studies. The program reviews reproductive cellular biology, transmission of genes, pedigree analysis of organisms, inheritance, cytogenesis, reproduction, and development in plants and animals, and much more. Core objectives are based upon essential outcomes and benchmarks established by the State of Michigan.

FORENSIC SCIENCE (3-4)

Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisites: Biology and Practical Chemistry or Chemistry

Forensic Science is the application of science to the law. It involves those areas of chemistry, biology, physics and geology that are useful in determining the value of the evidence found at the crime scene and other related evidence. Lectures, demonstrations, laboratory activities, school trips and invited experts will be used to learn crime scene procedures, the sifting of physical evidence and how these relate to the law.

Included in this course will be topics such as, fingerprinting, DNA analysis & electrophoresis, bullet microscopy, forensic toxicology, entomology, odontology and anthropology.

SCIENCE SEMINAR (3-4)

Grade: 12 (11 by permission only)
Prerequisite: 3 years of science in courses with a difficulty level of 3 or higher

Science Seminar is designed for the science student who wants to explore a specific scientific interest not currently offered by our curriculum. All aspects of the research process will be covered. Student evaluation will include periodic assessment of student effort as well as a final presentation of the research topic.