Science
The Science Program is designed to be taken for four years. The recommended science curriculum for all
students includes the foundation of the “core three” courses: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Advanced
Placement (AP) and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses and additional electives are also encouraged to
enrich students’ science backgrounds and prepare them for science beyond high school. Successful
completion of Biology is a requirement for all students. Each student must obtain 3 credits in science as a
graduation requirement.
Download our Curriculum Guide for more details and graduation requirements.
Courses Offered
373 – BIOLOGY 1.0 credit
Biology is the study of living organisms and the Earth they live on. In this course, students will begin by investigating the basic unit of life: the cell. As the course progresses, students will gain useful scientific skills through hands-on inquiry labs that utilize biological tools, current technology, data collection and analysis. The knowledge and skills acquired in Biology will be applied to real-life concepts. Students will need a B or better in Biology in order to take AP Biology.
376 - AP BIOLOGY 1.0 credit
This rigorous course gives students a grasp of science as a process of testing and revising ideas and to help students apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to environmental and social concerns. Students will gain an understanding of the course content through extensive lab-work and the use of technology. Students will be required to do a considerable amount of reading on their own. PREREQUISITE: Completion of Biology and Chemistry with a grade of B or better in both. In order to have a successful, complete experience in this AP course, students must complete the AP Biology Exam.
381 - CHEMISTRY 1.0 credit
Chemistry is the study of matter and how it changes. In this class, students will perform a variety of laboratory investigations as a means of studying these changes and providing a foundation on which to build an understanding of concepts, such as how atoms are structured and how chemicals react and bond with one another. By studying how matter and energy interact, students will gain a greater understanding of the chemical nature of the world and how chemistry is a part of everyday life. PREREQUISITE: B or better in Algebra I or consent of instructor.
380 – AP CHEMISTRY 1.0 credit
The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore content such as: atomic & compound structure, properties of substances & mixtures, chemical reactions, kinetics, acids & bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. This course requires that 25 percent of instructional time be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to demonstrate the foundational chemistry principles and apply the science practices. PREREQUISITE: Grade of B or higher in Chemistry AND Algebra 1; completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II. In order to have a successful, complete experience in this AP course, students must complete the AP Chemistry Exam.
392 - PHYSICS 1.0 credit
In this course, students will view real-life situations conceptually and mathematically and explore the laws of physics that govern them. Each week students will work in the laboratory collecting and analyzing data while conducting experiments that will demonstrate, verify, and allow them to discover these laws of physics. PREREQUISITE: B or better in Algebra I or consent of instructor.
391 AP PHYSICS 1.0 credit
This Algebra-based course is the equivalent to a first- semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum), work, energy, and power, mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. This material is organized around seven foundational big ideas in physics that structure the course. Focus on a series of learning objectives that combines physics content with one or more of seven fundamental science practices provides a more engaging and rigorous experience for AP Physics students. PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in an upper- level math class. Successful completion of Physics is recommended but not necessary. In order to have a successful, complete experience in this AP course, students must complete the AP Physics Exam.
369 - PLTW: PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE 1.0 credit
In this course, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve. PREREQUISITE: Can be taken concurrently with Biology or after successful completion of Biology.
370 - PLTW: HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS 1.0 credit
In this course, students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases. PREREQUISITE: C or better in Biology.
371 - PLTW: MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS 1.0 credit
In this course, students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics. PREREQUISITE: C or better in PBS or HBS or AP Biology or concurrent enrollment in AP Biology.
372 - PLTW: BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION 1.0 credit
In this capstone course, students apply their knowledge and skills to answer questions or solve problems related to the biomedical sciences. Students design innovative solutions for the health challenges of the 21st century as they work through progressively challenging open-ended problems, addressing topics such as clinical medicine, physiology, biomedical engineering, and public health. They have the opportunity to work on an independent project and may work with a mentor or advisor from a university, hospital, physician’s office, or industry. Throughout the course, students are expected to present their work to an adult audience that may include representatives from the local business and healthcare community. PREREQUISITE: Completion of two PLTW Biomedical Science courses OR one PLTW Biomedical Science course and AP Biology.
BIOSLR - STUDENTS UNDERSTANDING PRINCIPLES OF RESEARCH THROUGH MEDICINE, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE (SUPREMES) 1.0 credit
In this course, students will gain educational experience in biomedical research, clinical research, and technology development in funded laboratories at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Marquette University, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Research Institute and Zablocki Milwaukee VA Medical Center. Students will be introduced to new technologies, cutting-edge research, and exciting laboratory practices, guided and taught by highly skilled, established faculty investigators. PREREQUISITE: Junior or Senior standing, application required.
367 - PHYSICAL SCIENCE LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS IN FORENSICS 0.5 credit
In this course, you will actively explore, analyze and apply physical science concepts related to the science of crime scene investigation and how it applies to law. Topics of study will include evaluation of evidence, fiber, textile, glass, soil, and handwriting analysis, tool mark and impression evidence, and forensic toxicology. Please be advised that some of the topics covered are of a sensitive nature.
364 - EARTH SCIENCE 0.5 credit
In this course, students will learn about the origin, composition and physical features of our planet. Through hands-on lab investigation, class discussion, experiments and technology, students will analyze and describe the Earth’s interconnected systems and examine how the Earth’s materials, landforms and continents change over time. Topics include earthquakes and plate tectonics, Earth’s geological history, the atmosphere, weather, rivers and streams and the impact on the environment.
364 - SPACE SCIENCE 0.5 credit
In this course, students will study the science of the universe. Through hands-on models, experiments and technology, students will investigate properties of other planets and explore the evolution of stars. Other topics include universe expansion, life on other planets, creation of the universe, dynamics of the Earth, Moon, & Sun, and the Space Race.
366 AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1.0 credit
The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The Earth itself is one interconnected system, and humans affect this system. Environmental problems have a cultural and social context. Our very survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. In this course students will identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made. Students will learn to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. PREREQUISITE: Completion of Biology and C or better in Algebra 1; To have a successful, complete experience in this AP course, students must complete the AP Environmental Exam.
