Science
The Science program offers students the opportunity to explore the natural world and discover the principles that govern natural processes, both living and nonliving. The focus of the curriculum is on critical thinking and problem solving skills that are developed through laboratory and other investigative activities. In addition, students will also demonstrate mastery of appropriate scientific literacy, mathematical modeling, and develop skills in cooperation and communication in the practice of scientific inquiry. It is recommended that students take four years of Science as many colleges will require three to four years of laboratory-based Science courses for admission. Completion of Chemistry and upper-level Physics are strongly recommended if students plan to pursue a college program in the physical sciences, life sciences, computer science, mathematics, engineering, psychology, or physical education.
Science Courses
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
AP BIOLOGY
2 SEMESTERS
AP Biology is a rigorous course designed for the college bound student who is considering a major in science or medicine and who has a profound interest in the Biological Sciences. The course will help students develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. The result will be readiness for the study of advanced topics in subsequent college courses and to prepare students to take the AP Biology exam in May.
Open to 11th and 12th grade students.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology, an average of a B or better in Chemistry (Honors Chemistry preferred), and/or departmental approval.
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
AP CHEMISTRY
2 SEMESTERS
This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Students will attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course will contribute to the development of the students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. Topics of study will include structure of matter, states of matter, reactions, descriptive chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, thermochemistry, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and chemical calculations. In this rigorous course, independent work is required and a significant amount of out-of-class reading and study time is expected. Students enrolled in AP Chemistry will prepare for the AP exam in May.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of both Honors Chemistry and Algebra II and/or department approval.
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
2 SEMESTERS
AP Environmental Science is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and humanmade environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them.
Open to 11th and 12th grade students.
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
AP PHYSICS 1
2 SEMESTERS
This course is equivalent to the general physics course usually taken during the first year of college. Students will attain a depth of understanding fundamentals of physics and competence in dealing with physical science problems. The course will contribute to the development of the students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. Topics of study will include kinematics, dynamics, circular motion/gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion, and fluids. In this heavily math-dependent, rigorous course, independent work is required and a significant amount of out-of-class reading and study time is expected. Students will prepare for the AP Physics Exam in May.
Open to 11th and 12th grade students.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Chemistry, enrollment in Precalculus or Calculus, and/or department approval.
- Grade 12
AP PHYSICS 2
2 SEMESTERS
Have you ever wondered how the interactions of microscopic particles cause observable phenomena like static electricity, thermodynamic processes, nuclear reactions, and atomic emission lines? In AP Physics 2, you’ll learn about thermodynamics, electricity and magnetics, and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. While learning about the key course concepts, you’ll do hands-on laboratory work to investigate specific phenomena.
Prerequisite: AP Physics 1 and Precalculus
Open to 11th and 12th graders.
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
ASTRONOMY
1 SEMESTER
This is a one semester course that introduces students to theoretical and observational astronomy. Students will learn about the history of astronomy, telescopes (optical and radio), planetary motion, moon phases, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. Students will be required to attend at least one night observation session from a variety of options. Students will also make solar observations during class time.
Open to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students.
- Grade 9
- Grade 10
BIOLOGY
2 SEMESTERS
This course explores what it means to be a living thing. Students will learn about the biochemical and cellular components of life, patterns of genetic inheritance, the evolution of life on Earth, and the interdependence of species within dynamic healthy ecosystems. Throughout this course, students will develop laboratory skills including microscopy, scientific modeling, and field studies.
This course is required of all 9th grade students starting with class of 2029.
10th grade students are required to complete this course for 2025-2026 as well.
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
CHEMISTRY
2 SEMESTERS
Chemistry is a laboratory-based science course. Students develop their critical thinking and qualitative problem-solving skills in a collaborative environment including modeling, graphing, and experimental investigations. Topics include atomic structure, physical states of matter, the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical equations, properties of gases, reactions, solutions, acids and bases, and other appropriate topics.
Open to 10th and 11th grade students.
Prerequisite:
Prerequisites: Completion of — or concurrent enrollment in — Algebra II
This course fulfills Science graduation requirement.
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
FORENSIC SCIENCE
1 SEMESTER
This course introduces students to the principles and techniques used in forensic science to solve real-world cases. Through hands-on investigations, students will apply the scientific method to analyze crime scenes, examine physical and biological evidence, and use forensic technology. Key topics include fingerprinting, DNA analysis, toxicology, forensic anthropology, ballistics, forensic psychology, cybercrime, and more. Students will also explore legal and ethical considerations, study case histories, and engage in activities such as handwriting analysis, odontology, and forensic entomology. Emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, and career exploration, the course may also include debates, ethical discussions, and mock trials.
Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students.
Prerequisites: Biology
- Grade 9
- Grade 10
HONORS BIOLOGY
2 SEMESTERS
Honors Biology is an accelerated course designed for students with strong language, reading comprehension, and reasoning skills. This course explores the fundamental principles of life sciences, including the biochemical and cellular foundations of life, patterns of genetic inheritance, evolutionary processes, and the interdependence of species within dynamic ecosystems. Emphasizing critical thinking and scientific inquiry, students will engage in advanced laboratory investigations, data analysis, and problem-solving activities. Through microscopy, scientific modeling, and field studies, students will deepen their understanding of biological concepts while developing essential skills in experimental design, evidence-based reasoning, and scientific communication. This rigorous course challenges students to apply their knowledge to real-world biological phenomena and prepares them for future advanced science coursework.
Open to 9th and 10th graders
Students will be enrolled into Honors Biology based on performance on PreACT entrance exam.
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
HONORS CHEMISTRY
2 SEMESTERS
Honors Chemistry will stress topics related to matter and energy, scientific measurement, atomic structure, chemical names and formulas, problem solving, stoichiometry, states of matter, electron configurations, chemical periodicity, and other appropriate topics. The student will be made aware of how chemical processes and principles are related to everyday experiences. Students will be encouraged to assume more responsibility for their own learning by making experimentation and problem solving skills an integral part of the topics covered. Honors Chemistry or Chemistry fulfill the requirement for graduation.
Open to students in 10th and 11th grade.
Prerequisites: Completion of — or concurrent enrollment in — Algebra II
This course fulfills Science graduation requirement.
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
2 SEMESTERS
This is a lab-based practical course designed for students interested in a career in the medical fields such as nursing, physical therapy, veterinary science, or general medicine. The overarching theme of this course is the analysis of how structure (anatomy) determines function (physiology). Students will learn anatomical terminology, compare the histology of different types of tissues, and practice medical diagnoses in the form of case studies. Students will explore each of the major organ systems in the body on a unit-by-unit basis, comparing how these systems function normally, and how they respond to stress and disease. Students will also gain practice in laboratory skills including microscopy and animal dissection.
Open to 11th and 12th grade students.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
HUMAN SYSTEMS AND DISEASE
1 SEMESTER
By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of human body systems, and how the chronic diseases that impact each system can be treated and/or prevented. Topics will include the major body systems: Cardiovascular, Skeletal, Muscular, Respiratory, Digestive, and Nervous. If there is time, other systems will be added as well. Major chronic disorders of each of these systems will be examined.
Prerequisite: Biology
Open to 11th and 12th grade students.
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
MINNESOTA ECOLOGY
1 SEMESTER
Discover the intricate ecosystems, rich history, and pressing environmental challenges of Minnesota in this hands-on fall semester course. Minnesota Ecology explores the natural world of our state through both outdoor activities and classroom learning. Students will engage with Minnesota's diverse landscapes, analyze ecological challenges, and propose actionable solutions for protecting our natural resources.
Prerequisite: Biology
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
PHYSICS
2 SEMESTERS
This course is recommended for 12th graders planning on majoring in a STEM discipline. Physics is a heavily mathdependent subject that studies the world around us. Students will study topics including motion in one and two dimensions, force, friction and Newton’s laws, work and energy, momentum and collisions, vibrations and waves, sound, light, and reflection. Throughout the course, students will develop measuring and analytical modeling skills. * Physics may be required by some colleges for admission.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of both Chemistry and Algebra II and department approval.