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Science
Survey of Biology
The study of life from the cellular level to the ecological level which includes topics such as cellular functions, ecology, genetics, DNA, and evolution.
AP Biology
Apply foundational classroom knowledge to laboratory work; analyze and integrate major biological themes; develop research and writing skills; evaluate biology issues as they relate to society and global concerns.
Syllabus Approved by College Board
Basics of the Human Body
Students will use 3-dimensional science practices to gain a basic understanding of their body’s structure and function. They will implement scientific procedures and perform experiments to gather, interpret, and analyze data. Using critical thinking and problem-solving skills, they will research and evaluate current technologies and health topics.
Anatomy & Physiology
Explore the structures of the various human body systems and the many functions each provides to maintain homeostasis in the body. Students will perform detailed gross anatomy labs and dissections; students will be able to describe the relationship between structure and function of tissues and organs within systems. Students will perform physiological health related activities such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, etc. and relate those activities to clinical applications. Students will understand career options available to them in the Anatomy and Physiology field.
Pltw Biomed I - Principles Of Biomedical Science™
Medical cases, scenarios, and hands-on experiences allow students to develop skills and knowledge in the fields of biology, anatomy & physiology, genetics, microbiology, and epidemiology. Students explore a vast range of medical science careers while learning about crime scene investigation, autopsy, vital signs, medical history, emergency response, and patient diagnosis. This course builds the foundation for subsequent Biomed courses.
Pltw Biomed II - Human Body Systems™
Students examine the interactions of body systems as they explore identity, communication, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis in the body. Exploring science, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®. Students investigate the structures and functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration. In Human Body Systems, students take on the role of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries.
Pltw Biomed III - Medical Interventions™
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 the fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics. Each family case scenario will introduce multiple types of interventions and will reinforce concepts learned in the previous two courses, as well as present new content.
Physics
Physics is the study of matter and energy or “how things work.” The course’s purpose is to develop a conceptual understanding of your physical world as it relates to the phenomena of motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism and light. Applying math concepts to problem-solving, developing reasoning skills and the use of computers and graphing
AP Physics-1
This course is the introductory course for students with advanced math abilities to explore “how things work” in the physical world. (Note that students do not need to have completed a prior Physics course.) Students will study matter and energy and their interactions through forces, fields, and conservation laws. Waves as a transfer of energy and the use of probability to describe complex systems will also be covered. Students will be exposed to a variety of scientific practices, including mathematical equation solving, development of models and theories, and data collection and analysis. Specific curriculum topics for AP Physics-1 are: one-dimensional motion, projectiles, Newton’s laws, work, energy, power, momentum, torque, rotational motion, gravitation, oscillations, waves, sound, and an introduction to electrical circuits.
Syllabus Approved by College Board
AP Physics-2
This course is the second course for students with advanced math abilities to explore “how things work” in the physical world. Students will study matter and energy and their interactions through forces, fields, and conservation laws. Waves as a transfer of energy and the use of probability to describe complex systems will also be covered. Students will be exposed to a variety of scientific practices, including mathematical equation solving, development of models and theories, and data collection and analysis. Specific curriculum topics for AP Physics-2 are: fluid statics/dynamics, thermodynamics, advanced electrical circuits, electrostatics, magnetic fields, electromagnetism, geometric optics, wave properties of light, atomic physics, and nuclear physics.
Syllabus Approved by College Board
Chemistry
Solve real life problems, determine, and justify best solutions and their implications in order to make recommendations for problem solving; use the scientific method, set up labs, organize data, and conduct experiments with correct use of scientific instruments; evaluate and communicate results of scientific experiments in oral and written form; make predictions and formulate conclusions from compiled data; study the properties of matter and the interaction of atoms and molecules.
Accelerated Chemistry
Solve real life problems, determine, and justify best solutions and their implications in order to make recommendations for problem solving; use the scientific method, set up labs, organize data, and conduct experiments with correct use of scientific instruments; evaluate and communicate results of scientific experiments in oral and written form; make predictions and formulate conclusions from compiled data; study the properties of matter and the interaction of atoms and molecules.
AP Chemistry
Define, discuss, and explain numerous chemical terms and concepts; solve numerous types of chemical problems including mathematical solutions; use the scientific method; become proficient in laboratory work including use of equipment, compiling data, formulating conclusions, and writing reports; perform the outcomes at a level expected of a freshman college student; increase depth of understanding by considering new chemical topics; increase depth of understanding previously discussed topics; increase laboratory skills using complex lab topics and procedures.
Real World Science
Real World Science will cover unique concepts in science. You will learn how the discoveries of scientists like Newton, Arrhenius, and Boyle impact your daily life. Topics such as nuclear chemistry, household chemistry and the dynamics of motion will be explored through real world applications. A brief introduction to other science topics will give students a sneak peek into high school science electives. This course will prepare you for high school and beyond.
Earth Science
Do you like rocks and dinosaurs? Do you want to learn about the Earth and its history? Earth Science covers the early history of the Earth, the ever-changing Earth, fossils and dinosaurs, rocks and minerals, and the oceans. Come join Earth Science to learn more about our dynamic planet.
Environmental Science
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship that exists between the environment and human activity; show the importance of preserving ecosystems around the world including its living inhabitants; relate the cause and effect relationships in an ecosystem to current, real world events.
Ap Environmental Science
This course of study should foster a deeper understanding of and appreciation for nature by learning problems and solutions to environmental issues. Students will develop their expertise through discussions regarding ecological principles, population, conservation, pollution, natural resources and other issues. The class utilizes a college-seminar approach in which students discuss and answer questions in-class from assigned out of class reading or research. There is also a strong emphasis on laboratory and field investigations. As noted above, this class incorporates a variety of disciplines, so a student that has taken and understood Biology, Algebra I, and a physical science, preferably Chemistry, will have a better chance at succeeding at the AP level. Designed as a course to provide college-level environmental experiences, the AP Environmental Science course is an excellent option for any interested student.
Forensics
Forensic Laboratory Science courses involve the application of biological, chemical, and physical science principles to data and physical evidence related to evidence collection and analysis. The courses focus on the application of scientific knowledge and scientific principles to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence in a laboratory setting. Topics may include but are not limited to entomology, forensic anthropology, serology, and fingerprinting.
Astronomy/Meteorology
Locate and name constellations and planets in the night sky; apply higher order thinking skills using charts and conditions to infer future and past events; make comparisons between the conditions on Earth and those on other planets; apply properties such as density, atomic structure, and phase changes in explaining conditions in stars and on other planets; identify major weather-determining factors to make predictions; identify major weather patterns on earth’s surface; interpret weather data from official current charts; organize data, and place weather information on maps.
Principles Of Engineering TM
Students will learn about major engineering concepts encountered in a college engineering curriculum. They will apply knowledge of engineering concepts as they tackle real-world engineering design problems. Students will conduct destructive testing as they learn about material properties. They will design and build truss systems and determine the point of failure. Students will learn to incorporate basic electronics and computer programming into the design of automated systems using VEX Robotics.
Environmental Justice
This course combines two disciplines to create an action-based curriculum. Not only will you learn the impact humans have on our environment, but you will also learn how you can actively participate in its preservation through civic action. Projects in Environmental Justice will address the historical evolution of environmental activism alongside the United States government, global intergovernmental efforts to address climate change, and local government’s involvement in the management of our South Dakota ecosystems.