Science
AP Physics II
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Syllabus Approved by College Board