7th Grade Life Science
Our year begins with a north woods tree identification project. Students learn basic leaf structure and how to read field guides and dichotomous keys. Taxonomy and classification systems of organisms is emphasized. The students are introduced to Phenology (the study of organisms’ response to seasonal and climatic changes in the environment). Walks into the outdoor classroom are taken, as weather permits. Students observe, identify and take notes on the organisms we discover. This is continued throughout the year. In our cell unit, students learn about the different types of cells. This includes extensive use of the microscope. Cell structure, processes (photosynthesis, respiration and fermentation), meiosis and mitosis, are also studied. The compound light microscope aids us in our investigation during this unit. The genetics unit allows students to gain an understanding of the structure of DNA and how the principles of heredity operate. Students construct and use Punnett squares and pedigree charts to determine traits of offspring through several generations. Other topics covered relate to animal diversity. Using a microscope and simple dissection, we take a comparative look at organisms, from the simple protists to the complex mammals.
8th Grade Science
8th Grade Science is an Earth-based/Environmental Science class. Material covered focuses on the natural processes that affect the Earth and the impact that humans have on these processes. Students will explore cycles in nature and learn about the challenges associated with utilizing and managing local natural resources. Honeybees will be a major focus of study throughout the year and students will be visiting and tending to the needs of hives throughout the year. Students will learn about bees, communicate their findings with community members, and teach elementary students about bees. Additionally, students will assess the overall quality of the local ecosystem through investigations, projects, and field work using hand-held probeware to obtain accurate real-time data. The topics of this class are paired with the writings of Aldo Leopold from A Sand County Almanac. Students will reflect upon Aldo’s words, share their thoughts with their classmates, and offer their own insight on wildlife conservation in Wisconsin
SCIENCE OF FOOD
Have you ever played with your food? Have you ever eaten your homework? The Science of Food class will let you do both. This class will let you explore the science behind flavors and ingredients while learning different cooking techniques. Many local plants and animals will be used in recipes. This hands-on class will allow you to make sausage, cheese, ice cream and maple syrup. Students will harvest wild rice, tend to a honeybee hive, and turn sugar into caramel. Through experiments, hands-on activities, exploratory labs, and field trips students will understand the methods of growing, harvesting, preserving, processing and packaging of foods. Students will learn the chemistry of foods in terms of composition and changes that occurs during processing and storage, sensory and physical assessment of foods, microbiological issues related to both spoilage and safety of foods, and the development of new food products. Science principles are applied to food in farm fields, food processing, food preservation, in home and restaurant kitchens, and in research laboratories. This course will assist students in making science relevant to the "real" world as they explore many local foods that are available throughout the year. Learn about science in a whole new way. Let's get cookin'!
High School Courses Middle School Students May Take
APPLIED SCIENCE (required for Freshmen)
This lab-based course develops knowledge and understanding of the concepts of matter, force, energy and natural processes in the areas of physical and earth science. The course involves demonstrations, discussions, lectures, and experimentation. The student does experiments in order to obtain data that can be evaluated by the class and hopefully some conclusion can be reached. It is intended that students learn to appreciate how scientists get information in order to discover the working of nature. Skills in the use of the metric system are developed. The student will gain a strong background for more advanced science courses such as chemistry or physics.
High School Courses
ASTRONOMY (PROJECT BASED)
Introduction to Astronomy is designed to present students with a basic understanding of the composition and structure of the universe. The course will be divided into 5 parts: The Earth, The Solar System, The Evolution of Stars, The Motion & Structure of Galaxies and exploring new and future discoveries. Due to the brevity of the course, detail will be sacrificed in order to present the larger concepts. The central objective of this course is to develop an understanding of how the universe began and is evolving. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the science that produced the evidence that has led to our current understanding of the cosmos.
BIOLOGY (LAB BASED)
Biology is a course designed to introduce students to the different shapes and forms of life. Emphasis is placed on the six kingdoms: animals, plants, fungi, protists, and two kingdoms of bacteria. Through these organisms the course teaches students about classification, cellular interactions, body systems, genetics and DNA technology. Comparative anatomy techniques will be taught through a series of dissections and live labs. Application of these topics gives each student a better understanding of the complexity of life, the study called biology.
ECOLOGY and ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT - FALL (LAB BASED)
Get outside and experience the Northwoods during the fall and early winter months! Through a series of inquiry based labs and field work, students will develop an awareness of their place and connection with the natural world. Student hands will get dirty as they test the physical and chemical properties of soils and learn about this “forgotten” yet foundational resource. The woods will become a laboratory of study as the connection between soils and plants to help students better relate to the world of forestry and the many benefits we get from our abundant forests. Human impact on natural resources will be addressed and sustainable living will be a common thread throughout all topics. As students use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate the health of familiar ecosystems, they will then be prepared to formulate possible solutions to local environmental issues and encouraged to have citizen action. Lab work, outdoor field testing, and field trips will be interspersed with direct instruction. A $20.00 fee/semester is required to cover the cost of several field studies.
ECOLOGY and ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT - SPRING (LAB BASED)
Get outside and experience the Northwoods during the mid-winter and spring months! Students will become immersed in the mysteries of winter ecology through tracking and the study of snow and its many unique functions in nature and the not so quiet winter world will be revealed. Wildlife management, species identification and endangered and threatened species research will be studied to better understand wildlife. Your feet will get wet in aquatic ecosystems as you explore bogs, marshes, rivers and lakes in the study of water ecology. Human impact on natural resources will be addressed and sustainable living will be a common thread throughout all topics. As students use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate the health of familiar ecosystems, they will then be prepared to formulate possible solutions to local environmental issues and encouraged to have citizen action. Lab work, outdoor field testing, and field trips will be interspersed with direct instruction. A $20.00 fee/semester is required to cover the cost of several field trips.
INVESTIGATIONS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE (LAB BASED)
Investigations in Forensic Science will introduce students to the history of how forensic science started and some of the major forensic science topics. Students will learn skills needed by a forensic scientist and apply them to “crime scenarios.” This will require students to apply critical thinking skills to analyze the crime scene and come up with plausible explanations. Students would also be expected to maintain a portfolio style laboratory notebook that would chronicle their skills obtained in class.
CHEMISTRY (LAB BASED)
An experimental and conceptual study of high school chemistry. Course content involves basic studies of atomic and molecular structure, the periodic law, chemical and physical changes, matter and energy relationships, chemical properties of various solutions and substances. Course procedures include lectures, note taking, problem solving, laboratory study and report writing. This course fulfills college requirement for chemistry.
Honors Science Courses
ANATOMY - HONORS (LAB BASED - OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR)
This course continues the study of the basic principles and concepts addressed in Biology. Semester 1 stresses the cell and its processes at the molecular level. Semester 2 stresses genetics, evolution, and the study of plant and animal systems. This course will assist students preparing to take the Spring AP Biology Exam.
HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY- HONORS (LAB BASED - OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR)
Learn about the incredible human machine! This course is intended for serious college bound students who plan on continuing their education and/or pursuing a career in the life sciences. The course has been formatted to a college freshman Biology class and is challenging. The human body systems will be covered in depth and a comparative anatomy component will accompany the curriculum with dissections of several mammalian organs
and a full fetal pig dissection.
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY - HONORS/TRANSCRIPTED CREDIT (OFFERED EVERY YEAR)
This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis will be on spelling, definition and pronunciation of medical terms. An introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems will be approached, as well as systemic and surgical terminology. Material will be presented with some laboratory work, viewing of procedures and surgeries through DVD and internet resources, many word games and memorization activities, guest speakers, local field trips, and experience in research and translation of case studies. This is the course you need to start your career in the medical field! This course is a Transcripted course with Nicolet College.
AP CHEMISTRY – HONORS (LAB BASED)
This course will go deeper into the content covered in General Chemistry and cover the additional topics not covered in General Chemistry. Each topic will be explored with an in-depth lab activity. Students who wish to take the course with an AP Chemistry option may need to complete additional studies to be prepared for the AP test. Successful AP Chemistry students will need to complete their studies before the first week of May in order to prepare for the AP Chemistry exam which is given around the 8th of May.
PHYSICS - HONORS (LAB BASED)
This class is an experimental and conceptual study of algebra based physics. The course will include the study of mechanics, energy, fluid flow, electricity, and magnetism. There is an emphasis placed on problem solving, mathematical relationships, and experimental exploration. Students will also be expected to apply their physics knowledge to design and create various devices in class which include model rockets, motors, timing instruments, waterwheels, collision safety devices, and windmills.
INDIVIDUALIZED SCIENCE
Developed and assigned by a committee
