Username:

Password:

Fargot Password? / Help
Northern High School \ Academics \ Science

Welcome to our Science Program!

Current Course Offerings for the 2011-2012 School Year:

 

Biology – Meets the Biology requirement based on the Michigan Merit Curriculum

Chem/Physics – Meets the Chem/Physics requirement based on the Michigan Merit Curriculum

Sci Elective – Meets the Science Elective requirement based on the Michigan Merit Curriculum

 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS (Science Elective) – D105 CHS, EHS, NHS 9, 10 1.0 Credit

Students will focus on natural and man-made disasters that impact the environment, utilizing relevant case studies. Through the study of environmental science students will understand complex interactions between humans and their environments. Students will seek answers to such questions as: How can we balance our own needs and interests with the health of the environment? How does the environment influence how and where we can live? How can we use Earth’s finite resources sustainably? The lessons students learn today will define our environment tomorrow. Study emphasis will be on relationships that exist between biology, chemistry, earth and physical sciences and the impact humans have on their environment, and the environment on humans.

 

BIOLOGY (Biology) – D110 CHS, EHS, NHS 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Biology is a study of the living world. In this course, an introduction to biochemistry and cellular structure/activity leads to learning the essential and core concepts related to such topics as DNA, genetics, heredity, and the diversity of life.

 

BIOLOGY/LITERATURE (Biology & ELA) – B112 NHS 9, 10, 11, 12

1.0 Credit for each Biology and Literature for a total of 2.0 credit

The Biology/Literature Block is a project based, collaborative course based on laboratory investigations and a study of language, literature, composition, and oral communication with a focus on exploring a wide-variety of genres and their elements. This will include a study of the structures and functions of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. Students will use literary interpretation, analysis, comparisons, and evaluation to read and respond to representative works of historical, cultural, and scientific significance. They will explore the structure and function of

populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere. Students will write short stories, responses to literature, expository and persuasive compositions, research reports, and technical documents. Students will deliver gradeappropriate oral presentations and access, analyze, and evaluate online information that will touch on various careers, personal needs, and societal issues. This is a 2 hour block course in which students will receive credit for English 9 and Biology.

 

HONORS BIOLOGY (Biology) – D115 CHS, EHS, NHS 9, 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Students are selected for Honors Biology based on the 8th grade Explore score, MEAP Science and MEAP Reading scores, and student GPA.

Honors biology provides an opportunity for students who are deeply interested in the life sciences to pursue biological topics in-depth. Course work will be challenging and rigorous and will include content expectations beyond those required for state credit.

 

CHEMISTRY (Chemistry or Physics) – D210 CHS, EHS, NHS 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

This course provides a conceptually based exposure to the fundamental principles and laws of chemistry. Topics include forms of energy, energy transfer and conservation, properties of matter, and changes in matter. Emphasis is placed on comprehension before computation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of chemistry and how it relates to other fields. This course meets the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum and is recommended for students who do not intend to enter scientific or mathematical fields such as medicine or engineering.

 

CHEMISTRY (Chemistry or Physics) – D215 CHS, EHS, NHS 10,11, 12 1.0 Credit

This course provides an analytically based exposure to the fundamental principles and laws of chemistry. Topics include forms of energy, energy transfer and conservation, properties of matter, and changes in matter. Mathematical applications will be required. This course meets the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of chemical concepts as needed to pursue  further study in science, math, and medical related fields. May qualify as a 4th–year math-related course if taken after the MMC

Science requirement has been fulfilled.

 

PHYSICS (Chemistry or Physics) – D220 CHS, EHS, NHS 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

This course provides an analytically based exposure to the fundamental principles and laws of physics. Topics include the motion of objects, forces and motion, forms of energy, and energy transformations. Practical experience is used to create a framework for learning physics concepts, and emphasis is placed on comprehension before computation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of physics and how it relates to other fields.

This course meets the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum, and is recommended for students who do not intend to enter scientific or mathematical fields such as medicine, or engineering.

 

PHYSICS (Chemistry or Physics) – D225 CHS, EHS, NHS 10, 11, 12 1.0 Credit

This course provides an analytically based exposure to the fundamental principles and laws of physics, and uses algebra and trigonometry-based models to explore the fundamental concepts that describe the physical world. Topics include the motion of objects, forces and motion, forms of energy, and energy transformations. This course meets the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the physics concepts that are foundational  for further study of advanced science, medicine, or engineering.

May qualify as a 4th–year math-related course if taken after the MMC Science requirement has been fulfilled.

 

HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (Science Elective) – D420 CHS, EHS, NHS 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

This course is designed to prepare students for college classes in human or health science and is valuable for those who envision a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary care, physical therapy, nursing, coaching, research, or teaching. The class emphasizes human form (anatomy) and function (physiology) as students study 13 different human systems. The course concludes with a comprehensive dissection laboratory exercise. The course is recommended for students who plan on enrolling in AP Biology as a senior.

 

FORENSIC SCIENCE (Science Elective) – D510 CHS, EHS, NH 10, 11, 12 1.0/year .5/sem Credit

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Foundations of Science and Biology.

In this course, students will learn about forensic science, the application of science to law. Major topics of student include fingerprinting, blood spatter evidence collection and analysis, DNA evidence analysis, trace evidence collection and analysis, proper crime scene procedures, and the legal issues involved with evidence collection and storage. This course may be taken 2 semesters for 1.0 credit.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Science Elective) – D530 CHS, EHS, NHS 11, 12 .5 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Environmental Science or Biology

Students will investigate fundamental environmental issues through scientific inquiry and experience the basics of ecology and sustainable living through labs, activities, current articles from the media, and discussion. Study emphasizes the application of topics from earth science, biology, and chemistry. Students will acquire the insight and knowledge to better understand the complexities of environmental issues.

 

AP BIOLOGY (Science Elective) – D610 CHS, EHS, NHS 11, 12 2.0 Credit*

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry.

This is a challenging college equivalent course and students must be exceptionally motivated and able to perform at a high level. Most enrollees envision a career in biological science or in the human/health sciences. The curriculum is rigorous and demanding and students are expected to commit significant amounts of time to master the breadth of biology topics described by The College Board. The class is offered to help students achieve success on the AP Biology Exam administered in May. Students earning a 4 or 5 on the AP Biology Exam can earn 5-8 semester credits in biological/life science. The course includes all topics covered in a freshman-level college course for biology majors and utilizes a college textbook. Particular points of emphasis include evolution and the role of DNA in living organisms.Twelve comprehensive labs are conducted to serve as a lab class equivalent in a one-semester college biology class.

*This is a two-hour course; one credit will be given a letter grade while the accompanying lab credit will be graded Credit/No Credit.

 

AP CHEMISTRY (Science Elective) – D620 CHS, EHS, NHS 12 2.0 Credit*

Prerequisite: Chemistry and FST.

Equivalent to a first year college chemistry course, this class is designed to prepare students for engineering or medical careers. The final outcome of the course is students’ preparation to take the AP Chemistry exam in May.

*This is a two hour course; one credit will be given a letter grade while the accompanying lab credit will be graded Credit/No Credit.

May qualify as a 4th–year math-related course if taken after the MMC Science requirement has been fulfilled.

 

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Science Elective) – D630 CHS, EHS, NHS 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Chemistry 215 is recommended

Equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science, this class provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. It is unique because it is multidisciplinary, drawing its content from geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, meteorology, geography, and social issues. Attendance at fieldwork experiences is mandatory. Students are encouraged to take the AP Environmental Science exam in May.

 

AP PHYSICS B (Science Elective) – D640 NHS 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisites: Chemistry, Algebra II

This advanced level course covers both classical and modern physics from a non-calculus approach, although some knowledge of calculus will help in understanding select concepts. Students will learn about topics covered during the first three terms of college physics including Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. An experiential lab component also will be used.

Students are encouraged to take the AP Physics B exam that is administered in May.

May qualify as a 4th –year math-related course if taken after the MMC Science requirement has been fulfilled.

 

AP PHYSICS C (Science Elective) – D645 CHS, EHS 11, 12 1.0 Credit

Prerequisite: Calculus or taking Calculus concurrently.

Physics is a science in which we learn more about the details of natural phenomena through reasoning, experimentation and mathematical analysis. This course prepares students for engineering or other science majors and provides the opportunity to study a college level calculus-based mechanics course in physics. Students should anticipate that the course will involve intense study that will occupy a significant amount of time. The final outcome of the course is student preparation to take the AP Physics C Mechanics test in May. May qualify as a 4th–year math-related course if taken after the MMC Science requirement has been fulfilled.