Graduation requirements are one year of Biology and one year of a physical science (Foundations of Chemistry & Physics, Chemistry in the Community, Chemistry, Conceptual Physics, or Physics). The WhitefishBayHigh School science staff strongly believes all students should develop a broad understanding of biology, chemistry and physics by completing coursework in each of these areas prior to graduation.
Foundations of Chemistry & Physics (FCP)
Grades 9-10
Prerequisites: None
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
This laboratory science course includes fundamentals of chemistry and physics with less emphasis on mathematical interpretations than is required for the Chemistry and Physics courses. The concepts from chemistry and physics selected for inclusion in FCP are chosen mainly on their relevance to situations encountered in everyday life and will enable students to experience more success in the remainder of their science course sequence. In particular, FCP provides an excellent preparation for future high school chemistry and physics courses, and also prepares students for college science courses which may be required of non-science majors.
Biology
Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Grade 9: Teacher recommendation
Grades 10-12: FCP
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
Biology 1-2 is a laboratory oriented course required for graduation. It provides students with a general overview of biological subject matter: molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, ecology, physiology/anatomy, and taxonomy are covered extensively.
Chemistry in the Community (ChemComm)
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Biology
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
ChemComm involves the study of water quality, chemical resource conservation, petroleum resources, foods, and atmospheric chemistry. Emphasis is placed upon practical applications of chemistry and the relationship between chemistry, personal health, and life in the community. ChemComm includes quantitative calculations but with less emphasis on theoretical and mathematical applications than in Chemistry. Although ChemComm satisfies one year of laboratory science for most college entrance requirements, it is not recommended for students planning careers in a science-related field. Furthermore, ChemComm is not an acceptable prerequisite for any Advanced Placement Science course.
Chemistry
Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra One
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
Chemistry is a typical high school chemistry course which involves measuring and calculating, classifying matter, studying atomic structure, using the periodic table, writing chemical formulas and balancing equations, doing mole calculations, using bonding to explain molecular structure, using kinetic theory to explain solids, liquids and gases, using solution chemistry to explain colligative properties, studying acids, bases and salts, studying energy and disorder, and examining electrochemistry and oxidation reduction. Through lecture/discussion, textbook reading, lab demonstrations and laboratory experiments, Chemistry emphasizes real world applications, problem solving and critical thinking skills that well prepare students for their future, and is essential for students planning to pursue a science-related career.
Conceptual Physics
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in second year Algebra course
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
Conceptual Physics covers concepts similar to Physics, but with less mathematical depth. Students will learn the historical development of classical and modern physics principles, as well as their derivation through laboratory investigation and mathematical modeling techniques. Topics include mechanics, energy, waves, radiation, electromagnetism, and subatomic and quantum physics. Although Conceptual Physics satisfies one year of laboratory science for most college entrance requirements, it is not recommended for students planning careers in a science-related field.
Physics
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, Advanced Algebra Two and Trigonometry or consent of instructor
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
Physics is a college preparatory science course with an emphasis on laboratory techniques and data analysis. Students will learn the historical development of classical and modern physics principles, as well as their derivation through laboratory investigation and mathematical modeling techniques. Topics include linear and rotational mechanics, energy, waves, electromagnetism, radiation, subatomic and quantum physics. Physics is strongly recommended for college preparation and is a must for students planning on careers in science related fields. Students will learn how to use computer hardware and software to collect, analyze, and present data.
Students may also elect from the following science course offerings. The science staff recommends that these courses be selected upon completion of, or in addition to - not in place of - biology, chemistry and physics coursework.
Environmental Science
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: ChemComm or Chemistry
Semester 1, One Credit
Environmental Science is designed to provide students with the scientific principles and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world and to apply that understanding to environmental problems and issues. Topics will include ecology and botany as well as economics, sociology, and government. Students will directly assess environmental quality through the use of water quality testing, soil and air analysis, and research in our botanical greenhouse. This course is designed to use scientific methodologies to understand ecosystems and assess human impact as well as evaluating solutions to environmental problems in the context of our culture.
Anatomy and Physiology
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: ChemComm or Chemistry
Semester 2, One Credit
Students in Anatomy and Physiology will investigate the structure and function of vertebrate animals with an emphasis on humans. Body systems studies will include muscular-skeletal, digestive, immune, nervous and reproductive. Emphasis will be placed on the application of these topics to health, exercise and medicine.
AP Biology
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: B or better in both semesters of Biology and Chemistry
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
AP Biology will satisfy a year of science toward Whitefish Bay High School graduation and will provide one year (two semesters) of laboratory science for college entrance requirements.
The AP Biology course is the equivalent of a yearlong introductory biology course taken at the college level by students intending to major in biology or fields related to biology. AP Biology covers the general areas of molecules and cells, genetics and evolution, organisms and populations. AP Biology has a strong laboratory emphasis and provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge and analytical skills required to pass the College Board AP Examination given each May. Students passing the AP exam may earn college credit and may avail themselves of advanced placement opportunities at many colleges and universities. Students enrolled in AP Biology will be required to complete a summer assignment prior to the beginning of the AP course.
AP Chemistry
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Chemistry
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
This is the AP Chemistry is designed for students interested in science-related majors and careers. In addition, students who complete this course have the possibility of receiving college credit. Curricular content will include topics previously covered in Chemistry, such as matter, atomic structure and bonding, chemical equations and stoichiometry, physical behavior of gases, acids and bases, and thermochemistry. Topics which are not normally covered in depth in Chemistry include equilibria and rates of reactions, oxidation and reduction, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. College preparatory skills will be developed in advanced problem solving techniques, conducting and evaluating sophisticated experiments, and utilizing advanced data and error analysis techniques.
AP Environmental Science (APES)
Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: C or better in both semesters of Biology and Chemistry
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
AP Environmental Science is designed to provide students with the scientific principles and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world and to apply that understanding to environmental problems and issues. Lectures, discussions, laboratory investigations, and field data collection and analysis will be used to identify and investigate environmental problems. Students will also evaluate the risks associated with these problems and examine potential solutions. The course is an application of biology, chemistry, and physics and integrates elements of history, politics, and economics into quantitative and qualitative assessment of the environment. The course is intended as preparation for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam given in May of each year. Because of this intent, APES is significantly more difficult and will require larger time commitment than the one-semester ES course.
AP Physics C
Grade 12
Prerequisites: Physics 1-2
Semester 1-2, One credit per semester
AP Physics C is a calculus based physics course with emphasis on classical mechanics and project engineering. Students will explore the dynamics of model rocketry through the use of computer aided design, flight modeling, model construction, and flight testing. Students will also learn modern physics principles and attend a field trip to the international Fermi Laboratory in Aurora, Illinois. AP Physics C is equivalent to a college physics course required for science and engineering majors. This course has a solid laboratory component with a focus on technology, linear regression modeling, and statistical data analysis.
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