Science Courses

Science Resources
Moodle

Freshman students wishing to pursue a rigorous science preparation are encouraged to explore the opportunity to enroll in the Science 9th Grade Pre-Advanced Placement course number #4114 or to concurrently enroll in both the full year Physical Science course and the full year General Biology course.

  • Science 9th Grade Pre-Advanced Placement-(1 unit Grade 9, weighted) Prerequisite: Students must possess disciplined study habits, as the course will involve considerable outside class preparation. Students enrolled in this course will be assessed during the first three weeks of the school year to determine if the placement in this course is appropriate. This course is designed for students who plan on enrolling in rigorous Advanced Placement science courses as upperclassmen. During the first semester, students will engage in the class work presented in the Physical Science year-long course. This is a laboratory based class, which introduces students to the fundamental principles of physics, and to selected topics in astronomy and chemistry. During the second semester, students will engage in the class work presented in the General Biology year-long course. General Biology introduces students to the world of living organisms, the methods used to study them, and the principles that govern their existence. In the laboratory, students use the techniques of the scientist in gathering information, analyzing it, and interpreting its significance in relation to other living organisms including themselves.
  • Physical Science-(1 unit, Grades 9-12) This is a laboratory based class, which introduces students to the fundamental principles of physics, and to selected topics in astronomy and chemistry. This is a foundation course for all future studies in science, and therefore all freshman are required to enroll in this course.
  • General Biology-(1 unit, Grades 9-12) General Biology introduces the student to the world of living organisms, the methods used to study them and the principles that govern their existence. In the laboratory, students use the techniques of the scientist in gathering information, analyzing it, adn interpreting its significance in relation to other living organisms including themselves.
  • Applied Biology Chemistry-(1 unit, Grades 10-12) Prerequisite: Physical Science and General Biology Applied Biology Chemistry is a laboratory-based science class that provides students with integrated instruction in the areas of Biology and Chemistry. The class is designed for students who have passed both Physical Science and General Biology who wish to take another science course, but do not desire to take a weighted science course.
  • Animal Development and Behavior-(1/2 unit, Grades 10-12, weighted) Prerequisite: 1 unit of Life Science--General Biology; or a B or higher in Applied Biology/Chemistry and teacher recommendation. This course includes studies of animal reproduction patterns, development of vertebrate animals, levels of animal behavior, behavioral patterns of specific representatives and internal-external influences upon development and behavior. This course is a college preparatory course which requires learning abstract concepts and using effective study skills outside class time in order to be successful.
  • Microbiology-(1/2 unit, Grades 10-12, weighted) Prerequisite: 1 unit of Life Science--General Biology; or a B or higher in Applied Biology/Chemistry and teacher recommendation; 1 unit of Physical Science. (Chemistry may be taken concurrently) This course will teach advanced microscope use, the development of microscope preparations, cell structure and function. Students will also be instructed in bacterial classification, culturing, and handling. This course is a college preparatory course which requires learning abstract concepts and using effective study skills outside class time in order to be successful.
  • Botany-(1/2 unit, Grades 10-12, weighted) Prerequisite: General Biology or Applied Biology Chemistry This course provides students with a foundation in plant taxonomy, plant anatomy, physiology, and development. Students are introduced to collection and preservation techniques, ecology and general horticulture.
  • Integrated Science-(1 unit, Grades 10-11) Prerequisite: Physical Science and Biology or 9th Grade Pre-Advanced Placement Science Integrated Science will challenge students to tie together scientific principles from a variety of scientific principles from a variety of scientific disciplines such as earth science, astronomy, biology, chemistry and physical science. In the laboratory, students will use the techniques of the scientist in gathering information, analyzing it, and interpreting its significance. Since the MAP test will be given during the junior year, all juniors should be enrolled in this course to review topics in biology and physical science, as well as learn new material in earth science and astronomy.
  • Core Support for Science WCHS-(1/2 unit elective credit, Grades 9-10) Students will be provided additional opportunities to gain the necessary core skills, organizational strategies, and study habits for success in high school and beyond. The goal of the Core Support is for students to acquire the necessary skill to pass their core classes and continue to be successful during the next semester without the need of further enrollment in the Core Support.
  • Anatomy and Physiology-(1 unit, Grades 10-12; weighted) Prerequisite: 1 unit of Life Science--General Biology; or a B or higher in Applied Biology/Chemistry and teacher recommendation. This course includes studies of the body structure and processes occurring in animal with special emphasis on vertebrate animals including humans. Large mammal dissection and lab activities are required components of the course. The course is a college preparatory course which requires learning abstract concepts and using effective study skills outside class time in order to be successful.
  • Advanced Placement Biology-(1 unit, option of 3-6 hours college credit, Grade 11-12, weighted) Prerequisite: General Biology and Physical Science (Chemistry and/or micro-biology are strongly recommended as prerequisite or may be taken concurrently) Studies in this course will be those that would be pursued in an introductory level biochemistry, cytology, thermodynamics, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, and ecology. Lab activities are an important component of this course. This course is a college preparatory course which requires learning abstract concepts and using effective study skills outside class time in order to be successful. This course is available for college credit based on the student scoring at least a 3 on the college exam which is administrated at the end of the school year.
  • Chemistry-(1 unit, Grades 10-12, weighted) Prerequisite: Algebra I-Tenth grade students may enroll with recommendation from ninth grade science teacher. Students are urged to have a strong math background and are encouraged to be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II or Geometry. In this course, emphasis is placed upon laboratory work. Laboratory work provides experimental data for discussion and assists students in understanding the basic concepts of matter and its behavior. This course provides a basis for further study in science as well as an understanding the role of chemistry; in our everyday world. This course is a college preparatory course which requires learning abstract concepts and using effective study skills outside class time in order to be successful.
  • Pre-AP Chemistry-(1 unit, Grades 10-12, weighted) Prerequisite: Science 9th Pre-Advanced Placement This is a more intense chemistry course aimed at challenging students in math, writing, and in the laboratory to better prepare students for upper level science courses and or Chemistry A.P.
  • Advanced Chemistry-(Chemistry 212, 212L)(1 unit, option of 5 hours college credit, Grades 11-12, weighted) Prerequisite: Chemistry Studies in this course will be advanced topics typical of an introductory college-level general chemistry course. Lab is an important component of the course. This course will offer 1 unit of high school credit and the option of 5 hours of college credit through UMKC. This course is only offered at the "proficient" or higher level of the MAP test to enroll in dual credit. Students at other buildings should contact their counselor if they are interested in enrolling.
  • Advanced Placement Chemistry-(1 unit, option of 5-10 hours college credit, Grades 11-12, weighted) Prerequisite: Chemistry Studies in this course will be advanced topics typical of an introductory college-level general chemistry course. Topics such as structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics will be studied in considerable depth. This course is available for college credit based on the student scoring at least a 3 on the college exam, which is administrated at the end of the school year.
  • Physics 210-(1 unit, Grade 12, weighted) Prerequisite: Trig and Pre-Calculus, an acceptable score on the Mathematical Association of America Calculus Readiness Exam (administered in the spring): OR consent of the MPI staff. This course is offered at the Mathematics and Physics Institute, which meets from 7:00 to 8:45 AM daily at the Independence Academy Campus. This course is a college-level introduction to algebra-based Physics. Topics include one-and-two-dimensional motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and sound. Bi-weekly experiments are used to reinforce concepts. The course is worth 1 unit of high school credit, with an option for 4 hours of college credit through UMKC. Students enrolling in dual credit through UMKC must score "proficient" or above on the MAP tests.
  • Physics 240-Physics for Science and Engineering I (1 unit, Grade 12, weighted) Prerequisite: Trig and Pre-Calculus, an acceptable score on the Mathematical Association of America Calculus Readiness Exam (administered in the spring): OR consent of the MPI staff. This course is offered at the Mathematics and Physics Institute, which meets from 7:00 to 8:45 AM daily at the Independence Academy Campus. This course is a college-level introduction to algebra-based Physics. Topics include one-and-two-dimensional motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and sound. Bi-weekly experiments are used to reinforce concepts. The course is worth 1 unit of high school credit, with an option for 5 hours of college credit through UMKC. Students enrolling in dual credit through UMKC must score proficient or above on the MAP tests. Students taking Physics 240 will also be enrolled in Math 180-190.
  • Physics(1 unit, Grades 11-12, weighted) Prerequisite: Algebra I-students are encouraged to have a strong math background. The following math courses will assist students in their study of Physics: Geometry, Algebra II, and Trig and Pre-Calculus. A modern introduction is given to the science of physics, dealing with the Newtonian principles of motion and matter in the world in which we live. Topics covered in the course include motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, light and the energy of the atom. Concepts are taught through the laboratory, problem solving, films and discussions. The course provides a good background for any field in which physics is an integral part.