Physical Science (0307)
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1
Course Length: Year
Prerequisite/Grade: None; Grade: 9, 10
Description: General science is an introductory science course designed to provide students with a strong science foundation. The course is divided into four sections: astronomy, physics, chemistry, and geology. Throughout the course students learn about science, measurement, and scientific processes. In astronomy, students cover some history of astronomy, our solar system, and the stars. In physics, students study waves, motion, and energy. In chemistry, students learn about the atom, bonding, and reactions. In geology, students learn about rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, and geologic time.
All freshmen will initially register for General Science. Biology may be offered to students after the science entrance test is administered.
Biology 0301
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1
Course Length: Year
Prerequisite/Grade: *Student grades, testing results, and teacher recommendations will be used to determine proper class placement for English, Math, & Science – Grade 9; General Science - Grade 10;
Description: This is a laboratory course covering the major concepts in Biology. These concepts will be developed stressing the investigative approach in laboratory and textbook assignments. Students will be encouraged to become more independent learners. Topics including cell physiology, life processes, basic chemistry and biochemistry, genetics, evolution, plant/animal structures, ecological interactions will be covered. Part of the course requirement will be based on collecting and classifying plants and animals.
Applied Chemistry/Physics 3002
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1
Course Length: Year
Prerequisite/Grade: Biology & Passed Algebra I or presently enrolled; Grade: 10, 11, 12
Description: This is a one year course designed to service students who plan on attending a technical college or feel they need some preparation before taking Chemistry/Physics. First semester will cover applied physics, second semester will cover applied chemistry. First semester will include force, work, and rate in mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems. There is a major emphasis on lab work and trouble shooting in lab. Second semester will cover basic atomic theory, bonding and reactions, solutions, acids and bases, and both household and industrial applications of chemistry. This course will satisfy a science credit for River Valley High School and a half of a lab science credit for most colleges/universities.
Chemistry 0306
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1
Course Length: Year
Prerequisite/Grade Biology & Algebra;
Grades 10, 11, 12
Description: This is a science course designed for students pursuing post-high school education. It is a laboratory course involving, but not limited to, a detailed study of the structure of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, kinetic theory of gases, solution chemistry, and acid/base chemistry. Course emphasis is on investigation and problem solving techniques utilizing a mathematical approach, with lab experiments enhancing class lectures. Any student planning to attend a four-year college or a two-year technical college in a science related field should enroll in this course.
Conservation Science 0304
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1
Course Length: Year
Prerequisite/Grade: Biology;
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Description: Conservation Science is an environmental studies course with a strong emphasis on Ecology and Wildlife. Conservation Science starts with a basic approach to ecology and then moves on to many topics including water pollution, stream studies, wetlands, waterfowl and wildlife, the refuge system, hunting, poaching, endangered species, then on to big game including wolves and coyotes, forests, both tropical and temperate and deforestation practices.
Topics discussed will be global population pressures, endangered species, recycling, bird biology, global warming, and acid rain. Some outdoor work includes habitat restoration and work in the outdoor classroom.
There are a wide variety of videos used and several field trips taken. There is strong lab emphasis with many projects done in the field.
Anatomy and Physiology 3000
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1
Course Length: Year
Prerequisite/Grade: Two years of any other Science Class with a “C” or better grade or Consent of the Teacher;
Grade: 11, 12
Description: Anatomy and Physiology is a 1 year course that exposes students to the advanced study of anatomy and physiology. Students successfully completing the course, will be qualified for college A & P. Study begins with the anatomy and physiology of the cell, cellular chemistry, and includes the following: cell specialization, an understanding of DNA, tissue study, mitosis, and meiosis. A cat dissection is used to study the organ systems of the body such as muscular, nervous, digestive and urinary, to name a few.
Astronomy 0309
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1/2
Course Length: Semester
Prerequisite/Grade: Two years of any other Science Class with a “C” or better grade or Consent of the Teacher;
Grade: 11, 12
Description: The most wondrous of nature's wonders is the night sky. Few people have not looked at the light of night and wondered about those objects up there. Astronomy is the study of those wondrous objects.
Topics covered will be the history of astronomy, the solar system, the sun and stars, the universe, life in the universe, and the history and future of man in space.
This class is not a college prep class and is open to all who have an interest. Nighttime observation is required.
AP Chemistry 3001
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1
Course Length: Year
Prerequisite/Grade: Open to seniors who have taken Chemistry, Physics, and Algebra II. Under special
circumstances, the student will be allowed to enroll with the consent of the instructor:
Grades 11,12;
Description: This course is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college general chemistry course. This is an academic, quantitative chemistry course. Chemistry (AP) requires one 90 minute lab each week, which will meet each Wednesday beginning at 7:15am. The course will be structured toward taking the AP Chemistry Exam during the spring semester. This gives students the opportunity to earn college credits.
Chemistry is the study of atoms and molecules and how they interact according to physical laws. Topics of study include structure of matter, states of matter, reactions and stoichiometry, kinetic theory, gas laws, equilibrium, thermochemistry, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry.
AP Environmental Science 0319
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1
Course Length: Year
Prerequisite/Grade: Biology & Applied Chemistry/Physics or Consent of the Teacher;
Grade: 11, 12
Description: AP Environmental Science is an environmental studies course with a strong emphasis on Ecology and Wildlife. Topics include water pollution, stream studies, wetlands, waterfowl and wildlife, the refuge system, hunting, poaching, endangered species, then on to big game including wolves and coyotes, forests, both tropical and temperate and deforestation practices.
Topics discussed will be global population pressures, endangered species, recycling, bird biology, global warming, and acid rain. Some outdoor work includes habitat restoration and work in the outdoor classroom.
There are a wide variety of videos used and several field trips taken. There is strong lab emphasis with many projects done in the field.
Geology 0310
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1/2
Course Length: Semester
Prerequisite/Grade: Two years of any other Science Class with a “C” or better grade or Consent of the Teacher;
Grade: 11, 12
Description: Geology is the study of composition and history of the earth. Topics covered will include rocks and minerals, geologic formations, plate tectonics, earthquakes, glaciers, hydrology, and historical geology. Environmental geology will also be considered throughout the semester.
An emphasis will be placed on the geology of Wisconsin and our national parks. A field trip to Parfrey’s Glen and Devils Lake will be the high point of the course.
Introduction To Genetics 0317
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1/2
Course Length: Semester
Prerequisite/Grade: “B” or better Biology, Chemistry Or Consent of the Teacher;
Grade: 11, 12
Description: The Introductory to Genetics course involves the study of genes, chromosomes, heredity, evolution, and the history of life. The class involves a heavy emphasis on lab work such as genetic variations in fruit flies, human population, monohybrid and dihybrid crosses to name a few. The course also includes guest speakers having expertise in related topics such as biotechnology, genetic screening, paleontology, and anthropology.
Physics 0308
Course Type: Required
Credit: 1
Course Length: Year
Prerequisite/Grade: Biology & Chemistry & Algebra 1 and Geometry, or Consent of the Teacher;
Grade: 11, 12
Description: Physics is the ultimate attempt to understand all of nature, to understand the forces and laws that govern the universe, to understand the basic principles behind the occurrences of everyday life. Physics is also the ultimate mathematical science, and an attempt will be made to mathematize every topic studied.
Anyone planning to continue their education past high school should take either Applied Physics or Physics. Students planning a science related career should take Physics.
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