Science Course Descriptions
The MWHS Science Faculty is a group of teachers that are devoted to each student's well being and their education. They feel it is in the best interest to instruct students in an environment that is safe, friendly, and open to all types of learning styles. The faculty teaches with an hands on approch to their subjects. They feel it produces students that are able to adapt to their future environments and to become not only good students but also good citizens.
MWHS Science Courses |
BIOLOGY I
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PRE AP BIOLOGY IGrade: 9 The concepts are similar to the regular Biology I course but are taught on a higher level, in more detail, and at a faster pace. Students will be exposed to aspects of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, ecology, taxonomy, and human systems. Integral to this course is a field and laboratory program that stresses accurate observations, data collection, analysis, critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as manipulation of laboratory equipment. Extensive lab reports and projects are assigned throughout the course. Time management and writing skills are necessary to be successful in this class. |
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INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY (IPC)Grade: 10 In Integrated Physics and Chemistry, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical- thinking and scientific problem-solving. This course integrates the disciplines of physics and chemistry in the following topics: motion, waves, energy transformations, properties of matter, changes in matter, and solution chemistry. |
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CHEMISTRYGrade: 10 - 12 Chemistry is a course designed for our students that will need a strong chemistry background for a science-related career. This course differs from Chemcom in that the theory or mathematics of chemistry is emphasized rather than the concepts of chemistry and their practical applications. In Chemistry, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include characteristics of matter; energy transformations during physical and chemical changes; atomic structure; periodic table of elements; behavior of gases; bonding; nuclear fusion and fission; chemical equations; solutes; properties of solutions; acids and bases; and chemical reactions. Students will also investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives. |
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PRE AP CHEMISTRYGrade: 10 - 12 The concepts are similar to the regular Chemistry course but are taught on a higher level, in more detail, and at a faster pace The Pre AP Chemistry curriculum is designed for students to achieve the following objectives: to become proficient in the use of the scientific method and laboratory equipment, to solve problems using dimensional analysis and the mole concepts, to understand the properties of matter and energy and use this information quantitatively and qualitatively to predict behavior, and to develop an appreciation for the work of earlier scientists. This course will provide a more in depth background for AP Chemistry. Advanced projects will be required for this course. |
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PHYSICSGrade: 11 - 12 In Physics, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: laws of motion, changes with physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum, force, thermodynamics, characteristics and behavior of waves, light, electricity and magnetism and quantum physics. If you are planning on taking AP Physics, Pre AP Physics is highly recommended over Physics. |
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AP CHEMISTRYGrade: 11 - 12
Credit: 1 Prerequisite: Chemistry (Pre AP Chemistry recommended), Algebra II, and Teacher Approval (If you did not take IPC, and are wishing to take AP Chemistry your Jr. year, you must also take Physics) |
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AP PHYSICS BGrade: 11-12 This course will cover the following topics; Mechanics (including linear and angular motion, linear and angular momentum work and energy, periodic motion and wave motion), Thermal physics (including thermodynamics, gas laws, and states of matter), Electricity and Magnetism, Optics, and "Modern" physics (including atomic structure, quantum mechanic, and others if time permits). The course will be trigonometric and vector based. Since Mechanics and Thermal Physics were an emphasis in the Pre-AP physics class, Electricity and Magnetism; Optics; and Modern Mechanics will be the emphasis of this course. Mechanics and Thermal physics will be reviewed during year as time permits and during the last 9 weeks before the AP exam. Class work involves lecture and lab. Students may be required to spend time outside of the allotted 50- minute period completing laboratory investigations. Students will use a college text and will have the opportunity to take the Advance Placement Physics B exam for college credit.
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