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The express purpose of this course is to develop an appreciation for the night sky. Students work through twelve units in a sequential fashion, beginning with an historical perspective of the study of astronomy, moving through the tools of the astronomer, and then to the moon, planets, sun, stars, galaxies, and beyond. The course concludes with an exploration into the origin of the Universe and lastly an exposure to the pseudo-sciences that receive prime time television play, but can develop false assumptions and fears. There is a fair amount of reading involved in this course. The ability to use a calculator to perform simple scientific notation and log calculations is required. One major research paper is expected early in the course, as well as a few shorter papers. Chat sessions are a critical component, as well as self-directed night sky observations.
The course is equivalent to the Hopkins ISD course #’s 2745, 2746, 2747, or 2748.
Online Biology is a non-lab adaptation of the traditional biology course. This two-part course (Biology A & B) runs over a 2 semester time period. Biology is the study of the interactions between living things and their environment, both internal and external. These interactions are studied by practical experience including home labs, simulation and the class activities. Major areas investigated are: scientific method, ecology, cell structure and function, microbiology, cell respiration, cell division, adaptation, animal behavior, and genetics.
This is a general high school Chemistry course. You will develop mathematical problem-solving techniques and critical thinking skills to solve scientific and technological problems using chemistry. It covers all of the material defined by the Minnesota Academic Standards under the strands:
- The Nature of Science and Engineering
- Physical Science
Students in Environmental Science will be studying the interaction between humans and their environment. This will include looking at the cycling of nutrients, and how living and nonliving things work together. The students will gain an understanding of our environment and our interactions within this environment by looking at several different facets and areas of study. This will be measured by the completion and scoring of readings and section-end tests after every topic.
Fingerprints. Blood spatter. DNA analysis. The world of law enforcement is increasingly making use of the techniques and knowledge from the sciences to better understand the crimes that are committed and to catch those individuals responsible for the crimes. Forensic science applies scientific knowledge to the criminal justice system.
Forensic Science Sem A focuses on some of the techniques and practices used by forensic scientists during a crime investigation. Starting with how a crime scene is recorded, the course will follow the various forms of evidence through to the criminal case trial, examining how different elements of the crime scene are analyzed and processed.
Although the crime scene represents the first step in solving crimes through forensic science, the crime laboratory plays a critical role in the analysis of evidence. Sem B focuses on the analysis of evidence and testing that takes place within this setting. We will examine some of the basic scientific principles and knowledge that guides forensic laboratory processes, such as those testing DNA, toxicology, and material analysis. Techniques such as microscopy, chromatography, odontology, entomology, mineralogy, and spectroscopy will be examined.
In this course, students will learn more about the development and maintenance of agriculture, animal systems, natural resources, and other food sources. Students will also examine the relationship between agriculture and natural resources and the environment, health, politics, and world trade.
This is a general high school Physics course. You will develop mathematical problem-solving techniques and critical thinking skills to solve scientific and technological problems using physics. Typically students that enroll in this course are in 11th or 12th grade.
As animals play an increasingly important role in our lives, scientists have sought to learn more about the health and well being of animals. From the pets that live in our homes, on our farms, and in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, this course will examine some of the common diseases and treatments for domestic animals. Toxins, parasites, and infectious diseases impact not only the animals around us, but humans, at times, too. Through veterinary medicine and science, the prevention and treatment of diseases and health issues is studied and applied.