Science Courses
Graduation requirements:
3 credits including 1 credit of Biology
Physical Science
Earth and Space Science
Biology (required for graduation)
Chemistry
Astronomy
Geology
Biotechnology
Ecology
Minnesota Ecology
Environmental Health Science
Hot Topics in Science
Physics B (advanced, Apex course)
Psychology (advanced, Apex course)
Physical Science A & B
David Bjorklund and Todd Mikkelsen
dbjorklund@blueskyschool.org, tmikkelsen@blueskyschool.org
The first semester of this course covers aspects of chemistry, including matter, atoms, solutions, and carbon compounds. Students will learn the periodic table of elements along with chemical bonding (ionic and covalent) and reactions. The second semester concentrates on physics concepts: motion, forces, work, energy, waves, electricity and magnetism. Basic lab activities will be conducted throughout the physical science class to reinforce this coursework.
Earth & Space Science
Todd Mikkelsen
tmikkelsen@blueskyschool.org
Earth and Space Science covers areas of study in geology, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, physical geography, energy, and the environment.
Biology
Vincent Carlson vcarlson@blueskyschool.org
Margo Hanson, mhanson@blueskyschool.org
Karen Kraco kkraco@blueskyschool.org
Jessica White Stanley jwstanley@blueskyschool.org
In one of the semesters of this year-long course, students will delve into the topics of biology of life, scientific method, microscopes, cell parts and cell cycle, as well as DNA and genetics. For the other semester of the course, topics will include microbiology, immune system and disease, human body systems, taxonomy, evolution, and ecology.
Lab activities may be included in this course. Some labs, like that used for microscopy and pig dissection or frog dissection, will be done through interactive websites. Others might require the use of easily obtainable materials and a digital camera as a way to record the activity. This class is required for graduation.
Chemistry
Jlayne Torma
jtorma@blueskyschool.org
Chemistry is the study of composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. Because living and nonliving things are made of matter, chemistry affects all aspects of life and most natural events. Some of the topics we will look at include scientific measurement, atomic structure, the Periodic Table, types of bonding, chemical names and formulas, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry. Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and Physical Science.
Astronomy
Julie Johnson
jjohnson@blueskyschool.org
In this one-semester course students will learn about astronomy's history, the solar system, the sun, planets, earth, moon, comets, stars, black holes, supernova, and the universe. Students will survey and document their astronomical observations of the night sky. Semester 1 only.
Geology
Julie Johnson
jjohnson@blueskyschool.org
In this course the theory of plate tectonics, earth's magnetic field, earthquakes, volcanism and minerals are studied. The second quarter will focus on physical and chemical properties of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and their relationship to the rock and tectonic cycles. Semester 2 only.
Biotechnology
Vincent Carlson
vcarlson@blueskyschool.org
This course examines the rapidly changing world of how whole living organisms, single cells, and even the chemistry within cells get utilized to develop products and techniques to enhance our lives. Specific topics will include DNA and genetic engineering, agricultural biotechnology, medical biotechnology including the Human Genome Project, and forensic biotechnology including DNA fingerprinting. This class will include discussions of the ethical, legal, and social implications of biotechnology.. Not offered Semester 2, 2009-2010.
Ecology
David Bjorklund
dbjorklund@blueskyschool.org
This course will cover general ecological concepts such as biodiversity and sustainability, the study of ecosystems and biomes, the role of ecologists, local and global environmental issues and what is being done. During the second part of the semester, we will be focusing more on the ecology and environmental concerns of Minnesota. Semester 2 only.
Minnesota Ecology
Dave Bjorklund
dbjorklund@blueskyschool.org
Quarter 1 begins with terrestrial ecology: Minnesota’s terrestrial biomes and ecoregions, forest management, prairie management, fire, wildlife management, and exotic species. Quarter 2 looks at aquatic ecology: groundwater, watersheds, minnesota lake types, shore land preservation, and managing fisheries resources. Semester 1 only.
Environmental Health Science
Jessica White Stanley
jwstanley@blueskyschool.org
This course will provide coverage of how humans are affected by factors in our environment such as the quality of air, water, and food as well as how humans affect these survival necessities. The history of environmental health will provide background knowledge to allow students to make positive changes in their behavior and in the world around them.
Hot Topics in Science
Leah Sickmann and Julie Johnson (team-taught)
lsickmann@blueskyschool.org; jjohnson@blueskyschool.org
This course provides students with the tools you need to understand and think critically about important science issues. Students will examine the scientific facts and methods related to each issue, the history of the issue, and popular myths about it. They will consider how developments in science affect individuals and society, and identify and debate ethical questions. Students will learn to evaluate the reliability of internet and other media sources and develop a set of trusted sources for science information. Students will also be exposed to careers in many different areas of science.
Advanced Courses
Physics B (advanced, Apex course)
Julie Johnson
jjohnson@blueskyschool.org
Physics B is a non-calculus survey course covering five general areas: Newtonian mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Students will gain an understanding of physics' core principles and then apply them to problem-solving exercises. They'll learn how to measure the mass of a planet without weighing it, find out how electricity makes a motor turn, and learn how opticians know how to shape the lenses for glasses. The equivalent of an introductory college-level course, Physics B prepares students for further study in science and engineering. Prerequisites: Algebra II, Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry
Psychology (advanced, Apex course)
Julie Johnson
jjohnson@blueskyschool.org
Psychology provides an overview of current psychological research methods and theories. Students will explore the therapies used by professional counselors and clinical psychologists and examine the reasons for normal human reactions: how people learn and think, the process of human development and human aggression, altruism, intimacy, and self-reflection. They'll study core psychological concepts, such as the brain and sense functions, and learn to gauge human reactions, gather information, and form meaningful syntheses. Along the way, students will also investigate relevant concepts like study skills and information retention. The equivalent of a 100-level college survey course, Psychology prepares students for further studies in psychology and life sciences. Prerequisite: Biology
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