Courses
Anatomy and Physiology A
Description
This course is the first in a two-course sequence. This course presents a fascinating, in-depth exploration of the structure and function of the human body. The course will use a systems approach and will emphasize how organs and body systems work together to carry on complex processes. Concepts and principles will be related to familiar health issues, problems and experiences we face as humans. Upon completion of this course, students will have a thorough understanding of the human body and how its parts work together to maintain the delicate equilibrium of life.
Anatomy and Physiology B
Description
This course is the second in a two-course sequence. This course presents a fascinating, in-depth exploration of the structure and function of the human body. The course will use a systems approach and will emphasize how organs and body systems work together to carry on complex processes. Concepts and principles will be related to familiar health issues, problems and experiences we face as humans. Upon completion of this course, students will have a thorough understanding of the human body and how its parts work together to maintain the delicate equilibrium of life.
Astronomy
Description
Astronomy provides a broad overview of all topics in astronomy for the beginner. The course provides a foundation to the science of astronomy including motions in the night sky and the tools of modern astronomy. It contains the most up-to-date science about our solar system, stars and galaxies. Astronomy also explores the exciting prospects for future discovery in astronomy including life in the universe and the mysteries that continue to perplex astronomers. The course provides an engaging combination of videos, interactive media, photo galleries and readings so that students can explore the content in a variety of ways.
Bioethics
Description
Bioethics is a rigorous, one-semester course designed to raise the consciousness of students regarding the social and ethical implications of life science, medicine and technology. This course is for 11th- and 12th-graders who are seeking improvement in their critical thinking skills. It is designed to create complex thinkers capable of using a variety of strategies and higher-order thinking skills appropriate to the resolution of highly controversial medical and technological dilemmas, including the use of animals in medical research and genetic engineering.
Biology A
Description
Biology A introduces students to the scientific method and major concepts of biology from an historical and practical viewpoint. The three major themes of this course are the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, and taxonomy and speciation. Students who take this class will have a deeper appreciation for the complexities of living organisms. Life on this planet, unlike anywhere else in the observable universe, is complex and highly organized. Whether examining life on the molecular or the planetary level, it exhibits a highly organized structure that inspires awe by its genius and complexity. In the last 50 years, discoveries have launched new branches of biology that have transformed the daily routine, from conception to death. New challenges await, such as the current crisis in ecology, global warming, and the resurgence in viral disease. To make rational choices in the 21st century, the citizen must have a basic understanding of biological concepts and the reasoning behind them.
Biology B
Description
Biology B is a continuation of Biology A. The major concepts covered are population dynamics and evolution. Students explore population dynamics through the study of mutualism, predation, parasitism, and competition. The theory of evolution is presented, along with the many evidences and details that make evolution the backbone of modern biology. From biochemistry to evolution, biology fascinates people. Biochemists first astounded the world by showing that life obeys the same chemical principles as all creation, but that life engineers chemistry to its own needs. Decades later, Darwin shocked the world by suggesting that life evolves according to the conditions of the environment it inhabits. Evolution, often debated and derided, has survived to become a key concept of biology. This second semester of biology examines the wonder of life and its mechanisms.
Chemistry A
Description
This is the first course in a two-course sequence. This course is designed to meet both the Michigan Content Standards for Chemistry (Michigan Merit Curriculum) and the literacy standards of Common Core State Standards for Science and Technical Subjects. In this course, students will learn about the composition of matter, its chemical and physical properties, and how these change in chemical reactions. Other topics include measurement and calculations, the scientific method, chemical nomenclature, and energy changes that accompany physical and chemical changes. Each lesson includes a variety of sources of information, including text, videos, interactive simulations and self-check exercises. Students will have hands-on opportunities to conduct investigations at home. Practice exercises are included as well as graded assignments.
Chemistry B
Description
This is the second course in a two-course sequence. This course is designed to meet both the Michigan Content Standards for Chemistry (Michigan Merit Curriculum) and the literacy standards of Common Core State Standards for Science and Technical Subjects. It continues the study of chemical reactions with calculations in chemical reactions, rates of reactions, reactions equilibrium, and redox reactions. Other topics include phases of matter, acids and bases, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. Each lesson includes a variety of sources of information, including text, videos, interactive simulations and self-check exercises. Practice exercises are included as well as graded assignments.
Earth Science A
Description
This is the first session of a two-session course. Earth Science A is the study of the earth we live on, inside and out. Through various media, interactive web sites, video viewing and several hands-on lab activities, including the award-winning Smart Science labs, students will learn the content and be able to apply their knowledge to answer thought-provoking questions using scientific method and reasoning. The student will also learn how the content applies to them and how it affects their everyday lives. Students will also be doing a few hands-on experiments that will require minimum purchases and some adult supervision.
Earth Science B
Description
This is the second course in a two-course sequence. Earth Science offers a focused curriculum that explores Earth’s composition, structure, processes and history; its atmosphere, freshwater and oceans; and its environment in space. Course topics include laying the groundwork; the movers and shakers; minerals and rocks; all the time in the world; and earth’s resources.
Environmental Science A
Description
This is the first course in a two-course sequence. The course focuses on an introduction to environmental science including understanding the importance of ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. Factors that cause pollution, loss of biodiversity, and resource depletion within ecosystems are also introduced.
Environmental Science B
Description
This is the second course in a two-course sequence. Water quality, water diversion, water pollution and water levels are important environmental issues that affect everyone in Michigan. Water is just one of the issues touched on in Environmental Science B. In this course, students will draw conclusions about various environmental issues, including soil and land issues, renewable and non-renewable energy sources, waste, toxicology, environmental health, greenhouse gasses, species extinction, and world population growth. Students will also research an environmental issue of interest. The final exam must be proctored.
Essentials Biology A
Description
This Biology course is designed to give students a fundamental look at the characteristics of living organisms and their environment. Students will be introduced to the structure, function, diversity and evolution of living matter. The course provides scientific inquiry and discovery by incorporating hands on labs and a variety of web-based activities that engage the student in their study of the biological life that surrounds us all. This course is not NCAA eligible.
Essentials Biology B
Description
This Biology course is designed to give students a fundamental look at the characteristics of living organisms and their environment. Students will be introduced to the structure, function, diversity and evolution of living matter. The course provides scientific inquiry and discovery by incorporating hands on labs and a variety of web-based activities that engage the student in their study of the biological life that surrounds us all. This course is not NCAA eligible.
Essentials Chemistry A
Description
This is an interactive 21st century course focusing on a variety of topics including; the composition and structure of materials and the changes they undergo. Utilizing technology and foundational scientific inquiry, students explore how chemistry impacts the world around them and in their everyday life. This course provides students with the opportunity to gain scientific knowledge by planning investigations, making observations, collecting and analyzing data, performing peer reviews, and collaborating with other students. This course is not NCAA eligible.
Essentials Chemistry B
Description
This is an interactive 21st century course focusing on a variety of topics including; the composition and structure of materials and the changes they undergo. Utilizing technology and foundational scientific inquiry, students explore how chemistry impacts the world around them and in their everyday life. This course provides students with the opportunity to gain scientific knowledge by planning investigations, making observations, collecting and analyzing data, performing peer reviews, and collaborating with other students. This course is not NCAA eligible.
Forensic Science
Description
This course provides students with a basic introduction to the field of forensic science. Students will discover the various roles and responsibilities associated with a career in forensics. Students will learn basic crime scene analysis skills used by investigators in both the field and lab. In addition, students will be given an overview of the various forms of evidence left by criminals at the scene of the crime as well as the opportunity to apply this knowledge to hypothetical situations. Special focus will be placed on real world application of the knowledge presented to allow students a chance to experience some of what forensic scientists experience on a daily basis. Please note: In some lessons, students will be asked to use household items to recreate the content in the lesson. In such cases, multiple options will be available in an attempt to accommodate the diverse situations of our students. Some examples of materials that may be needed could include but are not limited to, modeling clay, tape, hand tools, etc. Additionally, since this is an online course, students may be asked to provide documentation of their work to ensure authenticity. Typically, this is accomplished by having students provide a digital image of their work. Therefore, students will need to have access to a camera or some form of image capturing device (cell phone, webcam, etc.). Graphic content notification: Due to the nature of this course, some content may be disturbing to some students. Images of dead and decaying bodies, as well as content that involves murder cases, drug overdoses, and sexual assault, will be addressed.
Oceanography A
Description
This is semester one of a two-semester course in Oceanography. Students receive an introduction to oceanography including the history of marine science, a discussion of the origin of life (including the Big Bang Theory) and its connection to the ocean, an exploration of the energy of life, and an introduction to ocean life including simple life, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Students explore these topics through a variety of content including an etextbook, videos, and interactives. Each lesson includes a quiz or assignment and each unit culminates in a unit project and unit test. Through the lesson assignments and unit projects, students will demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of ways including presentations, creative projects, hands-on activities, writing and more.
Oceanography B
Description
This is semester two of a two-semester course in Oceanography. Students continue the survey of Oceanography begun in Oceanography A course by exploring such topics as air and sea interaction, ocean currents, tides, ecosystems, ocean resources, pollution and conservation. Students explore these topics through a variety of content including an etextbook, videos, and interactives. Each lesson includes a quiz or assignment and each unit culminates in a unit project. Through the lesson assignments and unit projects, students will demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of ways including presentations, creative projects, hands-on activities, writing and more.
Physical Science A
Description
This is the first semester of a two-semester course. This course is designed as an interactive, 21st century course focusing on basic physics and chemistry. Topics include forces and motion, energy through waves, electricity and magnetism, the matter around us, chemical bonding and reactions. This course is designed to serve as a foundation for the study of the physical sciences. The utilization of scientific inquiry, web 2.0 tools, interactive experiences, higher order thinking, collaborative projects, real world application through labs and a variety of assessments all aid the student in ultimately demonstrating a vast understanding of the importance of the physical and chemical properties of the world around them; enabling them to apply these properties to their everyday lives.