Freshman students wishing to pursue a rigorous science preparation are encouraged to explore the opportunity to enroll in the Pre-Advanced Placement Biology, course number 4114.

 

4111: Physical Science (1 credit, Gr. 9)

Physical science will introduce students to basic chemistry concepts of physical and chemical properties, atoms, and the periodic table.  Students will learn physics concepts such as energy, forces, and motion. In the laboratory, students will use the techniques of the scientists in gathering information, analyzing it, and interpreting its significance in relation to other living organisms including themselves. Students should expect home- work on a regular basis and will be exposed to the study skills necessary to succeed in future science courses. This class is required for 9th grade students unless they take pre-AP Biology.

 

4114: Pre-AP Biology (1 credit, Gr. 9-10, weighted 0.5)

Biology  introduces  students  to  the  world  of living organisms, the methods used to study them, and  the  principles  that  govern  their  existence.  Students will learn about organic and inorganic chemistry as it relates to biological functions and processes. In the laboratory, students use the techniques of the scientist in gathering information, analyzing it, and interpreting its significance in relation to other living organisms including themselves.   The course will be taught at a more rigorous and deeper level than general Biology by incorporating some of the curriculum from AP Biology.  Students will take the Missouri Biology End-of-Course exam. A goal of the class is to prepare students  for  the Biology  end  of  course exam as well as AP Biology their junior or senior year. Students should expect homework on a regular basis and will be exposed to the study skills necessary to succeed in college preparatory courses.  This class will be open to 9th and 10th grade students. Ninth grade students must enroll in Pre- AP Chemistry or Chemistry their 10th grade year in order to meet college entrance requirements for a life and physical science course.

 

4201: General Biology (1 credit, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Physical Science

General Biology introduces the student to the world of living organisms, the methods used to study them and the principles that govern their existence.  In the laboratory, students use the techniques of the scientist in gathering information, analyzing it, and interpreting its significance in relation to other living organisms including themselves. Students will take the Missouri Biology End-of-Course exam.  Students who have successfully completed Pre-Advanced Placement Biology will not take this course.

 

4210: AP Environmental Science: (1 credit, Gr. 11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Biology and Proficient or Advanced on prior EOC

This course is an inquiry-based approach to Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry, and Environmental Geology.   The design of the course will enhance critical thinking, problem solving, and process skills as defined by state and national standards. Projects will balance field and lab studies with analysis and presentation of results through electronic, oral, and written means. Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam.

 

4211: Applied Biology Chemistry I [ABC I] (1 credit, Gr. 11-12) (2014-15)

Prerequisite: Physical Science and General Biology

Applied Biology Chemistry is a laboratory- based science course that provides students with integrated instruction in the areas of Biology and Chemistry. The course is designed for students who have passed both Physical Science and General Biology who wish to take another science course, but do not desire to take a weighted science class. Applied Biology Chemistry will take a different approach to learning science than other science courses students have taken. The purpose of this course is to apply science concepts in real world situations. As a student in the class, you will be an employee of ABC Technologies. You will work on a re- search team to solve the client’s science problem and explore new career opportunities. You will respond to the client through writing a letter ex- pressing the results of your lab investigation.

 

4212: Applied Biology Chemistry II [ABC II] (1 credit, Gr. 11-12) (2015-16)

Prerequisite:  Physical Science and General Biology

Applied Biology Chemistry will take a different approach to learning science than other science courses students have taken. The purpose of this course is to apply science concepts in real world situations. As a student in the class, you will be an employee of ABC Technologies. You will work on a research team to solve the client’s science problem and explore new career opportunities. You will respond to the client through writing a letter expressing the results of your lab investigation.   Students will solve problems in the areas of Forensic Science, Genetics, and Biotechnology.

 

4202: Biology II (1 credit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite:  General Biology or Pre-AP Biology

Biology II includes the study of plants, animals, and other organisms.  Topics will include classification, evolution, anatomy, metabolism, reproduction and genetics of each group of organisms. Students will also study the interaction of species, including the impact of humans on other populations. This course includes student-designed, long-term labs that support the understanding of the study organisms in each area, as well as other hands-on labs, research papers, simulations, and case studies. This course is a college preparatory course, which requires learning abstract concepts and using effective study skills outside of class time in order to be successful.

 

4302: Astronomy (0.5 credit, Gr. 11-12)

The course is designed to provide the student with a solid introduction to the science of astronomy. A wide range of subjects and concepts will be covered.  Laboratory exercises will involve the identification of prominent celestial objects, analysis of the Earth-Moon system, comparative studies of the properties of planets, understanding the properties of stars, learning about the structure of the Milky Way, classification of galaxies and analysis of the expanding universe.

 

4304: Environmental Science (0.5 credit, Gr. 11-12)

Environmental Science would show how Earth’s systems function and how we influence these systems, giving us a big-picture understanding of the world and our place within it.  Studying environmental science will help students comprehend the problems humankind has created, and illuminate ways to fix these problems.  Students will be challenged to question, devise methods of testing a hypothesis, collect and interpret data, and collaborate to find solutions.  Topics discussed include:  ethics and policy, earth systems, ecology, conservation, evolution, human population growth, chemical hazards, agriculture, mining, water pollution, air pollution, global climate change, nonrenewable energy, renewable energy, and waste management.

 

4306: Geology (0.5 credit, Gr. 11-12)

Geology is the core discipline of the earth sciences and encompasses many different phenomena, including plate tectonics & mountain building, formation of volcanoes, earthquakes, landscape formation, earth history, and carbon cycling. Because of the ever-increasing demand for commodities and the changing climate, geology is of considerable societal relevance. This course introduces students to the basics of geology. Topics addressed will range from formation of the elements, mineral and rock identification, and geological mapping to plate tectonics, erosion and climate engineering.

 

4308: Meteorology (0.5 credit, Gr. 11-12)

This course will provide students with an understanding of the dynamic processes at play within the Earth’s fluid atmosphere and an appreciation of the role of these processes in producing weather. Topics covered would include; the origin and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere, the structure and characteristics of the atmosphere, the Earth/Sun relationships and their influence on the seasons, solar and terrestrial radiation, the hydrologic cycle, the gas laws, global circulation, weather systems and fronts, storms and analysis of weather maps.

 

4206: Anatomy and Physiology (1 unit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: General Biology or Pre-AP Biology

This course includes studies of the body structure and processes occurring in animals with special emphasis on vertebrate animals including humans. Large mammal dissection and lab activities are required components of the course. The course is a college preparatory course which re- quires learning abstract concepts and using effective study skills outside class time in order to be successful.

 

4209: AP Biology (1 credit, Gr. 11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Physical Science or Biology, Algebra II (may be taken concurrently), and Proficient or Advanced on prior EOC

Studies in this course will be those that would be pursued in an introductory level college biology course. Topics will be biochemistry, cytology, thermodynamics, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, and ecology. Lab activities are an important component of this course. This course is a college preparatory course which requires learning abstract concepts and using effective study skills outside class time in order to be successful.

The course may be available for college credit or advanced college standing based on the student’s AP exam score, which is administered at the end of the school year.  Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam. Students can choose to enroll in this course for Dual Credit (high school/college).

 

4107: Chemistry (1 credit, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Algebra I-Tenth grade students may enroll with recommendation from ninth grade science teacher. Students are urged to have a strong math background and are encouraged to be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II or Geometry.

 

4140: Pre-AP Chemistry (1 credit, Gr. 10-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Pre-AP Biology

This is a more intense chemistry course aimed at challenging students in math, writing, and in the laboratory to better prepare students for upper level science courses and/or AP Chemistry.

 

4145: AP Chemistry (1 credit: Gr. 11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Passing grade in Physical Science or Biology, Algebra II, and Proficient or Advanced on prior EOC

Studies in this course will be advanced topics typical of an introductory college-level general chemistry course. Topics such as structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics will be studied in considerable depth.

The course may be available for college credit or advanced college standing based on the student’s AP exam score, which is administered at the end of the school year. Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam.  In this course, emphasis is placed upon laboratory work.  Laboratory work provides experimental data for discussion and assists students in understanding the basic concepts of matter and its behavior. This course provides a basis for further study in science as well as understanding of the role of chemistry in our everyday world. This course is a college preparatory course which re- quires learning abstract concepts and using effective study skills outside class time in order to be successful.

 

4109: Physics (1 credit, Gr. 11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Algebra I—Students are encouraged to have a strong math background. The following math courses will assist students in their study of Physics: Geometry, Algebra II, and Trig & Pre-Calculus.

A modern introduction is given to the science of physics, dealing with the Newtonian principles of motion and matter in the world in which we live. Topics covered in this course include motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, light, and the energy of the atom. Concepts are taught through the laboratory, problem solving, films and discussions. The course provides a good background for any field in which physics is an integral part. Students can choose to enroll in this course for Dual Credit (high school/ college).

 

4143: Physics 210 (1 credit, Gr. 12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Algebra II, a 3.0 un-weighted GPA OR consent of the MPI Staff.  This course is offered at the Mathematics and Physics Institute, which meets from 7:00 to 8:45 AM daily at the Independence Academy Campus

This course is a college-level introduction to algebra-based Physics.  Topics include one-and-two-dimensional motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and sound. Bi-weekly lab experiments are used to reinforce concepts. The course is worth 1 unit of high school credit, with an option for 4 hours of college credit through UMKC.

 

4144: Physics 240-Physics   for   Science   and Engineering I (1 credit, Gr. 12 weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite:  Trig  &  Pre-Calculus,  a  3.0  un- weighted GPA, and an acceptable score on the Mathematical  Association of  America  Calculus Readiness  Exam  (administered  in  the  spring); OR consent of the MPI Staff.  This course is offered at the Mathematics and Physics Institute, which meets from 7:00 to 8:45 AM daily at the Independence Academy Campus.

This course is a college-level introduction to calculus-based Physics.  Topics include one-and-two-dimensional motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and sound.   Bi-weekly lab experiments are used to reinforce concepts.

The course is worth 1 unit of high school credit, with an option for 5 hours of college credit through UMKC.