Science

Welcome!

Welcome to Science!

On this page, you will find a list of courses offered, downloadable resources, staff contact information and promotional videos.

Eric Bjornstad

Science Director

Email: ebjornstad@jsmorton.org

Mission

The mission of the J.S. Morton HSD 201 Science Department is to ensure that our students can use reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to understand scientific trends, in order to become active citizens who understand scientific issues that impact our society and the global environment.

Vision

The Morton Science Department will provide the tools necessary for all students to become problem-solvers, effective citizens, and productive members of our society.

Courses

Science Core Courses

Click each course to view its description.

Biology

Course Description

Students develop an understanding of laws which govern the existence of all life. Student work emphasizes experimentation, observation and analysis of experimental data. Concepts involving problem solving, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, reproduction, heredity, plant and animal physiology and the pattern of unity among living things are also studied. This course is accepted for college preparation in laboratory science.

CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course

Biology: Biliteracy for All

Course Description

This course is for students who want to develop their science skills and their Spanish language skills. This course is for students who have speaking skills in Spanish. Most of the topics will be covered in Spanish. Students will take their assessments with a bilingual exam. Students develop an understanding of laws that govern the existence of all life. Student work emphasizes experimentation, observation and analysis of experimental data. Concepts involving problem solving, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, reproduction, heredity, plant and animal physiology and the pattern of unity among living things are also studied. This course is accepted for college preparation in laboratory science. This course is a part of the School for Biliteracy program.

CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course

Chemistry

Course Description

Students learn the principles underlying chemical changes and their theoretical applications. Laboratory work emphasizes techniques of observation, analysis of data and formation of conclusions based on data. A scientific calculator is essential. This course is accepted for college preparation in laboratory science.

CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: One year of BIOLOGY
OFFERED: One year course

Chemistry: Biliteracy for All

Course Description

This course is for students who want to develop their science skills and their Spanish language skills. This course is for students who have speaking skills in Spanish. Most of the topics will be covered in Spanish. Students will take their assessments with a bilingual exam. Students learn the principles underlying chemical changes and their theoretical applications. Laboratory work emphasizes techniques of observation, analysis of data, and formation of conclusions based on data. This course is accepted for college preparation in laboratory science. This course is a part of the School for Biliteracy program.

CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: One year of BILITERACY BIOLOGY
OFFERED: One year course

Earth Science

Earth Science: Biliteracy for All

Course Description

This course is for students who want to develop their science skills and their Spanish language skills. This course is for students who have speaking skills in Spanish. Most of the topics will be covered in Spanish. Students will take their assessments with a bilingual exam. A study of the physical environment is the central theme of this course. Student work focuses on the study of minerals, rocks, volcanology, seismology, plate tectonics, hydrology, meteorology, earth history, and interpreting earth science data. This course is a part of the School for Biliteracy program.

CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course

Anatomy & Physiology

Course Description

An in-depth investigation of human structures and functions is the focus of the course. Students will have the opportunity to explore the integumentary, muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Each system will be studied as an integral component of the human body. Concepts about the system are supported by the integrated laboratory investigations.

CREDIT: 0.5
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One semester course

Astronomy

Food Chemistry

Course Description

This course will provide a lab-based experience following the topics found in the traditional chemistry course. Students will study the biochemical reactions that occur during the metabolism of food, the reactions found in the food industry, and the home kitchen. Career exploration in food chemistry, biochemistry, quality control, and nutrition will also be discussed.

CREDIT: 0.5
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of HONORS CHEMISTRY OR HONORS BILITERACY CHEMISTRY
OFFERED: One semester course

Physics

Course Description

A general introduction to the fundamentals of time, space, forces, motion, wave, heat motion, energy, electricity, electromagnetism and atomic physics. Physics is essential for college study in engineering, chemistry and the medical fields. A calculator with trigonometric functions is essential.

CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course

Zoology

Course Description

Zoology is a course that will survey a large portion of the Animal Kingdom. Students will research many facets of animals, including: anatomy, interrelationships, physiology, genetics, distributions, and habits. Students in the Zoology course will continue to develop knowledge in the core disciplinary ideas of Zoology as described in the Next Generation Science Standards, while focusing on science as a method of inquiry.

CREDIT: 1.0
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of CHEMISTRY OR EARTH SCIENCE
OFFERED: One year course

Science Honors Courses

Click each course to view its description.

Honors Biology

Course Description

Students in this accelerated course will develop the understanding of molecular biology, genetics, evolution and ecology. Work will emphasize critical thinking, writing skills, and mathematical analysis of biological data. Students will be expected to do independent research and more in-depth lab work than in regular biology. This course is accepted for college preparation in laboratory science.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course

Biology Honors: Biliteracy for All

Course Description

This course is for students who want to develop their science skills and their Spanish language skills. This course is for students who have speaking skills in Spanish. Most of the topics will be covered in Spanish. Students will take their assessments with a bilingual exam. Students develop an understanding of laws that govern the existence of all life. Student work emphasizes experimentation, observation, and analysis of experimental data. Concepts involving problem solving, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, reproduction, heredity, plant and animal physiology, and the pattern of unity among living things are also studied. This course is accepted for college preparation in laboratory science. This course is part of the School for Biliteracy program.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course

Honors Chemistry

Course Description

This accelerated and in-depth course develops an understanding of the principles underlying chemical changes and their theoretical applications. Work emphasizes critical thinking skills, writing skills, mathematical analysis and the use of technology. This course is accepted for college preparation in laboratory science.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: One year of HONORS BIOLOGY
OFFERED: One year course

Chemistry Honors: Biliteracy for All

Course Description

This course is for students who want to develop their science skills and their Spanish language skills. This course is for students who have speaking skills in Spanish. Most of the topics will be covered in Spanish. Students will take their assessments with a bilingual exam. Students develop an understanding of laws that govern the existence of all life. Student work emphasizes experimentation, observation, and analysis of experimental data. Concepts involving problem solving, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, reproduction, heredity, plant and animal physiology, and the pattern of unity among living things are also studied. This course is accepted for college preparation in laboratory science. This course is a part of the School for Biliteracy program.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: One year of CORE BIOLOGY OR HONORS BIOLOGY
OFFERED: One year course

Physics STEM Honors

Course Description

A general introduction to the fundamentals of motion, acceleration, forces, momentum, energy, work, power, electricity, renewable energy, waves, sound and light. Students will also be enrolled in Integrated Math 7 STEM Honors. The two classes interweave the concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Student work emphasizes experimentation, observation and analysis of experimental data. This course is accepted for college preparation in laboratory science.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 8
PREREQUISITE: None
OFFERED: One year course

AP Physics I

AP Physics

Course Description

AP Physics l provides students with an introductory experience in the concepts and methods of physical analysis, focused on classical mechanics and simple electrical circuits. Building the ability to reason qualitatively and quantitatively is a primary focus, with inquiry and investigation, modeling and diagramming, symbolic algebra, unit analysis, communication and argumentation, laboratory techniques, data analysis, and integration and application of concepts as emphasized skills. Students have the primary responsibility for building understanding, with the instructor as a resource and guide. Students will spend instructional time engaging with the textbook, online lecture videos, simulations, online discussions, hands-on labs (constituting 25% of instructional time), problem-solving screencasts, online homework problems, and tests/exams. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. It is preferred that students enrolled in AP Physics l take the summer boot camp.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: One year of HONORS CHEMISTRY
OFFERED: One year course/Extended Period

AP Physics C Mechanics

Course Description

Students are able to further their physics knowledge and skills, as well as prepare themselves to take additional courses of a physics nature in college. Students are introduced to techniques and equipment normally used in general college physics. Selected topics such c6 kineiT,c1tics, Newton's laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Individual initiative, study and class discussion are expected. (A "B" average in Chemistry, Physics, and Integrated Math 3 is highly recommended for success in this course.) AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC are a Corequisite. Students are required to take the AP exam. It is preferred that students enrolled in AP Physics take the summer boot camp.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: One year of AP PHYSICS I

OFFERED: One year course

AP Biology

Course Description

Students are able to further their biological knowledge and skills, as well as prepare themselves to take additional courses of a biological nature in college. Students are introduced to techniques and equipment normally used in general college biology. Selected topics such as anatomy, physiology, population genetics and cell chemistry are covered in more detail than is done in Biology. Individual initiative, study, and class discussion are expected. (A "B" average in Biology, Chemistry, and Integrated Mathematics 1 is highly recommended for success in this course.) Students are required to take the AP exam. It is preferred that students enrolled in AP Biology take the summer boot camp.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: One year of CORE CHEMISTRY OR HONORS CHEMISTRY

OFFERED: One year course/Extended Period

AP Chemistry

Course Description

Students in Advanced Chemistry cover material similar to a general chemistry course on the college level. Students work on chemical calculations, mathematical formulation of principles and extensive laboratory experimentation. Students learn to think clearly and to express their ideas orally and in writing. (A "B" average in Chemistry, Physics, and Integrated Math 3 is highly recommended for success in this course.) Students are required to take the AP exam in May. It is preferred that students enrolled in AP Chemistry take the summer boot camp.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: One year of HONORS CHEMISTRY

OFFERED: One year course/Extended Period

AP Environmental Science

Course Description

This college-level course provides students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students are required to take the AP exam in May. It is preferred that students enrolled in AP Environmental Science take the summer boot camp.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: One year of HONORS CHEMISTRY

OFFERED: One year course

Principles of Biomedical Science

Course Description

In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person's life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors/Elective
GRADE: 9-12
PREREQUISITE: None

OFFERED: One year course

Human Body Systems

Course Description

Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors/Elective
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: None

OFFERED: One year course

Medical Interventions

Course Description

Medical Interventions (Ml) allows students to investigate the variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease as they follow the lives of a fictitious family. A "How-To" manual for maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body, the course will explore how to prevent and fight infection, how to screen and evaluate the code in our DNA, how to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, and how to prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through these scenarios students will be exposed to the wide range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.

CREDIT: 1.0

TYPE: Honors/Elective
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE AND HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS (RECOMMENDED)

OFFERED: One year course