Science

A student's educational experience in science begins with Physical Science in 9^th grade. Students take Biology in 10^th grade. Students then pick elective science courses in their 11^th and 12^th grade years.  Students often take 2 science courses in their 11^th and 12^th grade years. 

The Wausau School District requires 3 years (6 semesters) of science to graduate.  It is recommended by colleges that a minimum of two credits come from lab-based courses.

Additional Non-Lab Elective Courses

• Principles of Engineering - Technology Education
• Vet Science - Agriscience
• Horticulture - Agriscience
• Advanced Conservation - Agriscience
• Food Science - Family & Consumer Education

This is a one-year course required for Freshmen.  This course develops basic skills, knowledge and appreciation of science.  Most of the instruction is laboratory based and includes investigations from chemistry, earth science, environmental science and physics.  Scientific skills, problem solving and critical thinking skills are highly emphasized.  This course builds a strong foundation for students as they prepare to move through upper level science classes in the future.

This is an ACCELERATED science course open to some Freshmen.   The curriculum compresses topics from two year-long courses; (Physical Science 9 and Biology 10) into a single year. Successful students learn rapidly, enjoy learning about science, understand science concepts easily, have study skill, and have a strong desire to take at least one science class per semester through 12^th grade at Wausau.

To be eligible for the course a student must apply and meet the following requirements:

1. Earn a grade of at least an A- in their 8th grade science course and at least a B- in their 8th grade math course.
2. Have decent attendance with minimal behavioral issues.
3. Receive approval from your 8th grade science teacher.

For non-John Muir students: the admission procedure involves an alternate screening process.  Please contact anjohnson@wausauschools.org.

This course will introduce the student to basic concepts of life science, how they are related in the natural world, theory and its practical application, laboratory procedures, problem solving, and research and data analysis.

Students may enroll for either semester or both semesters. 

In the first semester we will look at the awesome universe as we study astronomy and meteorology.  Topics include galaxies, stars and planets; the Earth, moon and sun; the Earth’s atmosphere; storms (tornadoes and hurricanes); weather maps and weather predictions.  During the astronomy unit there will be one class meeting a week in the Planetarium.  Optional nighttime telescope viewing may be available.

Second semester topics include creative relationships between the Earth’s interior and exterior.  Discover the importance of geography and geology in everyday life as we study the following areas: geographical information systems (GIS) on computers, geographic position system (GPS), rocks and minerals and mining, the effect of plate tectonics including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, mountains and ocean floor features such as trenches and ridges.

General Physics is a year-long introductory course designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the principles that govern the physical world. Through a combination of hands-on experimentation, conceptual exploration, and mathematical reasoning students will investigate key topics such as motion, forces, energy, and the behavior of matter.

This course emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  Algebra and basic geometry are used throughout the course, making it suitable for students who have completed or are concurrently enrolled in Integrated Math II.

First Semester Topics will include:

• Motion (velocity and acceleration)
• Energy
• Forces
• Projectiles

Second Semester Topics are voted on by the students, but often include:

• Momentum and Collisions
• Waves, Sound and Music
• Nuclear Physics
• Light and Optics
• Circuits

AP Physics 1 is an introductory course designed to be equivalent to a first-semester algebra-based physics course offered at the university level. This rigorous, year-long course focuses on developing deep conceptual understanding and strong problem-solving skills. Algebra and basic trigonometry are used throughout the course, making it suitable for students who have completed Integrated Math II.

Students explore foundational topics in classical mechanics, including motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and simple harmonic motion, and fluids. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, connecting physical principles to real-world phenomena, and representing physical situations mathematically and graphically.

In May students will have the option of taking the AP Physics 1* exam. Colleges may grant college credit for passing the exam. This can be especially helpful for students who do not plan on going into a scientific field as this will usually count towards basic science requirements.  Students who are also enrolled in AP Calculus will have the option of taking the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam.

Note: Physics is not a prerequisite for AP Physics.

This lab science course is intended for junior and seniors who seek additional opportunities in the four science disciplines of physics, chemistry, earth science, and biology through 4-6 week units. This problem solving, critical thinking course will help students prepare for additional advanced studies in science at Wausau West and will assist students to better understand the world.  Juniors will also practice ACT science test skills and seniors will design and create  a science project.

Chemistry is taught with the purpose of making the next level of chemistry easier.  We cover most of the topics covered in a first year college chemistry class.  Who should take chemistry?  Anyone wanting to pursue a career in any part of a medical field (nurse, doctor, dental hygienist, dentist, pharmacist, phlebotomist, veterinarian, lab technician), engineering, CSI, fire investigation, brewing, and a whole bunch of other careers.  Yes, we blow up a few things as well.

After the successful completion of chemistry, you are invited to enroll in AP Chemistry / Chemistry Seminar.  This 2^nd year is designed to give you the equivalent of a freshman college chemistry course.  In May, students will have the option of taking the AP Chemistry exam.  Colleges may grant credit for passing this exam. Chemistry Seminar will feature laboratory experiences similar to a first-year college chemistry program.

Create a flammable gas with electricity, predict which chemical reactions are spontaneous and what the products will be, determine the shape of molecules and do titrations with strong acids. Once you have taken chemistry, more details of the world of matter and energy will be opened for your enjoyment.  Enroll in AP Chemistry to explore the underlying principles and structure of what makes up our world.

Students not interested in a science career can also benefit from this course by earning college credit towards science electives.  This allows students time to focus on their major while in college.

Human Physiology and Anatomy is a semester-long course that provides an exploration into the human body and its systems. In this class, students will engage in the structure and function of major body systems, including the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, nervous, and endocrine systems. Through interactive activities, hands-on labs, and dissections, students will gain an understanding of how these systems work together to maintain homeostasis in the human body. By the end of the semester, students will be equipped with a foundational knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and will have gained critical thinking and analytical skills essential for careers in health sciences, medicine, biology, and related fields.

AP Biology is an introductory, college-level laboratory course that provides students the opportunity to engage in inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. Prior to taking the course, it is recommended that students have successfully completed high school courses in biology and chemistry.

In AP Biology, students will learn how to collect data, use data to form conclusions, and will then apply their conclusions to larger biological concepts. Students will report recorded data and quantitative conclusions drawn from the data to their peers in written and visual formats.  Students will also develop an understanding of how changes in the design of the experiments will impact the validity and accuracy of results.

Students taking this course will have the option to register for the AP National Exam in spring.  Students are not required to take the National Exam but may choose to take this course simply to become more career and college ready.

Understanding medical terminology is vital for entry in a wide range of professions including those entering the medical coding or billing fields; those seeking careers in the hospital, insurance companies or government agencies; biotechnology research; or those in the legal profession. If you are interested in pursuing a health and science career requiring the ability to communicate with physicians, dentists, or other medical professionals, this class will provide the necessary skills.

You will learn and recognize word roots, prefixes, and suffixes used in medical language today. You will learn to combine word parts in order to create meaningful medical vocabulary as well as comprehend their definition. This course will cover medical terms related to all major body systems such as: muscular, circulatory, skeletal, respiratory, integumentary, nervous, sensory, digestive, reproductive, endocrine and the urinary system. Vocabulary comes alive through animations, lectures, computer work, speakers, and labs using real organs and dissections.

Note: This is a Dual Credit course.  Students who successfully complete this course with an 80% or better will be eligible for three credits through NTC.  You will also receive .5 Science elective credit.

NTC Equivalent Course: Medical Terminology #10-501-101, 3 credits (Department: Health)