Space Science 1: 1 credit, 10-12: Taught by Mr. Ford

 This course covers from the Earth to the outer reaches of the most distant objects in the universe.  It is designed as a "hands-on" activity based subject with lecture.  Daytime and evening observing sessions are required.  Observing sessions will take place during the week or on weekends.  Space Science I students are required to attend two observing session and one public observing session each quarter PLUS one early morning session per semester.  Students will also participate in Hands on Universe, Hands on Astrophysics, and other observational programs that will also require time at ELk Creek Observatory.   Students will also be working in the Starlab Planetarium.  Algebra I and II are required and Trigonometry is also recommended.  

 

Space Science II-III: 1 credit, 11-12: Taught by Mr. Ford

 This course is mainly a project based class.  Students who are in this class will be working with the 20" telescope at Elk Creek Observatory and be using a variety of technology to gather data and interpret their data.  Any student who takes this course must work on a project of his/her choice to include active galaxies, Near Earth Objects, Supernova Search, extrasolar planets or another project of their choosing, with approval of instructor.  Students will also maintain the astronomy webpage, write articles of astronomical interest for the newspaper and assist with public observing sessions.  You must have Space Science I and approval of instructor.  

Earth/Space-1 credit, 9, Taught by Mr. Ford Required for ALL incoming freshmen!

This course investigates two diverse areas of science; Physical Science and Earth Science. Physical Science explores the workings, movements, energies, and composition of everything from tiny atoms to massive galaxies, and the changes through which it has gone during its life. Laboratory investigations, class discussions, library research, and star lab are included in this look at many areas of science. Students are also introduced to astronomical observations at Elk Creek Observatory.

Biology-1 credit, 9-10, PreReq: Algebra 1-Taught by Mr.Weilert

This course deals with the study of life from the tiny one-celled organism to the larger multicellular organisms. Areas of specific study involve the scientific method, photosynthesis and respiration, ecology, behavior, classificatino, evolutino, structural systems, microbiology, genetics, and other standads deemed important by the Kansas State Department of Education.

Anatomy and Physiology -1 credit, 11-12, PreReq: Biology-Taught by Mr.Weilert

This year long advanced biology course is faster paced and geared toward those Juniors and Seniors planning to enter a health or biological-related profession. Students enrolled need to have hearned an above average grade in Biology. This lab-based class will cover both structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body and serve as a college-prep course. Anatomical terminology and dissectin for comparative reasons will be used to aid in the understanding of the organizational systems of life.

Chemistry-1 credit, 10-12, PreReq: Biology, Geometry, or by permission-Taught by Mr. Spade

Chemistry is the science of matter. All matter in the universe is made of atoms, so the major emphasis of chemistry is to understand the structure, arrangement, and interaction of atoms. Chemistry is a laboratory science. Chemistry is availible to sophomores who have completed Biology and enrolled in Geometry, but is more directed to juniors and seniors preparing for college, and wanting to meet Kansas Board of Regent Standards.for HHS.

Advanced Chemistry-1 credit, 12, PreReq: Chemistry, Physics-Taught by Mr. Spade

Chemistry II is a laboratory science class to continue the exploration of chemistry. As a college preparatory class, Chemistry II reviews the basic concepts learned in Chemistry, but in more detail. It then introduces new, more advanced topics involving changes and properties of matter. This class is offered only when its enrollment is high enough to warrant including it in the schedule. Also called Chemistry II.

Physics-1 credit, 11-12, PreReq: Chemistry, Geometry, Algebra 2-Taught by Mr. Spade

Physics is the study of energy and motion. Students will also investigate the many different kinds of energy such as mechanical, electrical, magnetic, light, gravitational, and nuclear. Physics is a laboratory science that allows the student to investigate these energy & motion relationships experimentally as well as theoretically. Physics is available to those juniors who have completed Chemistry, and a strong math background is necessary to be successful. Trigonometry is advised.

Advanced Physics- 1 credit, 12, PreReq: Physics and by permission. Taught by Mr. Spade

This course continues the study of motion and energy by investigating such topics as gravity, light, sound, inertia, and collisions. Students will be expected to participate in and prepare for such things as science knowledge bowl, science fairs, and science olympics. A strong math and science background is essential. This course is only offered only if enrollment numbers allow.