Welcome to the Science Department.
Course Descriptions:
Integrated Science
Integrated Science is a year-long coarse and is a broad survey of scientific topics for 9th grade students. The course ties earth, physical and chemical science together. Our goal is to strengthen our scientific understanding and further develop skills for school and life. The first semester covers safety and scientific method, forces and motion, energy and chemistry. The second semester covers space science, earth science, and weather and climate. A student who takes this course as one of their science credits will be placed into a biological science, either Biology or Agriscience, based on their academic performance in this course.
Biology
This course is for the student with average to above average ability in Science. It is one of three credits that, along with chemistry and physics, most students take in order to fulfill their graduation requirement for Science. The first semester covers units on the scientific method, biochemistry, cell structure, and photosynthesis/respiration. The second semester covers genetics, evolution, body systems, taxonomy, and ecology. Biology requires students to do frequent reading assignments and homework.
STEM Physical Science
This course is required while participating in the 10th Grade STEM Program. The 10th Grade STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Program is a unique opportunity for students to start preparing for a career in manufacturing, engineering, and other skilled trades while still in high school. This one-year program provides the opportunity for 10th grade students to be engaged in an “in-house” manufacturing experience where individuals will fill specific roles within the organization in order to collectively produce a marketable product and/or service. The program will run for two consecutive periods each day. Participation in the program will be based on an application, recommendation, and an interview process for limited enrollment. Applications may be obtained from a Tech Ed or Math teacher. Students will earn core course credits in Mathematics, and Science. The core courses taught within the STEM Program include Machine Tool Math and Physical Science. A combination (as needed) of Technical Education skills in Machine Tooling, Electronics, Woodworking, Automotive, and Principles of Engineering will be relied upon and taught for the success of the program.
Chemistry
Prerequisite: Successful completion in Algebra I. This course is an introduction to chemistry. It is basically the study of the structure of matter and how this determines the properties of elements and compounds. This course has a fair amount of mathematics involved and a good mathematical foundation is required. Topics include: atomic structure, formulas and equations, phases of matter, solutions, organic chemistry, reactive kinetics and oxidation-reduction reactions. This course will require students to do a good deal of work outside of class.
Physics
Prerequisites: Successful completion or current enrollment of Chemistry and Algebra II. This course examines the natural laws that govern our universe. Through hands on activities and problem solving, students will learn general physics concepts. A wide range of topics will be explored, including mechanics, electricity, optics, sound, and modern physics. The course serves as a good college preparatory experience for students going on to higher education.
AP Biology
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chemistry & Biology.
THIS IS A PRIME COURSE – STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE A PRIME COURSE CONTRACT.
The Advanced Biology (AP) course is designed to be the equivalent (both in quality and sophistication) of a 100 level Biology course taken by first year college students. The text is one commonly used by college biology majors. Major topics include biochemistry, cell biology, molecular genetics, heredity, evolution, plant science, vertebrate anatomy/physiology, and ecology. Student complete 12 lab exercises within these areas, which insures that each student is exposed to the same lab techniques expected of first year college biology students. This course will require students to do a good deal of work outside of class. This course prepares students to take the highly recommended Advanced Placement (AP) exam (cost is approximately $94).
AP Chemistry
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry.
THIS IS A PRIME COURSE – STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE A PRIME COURSE CONTRACT.
This is a second year course in chemistry and is far more lab oriented. The course content is essentially that which is found in a first year college chemistry course. Emphasis in the lectures is on problem solving, so a good background in math is required. Topics include acids and bases, equilibrium, thermochemistry, and electrochemistry. This course will require students to do a great deal of work outside of class. This course prepares students to take the highly recommended Advanced Placement (AP) exam (cost is approximately $94).
NOTE: To verify that any college course credit will transfer to a particular UW College System campus, go to UW Help's "Transfer Information" website at http://tis.uwsa.edu.
Astronomy
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Physics or teacher’s recommendation. This course will explore our place in the universe using hands-on activities and online resources. Concepts studied will include the night sky, the solar system, the sun and stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Students will use the scientific method, scientific literacy, and pop culture to explore these concepts.
The PCSD Board of Education, UW Madison, and other Wisconsin colleges consider the following courses an equivalent to a Laboratory Science credit. Courses are considered Science electives and are not replacements for Biology or Chemistry.
Plant Science
Get your hands dirty exploring the horticulture industry through science. Learn plant anatomy and physiology, plant reproduction, soils, gardening, greenhouse management, and landscaping. If you are interested in a career in the green industry, DNR, production agriculture, NRCS, golf course management, landscaping, arborist, this is the class for you.
Food Science
This class is for anyone who eats! Understand food nutrition, biotechnology and chemistry of foods, food safety, dairy industry, meat science, beverages, consumerism, and food processing. If you’re interested in a career in diets, nutrition, or product development, this is definitely the class for you. Become an informed consumer and learn about the scientific world of foods.
Animal Science
This class focuses on domestic animals including dairy, beef, pork, poultry, horses, dogs, cats and small animals. In addition genetics, operant conditioning, and animal welfare are taught. The focus of this class is NOT production, but consumerism through scientific principles. This class will help and student interested in the career of production, veterinarian medicine, A.I. technician, nutritionist, animal breeding, aquaculture, game warden, zoologist and so much more. This class is important to anyone to show how animals are to be cared for and where our foods derive from.
Agriscience
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation only. Agriscience begins with the scientific method with experiments in the greenhouse. Students explore the carbon cycle and the growth of plants while designing experiments on greenhouse plants. Students then investigate cell biology regularly in the classroom, learning how different cellular processes enable the productivity of the plants and animals we depend upon. During second semester, students investigate genetics and DNA, concluding with genetic engineering, stem cells, and cloning. Students work closely with plants and animals to discover their inner mechanisms through inquiry and independent learning, enabling students to succeed in a wide range of courses and on the ACT Test exam. Agriscience not only prepares students to understand concepts in science, agriculture, medicine, mathematics, ecology and engineering, but also prepares them for college and for careers after high school.
Animal Health and Nutrition
Prerequisite: Minimum of a “C” in Animal Science. Are you interested in learning the details of caring for animals? This is a great class to get an in-depth look at animal anatomy and physiology, vaccinations, animal growth, reproduction, breeding, selection, and feeding. Students will be able to learn how to administer shots, check animal health, and get a good look into the animal industry. Students will also have the chance to learn about career opportunities with animals and hear from professionals.
This class satisfies a required Science credit to graduate from Portage High School but is not considered a college laboratory science admission credit.
Principles of Engineering
Prerequisites: Drafting/CAD or Introduction to Engineering Design. This course is a team based advanced course designed to develop problem-solving skills by solving real-world problems using scientific principles. Through the use of theory and practical hands-on experiences, students address the emerging social and political consequences of technological change. One of the hands-on learning experiences in this course covers robotics and the VEX Challenge, which is a competition between robots build in class. This course is designed for students interested in the engineering field or applying math and science content to solve problems. Professional engineers as guest speakers and field trips to engineering universities will also be included in this course.
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