WHEELER HIGH SCHOOL ' S
COURSE CATALOG
Return to Table of Contents
Course Name: Scientific Research III Type of Course: Core Course
Available to: 11th and 12th grade
Prerequisites: 2 High School Science courses( 74 %+)
Description: This course is designed for students who will develop projects based on their interests. Projects at this level would be original in nature and will investigate students’ ideas to solve a particular problem. It is expected that the students will work with someone outside the school setting as they work towards the solution of their problem. This type of project may take the whole length of the course to be completed. Students’ completing these projects are expected to present their solutions to the appropriate interest groups( i. e. a particular company, an interest group, etc.) or in settings like the BEST Robotics competitions, Siemens, the High School Engineering Competition, etc. Students earn an additional 0.5 quality point towards their GPA for this course.
Course Name: Zoology Type of Course: Core Course
Available to: 12th grade
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course is designed for students to recognize key features of the major body plans that have evolved in animals and how those body plans have changed over time resulting in the diversity of animals that are evident today. In addition to classification and recognition, this course teaches students about the anatomical and physiological characteristics of animals. These characteristics relate to how an animal functions and can help students see the connections uniting particular animal groups. An understanding of form and function allows students to study how animals have evolved over time and to relate animals to their particular role in an ecosystem. Comparative studies will be done during laboratory observations and dissections.
Course Name: AP Biology Available to: 10th- 12th grade
Type of Course: Core Course Prerequisites: H. Biology( 90 %+) AND Chemistry / H. Chemistry( 80 %+)
Description: This is a course designed as a to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology or other science majors during their first year. The Advanced Placement course in biology differs significantly from the usual first high school course in biology with respect to the textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required of students. It provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The course will involve independent study and frequent written analysis to prepare students for the AP Biology Exam. Students earn an additional 1.0 quality point towards their GPA for this course.
38