Science

All students are required to complete 3.0 credits of science. All students are required to complete 1 credit of Physical Science and 1 credit of Biology. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Education requires all students to complete one year of Chemistry or Physics.

The vast majority of MHS students take four years of science in the following sequence: Physical Science (9th), Chemistry (10th), Physics (11th or 12th), and Biology (11th or 12th). Modern concepts in biology rely heavily on concepts in chemistry; therefore, chemistry is prerequisite to all courses in biology.

Course Listing

To filter courses by grade level, please type your grade (Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12) into the search bar above and click "search."

AP Biology

Course: #AP320, S1
Course: #AP322, S2    
Grade(s) offered: 11-12    
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Physical Science, Chemistry

Advanced Placement Biology is designed to provide learning experiences equivalent to a first-year college biology course.

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AP Chemistry

Course: #AP304, S1
Course: #AP306, S2
Grade(s) offered: 10-12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: A or B in Physical Science Honors and Higher Algebra 

AP Chemistry teaches the concepts and applications of first-year college Chemistry. A process of problem solving is continually modeled and It is expected that students electing this course will take the AP Exam.

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AP Environmental Science (Tonka Online)

Course: #T3100*, part 1, Tonka Online 
*Select term F=fall
Course: #T3102*, part 2, Tonka Online 
*Select term W=winter
*Online, complete part 1 before part 2.
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Chemistry, Physical Science

This is a multidisciplinary course for students interested in the world’s natural environment and related issues.

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AP Physics 1 - Grade 9

Course: #AP300, S1
Course: #AP302, S2   
Grade(s) offered:
9  
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in English 9 Honors Communications

AP Physics I is an algebra-based physics course designed to develop deep understanding of the content and apply knowledge through inquiry-based labs. The English course focuses on preparing students for future research opportunities and for learning how to communicate in a technical and professional manner.

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AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism with Topics in Modern Physics

Course: #AP324, S1
Course: #AP326, S2    
Grade(s) offered: 10-12    
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
This course completes 1.0 of a Science credit.
Prerequisites: Calculus course and AP Physics 1 (or another physics course with teacher recommendation).

AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism is equivalent to a second semester calculus-based college physics course.

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AP Physics C: Mechanics

Course #AP328, S1
Course #AP330, S2    
Grade(s) offered: 
grade 11-12    
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Physical Science, Calculus (completed or concurrent) 
This is a year-long course offered at MHS.

AP Physics C: Mechanics is the equivalent of a first-semester college course in calculus-based physics. The course covers Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Work/Energy/Power, Momentum, Rotation, Oscillations.

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AP Physics C-Mechanics (Tonka Online)

Course: #T3104W, Tonka Online
Grade(s) offered: 10-12
Credits: .5 (Spring semester only)
Prerequisites: Have completed or be concurrently enrolled in both AP Physics 1 AND a calculus course.
​​​​​​​This semester-long Tonka Online course is for students who have already taken AP Physics 1 and wish to take the AP Physics C: Mechanics test.

This course covers mechanics topics with a calculus lens in a self-paced/teacher-guided online format. These topics are Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Work/Energy/Power, Momentum, Rotation, and Oscillations.

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Astronomy

Course: #3026
Grade(s) offered: 10-12    
Credits: .5 (per semester) 
This course completes .5 of a Science credit.   
Prerequisites: None

In this class, you will learn the constellations, how to use a telescope along with the science and history of astronomy.

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Astronomy (Tonka Online)

Course: #T3026
Grade(s) offered: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12    
Credits: .5 (per semester)  
This course completes .5 of a Science credit. 
Prerequisites: None

In this class, you will learn the constellations, how to use a telescope along with the science and history of astronomy.

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Biology

Course: #3044, S1
Course: #3046, S2
Online Option: #T3044*, part 1, Tonka Online 
*Select term F=fall
Online Option: #T3046*, part 2, Tonka Online 
*Select term W=winter 
Grade(s) offered: 11-12    
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Physical Science, Chemistry

This course is a study of biology, with an emphasis on biology topics at the cellular and molecular level.

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Chemistry

Course: #3012, S1
Course: #3014, S2    
Grade(s) offered: 10-12
Credits:.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: C or better in Physical Science or Physical Science Honors

Chemistry is a college preparatory class that teaches students basic chemistry principles and real-world applications of chemistry in society.

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Chemistry Honors

Course: #3016, S1
Course: #3018, S2
Grade(s) offered:10-12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: A or B in Physical Science Honors; A in general Physical Science or Physics 1. Concurrently enrolled in Higher Algebra or beyond. 

This course is for students who want an in-depth and rigorous approach to learning chemistry, and its connection to the real-world.

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Forensic Science

Course: #3048
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11 or Grade 12
Credits: .5 (per semester)  
Prerequisites: Chemistry

Forensic Science is designed to strengthen skills of observation and interpretation through analysis of evidence collected in case studies and mock crime scenes.

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Human Anatomy and Physiology 1

Course: #3020
Online Option: #T3020,Tonka Online 
This course can also be taken through VANTAGE #V200 (choose one)  
Grade(s) offered: 10-12
Credits: .5 (one-semester course)
Prerequisites: Physical Science or Physical Science Honors, Chemistry

A course for students interested in how the human body works, including anatomy (body structure) and physiology (body functions).

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IB Biology SL & IB Biology HL

IB Biology SL & IB Biology HL
SL Course:
#IB300, S1 
SL Course:
#IB302, S2 
HL Course: #IB304, S1
HL Course: #IB306, S2
Grade(s) offered:    11-12    
Credits:  .5 (per semester, two-year course)
Prerequisites: Chemistry or Chemistry Honors for IB Biology SL course; IB Biology SL for IB Biology HL course

IB Biology SL will concentrate on cell biology, biochemistry, DNA and biotechnology, genetics, and evolution.

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IB Physics SL

Course: #IB308, S1
Course: #IB310, S2    
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Chemistry 

IB Physics SL is a fast-paced course that covers a broad range of physics concepts including mechanics, waves, electricity, magnetism, energy production, atomic physics, and astrophysics. 

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Physics

Course: #3028, S1
Course: #3030, S2
Online Option: #T3028*, part 1, Tonka Online 
*Select term S=summer, F=fall
Online Option: #T3030*, part 2, Tonka Online 
*Select term S=summer, W=winter
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Physical Science or Physical Science Honors

Practical applications are used to explore topics in optics, wave motion, mechanics, energy, and electricity.

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Physics of Home Renovation

Course: #M3036, S1 (physics)
Course: #M3038, S2 (physics)
Course: #M6450, S1 (renovation)
Course: #M6452, S2 (renovation)
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course, two hours) 
Students will be registered for both Home Renovation (technology education course) and Applied Physics (science course) as part of Physics in Home Renovation. Fulfills the Physics science requirement.
Prerequisites: None

This course has not yet been approved for purposes of NCAA Initial Eligibility.

Hands-on course designed to give a working conceptual view of the Trades Industry. Modern Physics/Home Renovation concepts will be taught by incorporating the key principles of physics through the lens of design with a focus on project-based assessments.

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Pre-AP Biology (Tonka Online)

Course: #T7204S, summer only
Grade(s) offered: 10-11    
Credits: .5 (summer)
This course completes .5 toward an elective credit. 
Prerequisites: Students should be registered for AP Biology in the fall; optional course for preceding summer.

This course does not count toward the state graduation requirement of 3.0 credits of science.

Students in this summer course will complete online study and engage in learning activities to prepare for the rigor and pace of Advanced Placement (AP) Biology.

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Pre-AP Chemistry (Tonka Online)

Course: #T7202S, summer only, Tonka Online 
Grade(s) offered: 9-12    
Credits: .5 (summer only)
This course completes .5 toward an elective credit. 
Prerequisites: Students should be registered for AP Chemistry in the fall; optional course for preceding summer.

This course does not count toward the state graduation requirement of 3.0 credits of science.

This course includes essential chemistry skills and includes support for the AP Chemistry summer assignment. The overall goal is to provide a pathway for prospective AP Chemistry students to solidify a strong chemistry foundation as they transition to college level coursework.

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Principles of Biology

Course: #3040, S1
Course: #3042, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12    
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Physical Science, Chemistry is strongly recommended. Teacher recommendation is necessary to register for this course. 

Principles of Biology examines the relationship of humans as organisms to the physical and biotic environment and some internal systems of humans.

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Principles of Chemistry

Course: #3008, S1
Course: #3010, S2    
Grade(s) offered: 10-12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Physical Science G or Honors. Teacher recommendation is necessary to register for this course. 

This course is designed for students to learn the basic principles and real-world applications of chemistry in a simplified college preparatory class.

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Principles of Physics

Course: #3032, S1
Course: #3034, S2    
Grade(s) offered: 
11-12    
Credits:.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Physical Science, Quadratic Algebra. Teacher recommendation is necessary to register for this course. 

Principles of Physics is a year-long course that uses a conceptual understanding of physics to describe, predict, and interact with the world around us.

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Minnetonka Research 1

Course: #3100, S1
Course: #3102, S2    
Grade(s) offered: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of an AP or IB course in the area of intended research. Student must have achieved a 3 or higher on an AP Exam or a 4 or higher on an IB exam, related to their area of intended research.

Students will learn the process of and engage in original research on a topic of their choice. Students will review and interpret published research, develop research questions, and create an experimental plan in their research process.

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Minnetonka Research 2

Course: #3104, S1
Course: #3106, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Research #3100 and #3102 and recommendation of a Research I instructor. 

This course provides students who participated in Research I the opportunity to extend their research, develop new pathways and understandings, and apply their learning in new and rigorous contexts.

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students in biology class

Minnetonka Research Logo

Minnetonka Research provides the opportunity to pursue authentic research driven by their own questions and interests. By connecting students with leaders in academia and industry, this program will inspire and guide students as they develop 21st Century Skills (communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration). Students will leave the program ready to engage in challenging college courses and cutting-edge careers in fields of inquiry.

Visit the Minnetonka Research Website

Complete the Interest Form

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VANTAGE Logo

VANTAGE is Minnetonka High School’s advanced professional studies program. Through experiential learning, VANTAGE offers a unique opportunity for students to apply their coursework in real-world settings. 

Connect your interest in science to future career opportunities by taking a VANTAGE course:

Global Sustainability
Study the environment and global economics through the lenses of physical, biological and information sciences. From corporate sustainability, food science, food security, and food safety to water systems, waste systems energy conservation and more, engage in real-world experiences in the fields related to global sustainability. This year-long, two-credit track includes Global Studies and Economics (one social studies credit) and AP Environmental Science (one elective science credit).

Health Sciences
Explore health sciences fields and develop an understanding of psychology and the human system, including a generalist view of the many professions available as a prospective health care professional. This year-long, 2.25-credit track includes AP Psychology (one social studies credit), Human Anatomy (one elective science credit), Medical Sciences (.25 elective science credit) and the opportunity to earn certification as a nursing assistant registered or emergency medical responder.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VANTAGE COURSES

Academic Standards

Minnetonka Public Schools adheres to academic standards developed by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).

View MDE Academic Standards