The vast majority of MHS students take four years of science in the following sequence: Earth 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.
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."
Course: #AP320, S1
Course: #AP322, S2
Grade(s) offered: grade 11, grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Chemistry
Advanced Placement Biology is designed to provide learning experiences equivalent to a first-year college biology course.
Course: #AP304, S1
Course: #AP306, S2
Grade(s) offered: grade 10, grade 11, grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (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.
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: grade 11, grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Chemistry
This is a multidisciplinary course for students interested in the world’s natural environment and related issues.
Course: #V300
Grades Offered: Grade 11 or Grade 12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course) science elective credit
This course is offered as part of the VANTAGE Global Sustainability track. For details about taking AP Environmental Science through VANTAGE, visit the VANTAGE page of the Skipper Log.
Course: #AP300, S1
Course: #AP302, S2
Grade(s) offered: grade 9
Credits: 0.5 (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.
Course: #AP324, S1
Course: #AP326, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (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.
Course #AP328, S1
Course #AP330, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: 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.
Course: #T3104W, Tonka Online
Grade(s) offered: grade 10, grade 11, grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (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.
Course: #3026
Grade(s) offered: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (single semester course)
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.
Course: #T3026
Grade(s) offered: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (single semester course)
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.
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: grade 11, grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Chemistry
This course is a study of biology, with an emphasis on biology topics at the cellular and molecular level.
Course: #3012, S1
Course: #3014, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (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.
Course: #3016, S1
Course: #3018, S2
Grade(s) offered: grade 10, grade 11, grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: A or B in Physical Science Honors; A in general Physical Science; AP 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.
Course: #3024
Grade(s) offered: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (single semester course)
Prerequisites: None
A one-semester course designed to investigate and analyze earth and space systems.
Course: #
3005 S1, 3007 S2
Grade offered: Grade 9
Credits:
0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites:
A or B in 8th-grade Algebra; A or B in 8th grade Science
Course Description:
This year-long course will give students a well-rounded overview of the evolution of the Earth by studying the Earth’s Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Climate, Plate Tectonics, the Rock Cycle and Earth Resources. This course will also cover some basics of Astronomy along with fundamentals of the tools of science including the scientific method and basic laboratory techniques. Topics are similar to those in general-level courses but are studied in depth with more emphasis on higher-level thinking skills in problem-solving. In this honors level course, students will be expected to use more math skills in their investigation of earth science topics
Course: #
3001 S1, 3003 S2
Grade offered: Grade 9
Credits:
0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites:
None
This year-long course will give students a well-rounded overview of the evolution of the Earth by studying the Earth’s Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Climate, Plate Tectonics, the Rock Cycle, and Earth Resources. This course will also cover some basics of Astronomy along with fundamentals of the tools of science including the scientific method and basic laboratory techniques.
Course: #
T3090F*, #T3090W*, Tonka Online
*Select term F=fall, W= winter
Grade(s) offered: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (single semester course)
Course Description:
Explore scientific discoveries and advancements in a context of non-fiction texts and media.
Course: #3048
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11 or Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (single semester course)
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.
Course: #
3049
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11 or Grade 12
Credits:
0.5 (single semester course)
Prerequisites:
Forensic Science I
Forensic Science II builds upon skills learned in Forensic Science I. Students will be introduced to techniques and ideas relevant for the use in solving crimes related to criminal profiling, arson, toxicology, DNA analysis and ballistics.
Course: #3020
Online Option: #T3020,Tonka Online
This course can also be taken through VANTAGE #V200 (choose one)
Grade(s) offered: grade 10, grade 11, grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (single semester course)
Prerequisites: Chemistry
A course for students interested in how the human body works, including anatomy (body structure) and physiology (body functions).
Course: #V200
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11 or Grade 12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course) science elective credit
This course is offered as part of the VANTAGE Health Sciences track. For details about taking Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 through VANTAGE, visit the VANTAGE page of the Skipper Log.
Course #3022
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (single semester course)
Prerequisites: Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 or VANTAGE Health Science Human Anatomy, and Chemistry
This course is for students with an interest in how the human body works and healthcare-related fields.
Course: #IB304, S1
Course: #IB306, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: IB Biology S
After taking IB Biology SL, seniors can enroll in the second-year course of IB Biology HL. During year two, HL Biology covers topics on biotechnology, evolution, human physiology, ecology and conservation, and botany.
Course: #IB300, S1
Course: #IB302, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Chemistry or Chemistry Honors for IB Biology SL course
IB Biology SL will concentrate on cell biology, biochemistry, DNA and biotechnology, genetics, and evolution.
Course: #IB308, S1
Course: #IB310, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (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.
Course: #IB316, S1
Course: #IB318, S2
Grade(s) offered: grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science SL
This continuation of IB SEHS SL covers the endocrine, integumentary, immune, and nervous systems.
Course: #IB312, S1
Course: #IB314, S2
Grade(s) offered: grade 11, grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Chemistry
This course incorporates human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, skill acquisition, psychology, and nutrition, in the context of sport, exercise, and health.
Course: #
3120, S1
Course: #3122, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grades 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of an honors level science course or teacher recommendation.
Students in this course will focus on developing experimental designs and communicating research in optimizing function, enhancing injury resiliency, and ensuring lifelong health in human performance. This introductory course allows students to engage and learn about the research process with a more structured research project and will have more direct instruction than what is offered in Scientific Research 1 and 2.
Course: #V200
Grade(s) offered: 11 or 12
Credits: 0.25 science elective credit
This course is offered as part of the VANTAGE Health Sciences track. For details about taking Medical Sciences through VANTAGE, visit the VANTAGE page of the Skipper Log.
Course: #T3023
Grade(s) offered: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (single semester course)
Prerequisites: None
Neuroscience is a semester-long evidence-based science elective which covers how the human brain works in relation to cognition, memory, and learning.
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: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Practical applications are used to explore topics in optics, wave motion, mechanics, energy, and electricity.
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
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.
Course: #T7204S, summer only
Grade(s) offered: grade 10, grade 11, grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (summer course)
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.
Course: #T7202S, summer only, Tonka Online
Grade(s) offered: grade 9, grade 10, grade 11, grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (summer course)
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.
Course: #3040, S1
Course: #3042, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: 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.
Course: #3008, S1
Course: #3010, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (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.
Course: #3032, S1
Course: #3034, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: 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.
Course: #3100, S1
Course: #3102, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (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.
Course: #3104, S1
Course: #3106, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (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.
Course: #3052
Grade(s) offered: Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 0.5 (single semester course)
This course completes .5 of a Science credit.
Prerequisites: None
This science elective course examines geologic processes, wildlife and plant life through the lens of National and State Parks and Forests.
Minnetonka Public Schools adheres to academic standards developed by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
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