Science

All students are required to complete 3.0 credits of science including a year of Biology (1.0 credit) as well as a year of either Chemistry or Physics (1.0 credit). Students graduating in 2028 or later are also required to complete a year of high school Earth Science (1.0 credit).
 

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.

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: 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.

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AP Chemistry

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.

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AP Physics 1 - Grade 9

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.

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

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.

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AP Physics C: Mechanics

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.

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AP Physics C-Mechanics (Tonka Online)

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.

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Astronomy

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.

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Astronomy (Tonka Online)

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.

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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: 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.

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Chemistry

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.

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Chemistry Honors

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.

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View of planet earth from above with clouds over mountains

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

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Earth view from above, green grass and rocky canyon

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.

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Forensic Science I

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.

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a scientist examines finger prints with a magnifying glass

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.

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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: 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).

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IB Biology HL

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.

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IB Biology SL

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.

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IB Physics SL

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. 

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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: 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.

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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

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: 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.

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Pre-AP Chemistry (Tonka Online)

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.

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Principles of Biology

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.

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Principles of Chemistry

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.

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Principles of Physics

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.

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students in biology class