Greenwood science students have received thirteen Grand Prize and five First Alternate awards at the Ozarks Science and Engineering Fair over the past eleven years. These students have gone on to study at Duke, Princeton, Yale and other well-known research universities.
Integrated iScience 7 (1 unit, grade 7)
Integrated iScience 7 provides students with an opportunity to explore major concepts in life science, physical science, and earth and space science, generating interest in the process of science and establishing a foundation of living things, changes and interactions of living things, matter, energy and motion, the dynamic earth, and the solar system. Students will experience a variety of learning methods, including cooperative groups, laboratory work, scientific inquiry, and the use of technology, and will have the opportunity to participate in science competitions.
Integrated iScience 8 (1 unit, grade 8) --Integrated iScience 8 provides instruction in life science, physical science, and earth and space science, building a strong foundation that will prepare students for additional studies in biology, chemistry and physics. Topic will include the laws of motion, energy and work, sound and light, interactions of matter, the universe, earth and geologic changes, ecosystems and environmental impact, body systems, and heredity. A variety of learning methods will be used, including cooperative groups, laboratory work, scientific inquiry, use of technology, and oral presentations. Students will have the opportunity to participate in science competitions during this course.
Biology I (1 unit)
Prerequisites: Integrated iScience 7 and 8
Biology is designed to provide students with basic knowledge and skills in core biological concepts, including the nature of life, ecology, cells, genetics, evolution, microorganisms, plants, animals, and the human body. This course is valuable for students who are interested in careers in medicine, nursing, physical education, forestry, and ecology. It will help students to think critically about concepts and relate them to the world in which we live. A variety of learning methods will be used, including cooperative learning groups, the use of technology, oral presentations, laboratory work, and scientific inquiry. Biology has been designated as an EOC course by the state of Missouri.
Advanced Biology (1 unit)
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Advanced Biology is a college prep course that builds on basic biological concepts to provide students with a working knowledge of and appreciation for complex biological processes. Key topics include biochemistry, microbiology, comparative animal biology, cell structure and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, genetics, biotechnology and genomics, and human anatomy and physiology. This is an excellent course for students who are considering a career health fields. A variety of learning methods will be used, including cooperative group work, individual work, inquiry, and laboratory work. Dissections will be required
Chemistry I (1 unit)
Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course is designed to provide students with a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of chemistry, with a focus on laboratory work, communication, and problem solving. Topics include the properties and structure of matter, the periodic table, chemical bonding and chemical reactions, stoichiometry, energy and chemical changes, solutions, acids and bases, and nuclear chemistry. Students will have opportunities to work both cooperatively and independently, use technology, make presentations, and participate in one or more science competitions.
Advanced Chemistry (1 unit)
Prerequisites: Chemistry I, Geometry
This course is a second year chemistry course that provides additional depth and application of math skills to topics studied in Chemistry, with a focus on advanced topics such as thermodynamics, reaction rates, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, and organic chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on analytical problem solving, communication skills, and laboratory work, with an independent research project to be entered in the Ozarks Science and Engineering Fair.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Physics is an introductory course that stresses a conceptual understanding of and appreciation for the fundamental concepts of physics, including motion, energy, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, and nuclear science. The course emphasizes problem solving and critical thinking and employs an inquiry approach to clarify complex concepts. Students will have opportunities to use technology as they work cooperatively, work independently, do research, and participate in laboratory exercises. Student will also have the opportunity to participate in one or more science competitions. The principles and skills developed in this course are applicable to all of the sciences as well as technology and engineering.(Completion of or concurrent enrollment in geometry is strongly encouraged.)
Advanced Physics (1 unit)
Prerequisites: Physics, Geometry and Algebra II
Advanced Physics provides additional depth and application of math skills to topics studied in Physics, and includes advanced topics such as rotational motion, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and quantum mechanics. Emphasis is placed on describing, analyzing, and explaining as students solve problems, describe natural phenomena mathematically, perform controlled experiments, and participate in individual and group research and inquiry. An integral part of the course will be the development of a science fair project. This course is supported by concurrent enrollment in Physics Literacy. This course can be taken concurrently with Algebra II with teacher permission.