Grosse Pointe North Science Department

Below are the requirements and recommendations for science courses here at Grosse Pointe North high school. Select a course for a description.
Requirements: Students are required to complete 20 credits in science.
Grade 9 students must take a science course.
The required 20 credits must include:
10 credits in foundational biological science and 10 credits in a foundational physical science.
Recommendations: Students who plan a four-year college experience should take at least 10 more credits in foundational science courses.

This course develops the key physical and Earth science concepts included in both state and national standards. It emphasizes technology and develops both mathematical and writing skills. Areas of study include plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, Earth materials, groundwater, erosion, geological hazards, mining, separation of mixtures, law of conservation of mass, atomic model, weather forecasting, spectral analysis, Earth-Moon system and seasons.

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Honors Earth Science emphasized a more rigorous development of topics (see 401) at a faster pace and with greater use of mathematics. This course is designed to be challenging for freshmen with a high interest in science and mathematics who are likely to continue high school science in Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry and Honors Physics.

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Honors Biology is a highly challenging course using Biological Science Curriculum Study materials in studying the diversity of living things and their dynamic process. Emphasis is placed upon understanding how living systems work. A biochemical approach is used to study cellular processes and systems of the body including human genetics. Laboratory exercises repeat landmark discoveries which shaped scientific thinking in the development of major theories (cell, germ, gene, evolution). Students wanting a challenging science should elect 404 as it prepares for advanced study in biology , health and the environment.

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This is a lab-oriented overview of living processes, anatomy, classification, major theories (cell, germ, gene, evolution), similarities and diversity in life forms, heredity, the biological basis for behavior and the relationships of living things with one another and the environment. College-bound students wishing a survey course in biological science will find this course stimulating and informative. There is an emphasis on cell biology and biochemistry of living things in this lab-oriented general overview of the general knowledge an educated person needs to understand the technological process being made. This course is designed for the college-bound student, but does not reach the depths of Honors Biology 404.

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Life Science provides a general awareness of life and its process. While the topics are those of Biology 405, they are not developed as rigorously. This course fulfills the one-year biological science requirement for graduation and is especially designed for students who have had difficulty with science or reading skills.

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The Honors Chemistry course is designed for college-bound students aiming for later advanced college experiences in science. The learners consider the underlying principles and theories of chemistry. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, qualitative and quantitative relationships involving atomic theory and structure, mole-mass relationships, chemical reaction types and stoichiometry, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, chemical equilibrium, acid-base models and pH, thermochemistry, chemical thermodynamics, kinetics and electrochemistry. Students approach chemistry from a quantitative basis; the experimental basis of theories is stressed. Students may expect typical activities such as discussion sessions, demonstrations, and lab work carefully integrated with the other activities. Technology is used when applicable.

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This chemistry course is aimed at students interested in chemistry but who may not be considering a career in the sciences. The same problem solving skills that are used in Algebra are implemented in this course. Typical activities are discussion sessions, demonstrations, lab work and computer lab work which integrate into course materials. This is a college preparatory science offering. This course is designed for the college-bound student but does not reach the depth of Honors Chemistry 411.

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AP Physics is a 2nd year, calculus-based physics class that parallels that of the first semester physics that would be taken by a student majoring in chemistry, mathematics, engineering or physics.   The material address the areas of linear mechanics, statics and dynamics (linear & rotational), harmonic motion, and gravitation. Although heavy in problem solving the approach focuses on deep conceptual development. 

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This course is designed for high ability math students who plan a career in engineering or the sciences and anticipate having to take a physics course in college. Students with a background in trigonometry will find problem solving easier. Major topics include, kinematics, dynamics, optics, waves, electricity and magnetism.

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Physics is a general survey course for students who are interested in physics but do not plan a career in science or engineering. It is also directed at those students who may have to take physics or physical science in college. A background in trigonometry is not assumed. Major topics include, kinematics, dynamics, optics, waves, electricity and magnetism.

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The curriculum of AP Biology parallels that of a freshmen level college biology course. The content is from three areas: Molecules and Cells, Heredity and Evolution, and Organisms and Populations. The approach to learning concentrates on topics, concepts and themes rather than memorization of facts. Lab work, much of which has been developed by the AP Biology Development Committee, is a significant form of assessment.

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Environmental Science is a choice to be considered for the college-bound student who wants to complete a 40-50 credit science sequence. Students are introduced to complex environmental issues. This course will raise student awareness by investigating causes, effects, and devising solutions for today's and tomorrow's ecological dilemmas. Topics include ecosystems, wildlife, populations, pollution, energy concerns, land use, conservation, food additives, health and career options. Activities include individual and group projects, field trips, lab work, technology applications, research, and collaborative discussions.

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Advanced Placement Environmental Science offers curriculum equivalent to a freshmen level college course. Course content include the study of ecological principles, human resourced, environmental quality, and wilderness management. Emphasis is placed on gathering, analyzing and interpreting data through a variety of laboratory experiences. Activities include lectures and discussions, experimentation, field work, research projects.

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Physiology is a semester course for students wishing to prepare for careers in medical and related fields. This second course in biology is limited to the functions of body systems, organs, tissues and cells. It is not intended to replace Chemistry or Physics.

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Microbiology is for students who wish to prepare for careers in medical and related fields. This is a lab-oriented course covering a variety of basic techniques of a microbiologist. They may wish to combine this course with Physiology in a one-year sequence. Students who intend to go into demanding medical careers should seriously consider Physics and Chemistry as well an Physiology and Microbiology courses.

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Students prepare for the advanced placement (AP) test by enrolling in this college-level chemistry course. Success on the AP test and the advanced laboratory experiences may lead to second-year work in the college chemistry sequence while still freshmen, or to immediate work in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite, or to savings of some college costs. In AP chemistry, basic concepts already studies are extended, e.g. structure is studied from atomic models through applications with coordinator compounds. There is much opportunity for working in the laboratory.

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This is a college level course which uses investigative techniques to study the Earth's surface and interior process. Problems such as: dwindling energy and mineral resources, management of water resources, assessment of natural hazards like volcanoes, earth quakes and landslides, erosion implications and land use planning will be investigated. Field trips will be offered. Emphasis is placed on Michigan Geology. Geology offers another choice for the serious science-oriented student.

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Astronomy is a course that presents a general inventory of the universe, from solar system bodies to galaxies. Students consider theories about the scale, content and motion of objects in space from both historical perspectives and through the use of current technologies. The course work involves field exercises, lab work and planetarium experiences.

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