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: #AP320, S1
Course: #AP322, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: Physical Science, 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: 10-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
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: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: Chemistry, Physical Science
This is a multidisciplinary course for students interested in the world’s natural environment and related issues.
Course: #V300
Grades Offered: 11 or 12
Credits: 1.0 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: 9
Credits: .5 (per semester)
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: 10-12
Credits: 1.0 (year-long 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 11-12
Credits: 1.0 (year-long 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.
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.
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.
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)
Prerequisites: Physical Science, 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: 10-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
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:10-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
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.
Course: #3024
Grade(s) offered: 10-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: Physical Science or Physical Science Honors
A one-semester course designed to investigate and analyze earth and space systems.
Course: #3048
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
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.
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).
Course: #V200
Grade(s) offered: 11 or 12
Credits: 1.0 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: 11-12
Credits: .5 (one-semester course)
Prerequisites: Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 or VANTAGE Health Science Human Anatomy, Physical Science, and Chemistry
This course is for students with an interest in how the human body works and healthcare-related fields.
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: 1 (Each Year)
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.
Course: #IB308, S1
Course: #IB310, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
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: 12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
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: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: Chemistry, Physical Science
This course incorporates human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, skill acquisition, psychology, and nutrition, in the context of sport, exercise, and health.
Course: #3000, S1
Course: #3002, S2
Grade(s) offered: 9
Credits: .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: None
This required course includes units of measurements, introductory chemistry and introductory physics.
Course: #3004, S1
Course: #3006, S2
Grade(s) offered: 9
Credits: .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: A or B in 8th grade Algebra, A or B in 8th grade Earth Science
This course provides an introduction to the areas of chemistry and physics.
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: 9-12
Credits: .5
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: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: Physical Science or Physical Science Honors
Practical applications are used to explore topics in optics, wave motion, mechanics, energy, and electricity.
Course: #M3036, S1
Course: #M3038, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: 2.0 (year-long 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.
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.
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.
Course: #3040, S1
Course: #3042, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: Physical Science, Chemistry is strongly recommended
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: 10-12
Credits: .5 (per semester
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Physical Science G or Honors
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: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: Physical Science, Quadratic Algebra
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: 10-12
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. Note: It is recommended students take all core sciences of Chemistry, Biology and Physics during their four years.
Interest form: Please complete the interest form for Minnetonka Research before you register in Skyward.
Students will learn the process of, and perform, original scientific research around a scientific topic of interest to them.
Course: #3104, S1
Course: #3106, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Scientific Research #3048 and #3050 and recommendation of a Scientific Research instructor.
This course provides students who participated in Scientific Research 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: 10-12
Credits: .5 (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 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.
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.
Minnetonka Public Schools adheres to academic standards developed by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
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