Category: Science

Earth Science A & B

Written by Jodie Hirsch on January 25, 2021. Posted in Course Catalog, OC, Science, Summer Course Offerings.

Course Length:

Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)

Course Description:

This course will study the phenomena affecting the formation, history and current conditions of Earth, including its oceans and atmosphere. Topics include astronomy, geology, oceanography, and meteorology. Students will discover how earth science affects their lives by exploring topics related to Montana.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:

http://mtda.link/earthscience

Required Materials

One sheet of plain white paper
Several sheets of old newspaper, or wax paper if available
One water-based marker (Note: do not use permanent marker)
One spray bottle containing water (place on “mist” setting)
Digital camera, if available
Water
A clean penny
Food coloring
Vegetable oil
Clear plastic cups
Dropper or Pipette
Ice cube
Black pepper
A bowl
Dish soap
Sponge or cloth
A heating source (sunlight, lamp, etc…) or a cooling source (refrigerator)
Balloon
Measuring tape or string and a ruler
Chocolate chip cookie
Toothpicks (flat and round)
Paperclips
Graph paper
Stopwatch, timer, or clock with second hand
One styrofoam ball or white table-tennis ball
One dowel rod, pencil, or another long holder for the sphere
Tape, if needed
Darkened room, preferably without windows
One lamp or source of light
Pan
Raw egg
Cracking device such as a teaspoon
Paper towels or newspaper

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A semester available
Spring: B semester available

Lead Teacher:

Bill Stockton, Arlee High School, bill.stockton@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Biology A & B

Written by Jodie Hirsch on January 25, 2021. Posted in Course Catalog, OC, Science, Summer Course Offerings.

Course Length:

Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)

Course Description:

Biology is a rigorous course that will introduce students to the living world around them. This course contains a mix of lab activities, projects, collaborative projects (not during Summer Sessions), video resources, and interactive learning activities. Topics include Chemistry of Life, Cells, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution, Classification, and Anatomy & Physiology. Critical thinking and writing skills will be developed throughout the course through reflective discussion questions.

Prerequisites:

Successful students exhibit strong individual study skills and have usually completed their freshman year of High School.

Comprehensive Syllabus:

Biology Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

Biology A

Required: Materials for student-designed laboratory set-up in lesson 2.01 (materials will vary)

Optional:

raw egg
string or thread or yarn
ruler
white vinegar
tap water
jar with a lid (like a mayonnaise jar)

Biology B Required:

Timer or watch that counts seconds
Sink
Blindfold
Washable paint or Food Coloring
Paper Towels
Soap

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

In addition to the MTDA general software requirements, this specific course requires that students should have access to word processing software (Microsoft Office for example). Free versions are available online (OpenOffice, LibreOffice)

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A semester available
Spring: B semester available

Lead Teacher:

Chris Putzler, Flathead High School, chris.putzler@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Chemistry A & B

Written by Jodie Hirsch on January 25, 2021. Posted in Course Catalog, OC, Science.

Course Length:

Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to study electrons and their interactions as they relate to matter. Topics include atomic structure, bonding, measurement, reactions, acids and bases, stoichiometry and gas laws. Students predict, design, experiment and describe the chemical interactions of everyday life. Problem-solving skills will be developed and enhanced. Mathematical relationships are emphasized as well as modern scientific theory.

Prerequisites:

Algebra I, some familiarity with the metric system, use of scientific calculators

Comprehensive Syllabus:

Chemistry Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

The following materials are required for this course and must be provided by the student:

Scientific calculator
Distilled water
Rubbing alcohol
Vegetable oil
Iodine
Sodium chloride (Table salt)
Acetic acid (Vinegar)
Test tubes or clear plastic cups
Tablespoon or teaspoon
Stirring sticks
Permanent marker
Sugar
Lemon juice
Thermometer
Two Styrofoam cups
Measuring cup
Grape juice or orange juice or tomato juice or whole milk
13 plastic cups (12 oz)
Ruler
Heat source
Kitchen scale
Sugar cubes
Granulate sugar
Three to four packages of powdered drink (6.6 oz)

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A semester available
Spring: B semester available
Summer: Not available
Course is not available to join at semester without permission from MTDA Curriculum Director and Instructor.

Lead Teacher:

Rick Dees, Huntley Project High School, rick.dees@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Physics A & B

Written by Jodie Hirsch on January 25, 2021. Posted in Course Catalog, OC, Science.

Course Length:

Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)

Course Description:

In this course, physics will be studied by entering ‘Physics World’. In each “Physics World” module, students discover the contributions of geniuses like Galileo, Newton, and Einstein. In their work, you’ll learn the concepts, theories, and laws that govern the interaction of matter, energy, and forces. From tiny atoms to galaxies with millions of stars, the universal laws of physics are there for students to observe and apply. Using laboratory activities, videos, software, and websites, students follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest thinkers. The study of physics is a valuable part of the general education of any student. Learning to examine the parts of a problem in order to find solutions will be useful throughout a person’s life.

Prerequisites:

Physics is a mathematics-driven course, and students should have a successful foundation of algebra in their past classes. At a minimum, students should have successfully completed Algebra I and be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II. Algebra skills will be applied to understanding Physics concepts in solving problems as well as using these concepts to lab development and problem-solving.

Comprehensive Course Guide:

Physics Public Course Guide

Required Materials:

Students should have a metric ruler, protractor and graph paper.
A list of supplies needed for each module will be included at the beginning of each module under the title “materials.”
Calculator-Students will need a scientific calculator with logarithmic functions and scientific notation capabilities.
UnitedStreaming Access-UnitedStreaming is a digital video and image library resource used throughout the course.
Graphing Analysis Software-Please check with your administrator for your schools’ access information for this resource. This is a free application.

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

This specific course requires students to have:
The current minimum Flash Player required by your school.
Disk space on your computer as well as an external device to back up files (flash drive, external hard drive, CD–Rom, etc.)
Printer

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A semester available
Spring: B semester available
Summer: Not available

Lead Teacher:

Annie Gustafson, Kalispell Public Schools, annie.gustafson@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Oceanography

Written by Jodie Hirsch on January 25, 2021. Posted in Course Catalog, OC, Science.

Course Length:

one-semester course

Course Description:

Oceanography provides an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge about the biological, physical, and chemical properties of marine ecosystems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the oceanography topics are explored through hands-on labs, research projects and video field trips. Oceanography encourages students to investigate both the marine world and the environmental issues that people must consider when using the oceans many resources.

Prerequisites:

Students must have a basic understanding of the Scientific Method and how scientists conduct research. Students should have some background in general biology, physics and chemistry, such as gained from a Physical Science or General Science course.

Comprehensive Syllabus:

Oceanography Syllabus

Required Materials:

web camera, microphone

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

In addition, this specific course requires that your computer should be equipped with a webcam and microphone of some sort. Students may be asked to record themselves for specific assignments.

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: semester available
Spring: semester available

Lead Teacher:

Ally Reamy, Columbia Falls Public Schools, ally.reamy@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Astronomy

Written by Jodie Hirsch on January 25, 2021. Posted in Course Catalog, OC, Science.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

Astronomy is the study of the universe, and this in-depth course provides a detailed study of the subject. As with all MTDA courses, students should expect to spend 4 to 7 hours a week. This course is separated into eight units. Each unit will include a detailed reading assignment, a video segment, a quiz, and a hands-on do-it-yourself laboratory experiment. The course is designed for students that have 9th/10th-grade reading level or better to navigate the text-based lessons.

Prerequisites:

Algebra I

Comprehensive Syllabus:

Astronomy Syllabus link

Required Materials:

Most materials are common household products or can be borrowed from teachers at the school you are attending such as metric rulers, tape, index cards, balance scales, and possibly even sand. Some materials you may need to find at a local dollar store if you don’t have them at home such as a balloon for the expanding universe lab. Each lab has a materials list which you will need to get together for each unit. For a complete list of needed materials please click here.

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

This course has limited enrollment availability and is first-come, first-serve. This limit is firm.

Fall: semester available with limited enrollment availability
Spring: semester available with limited enrollment availability
Summer: not available

Lead Teacher:

Jaret Stump, Glacier High School, jaret.stump@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

Veterinary Science: The Care of Animals

Written by Jodie Hirsch on January 25, 2021. Posted in Course Catalog, OC, Science.

Course Length:

One semester

Course Description:

As animals play an increasingly important role in our lives, scientists have sought to learn more about their health and well-being. Taking a look at the pets that live in our homes, on our farms, and in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, this course will examine some of the common diseases and treatments for domestic animals. Toxins, parasites, and infectious diseases impact not only the animals around us, but at times…we humans as well! Through veterinary medicine and science, the prevention and treatment of diseases and health issues is studied and applied.

Prerequisites:

None

Comprehensive Syllabus:

Veterinary Science Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

None

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

This course has limited enrollment availability and is first come, first serve. This limit is firm.

Fall: semester available with limited enrollment availability
Spring: semester available with limited enrollment availability
Summer: not available

Lead Teacher:

Kaylee Fox, Kalispell Public Schools, kaylee.fox @montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

AP® Biology A & B

Written by Jodie Hirsch on January 25, 2021. Posted in Advanced Placement, Course Catalog, OC, Science.

Course Length:

Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)

Course Description:

AP Biology is a course designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. This course follows the AP curriculum and prepares students for the AP Biology exam in May. It is designed to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and an appreciation of science as a process. Essential to this conceptual understanding are a grasp of science as a process, personal experience in inquiry, application of major topics, critical thinking, and environmental and social concerns through research.

Prerequisites:

Students should have successfully completed high school courses in biology and chemistry.
Advanced Placement courses are open to all high school students, but students should be prepared for college-level work and have strong reading, writing, and analytical skills.
Access the site link below to view the PDF of the course description from the College Board: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-biology?course=ap-biology

Comprehensive Syllabus:

http://mtda.link/apbiology

Required Materials:

TEXTBOOK REQUIREMENTS:

All students will have access to the content from the course textbook: OpenStax – AP Biology. The book is integrated into the course on OpenLMS.

LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS:

All students are required to have and use a laboratory notebook (quad-ruled) as evidence of completed work. This may be needed upon applying for college credit.
Several take-home labs will require students to use common household items, with some additional grocery-store-type items being required as well.

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A semester available
Spring: B semester available
Summer: Not available
Course is not available to join at semester without permission from MTDA Curriculum Director and Instructor.

Lead Teacher:

Jessica Henze, Deer Lodge Schools, jessica.henze@montanadigitalacademy.org

PLEASE SEE YOUR LOCAL COUNSELOR TO REGISTER FOR MTDA COURSES

AP® Environmental Science A & B

Written by Jodie Hirsch on January 21, 2021. Posted in Advanced Placement, Course Catalog, OC, Science.

Course Length:

Two one-semester courses (students must independently register for each semester)

Course Description:

The goal of Environmental Science is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world and to identify and analyze environmental problems that are natural and human-made. Students will evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing problems. Laboratories support student content mastery with hands-on experiences.

Prerequisites:

Students are assumed to have previous knowledge of basic high school biology, earth science, and chemistry principles. This knowledge is usually gained by previously taking and passing each of these courses. Students are responsible for making sure they have the previous knowledge described at the beginning of each section. Students must complete semester A prior to semester B.

Comprehensive Syllabus:

AP Environmental Science Public Syllabus

Required Materials:

None

Specific Technical/Software Requirements in Addition to General Requirements:

All students are required to have and use a laboratory notebook as evidence of completed work. This may be needed upon applying for college credit.
Several take-home labs will require students to use common household items, with some additional grocery-store type items being required as well.
Please review the general original credit software requirements at http://mtda.link/techreq

Course Availability (subject to resource and teacher availability):

Fall: A semester available
Spring: B semester available
Summer: Not available
Course is not available to join at semester without permission from MTDA Curriculum Director and Instructor.

Lead Teacher:

Kaylee Fox, Kalispell Public Schools, kaylee.fox@montanadigitalacademy.org