Molalla High School is rich with science course offerings. We invite you to expand your horizons and become an explorer
Course Links
Biology A .5 credit
Students will be introduced to the study of: Organic Macromolecules, Cellular Processes, Ecology, Organization of Living Things, Matter & Energy, and Human Impact in the Biosphere
Oceanography is an elective science course designed to introduce students to the physical and biological aspects of the ocean environment. This introductory course will include laboratory activities, research, and a field trip. There will be a field trip fee of $25 required for the mandatory field trip to the coast.
Astronomy .5 credit
"Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives." See the world in a whole new light. Study science discovery as it happens. What are stars, nebula, black holes, meteors and more? Use, build and learn about the technologies and tools used to study the skies. Use real NASA data to plan landings, identify features, to infer geologic history. Engineer structures to withstand the volatile features of space travel and put hem to the test. And of course.... Star Gaze.
The course has been structured to meet Oregon State Standards. Oregon has adopted the NGSS standards. These are included on the back of this page. Students will be introduced to the study of: DNA, Protein Synthesis, Cellular Reproductive Processes, Genetics, Inheritance of Adaptations, Natural Selection, and Evolution.
This science course will look at the study of natural resources and the relationship of living things to each other and to their environment. The course offers a systems approach to these relationships. Upon completion of this course the student will have a better understanding of the complex interrelation between the environment, development, population, resources, and change due to the manipulation of resources. Students will be expected to participate in field studies.
Science Technology and Society .5 credit
What is additive engineering (3-D printing), nano technology, systems modeling, creative engineering, environmental engineering? How can technology help society? How can it hurt society? What is on the technology horizon? Come find out the answers to these and other questions. Take STS.
Other Science Courses
Integrated Science Grade 9 1 Credit SC
This is a two-trimester lab-and-project-based course aligned with national Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and designed to develop students' scientific proficiency in three dimensions: 1) Practices that include Science Inquiry and Engineering Design; 2) Crosscutting Concepts that incorporate overarching ideas such as Systems, Models, Patterns and Cause and Effect; and 3) Disciplinary Core Ideas that consist of key organizing concepts from physics and engineering/technology/science applications. In the process, students will develop their scientific literacy - the ability to critically read, write, and speak on science content and processes.
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN (PLTW) Grades 9-12 1 Credit SC
Students will learn the engineering design process, technical drawing for the manufacturing industry and 3D modeling software in conjunction with a 3D printer to help them design solutions to solve proposed challenges. Students will learn how to document their work and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. This course is designed for 9th or 10th grade students. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards and technical documentation.
CHEMISTRY Grades 10 1 Credit SC
This first-year chemistry course includes the study of the materials that make up the world around us. Students will participate in various scenarios including a crime scene to understand chemical and physical properties, a hazardous spill to practice separating mixtures, and making ice cream to study energy. Students will learn how chemical reactions happen all around us every day.
HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS (PLTW)* Grades 11-12 1 Credits SC
The rigorous and relevant course is part of the PLTW Biomedical Science sequence that allows students to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals as they study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. Students engage in activities like investigating the death of a fictional person to learn content in the context of real-world cases. They examine the structures and interactions of human body systems and explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease; all while working collaboratively to understand and design solutions to the most pressing health challenges of today and the future. Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.