Environmental
Science
West Allis Central High School
There are actually 2 unique classes offered at West Allis Central High School for Environmental Science. In the Fall, course #4210 is offered, and in the Spring, course #4220 is offered. Students can sign up for one or the other. Taking both for the entire year will tie concepts learned together quite well, and will give students a tremendous amount of opportunities for hands-on exploration and first-hand learning experiences. Please read the course catalog descriptions below for specific information about prerequisites and subjects covered by semester.
4210 Environmental Science – Fall Semester
Grade 12
Prerequisite: B or better in Biology (4100 or 4120); Completion of Chemistry (4300 or 4311). Seniors satisfying prerequisites will be given priority for available spaces in the course based on class rank and/or instructor approval.
This course is designed to increase students’ awareness of environmental issues within Wisconsin. Topics
for semester I include a historical look at the environment, prairie and forest vegetation, water quality issues,
fish of Wisconsin, wildlife management in Wisconsin, air quality, and endangered species. Field research,
guest speakers, and field trips may be utilized to enhance the units covered throughout the course. Individual
and group projects are required in this course.
4220 Environmental Science – Spring Semester
Grade 12
Prerequisite: B or better in Biology (4100 or 4120); Completion of Chemistry (4300 or 4311). Seniors satisfying prerequisites will be given priority for available spaces in the course based on class rank and/or instructor approval.
This course is designed to increase students’ awareness of environmental issues within Wisconsin. Winter
topics for semester II include winter wildlife adaptations, animal tracking, mammals of Wisconsin, winter
survival, and energy conservation. Spring topics covered include global population, cartography (mapping)
and orienteering, land use planning in West Allis, waste management, agriculture, mining, forestry, birds of
Wisconsin, and exotic species. Field research, guest speakers, and field trips may be utilized to enhance the
units covered throughout the course. Individual and group projects are required in this course.