Science

Science Department

It is the goal of the science department to offer every Hill-Murray student a broad background in the physical and biological sciences.

When students graduate from high school, they will face challenges at institutions of higher learning and in their careers. Our students will have skills and strategies to meet these challenge.

We encourage our students to be active life-long science learners, who desire to use their knowledge and gifts to make a positive impact on our world. A solid science background will give them a better understanding of our world and help them make informed decisions.

The Science Department Faculty are:

Required Classes

Seventh Grade

All seventh grade students take a full year of Life Science. This class focuses on: scientific method and measurement, chemistry of life, characteristics of life, use of the microscope, cells, classification of organisms, interactions of living things with their environment, and climate studies. Enrichment activities: Deep Portage Environmental Camp.

Eighth Grade

All eighth grade students take a full year of Earth Science. The main objective of this course is to increase learning through various methods of student involvement such as: labs, videos, computer programs, presentations, hands-on activities, and participation in a science fair. Major topics include: meteorology, astronomy, oceanography, and both physical and historical geology.

Ninth Grade

Physical Science: All ninth grade students take a full year of Physical Science: In the physics portion of this class, students explore kinematics, dynamics, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. The chemistry portion of the course focuses on properties of matter, states of matter and their changes, water, solutions, mixtures, elements, atomic structure, and the periodic table.

Tenth Grade

Biology: All tenth grade students take a full year of Biology. This course focuses on the meaning, scope and wonder of our living world. Topics include: cells, ecology, genetics, taxonomy, evolution, anatomy, and physiology. An emphasis is placed on the relationship between students’ lives and interests and the world around them.

Honors Biology: Honors Biology is open to sophomores upon recommendation by their ninth grade physical science teacher. It is designed for students who have high ability and interest in the sciences. An emphasis is placed on initiative and self-motivation as the branches of biology are explored through laboratories, discussions, and projects.

Elective Classes

Academic achievement, effort, and attitude will determine acceptance into science electives.

Chemistry is an introductory, inorganic, college prep course. It includes laboratory work and qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical systems.

Honors Chemistry is an introductory, inorganic, college prep course designed for students who have a strong mathematical/analytical background. Emphasis is on laboratory performance and the quantitative analysis of chemical systems.

Physics examines the central concepts of physics using a qualitative and quantitative approach. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiments involving engineering concepts that relate physics to everyday life and problem solving. Experiments are both traditional and computer interfaced.

Honors Physics is a college prep course designed for students who have a strong mathematical background. Emphasis is placed on laboratory investigations, physics and engineering problem solving, and abstract reasoning.

Advanced Anatomy and Physiology is a second-year biology course designed for students who want to explore, in depth, the development, anatomy, physiology, and heredity of the human.

Biotechnology examines the use of living organisms and/or their products in order to modify human health and the environment.

Electricity is a “hands on” course exploring various types of electrical circuits and ohms law.

Teen Wellness is a middle school elective designed to explore the physiological and psychological issues faced by these students.

Science Faculty

Faculty Bio

Mary Grau-Stumpf (at Hill-Murray since 1980) received her B.A. in Biology from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, MN and her M.Ed. from the University of St. Thomas. She currently teaches Advanced Anatomy and Physiology, Honors Biology and Biology. She is Department Chair, member of the Steering Commitee for School Improvement and coordinator of Mission Possible.

Terry Goerke (at Hill-Murray since 1977) received her B.S. in Physics, Mathematics, and Education from Winona State University and a M.S. in Physics from the University of Minnesota. She currently teaches Honors Physics, Physics and Electricity.

Lauris Grundmanis (at Hill-Murray since 1998) received his B.S. in Biology from the University of Minnesota and his M.A. in Teaching and M.A. in Religious Education from the University of St. Thomas. He currently teaches Physical Science.

Mary Janssen (at Hill-Murray since 1996) received her B.S. in Chemistry Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She currently teaches Physical Science and Life Science.

Michelle Lee (at Hill-Murray since 2007) received her B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University and her M.S. in Science Education from Syracuse University. She currently teaches Chemistry.

Paul Otto (at Hill-Murray since 1985) received a B.A. in Biology from Bethel College and a B.S. in Education from the University of Minnesota. He currently teaches Biotechnology and Biology. He is the assistant coach for Boys' Golf.

Emily Streeter (at Hill-Murray since 2006) received her B.A. in Biology from the College of St. Benedict and her M.P.H. from the University of Michigan. She currently teaches Earth Science and Biotechnology.

Melanie Townsend
Melanie Townsend (at Hill-Murray from 2001-2003, returned in 2008). She received her B.A. in Chemistry from St. Olaf College and her M.Ed. from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. She currently teaches Honors Chemistry and Chemistry and is the NHS adviser.