Science
The science graduation requirement is three years in a laboratory science. This includes a physical science, a biological science, and one year of an elective science. These are to be taken sequentially starting freshman year. Students preparing to enter an Illinois public college or university should plan to complete four years of laboratory science as required for admission. Students preparing for a career in science or science related field should take five courses in science.
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Course Descriptions
“The important thing in Science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them.” ~ Sir. William Bragg, Physicist
biology
Prerequisite: None
Credits: 1
Grades: 9 - 12
Length: 1 Year
This introductory course is for the academically motivated, college bound student. It focuses on the scientific study of life. The classical approach to biology includes the following principles: cellular organization, biochemistry, homeostasis, genetics, evolution and taxonomy. The course content parallels the regular biology course but is presented at an accelerated pace and/or in greater depth. This is a lab-oriented course with an emphasis on inquiry and experimentation.
honors biology
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation. Reading comprehension above grade level
Credits: 1
Grades: 9 - 12
Length: 1 Year
The content of this course includes biochemistry, cellular structure and function, genetics and development, evolution, and taxonomic classification. The course content is similar to that of Biology College Prep with the pace being accelerated and the material presented in greater depth. There will be an increased emphasis of laboratory techniques, research, projects, and additional reading material.
environmental science
Prerequisite: Biology
Credits: 1
Grades: 10 - 12
Length: 1 Year
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary science. It is a project-based course that applies scientific information to the real world study and management of the environment. Environmental science describes the natural world, its ecological principles, human interactions, and cultural factors that shape environmental issues. This course is suitable for college bound non-science / non-math majors.
earth science
Prerequisite: Biological Science
Credit: 1
Grades: 11 - 12
Length: 1 Year
This elective course focuses on the forces that shape the earth. Laboratory investigations and course content emphasizes the concepts of organization of matter and energy, earth systems, and outer space. Current issues such as a diminishing water supply, waste disposal problems, greenhouse effect, and the utilization of the earth’s energy, mineral, and human resources will be discussed. It is a laboratory and activity oriented course integrating many of the concepts across the science disciplines emphasized elsewhere in the science curriculum (geologic time, vastness of space, etc.). This college preparatory lab science features many challenging laboratory activities.
chemistry
Prerequisite: Biology & Algebra 1
Credits: 1
Grades: 11 - 12
Length: 1 Year
This chemistry course explores the fundamental topics of chemistry in depth. This is a lab-oriented, in-depth study of the fundamental concepts of chemistry. This course includes the study of measurement, classification of matter, stoichiometry, gas laws, kinetic theory, atomic structure, bonding, periodic table, reaction rate/equilibrium, acids/bases, and solutions. Laboratory work is an essential component. This course is suitable for college bound math and science majors.
honors chemistry
Prerequisite: Recommendation, Biology & Algebra 1
Credits: 1
Grades: 11 - 12
Length: 1 Year
This is a fast-paced, highly mathematical course which studies properties of matter, chemical formulas and symbols, writing and balancing equations, stoichiometry, the atomic structure, periodic table, solutions, thermodynamics, reaction rates, and acids/bases. The laboratory work is more comprehensive and more attention is pad to data analysis. When appropriate, computers are used for data collection and analysis. This course is recommended for students who plan on enter college majoring in a science or math-related field.
advanced placement chemistry
Prerequisite: Recommendation, Chemistry & Algebra 2 with a B or better
Credits: 1
Grades: 11 - 12
Length: 1 Year
This course is designed to be the equivalent of the first year college course in general chemistry. The class work assumes the mastery of mathematics and a high level of understanding from the first year course in chemistry. Topics covered include thermodynamics, stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry. This course differs significantly from other high school courses in the range and depth of topics, kind of laboratory work, and the time and effort required of students.
physics
Prerequisite: Recommendation, Chemistry, Algebra 1 & Geometry with a C or better (Algebra 2 highly
recommended)
Credits: 1
Grades: 11 - 12
Length: 1 Year
This sequence includes the study of mechanics of motion, the relationship of light, sound, heat, quantum theory, nuclear physic, and electromagnetic waves. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of measurement, graphical analysis of motion, the Law of Conservation of Momentum, the application of work, and power to energy. Data collection and quantitative analysis problems using appropriate formulae through laboratory and classroom work will be emphasized.