Science Department

Graduation Requirements

Every student must have two credits of Science to graduate. As a rule, most universities look for a minimum of three science classes. Most universities consider our courses as fulfilling lab-based requirements. State examinations hold students responsible for mastery in four fields: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. All of these are considerations when choosing what science classes to take.

Special Note

The required Science classes are divided into three strands:

• Honors/Advanced Placement Strand
• Traditional/College Preparatory Strand
• Skills-Based Strand (college preparatory with less emphasis on math)

Before you start deciding what courses to take, you should consider the following:

• There are no specific required courses in Science for graduation. Students may choose to take courses for which they have met the prerequisites. Any four semesters of science classes fulfills the graduation requirement at both high schools.
• What follows are some suggestions for what our students have found to be the most rewarding paths to follow in completing their science education at both high schools. The strands are based on the three levels listed above.
• We do not have separate faculties for the three different strands. Teachers in the Honors strands also teach in the other two strands as well. No strand has the “better” or "easier" teachers.
• There is mobility among the strands. Starting in one strand does not mean the student may never move to a different strand. We encourage you to help your child select the strand that will help him or her reach his or her full potential as a student.
• All three strands prepare the students for success at the college level, but because of their pacing and intensity, the top two strands provide the superior college preparatory experience.

In the course descriptions that follow, we have done our best to help students in picking the classes that best suit their needs. We encourage parents to read all the descriptions carefully and to remain an active partner in their child’s education throughout his or her high school education. If you have any questions prior to registering, please call the Science Department Chair of the high school.

Science Department Graduation Check List

Graduation Requirements: Every student must have two credits of Science to graduate. As a rule, most universities look for a minimum of three science classes. State examinations hold students responsible for mastery in four fields: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. All of these are considerations when choosing what science classes to take.
 

Required Science Courses

Freshman

There are no required freshmen Science courses. However, we strongly suggest that all incoming freshmen take one of the following electives:

• Honors Biology
• Biology (Traditional)
• Principles of Life Science (Waubonsie Valley only)

Sophomore

There are no required sophomore Science courses; however, we strongly suggest that all sophomores take at least one of the following electives, noting the other electives as well.

• Honors Chemistry
• Chemistry (Traditional)
• Chemistry/Physics: Introduction to Physics and Chemistry
• Principles of Physical Science (Waubonsie Valley only)

Junior

There are no required junior Science courses; however, we strongly suggest that all juniors take at least one of the following electives, noting the other electives as well.

• Honors Physics
• Physics (Traditional)
• Other Electives

Senior

There are no required senior Science courses, but many students do continue with a fourth year of a science.

Electives

How do I know which course to take?

Advanced Placement Biology (Grades 11,12)
Students who did well in Honors Biology may wish to continue their studies by taking Advanced Placement Biology, a college-level laboratory course dealing with advanced topics in biology. Students must complete twelve mandatory laboratory experiences. This is a rigorous course, preparing students for success on the Advanced Placement exam in the spring and, of course, well into college. Students who take this class their junior year often take another Advanced Placement class their senior year. (One credit)

Advanced Placement Chemistry (Grades 11,12)
Students who did well in Honors Chemistry might want to take Advanced Placement Chemistry, a college-level lab course preparing students for the Advanced Placement exam and college in general. This is a rigorous course stressing student independence and self-reliance. Students who take this class their junior year often take an Advanced Placement science class their senior year. Most of the students who take this course took Honors Chemistry successfully. Students should have completed Algebra II/Trigonometry or Math Analysis before attempting this class. (One credit)

Advanced Placement Environmental Science (Grades 10,11,12)
This is the first Advanced Placement Science course available to high school students. If a freshman did very well in Honors Biology, he or she may want to consider taking this Advanced Placement course along with Honors Chemistry in the sophomore year. This is also a wonderful choice for students who will not participate in other Advanced Placement Science classes to experience an Advanced Placement class. It embraces a wide variety of topics and has field experiences that include a four-day trip to Wisconsin (Neuqua Valley students only), and one-day trips to local settings. There is a fee associated with the class. As an Advanced Placement class it has a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare the student to pass the Advanced Placement test in the spring. (One credit)

Advanced Placement Physics (Grade 12)
This calculus-based college-style physics course is structured to provide a strong preparation in physics for those intending to major in engineering, mathematics, physics, astronomy, or medicine. Students who take this course are interested in passing the Advanced Placement exam and preparing themselves for success in college. It is a rigorous course taken exclusively by seniors. Students intending to take this course should have completed or should be presently enrolled in Calculus. (One credit)

Anatomy and Physiology (Grades 11,12)
This college-level course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of human anatomy and physiology. Particular emphasis is placed on animal dissections to help the students learn how the human body functions. This too, is a strong college-preparatory course that may go well in place of an Advanced Placement science class or along with one. (One credit)

Astronomy (Grades 10,11,12)
This is an introductory course that focuses on observational astronomy. If a student is interested in studying the stars in a fascinating semester course, this is the choice for him or her. Seasonal stars and constellations, their mythologies, and constellation creation are the main focuses of this class. This course is open to any interested students, sophomore through senior level. (.5 credit)

Biology (Grade 9)
This laboratory is the traditional college preparatory biology course. It is organized and conducted to provide college-bound students with a sound and comprehensive understanding of biology. Strong emphasis is given to understanding fundamental biological processes and how they apply to our daily lives. Students who take this course traditionally enroll in Chemistry or the Chemistry/Physics class. (One credit)

Chemistry (Grades 10,11,12)
Students who do well in this class most often enroll next in Physics or one of the many electives. Some students wait until their junior year to take this college preparatory chemistry course. Students who do well in regular Biology and Algebra 1 or Geometry usually continue in this strand. This is a laboratory course covering the basics of chemical principles through lab work, lectures and group projects. (One credit)

Chemistry/Physics: Introduction to Chemistry and Physics (Grades 10,11,12)
If a student struggled through Algebra 1 or took a less intensive math course, then this is the course he or she may wish to take. This course provides students with a solid foundation of physical science and the laboratory techniques used to test and support such knowledge. One semester is an introduction to the principles of chemistry; the other is an introduction to the principles of physics. (One credit)

Cosmic Journey (Grades 10,11,12)
This course will explore the history of the universe. Students who enjoy group work, laboratory experiments and working in a planetarium will enjoy this class. Cosmic Journey involves working with telescopes and includes several field trips. As a prerequisite, students should have finished or be currently enrolled in Geometry when taking this course. This course is offered only at Waubonsie Valley. (One credit)

Earth Science (Grades 11,12)
Earth Science is one of the choices for students not going on into Physics or Chemistry. Students who did well in the Chemistry/Physics course should continue at this level. Students who struggled in traditional Chemistry may also wish to move to this course. This is a sound course studying the science of the Earth itself and completes the major emphases of high school science while preparing the student for a liberal arts college education. Most students who take this course have already completed two years of high school science. (One credit)

Genetics and Biotechnology (Grades 11,12)
This college-level course introduces students to the ever-changing concepts of genetics. It is designed to acquaint students with not only the classical patterns of inheritance but also with the present day research in molecular genetics. This is a strong, college-preparatory course that may go well in place of an Advanced Placement science class or along with one. (One credit)

Greenhouse Management and Floral Design (Grade 12)
This course is a follow-up to Horticulture. It will stress greenhouse management, plant management and floral design. Students will study botany, plant identification, propagation and careers related to the horticulture industry. Extensive use of lab facilities and a greenhouse will give students first- hand knowledge of plant growth and management practices. Students will participate in a greenhouse design and management project. Students who do well may be eligible for articulated credit with the College of DuPage if they take at least one class at that school after high school graduation. (One credit)

Honors Biology (Grade 9)
If a student excelled in science at the middle school, scored well on exams and is prepared to work a little harder and more independently, then this is the course for him or her. As the material of biology is covered, strong emphasis is placed on the student to develop his or her problem-solving and critical –thinking skills. This is the course a student wants to take if he or she intends to take Advanced Placement Science courses later in high school. Students who take this course traditionally go into Honors Chemistry their sophomore year. (One credit)

Honors Chemistry (Grades 10,11,12)
If a student did well in Honors Biology and Honors Geometry/Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry, then this is the course for him or her. However, if a student found Honors Biology to be extremely difficult or if he or she struggled in the math class, then he or she probably does not want to continue in the honors strand. This course continues the preparation for the many Advanced Placement offerings of the Science department with college preparatory pacing and intensity of instruction. Students who take this class usually continue next year into Honors Physics and an additional advanced science class. (One credit)

Honors Physics (Grades 11,12)
This is an aggressive course aimed at hard-working students interested in moving on to other advanced science courses. It is an introductory physics course designed for the above average student with a sound understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. This course emphasizes problem-solving and experimentation and independent work. It is strongly recommended that students who take this course also enroll in Math Analysis or Calculus. (One credit)

Horticulture (Grades 10,11,12)
Students interested in greenhouse management, careers involving botany and floral design would enjoy this class. It stresses hands-on work along with a firsthand knowledge of concepts. Students who take Horticulture their junior year may follow it by taking Floral Design their senior year. This is an ornamental plant-based class with emphasis on botany, greenhouse management, landscape and floral design. This course is good preparation for students interested in majoring in biological sciences or horticulture. College credit is available through the College of DuPage for students scoring at least a "B" and who attend the college after graduation. (One credit)

Physics (Grades 11,12)
Students who found traditional Chemistry to be at the appropriate level will want to continue into this traditional Physics class. This college-preparatory class is also a lab class and will prepare the student for advanced science work later, but features a less rigorous curriculum and pace than Honors Physics. It is again strongly recommended that students have proficiency in Algebra I and Geometry. Be forewarned, Physics is not for the casual student; it requires dedication and hard work. (One credit)

Principles of Life Science (Grade 9)
This is a fundamental course for students who might struggle in the regular Biology class. This course emphasizes the life sciences with many hands-on activities and practical experiences. This is not a college-preparatory course. Most students in this course are placed here on the basis of teacher recommendation. If a student struggles with math and reading, this is the course for him or her. Most students who take this course take the Principles of Physical Science their sophomore year. This course is offered only at Waubonsie Valley. (One credit)

Principles of Physical Science (Grade 10)
This is a fundamental course for students who have completed the Principles of Life Science course who wish to continue in the same strand. It is designed for students who struggle with math and reading. It is a parallel course to Chemistry/Physics: Introduction to Physics and Chemistry. This course is offered at Waubonsie Valley only. (One credit)