Course Catalog Details

Level: 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: "B" or better in Chemistry (or instructor consent) and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher
Credit: 1

There will be a $30 course fee for this course.

Advanced chemistry goes further and expands on the topics covered in first-year chemistry. This course is modeled like a typical college-level general chemistry course. In the lab, the students will use a wide variety of equipment not used in first-year chemistry while performing experiments. This course is ideal for students considering a career in science. Students are encouraged to take physics concurrently or before enrolling in this class.
 

Level: 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: "B" or better in Biology (or instructor consent) and Chemistry and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher
Credit: 1

There will be a $30 course fee for this course.

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes—energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. The course is based on four Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about living organisms and biological systems. Hands-on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations will provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices. (College Board AP Biology) Upon completion of the course, students are encouraged to take the AP Biology exam.
 

Level: 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: A grade of "B" or better in Geometry (or instructor consent) and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher. A grade of "B" or better in previous science class.
Credit: 1

This course will  explore physics concepts and problem-solving in greater detail and is the equivalent of a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum), work, energy, and power, harmonic motion, and fluids. Students will also have an opportunity to explore projects in the fields of physics and engineering. Upon completion, students are encouraged to take the AP Physics I Algebra-Based exam to obtain college credit.
 

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Freshmen must be concurrently enrolled in Algebra I or higher; or have passed two Connections courses (Chemistry Connections required for one of the two) and concurrent enrollment in Algebra I or higher. 
Honors Biology: Freshmen must have 8th Grade teacher recommendation and Algebra I or higher; or two Connections courses (Chemistry Connections required) and teacher recommendation and Algebra I or higher. 
Credit: 1

This course is available as an Honors credit with instructor consent. 

This laboratory-based course centers on the understanding of the structure, function, and interaction of living organisms. Topics of study include investigations into ecology and the interactions of organisms in an ecosystem; comparisons of cell processes; the structure of DNA and its role in the cell cycle and the types of cell division; an examination of genetic diversity, mutations, and inheritance patterns; and the application of genetics into evolutionary concepts that provide a foundation for biological processes. Students are expected to work in collaborative groups for labs and projects. Communication and analysis of collected data and scientific concepts in the form of data tables, graphs, presentations, and/or lab reports is expected.

Level: 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Two Connections courses (Chemistry Connections required) and teacher recommendation and concurrent enrollment in Algebra I or higher
Credit: 1

A laboratory-based science course that centers on the understanding of the structure, function, and interaction of living organisms. The course includes the reinforcement of process skills involving observation, problem-solving, and data collection and recording. Topics covered include ecology and the interactions of organisms in an ecosystem, comparisons of cell processes, introduction to the study of genetics, and the application of genetics to investigations into the evolutionary concepts that provide a foundation for biological study.

Level: 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: "C" or better in Biology (or teacher recommendation) and concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher
Honors Chemistry: "C" or better in Honors Biology and concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher; or "B'' or better in Biology (or teacher recommendation) and concurrent enrollment in Geometry or higher
Credit: 1

This course is available as an Honors credit with instructor consent.

Chemistry is a course that helps the student further develop fundamental laboratory techniques, chemistry concepts, and key terminology. Topics covered include the structure of the atom, the periodic table, nomenclature, phases of matter, formula writing, reaction types, the mole, stoichiometry, solutions, thermochemistry, acids, and bases. This course is helpful for students planning an education beyond high school.
 

Level: 9, 10, 11
Semesters: 1
Prerequisites: None for 9 and 10; Instructor consent for 11
Credit: 1/2

Chemistry Connections is a course designed to introduce students to the basic principles of Chemistry and further develop fundamental laboratory and science skills. Topics covered include structure of matter, bonding principles, chemical reactions, and solutions. This course is designed for the general and/or college-bound student. 

Level: 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Completion of Life Science Course and Chemistry and meet placement requirements at Kishwaukee College
Credit: SHS (1) + Kishwaukee College (4) • Dual Credit Opportunity

(College credit towards BIO 111 at Kishwaukee College)

There is a one-time lab $30 fee to be paid to SHS. There is $50 tuition fee to be paid to Kishwaukee College.

An introductory course of study of biological science that combines Biology lecture and lab from Kishwaukee Community College. This course includes an investigation of the basic principles of the study of life including molecular biology, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Not recommended for students intending to major in biology. Enrollment in this class will require students to purchase required texts and pay fees associated with Kishwaukee Community College.
 

Level: 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: Completion of Life Science course and Algebra I or higher
Credit: 1

This class may be offered in a blended format.

Earth science is a course that helps promote understanding and appreciation of the value of earth science and its applications and relevance to our daily lives. Key topics covered include the scientific method, the origins of the universe, solar system and earth, plate tectonics, surface processes, minerals and rocks, geologic time, meteorology, climate and climate change, and energy resources. The course is participatory in nature, consisting of laboratory investigations, demonstrations, projects, and various other activities, including multimedia. This course is designed for the general and/or college-bound student. It is strongly recommended that a student have either Chemistry Connections and/or Chemistry prior to taking Earth Science.
 

Level: 9, 10, 11
Semesters: 1
Prerequisites: None for 9 and 10; Instructor consent for 11
Credit: 1/2

Earth Science Connections is a course designed to introduce students to the basic principles of Earth Science and further develop fundamental laboratory and science skills. Topics covered include the universe and solar system, plate tectonics and surface processes, oceans, climate, and energy resources. This course is designed for the general and/or college-bound student. 

Level: 10, 11, 12
Semesters: 2
Prerequisites: "C" or better in Biology (or instructor consent) and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher; or life science course and two Connections courses (Physics Connections required) and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher
Credit: 1

This class may be offered in a blended format.

This course is primarily designed to give students a solid foundation in physics which could be applied to their lives or prepare students for further studies in college. Students will gain an understanding of physics concepts through the use of demonstrations, lab experiences, activities, and class lectures/discussions. Emphasis is given to the mastery of analytical problem-solving techniques. Topics covered include Kinematics, Dynamics, Work and Energy, Momentum, Static Electricity, Electric Fields, Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves. 
 

Level: 9, 10, 11
Semesters: 1
Prerequisites: None for 9 and 10; Instructor consent for 11
Credit: 1/2

Physics Connections is a course designed to introduce students to the basic principles of Physics and further develop fundamental laboratory and science skills. Topics covered include forces and motion, energy and momentum, waves and the EM spectrum, and electricity and magnetism. This course utilizes basic algebraic concepts and calculations in a supported manner. Word problems and math operations will be used throughout. This course is designed for the general and/or college-bound student.