Science Course Descriptions

Natural Science
Grade Level: 9
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI101, SCI102
Prerequisite: Approval of Director
Description: This sequence includes one semester of introductory physical science and a second semester of earth science. First semester topics include measurement, introductory physics concepts, density, solubility, and phase changes. Second semester topics include mineral/rock identification, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, a bridge building project, and astronomy. Laboratory skills are emphasized. This course prepares students to continue science courses requiring laboratory skills.

Biology
Grade Level: 10-11-12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI201, SCI202
Prerequisite: Completion of Natural Science
Description: This sequence focuses on a human approach to the study of life. Major biological themes include homeostasis; evolution; ecology; continuity; and energy, matter, and organization. The course is lab-oriented. Students investigate biology through inquiry and real-life applications of the concepts.

Chemistry
Grade Level: 11-12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI301, SCI302
Prerequisite: Two years of science including one year of Natural Science or recommendation of Director and the equivalent of one year of algebra
Description: This laboratory course emphasizes basic chemical concepts and the impact of those concepts on society and the environment. Problem solving and decision making are emphasized. Students who plan to take Chemistry and Physics are advised to take chemistry first so that they can further their knowledge of mathematics during their junior year.

Physics
Grade Level: 11-12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI401, SCI402
Prerequisite: B or better in mathematics through Geometry C or beyond and recommendation of previous science teacher
Description: This sequence includes the study of the mechanics of motion and the relationship of light, sound, heat, and electromagnetic waves. The techniques of class discussion and debate, problem analysis, laboratory experiments, and individual student projects are used as physics is approached from a "conceptual" point of view with an emphasis on real world applications.

Environmental Science
Grade Level: 11-12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI501, SCI502
Prerequisite: An equivalent of one year of a physical science and one year of a biological science or approval of Director
Description: Students successfully completing Environmental Science will receive one semester credit of physical science and one semester credit of a biological science. First semester topics include the composition of the earth’s atmosphere, geological time, the geology of the stratigraphic column, mapping and orienteering, world wide weather patterns and local weather events. Second semester topics include the natural history of our area and the impact that human actions can have on the ecosystem.

Biology-AC
Grade Level: 9-10
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI111, SCI112
Prerequisite: Approval of Director
Description: The content of this sequence includes cellular structure and function, biochemistry, theories of evolution, structure and function of one-celled organisms through complex plants and animals (including man), and genetic theory. The pace of this course is accelerated and material is presented in greater depth than in Biology. Students are required to work with abstract and conceptual topics. This course also emphasizes experimental design and research. These students may also be interested in taking a one semester Accelerated GeoScience course offered in summer school only. Students may take this summer school course prior to or immediately after their freshman year.

Chemistry-AC
Grade Level: 9-10-11-12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI211, SCI212
Prerequisite: B or better in mathematics through Advanced Algebra and recommendation of previous science teacher. Freshman placement requires Director approval.
Description: This sequence explores the fundamental topics of chemistry in depth. Chemistry Accelerated is a lab-oriented, in-depth study of the fundamental concepts of chemistry. This course includes the study of measurement, classification of matter, chemical shorthand, stoichiometry, gas laws, kinetic theory, atomic structure, the Periodic Table, bonding, reaction rate/equilibrium, acid/bases/salts, solutions, and an introduction to organic chemistry.

Physics-AC
Grade Level: 11-12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI311, SCI312
Prerequisite: B or better in mathematics through Geometry Accelerated and recommendation of previous science teacher
Description: This course includes the study of mechanics, wave motion, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Laboratory experiments and problem solving are emphasized in all units studied. The pace of this course is accelerated and the material is in greater depth, with more mathematical computation than in Physics.

Human Anatomy/Physiology-AC
Grade Level: 11-12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI521, SCI522
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry and Health Education required
Description: This course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Students explore the organ systems in great depth. Careers in the medical and healthcare fields are also investigated. Students may not receive credit for both this course and Advanced Placement Biology.
AP Physics B-HN
Grade Level: 10-11-12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI621, SCI622
Prerequisite: Mathematics through Advanced Algebra or Geometry (Accl. or Honors) and recommendation of previous science teacher
Description: This course covers introductory physics at a college level in preparation for the Advanced Placement Physics B, non-calculus based physics exam. It will be beneficial to students wishing to satisfy a college "physical science" requirement and will deal with mechanics, wave motion, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, modern and nuclear physics. Students are expected to write the Advanced Placement exam. This class meets 1 1/2 periods and receives 1 1/2 credits for each semester.

AP Biology-HN
Grade Level: 11-12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI631, SCI632
Prerequisite: One year of biology, chemistry, and physics at the college prep or accelerated level or recommendation of the Science Director.
Description: In this sequence, students study advanced topics in biology as recommended by the College Entrance Examination Board. In-depth study of topics is reinforced by laboratory work and individual projects. This sequence is beneficial for students considering science, medicine, or related careers. Students are expected to write the Advanced Placement exam. This class meets 1 1/2 periods and receives 1 1/2 credits for each semester. A summer assignment must be completed prior to beginning this course.

AP Environmental Science-HN
Grade Level: 12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI641, SCI642
Prerequisite: One year of Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra or approval of Director
Description: This two-semester course will be the equivalent of a one semester introductory college course in environmental science. Students will investigate the interrelationships of the natural world, analyze environmental problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving/preventing these problems. This class meets 1 period and receives 1 credit for each semester. Students successfully completing this course will receive one semester credit of physical science and one semester credit of biological science. Students are expected to write the Advanced Placement exam and attend three field trips during the school year. A summer assignment must be completed prior to beginning this course.

AP Chemistry-HN
Grade Level: 12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI651, SCI652
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of high school chemistry and physics with mathematics through Advanced Algebra or recommendation of the Science Director.
Description: This sequence covers the following areas: chemical bonding, structure of matter, kinetic theory, solutions, acid base reactions, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, molecular geometry, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Experiments reinforce these units; problem solving is emphasized. Students enrolled in this course are expected to write the Advanced Placement exam during the spring. This class meets 1 1/2 periods and receives 1 1/2 credits for each semester. A summer assignment must be completed prior to beginning this course.

AP Physics C-HN
Grade Level:  10-11-12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI661, SCI662
Prerequisite: Completion of Physics Accelerated or AP Physics B, and completion of AB or BC Calculus or concurrent enrollment in BC Calculus course
Description: This course will incorporate the Physics C (calculus-based) curriculum into a series of engineering problem-solving situations. Students will be prepared for the AP Physics C Mechanics exam, and the AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism exam. Topics in 1st semester include kinematics, linear and rotational dynamics, and gravitation. Second semester topics include electricity and magnetism leading to the development of Maxwell’s equations. Students are expected to write the Advanced Placement exam. This class meets 1 1/2 periods and receives 1 1/2 credits for each semester.

Earth Science-HN (New for school year 2010/2011)
Grade Level:  11-12
Semester Offered: Full year
Course Numbers: SCI671, SCI672
Prerequisite: Completion of biology, chemistry, and physics or approval of Director
Description: This course is a dual credit, college-level science course that is offered in collaboration with the College of Lake County.  Classes are held at Stevenson High School and are taught by a Stevenson teacher.  Students can earn college credit through College of Lake County, as well as Stevenson High School credit.  The coursework is lab-based and covers three key areas:  geology, atmospheric science, and astronomy.  First semester topics focus on the structure of the Earth.  Second semester will include concepts related to weather, astronomy, and planetary science.


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