Physical Science ( (Freshman Level)
    This first-year science course is designed for all academic students.  The course introduces foundation concepts of physics and chemistry in a lecture and discussion format.  Reinforcement is provided through demonstration and laboratory activities.  It begins with the principles of forces and motion, followed by the nature of electricity, light, and sound.  This course concludes with a thorough study of basic chemistry.

Basic Physical Science   (Freshman Level)
    The first-year science course is designed for students who need added reinforcement in reading and comprehension.  The course introduces the basic concepts of physics and chemistry.  Emphasis is placed on understanding concepts and improving comprehension skills.  Concepts are reinforced through demonstration and activities.

Health v (Sophomore Level)
    Health education emphasizes that health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well being, not merely the absence of disease.  Therefore, the students are taught that health education is a process with intellectual, psychosocial, and social dimensions related to activities which increase the abilities of people to make informed decisions affecting their personal, family, and community well-being.  Various topics that are covered are as follows: health and wellness, decision making, nutritional principals and weight management, personal care, body systems, sexuality, diseases and disorders, health and society.  Health education is offered during the sophomore year.   The state of Illinois requires one semester of health education for graduation.

General Biology   (Sophomore Level)
    This introductory course explores the fundamental concepts of biology.  Understanding of aspects of the cell are developed into an understanding of the structure and function of both plant and animal life forms.  The course culminates in the investigation of ecological relationships of living things.  Two semesters are required to complete the combination lecture and laboratory science course.  No prerequisites of academic ability exist; however, students usually take the course in their second year of high school.  This course is required for graduation.

Zoology   (Junior/Senior Level)
    This class is a two-semester, introductory course in science. Students are exposed to each of the animal types, its structure and bodily processes.  Laboratory studies reinforce conceptual schemes developed during the instructional periods.
Students must have taken two semesters of general biology and have attained a "C" average of have obtained teacher approval.
    NOTE:  Animal dissection is a mandatory component of this course syllabus.  Students with moral objections to this activity should not take the course.

Chemistry   (Junior/Senior Level)
    This class is a two-semester, elective course in introductory chemistry for third and fourth year students.  Conceptual understandings in the organization of chemistry, chemical formulae, equations,  reactions, states of matter and solutions are investigated.  These principles are developed and reinforced through activities, discussion, lecture, and laboratory work.  Students must be currently enrolled or have taken Algebra II and have completed one year of General Biology.

Honors Chemistry   (Honors Junior/Senior Level)
    This class is a two-semester, elective course in introductory chemistry for third and fourth year honor students.  Emphasis will be placed on understanding the major concepts covered in a General Chemistry course as well as problem solving techniques.  Concepts covered include basic structure of the atom, periodic chart, chemical reactions, states of matter, acids and bases, solutions and thermo-chemistry.  These principles are developed and reinforced through activities, discussion, lecture and laboratory work.  Students must have taken or be currently enrolled in Honors Algebra II and have completed one year of General Biology.

AP Chemistry   (Honors Junior/Senior Level)
    AP Chemistry is a two-semester, elective second year honors chemistry class.  This is taught as a college level class offering the student an in-depth exploration of advanced chemistry topics including molecular structure, kinetics, equilibrium, acids-bases, thermo-chemistry and oxidation and reduction.  Topics are presented through lecture, demonstrations and laboratory investigations.  Students will have the opportunity to take the AP exam in the spring to receive college credit.
Prerequisite: An "A" or "B" in Honors Chemistry or an A in academic Chemistry and completion of or current enrollment in Math IV.

Physics   (Honors Senior Level)
    This class is a two-semester, elective course in introductory physics for thir or fourth year science students.  Concepts developed include force, motion, work, energy, fluids, and electricity.  These principles are developed and reinforced through activities, discussion, lecture, and laboratory work.
Students must be enrolled in or have completed Math IV and have had two years of science and attained a "B" average.

Anatomy and Physiology   (Honors Junior/Senior Level)
    This class is an advanced course for continuing science students in their third and fourth year of study.  The human anatomy is investigated from a cellular through system approach of basic structure.  Through the development of laboratory techniques, this information is incorporated into the functional aspects of human physiology.  Students must have taken two semesters of general biology and have attained a "B" average or have obtained teacher approval.

    NOTE:  Animal dissection is a mandatory component of this course syllabus.  Students with moral objections to this activity should not take the course.

Independent Study Science Research
   
    This class is a one-semester, 1/2 credit repeatable elective course in science research for third and fourth year students.  Students will work with a mentor to develop and conduct a research project or study in science.  Students will maintain a log of their work and submit weekly updates to the consulting teacher.  Upon completion of their research students will prepare a formal presentation of the project.  Students may be asked to submit their projects for competition.  Students must have completed two years of lab science and have an overall "B" average in science.