Physical Science
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10, 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Two years of science are required for graduation. Two semesters of Physical Science may be taken as one of the required science courses for graduation.
COURSE SEQUENCE: All students must have successfully completed two sequential semesters of a previous life science course.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This lab-based course is designed for students who may not be interested in science oriented careers but are college bound in other fields. This hand-on course provides a foundation in the three scientific fields of chemistry, physics and earth science. A student completing this Physical Science class will be prepared to take a more specific physical science class (i.e., chemistry, physics, or earth science) later in their academic career.

Earth Science
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10, 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: All students must have successfully completed two sequential semesters of a life science and a physical science.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: The earth’s environment is a result of certain processes that have a history as old as the planet itself. Such processes as those involving movements of air and water are related to one another in a variety of complex ways. The ways in which they work to create their share of our familiar environment is often a result of delicate balances between them. Major ideas presented in this course are the position of the earth in the universe; the general characteristics of the earth as a planet; the ways in which the earth’s surface are sculptured into its many land forms; the characteristics of the oceans as one of the most vital of all the earth’s features; the earth’s history, describing the development of North America in a more detailed view; the nature of weather and climate; the use of topographic maps to aid in studying the earth; and environmental problems emphasizing man’s role in using, caring for, and conserving his environment.

Elements of Biology
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 9
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Two years of science are required for graduation. Successful completion of two consecutive semesters of Elements of Biology will fulfill one of these requirements.
COURSE SEQUENCE: All freshmen are required to select a science course. Elements of Biology may be taken to satisfy this requirement.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Elements of Biology is a lab-based course that will explore a wide variety of biological concepts, including but not limited to the characteristics of life, classification, cell structure, cell function, and the history of life.

Biology
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 9, 10, 11
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Two years of science are required for graduation. Two sequential semesters of biology may be taken to satisfy one year of the science requirement for graduation.
COURSE SEQUENCE: All freshmen are required to select a science course to partially satisfy graduation requirements. Biology may be taken to satisfy this requirement. Biology may be taken as an elective during any subsequent year.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Biology is the study of life. It is of special interest for the student because it attempts to develop a realization of the true nature of life and its organization. Planned classroom and laboratory experiences will allow the students to participate in activities from which they will learn methods of collecting and interpreting facts and data in a meaningful way. Students will learn important biological concepts and ideas and will apply these concepts to our changing world. Biology will meet the state requirements for mandated materials such as scientific method, ecology, life compounds/cells, genetics, and evolution.

Biology - Honors - Indexed Course (Weighted)
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 9, 10, 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Biology - Honors may be used to satisfy one year of the two year requirement for graduation. Two sequential semesters must be taken.
COURSE SEQUENCE: All freshmen are required to select a science course. Biology - Honors may be taken to satisfy this requirement.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Must qualify for, or be invited for admission to an indexed course in this academic department. For specific information on indexed courses, see the handbook section titled ‘GRADE POINT AVERAGE INDEXING’.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Biology - Honors offers students the opportunity to pursue their science studies at a challenging level. Instruction will focus on developing laboratory skills and critical thinking. Students will learn from planned classroom and laboratory experiences collecting and interpreting facts and data in a meaningful manner. Students will study salient biological concepts and ideas. The course provides the student with the opportunity to work as a member of an investigative team solving problems in class and in the laboratory. Topics include the Unity of Life, Cellular Energetics, Genetics, Evolution, Life Processes, and Ecology.

Geology
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11 or 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: The successful completion of one year of a sequential high school science course will serve as a prerequisite for Geology.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: A strong element in basic education should be a study of the earth sciences, geology. Three of the most important reasons: the coming shortage of our mineral supplies; the energy shortage and the search for tomorrow's power; and the pollution of our waters, atmosphere, and wasting of land. It is the purpose of this course to provide students with a basic understanding of these problems and their home planet, its positions in the universe, and how it affects their everyday lives. This course will cover an introduction to chemistry, the basis of the whole universe; map reading; minerals and rocks, including the economic properties and mining; weathering and erosion; historical geology and physical geology.

Human Anatomy and Physiology
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Successful completion of a one-year (two semesters) sequential program in biology and chemistry is a prerequisite for Human Anatomy and Physiology.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Biology and Chemistry.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Human Anatomy and Physiology is an introductory course with no prior knowledge in the subject required. The class is designed to meet the needs of students interested in the fields of nursing, medical assistance, physical therapy, radiology, nuclear medicine, mental health, pre-dentistry, pre-medical, and biological sciences.

The course organization provides for understanding of structural and functional aspects of the human body from molecules to organ systems. Emphasis is given to the relationship and balance between body systems. Course content is supported and reinforced with appropriate animal dissection activities and laboratory experiences. This class will not serve as a prerequisite for participation in the second semester of Human Anatomy and Physiology-Medical.

Human Anatomy and Physiology - Medical
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 2
GRADE PLACEMENT: 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Successful completion of a one year course in each of the following - biology, chemistry, and (or concurrently enrolled in) Algebra 2.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: To be considered for placement, the student must:

COURSE OVERVIEW: Human Anatomy and Physiology - Medical is a class designed to meet the needs of senior students who have a genuine interest in a health care occupation. This course will provide the student with a strong academic background in Human Anatomy and Physiology as well as a practical hands on experience in the hospital setting. In the fall semester, students will attend a regular Human Anatomy and Physiology course for two periods each day. In this class, students will study human body systems with particular emphasis upon disease and the treatment of disease. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the spring semester, Central High School students will attend Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center (Joliet); East High School students will attend Silver Cross Hospital and Medical Center (Joliet). Students will leave Lincoln-Way one-half hour before the start of first hour and will return for their 3rd hour class. At the hospital, students will rotate through various departments for an intern experience. On Mondays and Fridays, students will attend the Lincoln-Way campus for career research, seminar reports, ethics research and discussion, guest speakers, etc.

Chemistry - Fundamentals
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10, 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: All students must have successfully completed two sequential semesters of a previous science course, receive a B+ or better in Elements of Biology or a C in a previous science course, and receive instructor approval.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Successfully completed two sequential semesters of Algebra 1 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra AB.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is designed for students who may not be interested in science oriented careers but are college bound in other fields. The course provides a good background in chemistry using lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory work. Topics discussed in the course include atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, the periodic table and periodic properties, the mole, and stoichiometry.

Chemistry
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10, 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: All students taking Chemistry must receive an A- or better in Elements of Biology of two sequential semesters of a previous science course with a Grade of C or better, and passed two sequential semesters of Algebra 1 or Algebra AB, with a grade of “C” or better and instructor approval.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is primarily designed for the college bound and/or the science oriented student. The content is organized to give special attention to energy and matter; atomic structure; bonding; periodic law; mathematics of chemistry; behavior of solids, liquids, and gases; chemical reactions; nuclear chemistry and formula writing. Student laboratory work is open-ended and of a quantitative nature where possible. Problem solving is mathematical.

Chemistry - Honors - Indexed Course (Weighted)
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 10, 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: All students taking Chemistry-Honors must have completed two sequential semesters of Algebra as indicated by a “B-“ (80%) for each semester.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Must qualify for, or be invited for admission to an indexed course in this academic department. For specific information on indexed courses, see the handbook section titled ‘GRADE POINT AVERAGE INDEXING’.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Students invited to take Chemistry-Honors will be taking a rigorous course in chemistry, which is designed to prepare students for college chemistry. It includes extensive laboratory work and a strong emphasis on problem solving. Topics covered: the scientific method; gases; solids; liquids; solutions; energy and matter; atomic structure; chemical bonds; periodic law; equilibrium; acid-base theory; and oxidation reduction.

Physics Fundamentals
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: The successful completion of two sequential semesters of any chemistry course.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Two sequential semesters of Algebra 1B, Algebra I, or equivalent.
STUDENT OR STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Students in this course are introduced to the concepts of Physics in textbook reading, class lectures, and discussions. Following this, students will apply these concepts by making measurements and computations in the laboratory. Basic algebra and math skills are needed for this class. The course content is divided into five major units: Motion, Gravity, Sound, Light, and Waves.

Physics
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: The successful completion of two sequential semesters of any chemistry course.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II or higher with a grade of “B-“ or better in Algebra I.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course emphasizes the basic physical laws and principles needed to help understand our modern way of life. Topics include motion, force, characteristics of waves, energy, and light. An above average mathematical aptitude would be helpful in meeting the objectives of the course. This course is especially recommended for those considering science-oriented careers such as engineering, medicine, computers, etc.

Physics - Honors - Indexed Course (Weighted)
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry: Math Analysis and Trigonometry or higher, and the successful completion of two sequential semesters of chemistry.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Must qualify for, or be invited for admission to an indexed course in this academic department. For specific information on indexed courses, see the handbook section titled ‘GRADE POINT AVERAGE INDEXING’.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Students invited to take Physics - Honors will be taking a rigorous course designed to prepare students for college physics. It includes extensive laboratory work and a strong emphasis on problem solving. Topics include motion, force, gravitation, rotation, energy, waves, sound, light, and electricity. This course is recommended for those students considering science-oriented careers such as engineering, medicine, computers, etc.

Advanced Placement Biology - Indexed Course (Weighted)
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Must have successfully completed two semesters of a previous Biology course with a “B-“ or better and the successful completion of Chemistry.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Must qualify for, or be invited for admission to an indexed course in this academic department. For specific information on indexed courses, see the handbook section titled ‘GRADE POINT AVERAGE INDEXING’.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional and Cooperative Group Teamwork.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is a combination of lab, lecture, and homework with an emphasis on inquiry and investigation. It is designed to prepare a student to take the advanced placement examination in May. Taking the AP Exam is not a requirement for taking the course.

Advanced Placement Chemistry - Indexed Course (Weighted)
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Must have completed two sequential semesters of Chemistry with a “B-“ or better. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Math Analysis and Trigonometry or higher.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Must qualify for, or be invited for admission to an indexed course in this academic department. For specific information on indexed courses, see the handbook section titled ‘GRADE POINT AVERAGE INDEXING’.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional Lab.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is a combination of lab, lecture and homework with an emphasis on inquiry and investigation. It is designed to prepare a student to take the advanced placement examination in May; however, the exam is not a requirement of the course and is taken at the student's expense.

Advanced Placement Physics B (Weighted)
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Regular Physics or Honors Physics is a prerequisite. Concurrent enrollment in or completion of Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, Math Analysis, or higher. Students must get present physics teacher recommendation before enrolling in this course.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Must qualify for, or be invited for admission to an indexed course in this academic department.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: The AP Physics B course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of problem-solving ability. It is a rigorous second year lab based physics course. Topics will include: Newtonian Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves and Optics, Atomic and Nuclear Physics. The course pace intends to have every student take the AP Physics B exam near the completion of the course.

Astronomy
SEMESTERS: 1
CREDIT: 1/2
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11, 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: One year of science is a prerequisite.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Completion of Algebra and Geometry, or instructor approval.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Astronomy is the oldest of the physical sciences, but its development is interwoven with that of our civilization, modern science, and technology. This course will introduce students to basic physical laws and principles that lead to our understanding of the universe. It will also investigate astonishing wonders of space and time that dwarf our tiny planet Earth. Topics include Celestial Motion, Light, Telescopes, The Solar System, Stars, Galaxies, and Man’s Exploration of Space. The student will have the option to participate in night observations using telescopes and cameras.

Engineering Physics
SEMESTERS: 2
CREDIT: 1
GRADE PLACEMENT: 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: One year of Physics (any level) is a prerequisite.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: None
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Project-based
COURSE OVERVIEW: Engineering Physics is a course designed to encourage student application of scientific knowledge to real life situations. Each quarter, teams of students will be presented with a different project. To successfully complete each project, the students will have to research the problem, design a solution that incorporates scientific knowledge, and construct an apparatus which demonstrates their solution to the stated problem. Problem solving skills will be emphasized through this process. This course has been designed to encourage student exploration of multiple solutions to a single problem. Applied technology and science topics could include but are not limited to: robotics, pneumatics, computer controlled machining, and optics.

Meteorology (Weather)
SEMESTERS: 1
CREDIT: 1/2
GRADE PLACEMENT: 11,12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: One year of Science is a prerequisite.
OTHER PREREQUISITES: Successfully completed two sequential semesters of Algebra 1 or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1B.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: In our daily lives we are constantly being subjected to the forces of weather. This course will provide an introduction to weather and its causes. Students will learn how daily weather patterns create the climate of our area and how weather affects the climates of other areas. Cloud types will be studied as well as winds, air pressure, air masses, fronts and severe storms. The course will provide students with the skills necessary to recognize atmospheric conditions and indicators enabling them to forecast the weather for our local area. This is a college-prep, lab science level course.

Forensic Science
SEMESTER: 1
CREDIT: 1/2 Credit
GRADE PLACEMENT: 12
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: Elective.
COURSE SEQUENCE: Successful completion of a one year course in each of the following: biology, chemistry, and physics.
OTHER PRE-REQUISITES: Completion in Biology, or Honors Biology.
STUDENT AND STAFF ORGANIZATION: Conventional.
COURSE OVERVIEW: This course is for the student who is interested in the field of forensic science. Students who would benefit from this course would be those who are interested in becoming a police officer, a lawyer, a crime scene investigator, or even just an informed citizen. Forensic Science will ask the students to apply the concepts and skills obtained in their previous science courses. The students will then explore and come to appreciate the developments made in forensic science over the centuries. They will learn about processing a crime scene and the significance of physical evidence. Some topics covered will be fingerprinting, DNA analysis, ballistics, and characterization of blood evidence. The students will perform laboratory experiments to "solve crimes" as well as participate in virtual online experiments. Finally, the student will conduct a research project that will culminate in a multimedia presentation at the end of the semester.

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