Science

Freshman Integrated Science (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: None
Level: Fr Required
Fee: $4.00
This laboratory course, taken by all incoming freshmen, integrates earth science, biology, chemistry and physics into an issues-based curriculum. Investigations focus on problems and concerns facing the citizens of Kane County. Topics might include water, alternative energy production, and land management. The course trains students in the use of scientific inquiry as a vehicle for decision-making. It is intended to be a culmination of science initiated in the middle school and introduction to the content and methods of high school science.

Freshman Integrated Science (Honors) (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Honors application required
Level: Fr Required
Fee: $5.00
This laboratory course integrates earth science, biology, chemistry and physics into an issues-based curriculum. Investigations focus on problems and concerns facing the citizens of Kane County. Topics might include water, alternative energy production, and land management. The course trains students in the use of scientific inquiry as a vehicle for decision making and will provide students with the problem solving skills necessary to become a scientifically literate person. This course will further develop cognitive skills, problem-solving skills, data analysis, and laboratory skills for students with higher thinking levels. The course will offer a higher degree of continuity throughout the honors science coursed offered at BHS.

Biology I (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Fr Integrated Science or recommendation of department chairperson
Level: So, Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $10.00
This laboratory course is typically taken in the sophomore year and extends the use of laboratory skills as they address basic life science concepts. Units include: ecology, cell theory, DNA and inheritance laws governing it (applied to humans), evolution, human organ systems. Rigorous use of scientific method in a laboratory setting is involved.

Biology I (Honors) (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Fr Integrated Science / Honors application required
Level: So, Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $10.00
This course involves rigorous inquiry into the fundamental principles that explain the living world. Themes include: equilibrium systems along a continuum from organelle to biosphere, interdependence of all living things, and continuity and change over time. Critical thinking is encouraged, based on ideas significantly more complex or in depth than regular biology. Theory is backed by quantified observations in the lab and their analysis and evaluation. The course strives to establish a convivial environment within which expectations for student performance are set very high.

Biology II (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Chemistry or ACS Chemistry as well as Biology I
Level: Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $20.00
This course invites students to challenge their preconceptions about the way the living world works with strong emphasis on experimental design, data collection and analysis. The theme driving this course is biological information organizing effective energy flow through living systems at all levels. This course is recommended to students considering the health or environmental science professions. Selfdirection is expected because it is taught at the college level. AP exam in May is optional

Earth Science I (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Fr Integrated Science
Level: Fr thru Sr Elective
Fee: $6.00
The focus of this course is: Planet Earth--the processes whereby the interaction between its atmosphere, water, and geologic materials leads to the formation of a structure over time; and Space--the position and activity of the Earth in the solar system and, in turn, the relations between the solar system and other stars and galaxies. Formal Laboratory skills, study skills, note-taking, and interactive skills are reinforced.

Earth Science II (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Earth Science I or recommendation of department chairperson in conference with teacher
Level: Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $6.00
The areas of study in this course are Oceanography, Marine Biology, and Geology. Major themes include: History and exploration of the ocean, water and ocean structure, marine organisms and enviornmental concerns. Selfdirection is expected because it is taught at the college level.

ACS Chemistry (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Biology I and Algebra I
Level: Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $12.00/Chem visorgogs fee $7.00
This course is a student-centered, activity based, issues-oriented chemistry course. It is based on the ChemCom program developed by the American Chemical Society, intended for college-bound students who plan on pursuing a liberal arts or business degree. It includes many traditional chemical concepts and laboratory skills, as well as organic, and nuclear chemistry.

General Chemistry (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Enrollment in or completion of Advanced Algebra and Biology or Honors Biology
Level: Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $12.00/Chem visorgogs fee $7.00
Chemistry is a rigorous mixture of theoretical and practical chemistry. The course is laboratory-intensive, emphasizing problem solving and the application of basic chemical principles. Topics include atomic structure, chemical reactions, periodic table, gas laws, bonding, and molecular geometry. Students should expect four (4) hours of homework per week.

General Chemistry (Honors) (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Enrollment in or completion of Advanced Algebra and Biology or Honors Biology / Honors application required
Level: Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $12.00/Chem visorgogs fee $7.00
Honors Chemistry is an in-depth approach to the General Chemistry curriculum. It is designed for the selfmotivated student who is willing to face challenges and take active responsibility for furthering learning. Material will be presented at a deeper level than in the regular class. Students should be capable of working independently, reading, and comprehending scientific materials and making mathematical computations. Students should expect five (5) hours of homework a week.

Physics (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Enrollment in or completion of Pre Calculus with Trigonometry
Level: Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: $8.00
This senior-level, college-preparatory course emphasizes the mathematical analysis of the laws which govern the world. Students should be capable of problem solving, analytical thinking and reasoning, working independently, reading and comprehending scientific materials and mathematical computations.

Physics (Honors) (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Enrollment in or completion of Pre Calculus with Trigonometry
Level: Jr, Sr Elective / Honors application required
Fee: $8.00
The strategy adopted for the honors physics program is based on the assumption that all of the students enrolled in the program have superior math and science reasoning skills and are independent learners and problem solvers. Students enrolling in this course will be exposed to a more challenging level of problems, assignments, and assessments. In addition, two additional units dealing with electricity and thermodynamics will be covered in this course.

Principles of Technology (4 terms, 3 credits)

Prerequisite: Grade of "C" or higher in one year of algebra and one year of a laboratory science is recommended.
Level: Jr, Sr Elective
Fee: None
Principles of Technology is a real-world approach to studying mathematics and science. Students see how physics applies to technology analyzing four (4) basis systems (mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal). Students learn to apply basic principles, such as force, work, and resistance on which all modern technology is based. Principles of Technology relies heavy upon hands on laboratory activities to demonstrate relationships in a relevant approach.
This program is located at the FVCC campus.