Science

The science curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all students and is structured with multiple sequences based upon student abilities and interests. Students are required to take 2 credits of science to graduate. It is recommended that students complete a Biology – Chemistry – a 3^rd lab science course sequence to meet most college entrance requirements. Students will be placed into their initial courses upon entry into Batavia High School.

 

Biology (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: None

Level: Placement by current science teacher and counselor

Fee: $12.00

This course is based on the Next Generation Science Standards which enables students to grow and become self-directed learners through real-world problem-solving.  These phenomenon-driven units involve students in making sense of the natural world through the use of authentic data while integrating different areas of science together when they are necessary to solve a problem.

 

Biology Honors (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: None

Level: Placement by current science teacher

Fee: $12.00

This course is based on the Next Generation Science Standards which enables students to grow and become self-directed learners through real-world problem-solving.  These phenomenon-driven units involve students in making sense of the natural world through the use of authentic data while integrating different areas of science together when they are necessary to solve a problem. Honors Biology explores biological topics in greater depth than Biology and provides greater opportunities for involvement in AP course offerings at the junior/senior level.  This course is designed for students with above-average reading comprehension and writing skills.

 

Chemistry ACS (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisites: Any Biology course and Algebra

Level: Soph, Jr, Sr

Fee: $16.00

Chemistry ACS is a student-centered, activity-based, issues-oriented chemistry course.  It is based on the ChemCom program developed by the American Chemical Society and is intended for college-bound students who plan on pursuing a liberal art or business degree.  It includes traditional chemical concepts and laboratory skills.  Units include: The structure of the atom, the structure & properties of matter, types of chemical reactions, conservation of energy, motion & forces of particles, and interactions of matter & energy.

 

Chemistry (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisites: Any Biology course and Algebra

Level: Soph, Jr, Sr

Fee: $16.00

Chemistry is a laboratory-based course that studies matter and the changes it undergoes.  In-depth use of the scientific method and data analysis will be employed to further develop cognitive, problem-solving, and laboratory skills. Experiments and demonstrations will be used to introduce concepts and the applications of basic chemical properties.   Units include: Safety & the scientific method, matter & types of matter, interactions of matter & bonding, laws of conservation, atomic theory & the periodic table, molar relationships & stoichiometry, and gas laws.

 

Chemistry Honors (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisites: Any Biology course and Algebra

Level: Soph, Jr, Sr

Fee: $16.00

Chemistry Honors is a laboratory-based course that studies matter and the changes it undergoes.  In-depth use of the scientific method and data analysis will be employed to further develop cognitive, problem-solving, and laboratory skills.  Experiments and demonstrations will be used to introduce concepts and the applications of basic chemical properties.  The honors course is intended for the student who demonstrates exceptional reasoning ability and is willing to be challenged to think critically.  The course will move at a faster pace and cover content to a greater depth than the Chemistry course.  There is a summer assignment associated with this course.  Units include: Safety & the scientific method, matter & types of matter, interactions of matter & bonding, laws of conservation, atomic theory & the periodic table, molar relationships & stoichiometry, and gas laws.

 

Physics (2 terms, 1 credit)

Science Prerequisites:  Biology & Chemistry (At least a “B” in ACS Chemistry)

Math Prerequisites: Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra & Geometry

Level: Jr, Sr Elective

Fee: $5.00

Physics is a laboratory-based course which emphasizes the mathematical analysis of the laws which govern the world.  In-depth use of the scientific method and data analysis will be employed to further develop cognitive, problem-solving, and laboratory skills.  Experiments and demonstrations will be used to introduce and reinforce concepts.  Strong mathematical computation skills are critical to be successful in this course.

 

AP Physics I (2 terms, 1 credit)

Science Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology Honors & Chemistry Honors

Math Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Algebra or Advanced Algebra Honors

Level: Jr, Sr Elective

Fee: $5.00

AP Physics I is equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics and prepares students to take the Advanced Placement – Physics 1 test.  The AP level course is intended for the student who demonstrates exceptional mathematical and reasoning ability and is willing to be challenged to think critically.  The course will move at a fast pace and students will be exposed to challenging levels of problems, assignments, and assessments.  Units include: Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum), work, energy, power, mechanical waves, sound, and electric circuits.

 

AP Physics II (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP Physics I

Level: Jr, Sr elective

Fee: $5.00

AP Physics II is equivalent to a second-semester college course in algebra-based physics and prepares students to take the Advanced Placement – Physics 2 test.  The AP level course is intended for the student who demonstrates exceptional mathematical and reasoning ability and is willing to be challenged to think critically.  The course will move at a fast pace and students will be exposed to challenging levels of problems, assignments, and assessments.  Units include: Fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity & magnetism, optics, and atomic & nuclear physics.

 

AP Biology: Dual Credit (2 terms, 1 credit at BHS, 4 WCC credit hours)

Prerequisite: Any Biology course and Chemistry course

Level: Jr, Sr Elective

Fee: $45.00

AP Biology is the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year and prepares students to take the Advanced Placement – Biology test. AP Biology is designed to be taken after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology and chemistry. The AP level course is intended for the student who demonstrates exceptional reasoning ability and is willing to be challenged to think critically. The course will move at a fast pace and students will be exposed to challenging levels of problems, assignments, and assessments. There is a summer assignment associated with this course.  Students who successfully complete this course will be eligible to earn both high school and college credit. This course is the equivalent of BIO 100 & 101 at Waubonsee Community College. Students and parents should confer with their potential college choices about the transferability of this course.

 

AP Chemistry (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry

Level: Soph, Jr, Sr Elective

Fee: $45.00

AP Chemistry is the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year and prepares students to take the Advanced Placement – Chemistry test.  AP Chemistry is designed to be taken after the successful completion of a first course in high school chemistry.  The AP level course is intended for the student who demonstrates exceptional reasoning ability and is willing to be challenged to think critically.  The course will move at a fast pace and students will be exposed to challenging levels of problems, assignments, practical lab experiences, and assessments. There is a summer assignment associated with this course.

 

AP Environmental Science (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisites: Any Biology course and any Chemistry course

Level: Jr, Sr Elective

Fee: $25.00

AP Environmental Science is the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science and prepares students to take the Advanced Placement – Environmental Science test.  The AP level course is intended for the student who demonstrates exceptional reasoning ability and is willing to be challenged to think critically.  The course will move at a fast pace and students will be exposed to solving real-world problems through labs and assignments.

 

Astronomy (1 term, .5 credit)

Prerequisite: Environmental Science or any Biology course

Level: Soph, Jr, Sr Elective

Fee: None

Astronomy studies Space – the position and activity of the Earth in the solar system and the relations between the solar system and other stars and galaxies.  In-depth use of the scientific method and data analysis will be employed to further develop cognitive, problem-solving, and laboratory skills.

 

Marine Science (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Any Biology course

Level: Jr, Sr Elective

Fee: $9.00

Marine Science studies Marine Biology, Oceanography, and Geology.  In-depth use of the scientific method and data analysis will be employed to further develop cognitive, problem-solving, and laboratory skills.  Animal dissection is required.

 

Anatomy & Physiology (2 terms, 1 credit)

Prerequisite: Any Biology course and any Chemistry course

Level: Jr, Sr Elective

Fee: $13.00

This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body.  This semester-long college-preparatory elective science course includes a detailed study of many human body systems, Homeostatic balance, the relationship between structure and function, and disease. This course is recommended for students interested in a health-related career, especially those students who plan to study medicine, nursing, physical therapy, athletic training, and personal training. The course may also be helpful for those students who plan to enter a career in education as either a life science or physical education teacher. Laboratory activities will include microscopic analysis of tissue specimens as well as several dissections to accompany the subject matter.