Science
Integrated Science @ Brooks
The Brooks science program provides opportunities for students to build knowledge through their use of science and engineering practices; develop and apply core ideas in the life, physical, and Earth sciences and concepts that cross disciplines; engage in engineering design cycles; understand the nature of science and its role in our society; prepare for careers in STEM fields; and develop interests and identities rooted in our efforts to understand and manipulate the natural and technological worlds. The required program includes three years of laboratory coursework that integrates science disciplines across the life, physical, and Earth sciences. Elective opportunities include AP and dual credit courses, anatomy and physiology, and engineering. Students also have opportunities to pursue independent science research through extracurricular clubs or as part of the AP Research course.
Brooks Graduation Requirements
Chicago Public Schools requires high school students to complete THREE years of Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). Brooks students meet these requirements by taking Inquiry Science I (which comprises first semester chemistry and first semester biology), Inquiry Science II (second semester chemistry and second semester biology), and Inquiry Science III (two semesters of physics) OR AP Physics.
Anatomy and Physiology
Level: H
Credit(s): 1
Semester(s): 2
Typical Grade Level: 11th or 12th
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior level on-track status. Preference given to Seniors. *This course can be taken in place of PE III/IV
Anatomy & Physiology is a yearlong course that provides students an opportunity to explore the intricate and sophisticated relationship between structure and function in the human body. The course offers students an environment in which they may probe topics such as homeostasis, anatomical and physiological disorders, medical diagnosis and treatment, modern and past imaging techniques, biochemistry, cytology, histology, and survey of the remarkable array of body systems that comprise the human body. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented in the course. Anatomy & Physiology. Openstax College
Level of Challenge: 2
Typical Homework Commitment: 1 hour/week
AP Biology (Double Block)
Level: AP
Credit(s): 2
Semester(s): 2
Typical Grade Level: 11th & 12th
Prerequisites: INS-I & INS-II; A or B in previous level content class; Cs and lower must have a teacher recommendation.
The course is designed in accordance with the AP course descriptions. It is a double block course with a lecture and lab requirement. The lecture component focuses on developing conceptual and factual knowledge surrounding the four big ideas which include: the process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life, biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis, living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes, and biological systems interact and these interactions possess complex properties. Additional topics will be discussed at appropriate points throughout the year. Debates and class discussions will accompany the lecture component throughout the course. Topics to be discussed and debated include: the role of the carbon cycle in global warming, fact and fictional statements of health, nutrition, and fitness, genetic and business strategies in the horticultural industry, drug resistant bacteria, and biotechnologies promise and myths. These topics for extended discussion will allow the students to use critical thinking skills to address environmental and social concerns. We will also take time at the end of the discussion to propose logical solutions to the problems. The laboratory component is designed to allow the student to understand experimental design and to develop problem solving skills. Approximately 25% of the AP biology class is dedicated to laboratory work. This includes meeting the objectives of the 8 laboratories that have been developed by the AP biology development committee. The overall goal of this course is twofold. First the course equips students with scientific laboratory skills and methods of inquiry. Second, the course brings into the light the four big ideas of biology so the students can apply science in their lives by making correct decisions in their community.
Level of Challenge: 5
Typical Homework Commitment: 2 hrs/week, 2 hrs of reading
AP CHEMISTRY
Level: AP
Credit(s): 1
Semester(s): 2
Typical Grade Level: 11th & 12th
Prerequisites: INS-I , INS-II, & Physics; A or B in previous level content class; Cs and lower must have a teacher recommendation.
The course is designed in accordance with the AP course descriptions. AP Chemistry is an introductory college-level chemistry course. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based lab investigations as they explore the four Big Ideas: scale, proportion, and quantity; structure and properties of substances; transformations; and energy. The overall goal of this course is twofold. First the course equips students with scientific laboratory skills and methods of inquiry. Second, the course brings into the light the four big ideas of biology so the students can apply science in their lives by making correct decisions in their community.
Level of Challenge: 5
Typical Homework Commitment: 2 hrs/week, 2 hrs of reading
AP Environmental Science
Level: AP
Credit(s): 1
Semester(s): 2
Typical Grade Level: 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: INS-I & INS-II; A or B in previous level content class; Cs and lower must have a teacher recommendation.
Environmental Science combines ideas and information from biology, chemistry and Earth sciences, as well as the social science fields of economics and political science. Topics of study include water, energy, air and chemical cycles and systems, soil and biome processes, population and land development dynamics, human history and influences, community and ecosystem processes, natural resource exploitation and impacts, environmental economics and policy, and future choices. Laboratory, field and internet-based research and investigations are emphasized to familiarize students with contemporary research, investigative and problem-solving techniques. Students analyze environmental problems, evaluate risks, collect data, prepare assessments, and investigate complex issues and solutions to prevent, resolve or mitigate environmental problems. Extensive field investigations, field trips and problem-solving exercises will focus on in-depth analysis of specific environmental topics and issues.
Level of Challenge: 4
Typical Homework Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
AP Physics 1 (Double Block)
Course Number: 373501 A/ 373502 A
Level: AP (Advanced)
Credit(s): 2
Semester(s): 2
Typical Grade Level: 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: INS-I, INS-II, INT-I, & INT-II. A or B in previous level content class; Cs and lower must have a teacher recommendation.
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course with a focus on scientific reasoning skills to engage in the science practices through the study. This is a double block course with a lecture and lab requirement. Students will have a deep understanding of physics principle implies the ability to reason about physical phenomena using important science process skills such as explaining causal relationship, applying and justifying the use of mathematical routines, designing experiments, analyzing data and making connection across multiple topic within the course. It explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. Through inquiry based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. Laboratory requirement, 25 percent of the instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices. The pre-requisites for the course is that the student must be currently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-physics-1-course-a-glance.pdf?course=ap-physics-1-algebra-based
Level of Challenge: 4
Typical Homework Commitment: 45 minutes practice work twice a week.
Dual Credit Chemistry 121
Level: AP
Credit(s): high School 1, college credit: 1 semester
Semester(s): 2
Typical Grade Level: 11th or 12th (Student must be 16 or older)
Prerequisites: INS 1, INS 2, INT 1, & INT 2. CCC Placement Exams BOTH: ALEKS 46+ AND Read To Write 6 OR SAT EBR 480+ & Math 530+.
Chemistry 121 is designed mainly for students who want to take college level chemistry in high school chemistry and receive college credit . Typically, students contemplating applying to the Associates Degree in Nursing program and students who want to bolster their science background, make up majority of students taking this course. This course also can be used by future education majors or in-service teachers to get a science endorsement. Students in this learning environment are preparing for a Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) related career. Topics include the periodic table of the elements, atomic structure, basic concepts of quantum theory, bonding, stoichiometry of compounds and reactions, thermochemistry, the gaseous state, basic concepts of the liquid and solid states, solutions, acids-bases equilibria, and solubility. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. Laboratory is required.
Level of Challenge: 3
Typical Homework Commitment: Every session we meet. Laboratory based class. There will be labs through out the year.
Inquiry Science I
Level: H
Credit(s): 0.5 Chemistry & 0.5 Biology
Semester(s): 2
Typical Grade Level: 9th grade
Prerequisites: NONE
INS-I is designed by the Brooks STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) department to teach 9th grade scholars an integrated approach to the study of scientific topics. The focus of the curriculum introduces scholars to the idea of inquiry with life science, Earth and space science, and physical science. The rigorous curriculum provides scholars a coherent alternative to the traditional sequence of biology, chemistry, and physics. The goal of INS-I is to increase scholar's understanding of the concepts of science, present the content in a relevant context, increase student interest and achievement and to enhance critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The topics of study for level 1 include; matter, atoms, the Periodic Table, molecules/bonding, cells, energy, the nervous system, muscles/bones, stars, light, galaxy formation, Earth/space biosphere, and Mathematical and Technological Connections. Scholars will study these topics through Problem Based Learning (PBL) activities, laboratory experiments, and quarterly STEM projects and/or research. Textbook: BSCS Science: An inquiry Approach, Level 1
Level of Challenge: 1
Typical Homework Commitment: Average of 1 hour per week, 30 minutes per class period
Inquiry Science II
Level: H
Credit(s): 0.5 Chemistry and 0.5 Biology
Semester(s): 2
Typical Grade Level: 10th
Prerequisites: Inquiry Science I.
In INS-II, students consider global change. In doing so, they 1. develop explanations for biogeochemical, industrial, medical, and ecological phenomena and 2. design and advocate for sustainable solutions. As in Science 1 and Science 3, students develop their use of science and engineering practices while figuring out powerful science ideas in the physical, life, and Earth sciences. Students also develop school wide competencies including argument from evidence, communication, and organization. They reflect on the nature of science, its role in society, and its interface with other disciplines and epistemologies. Student talk is prioritized and course requirements include regular participation in discussions regarding explanation development, solution design, and class reflection and goal setting. Performance assessments, including in laboratory work, are ongoing throughout the investigative and design process.
Level of Challenge: 2
Typical Homework Commitment: 20 min - 1 hour per week, depending on if there is a project or test coming up
Inquiry Science III
Level: H
Credit(s): 1 Physics Credit
Semester(s): 2
Typical Grade Level: 11th
Prerequisites: Inquiry Science II.
Venturing into the fundamental laws that govern how the universe works, this course enters deeper into physics content to prepare students for higher level coursework, either at Brooks or in college. Students explore fundamental forces and energy in all its many forms, from motion to electricity to waves and sound. To cap off the year, students will be explicitly exposed to the nature and philosophy of science, specifically targeting the question of why we study science. Once per quarter, students will participate in an engineering design challenge, bringing a practical application to the content being studied and challenging their creativity in a unique way.
Level of Challenge: 3
Typical Homework Commitment: Average 20-30 min/week, but varies from student to student based on in-class time management.
Human Body Systems (Academic Center)
Level: R
Credit(s): 1
Semester(s): 2
Typical Grade Level: 7th
Prerequisites: NONE
Human Body Systems is a science elective course where students will engage in science practices in order to understand the structures and processes of the human body. Topics include homeostasis, the role of body systems in the transfer of matter and energy, and reproduction from cells to organisms. Students will explore the nature of science by conducting research projects about bioethics, health and current science events. Students will engage in the Science and Engineering Practices as outlined in A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards to learn about essential big ideas such as biological structures and processes and growth and development of organisms.
Level of Challenge: 1
Typical Homework Commitment: 2 hrs/week