Science

Honors Physics        

Course Number: 333101H

Prerequisites: n/a

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: 30 min a week. Unfinished classwork needs to be completed before the next class period.

Assessment Retake Policy: Learning targets for each unit will be assessed multiple times, with the opportunity to replace earlier grades if you show improvement on that skill. Regardless of whether your new score is higher or lower than the original score, the second score will be entered as a grade.

Grading Categories: 20 % Entrance/Exit Tickets, 70 % Content Assessments, 10 % Final Exam

Using a conceptually driven physics curriculum, students will build the foundation of scientific literacy in content  as well as methodology, developing models of the natural world and using these models to make predictions. The first semester’s content will focus on mechanics with an emphasis on force and energy as those two concepts will serve as the foundation for understanding chemistry. The second semester’s content focuses on other physics topics such as circuits and optics. Students will also further develop mathematical skills such as interpreting graphs, reasoning proportionately and solving equations. Students can expect about 1 hr of homework per week (approximately 20 min per class period). No outside resources are required and all assignments and documents are posted to Google Classroom. 

Honors Chemistry

Course Number: 334101H

Prerequisites: Physics and Algebra/Math I

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: Students can expect to spend about 20-30 minutes of time outside of class to complete assignments and studying, although most assignments can be completed in class. Studying for assessments is expected, but points will not be assigned.

Assessment Retake Policy: Quizzes are spiraled so retakes are “built in” (each quiz will be 50% old material / 50% new material). Students may earn homework passes to be used as quiz retakes so long as they don’t have missing/late work in that unit.

Grading Categories: 30% assignments / 60% quizzes / 10% semester final exam

Students analyze and apply concepts in matter and energy including chemical reactions, atomic structure, the  periodic table, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, and  electrochemistry. Students participate in hands-on activities and inquiry-based learning. Students will be  assessed on their factual and conceptual knowledge of chemistry concepts as well as their development of  laboratory and mathematical reasoning skills throughout the year..

AP Chemistry and AP Chemistry Extended  

Course Number: 374101A and 374201A (double block) 

Prerequisites:  Chemistry***

***If students are interested in AP Chemistry and do not have prior high school credit in Chemistry, they can access AP Chemistry by either A) passing the placement test available from the Science department  or B) waiting to take the course until after they have completed high school Chemistry. 

Credits: 2

Homework Expectation: 30-45 minutes per day (on average).  Virtual homework (WebAssign, Pivot and Formative) is usually assigned a week or more in advance of when they are due.

Assessment Retake Policy: none but corrections are available for some credit

Grading Categories: Classwork (40%), Assessments (60%)  

Placement Exam Date: February 5, 2026 in the South Cafeteria from 1:35-2:55 p.m.

This course is equivalent to a full-year college introductory chemistry course in which students investigate atomic structure, chemical bonding, behavior of gases, chemical reactions, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and organic and nuclear chemistry. With a focus on deep, conceptual understanding of topics through the use of hands-on laboratory activities and computer simulations, students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement examination in May. This course will meet for one class period EACH day. The average workload for this course is approximately 30 to 45 minutes per day but may require more time for long-term assignments. No outside resources are required.  If you are taking AP Chemistry as a sophomore as a replacement for Honors Chemistry, a placement test and departmental approval is required. The science department will provide a list of approved students to the counseling department prior to course scheduling. (The deadline to sign up for the placement test will be communicated through the freshman physics classes.) Students who earn departmental approval through the placement test will be strongly encouraged to work on a summer assignment and watch online instructional videos prior to the start of the course. AP Chemistry and AP Chemistry Extended must be taken together.  Students should consider that this is a double block course, and when counting the number of AP classes you are taking, AP Chemistry counts as TWO classes, not ONE. AP Chemistry and AP Chemistry Extended must be taken together.  

Honors Biology           

Course Number: 332101H

Prerequisites:  Chemistry

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: Homework is assigned approximately 3-4 times per unit and should take around 30 minutes. Any classwork that is not completed during class time is also assigned to be completed for homework. Students should also review concepts from class regularly to work on self-study skills.

Assessment Retake Policy: Optional reassessment is offered 1x per unit if test corrections are completed. 

Grading Categories: Assessments (including final) 60% and Activities 40%             

Students explore central biological concepts (such as evolution, inheritance, ecology, and energy) in a comprehensive framework, assess scientific methods and processes, and use higher-order thinking skills to relate the study of biology to everyday life, social issues, and climate change. Students use labs, hands-on activities, teacher notes, modeling, computer simulations, and web research as part of their learning. The Honors Biology curriculum prioritizes a student driven approach to learning where students collaborate regularly in lab groups. In place of a traditional teacher-led, lecture-based approach, students will engage in modeling, guided inquiry activities, and lab exploration to construct meaning in biology.  

AP Biology and AP Biology Extended    

Course Number: 372101A and 372201A (double block) 

Prerequisites:  Biology***

***If students are interested in AP Biology and do not have prior high school credit in Biology, they can access AP Biology by either A) passing the placement test available from the Science department  or B) waiting to take the course until after they have completed high school Biology. 

Credits: 2

Homework Expectation: Students must complete notes, MC practice, and other assignments as needed for homework. Completing homework assignments is essential for a robust understanding of material, but may not always be graded. 

Assessment Retake Policy: No test retakes. Test corrections may be completed to earn a square root curve. 

Late Work Policy: Late work not accepted. 

Grading Categories: 40% Exams; 25% Learning Guides; 25% Labs/Projects; 10% Practice Activities 

Placement Exam Date: February 3, 2026 in the South Cafeteria from 1:35-2:55 p.m.        

In this college-level introductory biology course, students analyze the science of biology by applying factual knowledge, analytical skills, and the scientific method. Students evaluate the field not only as a series of events that occur in living systems but also as a set of themes that provide a structure for all fields in the biological sciences. Students interact with biological concepts (such as evolution, ecology, cell structure, biochemistry, inheritance and molecular genetics) as they complete a series of laboratory and hands-on activities in preparation for the Advanced Placement examination. This course will meet for one class period each day (it is a double block course). This course will build skills in note-taking, peer collaboration, use of laboratory equipment, data analysis and application of factual knowledge to complex problems.  Students can expect to spend 3-5 hours outside of class time on homework, studying, and note-taking per week. However, some weeks have unit exams or unit learning guides due that may require more time. AP Biology and AP Biology Extended must be taken together. Students should consider that this is a double block course, and when counting the number of AP classes you are taking, AP Biology counts as TWO, not ONE. Students are expected to seriously consider the number of AP courses that they take when they choose to take AP Biology. AP Biology and AP Biology Extended must be taken together. 

Honors Anatomy and Physiology   

Course Number: 391101H

Prerequisites:  Physics, Chemistry and Biology (or concurrent enrollment in Biology)     

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation:  Majority of homework is the completion of activities started during class so students can expect up to 60 minutes of homework a week but should also plan for regularly reviewing content from class.

Assessment Retake Policy: There are no retakes for tests.

Grading Categories: Tests (Summative) 60% & Classwork/Homework (Formative) 40%          

Anatomy & Physiology is a hands-on, investigation-based course that explores how the human body is built and how it works. Using real-world medical case studies, students examine major organ systems, anatomical terminology, cell and tissue organization, homeostasis, and the relationship between structure and function, along with current topics in health and disease.

Learning goes far beyond traditional lectures. Throughout the year, students gain practical experience by dissecting a fetal pig, preparing and analyzing tissue slides, building anatomical models, creating presentations, and using interactive computer simulations. The course emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, with opportunities to work independently and in teams.

This course is designed around guided inquiry, research, and lab-based exploration, allowing students to actively construct their understanding of anatomy and physiology. Direct lecture is minimal; structured notes are provided to support learning and reinforce key concepts. Anatomy & Physiology is ideal for students interested in science, medicine, health careers, or anyone curious about how the human body functions. 

Honors Astronomy               

Course Number: 350101H

Prerequisites:  Physics, Chemistry and Biology (or concurrent enrollment in Biology)     

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation:  The goal is to be able to complete all work in class, so any homework would be completing any classworks or projects as needed, reviewing for assessments, and completing two out of class experiences (Dearborn Observatory, Adler Planetarium, or Museum of Science and Industry) during the year.

Assessment Retake Policy: One reassessment opportunity is offered per unit. Students must attempt corrections to be eligible.

Grading Categories: Formative 30%, Summative 70%                                                                

Astronomy reaches back to the beginning of science and human thought; all of our knowledge and understanding can be traced back to a single question, "What is this place?" Confined to our "pale blue dot," most of our understanding had to come simply by observing, and not experimenting, unlike in the other scientific disciplines. The course follows two intertwining threads. The first thread will focus on specific astronomical concepts and how they shed a small light on the vast unknowns of the universe (scale of the universe, the atom and light, analyzing stellar data, stellar lifespans and nucleosynthesis, galaxy formation, modern cosmology, and planetology). The second thread is a historical study of how people, places and events shaped our journey for a greater understanding of the vast universe around us (celestial observation, telescopy/spectroscopy, Earth science, and astrobiology). Learning for this course is done primarily in class through simulations, demonstrations, guided lectures, and group projects, with some review assigned for homework (less than ~1hr/week outside of class). The course is designed for upperclassmen to prepare them for the transition to college, and each unit revisits a skill from previous science courses: developing and using models, arguing using evidence (CER), using math, analyzing and interpreting data, constructing explanations, and more. This course utilizes a textbook as an optional reference with minimal required reading between classes (less than ~1hr/week). There are no required materials and no summer assignment for this course.

AP Biology and AP Biology Extended    

Course Number: 372101A and 372201A (double block) 

Prerequisites:  Biology***

***If students are interested in AP Biology and do not have prior high school credit in Biology, they can access AP Biology by either A) passing the placement test available from the Science department  or B) waiting to take the course until after they have completed high school Biology. 

Credits: 2

Homework Expectation: Students must complete notes, MC practice, and other assignments as needed for homework. Completing homework assignments is essential for a robust understanding of material, but may not always be graded. 

Assessment Retake Policy: No test retakes. Test corrections may be completed to earn a square root curve. 

Late Work Policy: Late work not accepted. 

Grading Categories: 40% Exams; 25% Learning Guides; 25% Labs/Projects; 10% Practice Activities 

Placement Exam Date: February 2, 2026 in the South Cafeteria from 1:35-2:55 p.m.        

In this college-level introductory biology course, students analyze the science of biology by applying factual knowledge, analytical skills, and the scientific method. Students evaluate the field not only as a series of events that occur in living systems but also as a set of themes that provide a structure for all fields in the biological sciences. Students interact with biological concepts (such as evolution, ecology, cell structure, biochemistry, inheritance and molecular genetics) as they complete a series of laboratory and hands-on activities in preparation for the Advanced Placement examination. This course will meet for one class period each day (it is a double block course). This course will build skills in note-taking, peer collaboration, use of laboratory equipment, data analysis and application of factual knowledge to complex problems.  Students can expect to spend 3-5 hours outside of class time on homework, studying, and note-taking per week. However, some weeks have unit exams or unit learning guides due that may require more time. AP Biology and AP Biology Extended must be taken together. Students should consider that this is a double block course, and when counting the number of AP classes you are taking, AP Biology counts as TWO, not ONE. Students are expected to seriously consider the number of AP courses that they take when they choose to take AP Biology. AP Biology and AP Biology Extended must be taken together. 

Honors Biotechnology     

Course Number: TBD

Prerequisites:  Chemistry and Biology; Senior standing 

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation:  About 30 minutes on days homework is given, otherwise whatever classwork is not completed during class (subject to change)

Assessment Retake Policy: No retakes for assessments (subject to change)

Grading Categories: Assessments 70%, Labs/Projects 30% (subject to change)                         

Honors Biotechnology gives students a comprehensive introduction to the scientific concepts and laboratory research techniques currently used in the field. In addition, students develop the laboratory, critical thinking, and communication skills currently used in the biotechnology industry. Furthermore, students will explore and evaluate career opportunities in the field of biotechnology through readings, experiments, class discussions, and research projects. Course objectives include both academic knowledge/theory/facts and technical skills (laboratory techniques) and are presented in a progressively rigorous manner. 

AP Chemistry and AP Chemistry Extended  

Course Number: 374101A and 374201A (double block) 

Prerequisites:  Chemistry***

***If students are interested in AP Chemistry and do not have prior high school credit in Chemistry, they can access AP Chemistry by either A) passing the placement test available from the Science department  or B) waiting to take the course until after they have completed high school Chemistry. 

Credits: 2

Homework Expectation: 30-45 minutes per day (on average).  Virtual homework (WebAssign, Pivot and Formative) is usually assigned a week or more in advance of when they are due.

Assessment Retake Policy: none but corrections are available for some credit

Grading Categories: Classwork (40%), Assessments (60%)  

Placement Exam Date: February 4, 2026 in the South Cafeteria from 1:35-2:55 p.m.

This course is equivalent to a full-year college introductory chemistry course in which students investigate atomic structure, chemical bonding, behavior of gases, chemical reactions, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and organic and nuclear chemistry. With a focus on deep, conceptual understanding of topics through the use of hands-on laboratory activities and computer simulations, students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement examination in May. This course will meet for one class period EACH day. The average workload for this course is approximately 30 to 45 minutes per day but may require more time for long-term assignments. No outside resources are required.  If you are taking AP Chemistry as a sophomore as a replacement for Honors Chemistry, a placement test and departmental approval is required. The science department will provide a list of approved students to the counseling department prior to course scheduling. (The deadline to sign up for the placement test will be communicated through the freshman physics classes.) Students who earn departmental approval through the placement test will be required to do a summer assignment and attend online sessions prior to the start of the course.  AP Chemistry and AP Chemistry Extended must be taken together.  Students should consider that this is a double block course, and when counting the number of AP classes you are taking, AP Chemistry counts as TWO classes, not ONE. AP Chemistry and AP Chemistry Extended must be taken together.  

AP Environmental Science     

Course Number: 376101A

Prerequisites:  Chemistry and Biology (or concurrent enrollment in Biology)     

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation:  15-20 minutes of video lecture notes per class

Assessment Retake Policy: There are no retakes in the class

Grading Categories: 70% summative (tests) and 30% formative (classwork, labs, projects)                                                                                                           

AP Environmental Science is a dynamic, interdisciplinary course that explores how humans impact Earth’s natural systems and what we can do to address global challenges like climate change, renewable energy, air and water quality, and sustainable agriculture. Students can earn the equivalent of one semester of college credit via the AP Exam. This class is perfect for students curious about science, sustainability, and social and political solutions to environmental issues. Through a flipped classroom model, your typical homework will be to watch short video lectures at home and then spend the majority of class time working on hands-on labs, discussions, and collaborative problem-solving. Topics range from energy transfer and ecosystem interactions to population dynamics and urban design, connecting fields like ecology, chemistry, economics, and geography. You’ll have the chance to try out a variety of labs including building an eco-column, testing the air quality at Jones, creating small models of agricultural practices, and many more. The course challenges students to think critically, analyze risks, and propose solutions to real-world environmental problems. If you’re ready to dig into science and teamwork while tackling some of today’s most pressing issues, this class will inspire and challenge you.  NOTE: this is the only AP science course that is a single block.

Honors Environmental Science    

Course Number: 339101H

Prerequisites:  Chemistry and Biology (or concurrent enrollment in Biology)     

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation:  Typically no homework. Unfinished classroom would have to be completed for homework. 

Assessment Retake Policy: There are no retakes. Optional test corrections to recover 50% of points lost. 

Grading Categories: Assessments (including final) 60% and Activities 40%          

What’s a salmon cannon? Should everyone have the right to own a washing machine? Why is Illinois so flat? Should we consider humans an invasive species? These are the types of questions that we attempt to solve in this class through modeling, experimentation, and discussions. Some examples of laboratory activities that you will do in this class include maintaining an aquarium to study population growth, investigating the deadly effects of adding additional nutrients into our waterways, modeling the impacts of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere, among others. There are three main goals that you should take away from this class: how the natural world works, how humans have impacted the environment, and how humanity can strive towards greater sustainability in order to provide a liveable home for future generations. Lectures are minimal in this course and there typically is no homework, therefore you are expected to be fully participating during class. There are no required materials and no summer assignment for this course.

Honors Forensics Science     

Course Number: 302101H

Prerequisites:  Physics, Chemistry and Biology (or concurrent enrollment in Biology)     

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation:  Homework is  minimal and includes reading guides done at home, or finishing up lab analysis questions to be turned in the next class period 

Assessment Retake Policy: Retakes are not offered in forensics 

Grading Categories: Scientific work (40%) assessments (60%)          

In this course students will learn about the basic principles and uses of forensic science in the American system of justice.  Forensic science is the study and application of science to the collection, examination, evaluation and interpretation of evidence. Students will use current science technology to help analyze various aspects of evidence. This interdisciplinary course will review the basic applications of biological, physical, environmental, chemical, medical, and behavioral sciences pertaining to evidence and the law.  Assessments include traditional assessments, as well as lab practical assessments that may include a formal written lab report. Topics covered may include: DNA evidence and gel electrophoresis, chromatography, fingerprint and handwriting analysis.  This course also uses concepts of biology, physics, chemistry and algebra. Students are expected to have background knowledge of the basic principles of those four courses. 

AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Mechanics Extended 

Course Number: 373301H and 373401A (double block) 

Prerequisites:  Physics, Chemistry and Biology (or concurrent enrollment in Biology) and concurrent enrollment (or credit) in a calculus course

Credits: 2

Homework Expectation:  Approximately 60 minutes per week outside of class (flipped classroom model - watching videos introducing new content and showing practice problems)

Assessment Retake Policy: No assessment retakes

Grading Categories: Content assessments (including final exam): 75%. lab reports: 25%                             

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based physics course that covers kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, gravitation and oscillation. This course is the first of a two-course sequence that is equivalent to the introductory physics sequence taken by science and engineering students at most colleges and universities. Students will exhibit their understanding of these topics by conducting laboratory and research projects, presenting their findings through oral, written, and multimedia products, and by successfully completing the Advanced Placement exam. This course will meet for one class period each day. There is no summer assignment for this course. While this course is calculus-based, calculus content is NOT taught in AP Physics as students are expected to either have already completed a calculus course or be concurrently enrolled in a calculus course while taking AP Physics. AP Physics and AP Physics Extended must be taken together. Students should consider that this is a double block course, and when counting the number of AP classes you are taking, AP Physics counts as TWO, not ONE. AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Mechanics Extended must be taken together.