Science

Philosophy

The study of science has been a fundamental activity of humans since they first took notice of the

world around them. The science department, through its various course offerings, attempts to instill in

each student a corresponding inquisitive nature. The staff communicates the facts relating to each

specific area. Furthermore, they illustrate how those facts relate to situations surrounding the student

at the present time and in their future endeavors. Those goals are achieved by familiarizing students

with the “scientific practices” and helping them to use the principles of scientific reasoning.

Requirements & Recommendation

Students are highly encouraged to take four (4) years of science courses. Many colleges require a

minimum of three years of science and science is a tested area on the ACT. Two (2) years of Science are

required for graduation from Fenton High School. The first year in the science progression must

consist of a Biological Science course. This course will be Biology or Accelerated Biology. The second

year in the science progression must consist of a Physical Science course. This course will be

Chemistry or Physical Science. In the third and fourth year of science, students may choose from a

variety of courses. Please see course descriptions for listed prerequisites for each course. Placement in

all courses will be under the guidance of the department chairperson and determined by high school

placement testing, counselor direction, teacher recommendation, and student need.

Science Safety

The Science Program at Fenton High School is a laboratory (experiment centered) program. Working

with chemicals, laboratory apparatus, and heat sources may at times present dangers to students who

fail to follow reasonable safety procedures and directions. The State of Illinois has passed several laws

relating to the use and wearing of protective devices while students participate in class laboratory

activities. Parental and student awareness and cooperation are needed to ensure full student

participation in the Science Department’s Safety Program. The following guidelines need to be

enforced:

1. Understand and follow all laboratory procedures. “THE LABORATORY IS NO PLACE FOR FOOLING

AROUND!” Many classroom accidents are the direct result of poor student behavior.

2. Approved-type Safety Goggles must be worn as prescribed by law and as directed by the classroom

teacher. Goggles of this type are provided for each student in the classroom.

3. Students are informed in the laboratory about proper clothing material and style relative to

laboratory safety. Particular attention is given to materials with a high degree of flammability, and the

ability of the clothing to protect the student in the unlikely event of a spill on their person. Protective

aprons are provided for each student while working in the laboratory.

4. Since the ingestion and absorption of chemicals is always a possibility in the classroom, a strict

adherence to a policy of no eating, no drinking, and no application of cosmetics is expected in the

science classrooms.

Freshman (9th) Course Descriptions:

Biology

This full-year introductory course provides an introduction to high school science. Biology is the

study of living organisms, their origins, how they survive, reproduce, change over time, and interact

with each other and their environments. The primary objective of the course is to provide students

with a fundamental understanding of modern biology and scientific processes. This introductory

Biology class presents a scientific study of the structure and function of living organisms and their

ecological relationships. Emphasis is given to practical implications and everyday applications that are

meaningful to the student.

Prerequisites: None Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 5681, 2nd Semester - 5682 Grade Levels: 9

Accelerated Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms, their origins, how they survive, reproduce, change over

time, and interact with each other and their environments. The Accelerated Biology curriculum is an

introductory course taught in two semesters of high school. The primary objective of the course is to

provide students with a fundamental understanding of modern biology and scientific processes,

building a foundation for success in the college level AP courses to follow. The Accelerated Biology

curriculum differs from the regular Biology curriculum in meaningful ways. This Pre-AP curriculum

examines topics with more depth and includes more advanced resource material with more rigorous

and extended reading. Laboratory investigations play a more prominent role in the Accelerated course.

Labs are more in depth than in the regular curriculum and students are expected to design and carry

out experiments using appropriate methods and resources. Students will be encouraged to advocate

for their own learning through being organized, prepared and willing to seek out support from their

teachers and classmates

Prerequisites: None Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 5613, 2nd Semester - 5614 Grade Levels: 9,10

Sophomore (10th) Course Descriptions:

Chemistry

This course is designed as the second course in the science sequence for students. This is a laboratory course dealing

with the structure of and changes in matter. Some of the topics covered include understanding the physical properties of

matter, energy and its interactions with matter, describing and categorizing matter, counting particles and describing

chemical change. Laboratory investigations and demonstrations will be a focus in class and guide student learning

through presentations of group data and class discussion. Access to a scientific calculator is required on a daily basis.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Accelerated Biology or Biology.

Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 5621, 2nd Semester - 5622 Grade Levels: 10-12

Accelerated Chemistry

This course is designed as a possible second course in the science sequence and for students who

will pursue a STEM based college prep course of study. This is a fast paced laboratory course dealing

with the structure of and changes in matter. Some of the topics covered include chemical

bonding; chemical reactions; the Periodic Law; equilibrium; solubility; acids and bases; bonding

structure; and VSEPR Theory. Laboratory investigations will be a focus in class. Access to a scientific

calculator is required on a daily basis.

Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation Required

Semesters: 2 Credits: 2 Course Code: 1st Semester - 5601, 2nd Semester - 5602

Grade Levels: 10

Junior & Senior (11th & 12th) Course Descriptions:

Physics

The purpose of this course is to give the student a broad understanding of the fundamental concepts

and skill of Physics. Physics is the study of the interactions of matter and energy. Course topics include:

motion, forces, and momentum; regions of heat, light, sound and waves; and electricity, magnetism,

nuclear chemistry and astronomy. Students will investigate topics through frequent inquiry based

laboratory experiments. In mastering the content, students will be presented information through

several additional means that may include but are not limited to lectures, research projects, and

homework. Those who put the time and effort into learning the materials will leave the classroom well

prepared to succeed in AP Physics.

Prerequisites: Geometry and Physical Science or Chemistry. Chemistry may be taken

concurrently with Physics. Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 5631, 2nd Semester - 5632 Grade Levels: 11,12

Biology 2

This full-year course who intend to pursue a science-related career or who are preparing to attend a

four-year college. In addition to reviewing and extending the depth of the topics presented in Biology,

Biology 2 will place an added emphasis on content typically encountered during a college first-year

college biology course. The content of the course will include cellular biology, genetics, zoology, and

human anatomy and physiology. A continued emphasis will be made on the development of laboratory

skills, with hands-on activities and discovery learning, following the scientific method as a key focus in

the activities.

Prerequisites: Two years required science coursework. Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 5683, 2nd Semester - 5684 Grade Levels: 11-12

Earth Science

Students enrolled in Earth Science have the opportunity to observe and study the physical

environment. Major topics covered include the Earth’s changing surface, the composition of the

surface, Earth history, Astronomy, weather, Oceanography, and climate. The impact on the

environment by humans is continually investigated. The course of study utilizes text, video, and

laboratory experiences.

Prerequisites: Two years required science coursework. Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 5671, 2nd Semester - 5672 Grade Levels: 11,12

Foundations of Scientific Research

Foundations of Scientific Research is for students concurrently enrolled in a science course and will

provide opportunities for developing literacy skills in the context of those courses and for extending

learning in those course topics. By enrolling in the course, students will develop and be evaluated on

skills in interpreting scientific literature and evaluating the quality of research studies in science and

medicine as well as conducting their own research and experiments. Students will develop scientific

vocabulary necessary for success in college level science courses. Students on a career pathway

towards health and other science related fields will benefit from this course. Students will learn to

“Think like a scientist!”

Prerequisites: None Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - , 2nd Semester - Grade Levels: 11,12

AP Chemistry

Advanced Placement Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course

usually taken by chemistry majors during their first year. AP chemistry differs from a typical high school

course with respect to the laboratory work done by students and the time and effort outside of class

required by students. Course content will emphasize topics in inorganic chemistry, and will involve a

great amount of mathematical problem-solving and explanation of chemical concepts. The College

Board suggests taking Physics either before or concurrently with this course. Students enrolled in AP

Chemistry will be expected to take the Advanced Placement examination given in May. Students who

earn a successful score on this test may receive college credit.

Prerequisites: Two years required science coursework, Chemistry (earning a grade of A or B), and Algebra 2

Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 2081, 2nd Semester - 2082 Grade Levels: 11,12

AP Biology

Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course,

usually taken by biology majors during their first year. Because of the rigor of this course, it is expected

that students will possess a high level of motivation and a sound knowledge of chemistry. Students

should expect to spend approximately 4 hours per week outside of class working on reading guides,

free-response questions, lab reports, projects, and video notes. There is a summer assignment to

review basic chemistry concepts and refresh math and graphing skills that will be due the first week of

school. Topics studied in this course include biochemistry, ecology, cell biology, metabolism,

photosynthesis, cell respiration, Mendelian & molecular genetics, biotechnology, evolution, and

homeostasis. Students in AP Biology will prepare to take the AP Exam given in May. Students may earn

college credit if they earn a passing score on the AP Exam. A or B grade in Chemistry recommended.

Prerequisites: Chemistry Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 2083, 2nd Semester - 2084 Grade Levels: 11,12

AP Environmental Science

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester,

introductory college course in environmental science. The goal of the AP Environmental Science course

is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to

understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental

problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems,

and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is

interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Students enrolled

in this course will be preparing to take the AP exam in May. Students who earn a successful score on

this test may receive college credit in one of the many participating colleges throughout the country.

Prerequisites: : A grade of B or better in a previous full year math course and successful

completion of 2 science courses or with administrative approval or teacher recommendation.

Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 2085, 2nd Semester - 2086 Grade Levels: 11,12

AP Physics 1

AP Physics 1 is designed to be an algebra-based introductory class equivalent to the first semester of

a college physics course. The primary areas of focus for AP Physics 1 will be motion, forces, energy,

momentum, waves, and an introduction into electrostatics and circuitry. Students will investigate topics

through frequent inquiry based laboratory experiments. In mastering the content, students will be

presented information through several additional means that may include but are not limited to

lectures, research projects, and homework. The coursework will be rigorous and challenging. Those

who put the time and effort into learning the materials will leave the classroom well prepared to

succeed in their future physics endeavors. Students will have the option of taking the AP Physics 1 exam

in May that may allow them to earn college credit.

Prerequisites: Chemistry, Pre-Calculus or concurrently enrolled in Pre-Calculus, a C or higher in

Algebra 2 or teacher recommendation.

Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 2095, 2nd Semester - 2096 Grade Levels: 11,12

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