Science

  • Matt Long, Department Chairperson – MVHS
  • Paul Vandersteen, Department Chairperson – NVHS
  • Ray Hanus, Department Chairperson – WVHS

The science curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all students. The curriculum is structured into two distinct sequences based upon student ability and desired electives. Any six semesters of science, successfully completed, may be counted to fulfill the three-year requirement for graduation. The Science Department believes it is in the best interest of the student to experience two disciplines of science within his/her three-year science requirement. By completing both a life science and a physical science course, a student can have a better appreciation of the scope of science, be more prepared for specific content on standardized tests, and have a solid foundation for further science exploration.

Because Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) course work is accelerated and more sophisticated, upper level work of high quality in a compacted time frame is demanded of possibly more autonomous students. The Science Department has developed recommendations for student success. These criteria are indicators of performance levels or standards for the honors or AP courses and are available from the Science Department.

Science Course Listings

COLLEGE PREP COURSES

Course# Title Level prerequisite and/or recommended course work includes
SCI1005 Biology Yr. 9 None
SCI2021 Earth and Space Science Yr. 10-12 One Year of science or Instructor approval
SCI2011 Environmental Earth Science Yr. 10-12
One Year of science or Instructor approval
SCI2016 **Horticulture Yr. 10 -12 One Year of science or Instructor approval
SCI3000 Greenhouse Mgmt. & Floral Design Yr. 11-12 Horticulture
SCI2020C Online Sustainable Energy Sem. 10-12 None
SCI2017 Chemistry/Physics Yr. 10-12 One Year of science or Instructor approval
SCI2018 Chemistry Yr. 10-12 Biology and concurrent enrollment in Geometry
SCI2018BL Blended Chemistry Yr. 10-12 Biology and concurrent enrollment in Geometry
SCI2019 Physics Yr. 11-12 Biology, Chemistry, Algebra and Geometry
SCI2002 Cosmic Journey Yr. 10 -12 Geometry or taken concurrently w/teacher permission
SCI2003 **Genetics (Human Genetics, Bioethics & Biotechnology) Yr. 10-12 Biology and Chemistry or taken concurrently with Instructor approval
SCI2004 **Anatomy & Physiology Yr. 10-12 Biology and Chemistry or taken concurrently with Instructor approval

ACCELERATED COLLEGE PREP COURSES

Course# Title Level prerequisite and/or recommended course work includes
SCI1005H Honors Biology Yr. 9 Teacher recommendation
SCI1005A *AP Biology Yr. 10-12 Biology, Chemistry, or Instructor approval
SCI2018H Honors Chemistry Yr. 10-11 Biology and Geometry
SCI2018A *AP Chemistry Yr. 11-12 Biology, Chemistry, Algebra 2/Trig
SCI2019H Honors Physics Yr. 11-12 Biology, Chemistry, Algebra 2/Trig
SCI2014A AP Environmental Yr. 10-12 Biology, Chemistry, Algebra 2/Trig or Instructor approval
SCI2019A AP Physics Yr. 11-12 Honors Physics & AP Calculus (AB or BC) concurrently

*This course may meet for 1½ periods. **This course has potential for dual credit designation.

Dual Credit With College Of DuPage

Students enrolled in the following courses may apply to earn dual credit with COD. High school students who wish to take the course listed below for dual credit will receive college credit and a COD transcript regardless of whether or not they continue at College of DuPage. These credits may be transferable to other institutions. All dual credit opportunities are based on an agreement between IPSD and COD. To qualify for dual credit, students must complete appropriate applications and placement testing as required by COD. Freshmen are not eligible for dual credit.

Course Completed at MVHS, NVHS, WVHS Credit at COD
Anatomy and Physiology: Course SCI2004D Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology 1500: (4 hrs. credit)
Horticulture: Course SCI2016D  Introduction to Horticulture 1100:(3 hrs. credit)
 Genetics Course SCI2003D Introduction to Genetics 1120: (3 hrs. credit)