Senior Science NightHighland Park High School

Science Department

Senior Course Options AP PhysicsPhysics and Physics HonorsAP ChemistryAP BiologyAP Environmental ScienceEnvironmental ScienceEthical IssuesAnatomyAstronomy

AP Physics - Mechanics and Electromagnetism

Pre-requisites Concurrent (or prior) enrollment in Calculus, a minimum grade of B-

in Physics Honors or a minimum grade of A- in Physics or departmental approval.

Schedule Extended or double period every day Physics Mechanics - first semester. Physics Electromagnetism - second semester,

Special Considerations Strong mathematical background and proficiency Calculator to solve problems and apply statistical regressions to fit

lab data Quizzes and tests will be timed and at the level of difficulty of the AP

Exam Class videos will be available for downloading online daily

Homework Homework problems, lab reports, and reading assignments 5 – 10 hours a week

AP ChemistryPre-requisites

Chemistry Honors (B-) or Chemistry (A-) or departmental approval

ScheduleExtended or double period every day

Special ConsiderationsComplex algebra problems using a calculatorBasic mathematical calculations without a calculatorUse the internet to complete homework assignments and

access reference informationHomework

6-10 hours a weekOnline homework problems, lab reports, and reading

assignments

AP Biology

Pre-requisites B- in honors chem. and honors biology or A - in chem. and biology

or department approvalSchedule

Extended or double period every daySpecial Considerations

Independently read and complete study guide work from a college level text

Prepare for and complete a 40 question multiple choice and essay test each week.

12 required AP labs and write detailed lab reports including abstracts.

Homework 5-10 hours a week Read 100+ pages a week from a college level text

AP Environmental SciencePre-requisites

Biology/Chemistry Honors (B-) or Biology/Chemistry (B-) or department approval

Schedule Extended or double period every day

Special Considerations Conduct field based lab experiments in Moraine Park, Moraine

Park Creek, Lake Michigan, Heller Nature Center, Red Oak Woods, Fort Sheridan savanna using standard equipment as well as technology based equipment.

Enjoy working in the outdoors Homework

5-8 hours a week Construct lab reports, read the textbook, read various articles and

complete on-line chapter review problems

Environmental SciencePre-requisites

Successful completion of Honors Biology, Biology, Biology Survey or department approval

ScheduleRegular science week schedule (3 days of 42 min, 1 day 84 min, 1

day 74 min.)Special Considerations

Conduct field based lab experiments in Moraine Park, Moraine Park Creek, Lake Michigan, Heller Nature Center, Red Oak Woods, Fort Sheridan savanna using standard equipment as well as technology based equipment.

Enjoy working in the outdoors Homework

3-5 hours a weekConstruct lab reports, read the textbook, read various articles and

complete on-line chapter review problemsFirst semester final will require each student to develop a research

project involving independent research and/or independently designed lab experiments and/or community based work in environmental science or environmental education.

Ethical Issues in Science and LiteraturePre-requisites

3 years of English and 2 years of science preferredSchedule

Extended or double period every daySpecial Considerations

Assignments in this course involve lab work, debates, group collaboration, and other various research tasks.

HomeworkHomework is assigned 3-4 times a weekTwo large paper assignments, one of which is an

independent study during 4th quarter

Anatomy and PhysiologyPre-requisites

1 year of biologySchedule

1 semester classRegular science week schedule (3 days of 42 min, 1 day 84

min, 1 day 74 min.)Special Considerations

Students must be willing to dissect various animal organs and a main focus will be cat dissection.

Graphic videos, presentation of open heart surgery, and trip to a cadaver lab.

Homework3 hours a week

AstronomyPre-requisites

Completion of biologySchedule

1 semester classRegular science week schedule (3 days of 42 min, 1 day 84 min,

1 day 74 min.)Special Considerations

Algebraic manipulation of physical lawsReading a technical textbook Field trips and evening sky parties

HomeworkMicrosoft Office and Astronomy software applications are

necessary to complete course work.Projects and oral presentations are common assessments

Physics or Physics HonorsPre-requisites

Teacher placement or recommendationSchedule

Extended or double period twice per weekSpecial Considerations

Strong mathematical background and proficiency Calculator to solve problems and apply statistical

regressions to fit lab data Quizzes and tests will be timed Class videos may be available for downloading online daily

Homework Homework problems, lab reports, and reading assignments 3 – 5 hours a week