Science Dept. Chair :  Diana Fisher Phone: (630) 942-6712

About Our Department

The mission of the Science Department at Glenbard South High School is to cultivate critical thinking skills in all students so that every student will have a better understanding of how scientific laws govern natural phenomena, and will be able to apply the scientific method to daily problem solving. In an ever changing world the students will be able to make the sound decisions that impact the environment, be able to evaluate information as it applies to an ever-increasingly technological world, and understand the manner in which science influences the human population.

Department Members

FISHER DIANA (630) 942-6712 diana_fisher@glenbard.org ANTONELLI MICHELLE (630) 942-6765 michelle_antonelli@glenbard.org ARTNER KENNETH (630) 942-6736 kenneth_artner@glenbard.org LOTTINO SARAH (630) 942-6742 sarah_lottino@glenbard.org Teacher Web Page LANG ROBERT (630) 942-6753 robert_lang@glenbard.org Teacher Web Page MEISINGER JEREMY (630) 469-6500 jeremy_meisinger@glenbard.org Teacher Web Page PFEIFER DANIEL (630) 942-6500 daniel_pfeifer@glenbard.org Teacher Web Page RAYMOND AMANDA (630) 942-6761 amanda_raymond@glenbard.org Teacher Web Page SCHWEMIN TINA (630) 942-6500 tina_schwemin@glenbard.org STEELE ALYSON (630) 942-6500 alyson_steele@glenbard.org

Course Descriptions

INTRODUCTORY SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (ISP) Fr. 1 year 1 credit This course is designed to introduce students to science principles and laboratory inquiries that will increase their understanding and success in the sciences throughout the high school science curriculum. Topics include the study of the structure of the universe, plate tectonics, electricity, weather and the physics of the atmosphere. The second semester uses extensive laboratory investigations to explore the basic properties of matter and provides a foundation for chemistry. The course ends with a laboratory research project that incorporates computer assisted instruction and applied analytical chemistry. This course, as a whole, provides a strong foundation for physics and chemistry. BIOLOGY So., Jr., Sr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: None This course is a survey study of living organisms, how they function, and how they interact in the biosphere. Topics include molecular biology, cellular metabolism, homeostasis, genetics, ecology and taxonomy. There is an emphasis on an inquiry approach focusing on laboratory experimentation, computer simulations, and special projects. This course is a prerequisite for certain Technology Center of DuPage programs. BIOLOGY HONORS Fr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Geometry or concurrent enrollment. . The honors program provides an inquiry approach to the study of life science. The course is centered around laboratory investigations and focuses on the topics of cell life and function, genetics and evolution, ecology and the theme of homeostasis. Freshmen must meet district placement. All recommendations will be reviewed by the Glenbard science chairperson. This course is a prerequisite for certain Technology Center of DuPage programs. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Jr., Sr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Health and Biology R This course surveys the structure and function of the human body, covering basic topics such as tissues, diffusion, and anatomical terminology before moving on to the major systems of the body. Some of the systems included in this course are the skeletal, integumentary, muscular, nervous, endocrine, digestive, excretory, and cardiovascular systems. The course emphasizes laboratory experience and practice using a lab textbook that incorporates the use of spirometers, EKGs, some dissections, oxygen and carbon dioxide detectors, and microscope work. Students also have the opportunity to work hands on with various models and use Internet simulations. ECOLOGY Jr., Sr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Biology R Ecology is the study of the relationships between plants and animals and their environment. This is a laboratory course that includes field studies, environmental testing, current environmental topics and independent projects. The course focuses on the practical aspects of the world today. CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY (CHEM COM) Jr., Sr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and ISP or Biology R, or approval of Department Chairperson. This course was designed by the American Chemical Society (ACS) as a class for students who want to take a college track chemistry course, but would prefer a course with less emphasis on math and a stronger emphasis on the application of chemistry in the community. The ChemCom text focuses on major themes including water resources, mineral resources, petroleum, nuclear power and atmospheric chemistry. Topics are explored using lab activities, demonstrations, computers and two field trips. This course covers the same topics as the chemistry and honors chemistry courses. This course is a prerequisite for certain Technology Center of DuPage programs. CHEMISTRY Jr., Sr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Intermediate and College Algebra completed or concurrent enrollment. Chemical principles are taught from an experimental point of view. Student experimental results are brought together in group results to discover the regularities associated with chemistry. A familiarity with graphing techniques and an understanding of ratio and proportion are precursors to success. The course is designed for fulfilling the need for a more general understanding of the principles of chemistry in the light of today's increasingly technical society. Principles of science covered in chemistry are: chemistry of matter, equilibrium, kinetics, potential and kinetic energy, and atomic structure. Lab techniques taught include: making laboratory measurements, titration, and calorimeter. This course is a prerequisite for certain Technology Center of DuPage programs. CHEMISTRY HONORS So., Jr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Geometry; Intermediate and College Algebra concurrent enrollment. This course covers the same topics as Chemistry with more in depth investigations and problem solving. Sophomores may enter with science teacher recommendation. The course develops abstract reasoning skills and uses mathematical relationships to understand chemical principles. This course is a prerequisite for certain Technology Center of DuPage programs. ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY So., Jr., Sr. 1 year 1 credit (One credit in science or one credit in technology or 1/2 credit in science and 1/2 credit in technology) Fee: A $35 fee per semester will be assessed. Prerequisite: None This course is designed for students with a strong math and science background who plan a career in engineering, architecture, or other “high tech” fields. The emphasis is on applying math and science principles to effectively use technology to solve engineering problems. Major units of study include CAD (computer aided drafting), electronics, woodworking, automation, and manufacturing processes. Science principles and labs include Newton’s Laws, aerodynamics, projectile motion, electricity, and simple machines. This course also includes lab activities and hands on activities like completion of CAD drawings, designing and building electronic circuits, and the proper use of test instruments. Students will also be exposed to using a 3D printer, one of the most powerful tools in the industry. PROJECT PHYSICS Jr., Sr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Chem Com or approval of Department Chairperson Project Physics is a laboratory course that examines the phenomena that occurs in every day life. While some simple mathematics is used, the conceptual nature of Physics is stressed while also looking at the development of these concepts in a historical perspective. The subjects to be studied include motion, relativity, mechanics waves, light, and electromagnetism. The course provides important background for students interested in careers in the health, computer, electronics, and data processing professions. PHYSICS Jr., Sr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Intermediate and College Algebra or approval of Department Chairperson. This is a laboratory oriented course designed to give the student an overview of various areas of the physical universe. The laboratory experience is designed to permit the student to inquire into the nature of physical law, a process which is transferable to any discipline. In addition, some problem solving is included. Algebra and geometry are the only math requirements. Topics covered in this course include kinematics, mechanics, light, waves, electricity and magnetism, and atomic structure. PHYSICS HONORS Jr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Intermediate and College Algebra, and Precalculus recommended concurrently. This is a laboratory-oriented course designed to give the student an overview of various areas of the physical universe. The laboratory experience is designed to permit the student to inquire into the nature of physical law, a process that is transferable to any discipline. These investigations stress the ability to analyze data in which a particular variable depends on several other variables. The student then applies these physical principles to in depth problem solving. Topics covered in this course include kinematics mechanics, heat and kinetic theory, light, waves, electricity and magnetism, and atomic structure. This course is intended as an honors course for juniors. AP CHEMISTRY Sr., Jr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Chemistry, Physics or concurrent enrollment, and Intermediate and College Algebra. It is highly recommended that those students enrolled in Chemistry AP take the College Board Advanced Placement exam. The principles covered are identical to those in most first year courses at colleges and universities. Most labs are concerned with quantitative techniques. Modern instruments are used including colorimeters, pH meters, and digital analytical balances. Topics included in the course are: atomic structure, equilibrium, the properties of the states of matter, thermodynamics, kinetics, bonding, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry and some descriptive chemistry. This course carries honors credit. AP BIOLOGY Jr., Sr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry. Lecture sessions will emphasize most of the concepts generally covered in a first year college general biology course: biochemistry, surveys of the protist and plant and animal kingdoms, cell structure and physiology, metabolism, genetics, reproduction and evolution. Laboratory sessions include: problem solving and processes of biological investigation, molecular genetics, micro metabolism, population dynamics, plant and animal growth, development, regulation, and behavior. A study of mammalian anatomy using the fetal pig is included as part of the laboratory experience. This course carries honors credit. AP PHYSICS C MECHANICS/ AP PHYSICS C ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM Sr. 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Chemistry, Physics, Calculus (completed or taken concurrently) This course follows the Advanced Placement level C syllabus, which is equivalent to the first two semesters of a college calculus-based physics course taken by engineering, math and science majors. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, but a significant amount of laboratory work is done to instruct students in the methods of data and error analysis. Mechanics including rotation is covered first semester while electricity and magnetism, including Maxwell’s Equations, are covered second semester.