Oak Park and River Forest High School
Integrated Laboratory Science
Course Description
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This course sequence combines the concepts of various scientific disciplines into an integrated, coherent three-year curriculum. Course content and instruction is consistent with the Illinois State Science Standards as well as the National Science Education Standards developed by the National Research Council. Courses are based on a unifying theme and integration of the sciences. Instruction emphasizes content knowledge and process skills through engaged-learning, cooperative-learning activities and student projects. Students will learn the fundamental concepts in physics, chemistry, biology and earth science. Development of this course is supported by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois.
Integrated Laboratory Science is a regular level college prep course. The three-year sequence challenges students to examine the foundations of life and the universe and to understand conditions necessary to sustain life on a planet. This course is divided into six semesters
First Year | |
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| Students will develop a firm understanding of their position in the universe. | Students will gain an understanding of the atmosphere on our planet and how it sustains life. |
| Topics include: Light, atoms, linear motion, relativity, projectile motion, satellite motion, momentum and energy | Topics include: Origin of the atmosphere, physical and chemical properties of gases, life cycles, light, sound, and weather |
Project: An example of a student project is one on air quality. students will monitor the air quality in the area and research possible causes of atmospheric problems, such as global warming, ozone, smog, acid rain, industry, automobiles, incinerators, indoor pollutants and radon. Then, they will determine possible solutions to reduce the sources of pollution that they have researched.
Second Year | |
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| Students will study the unique molecule, water, and the role this vital compound plays in creating the intricate ecosystems that comprise our planet. | Students will examine life in terms of cells, reproduction and the inevitable dependence we have on other living things. |
| Topics include: Water cycle, fresh water, oceans, aquatic organisms, circulation and respiration in terrestrial organisms, natural an technological purification | Topics include: Biogenesis, cells, reproduction, genetics, evolution, taxonomy, and ecology |
Third Year | |
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| Students will investigate the land and the characteristics of the earth that help to create the conditions that maintain our planet's diverse life. | With a thorough knowledge of the universe and the essential conditions for life, students will examine characterisitcis of various planets and through careful observations, research and analysis choose the best destination for colonization. |
| Topics include: Plate tectonics, minerals, rock cycle, soils, structural geology, land forms and mapping | Topics include: Food, air , water, shelter, energy, waste and transportation |
