Science

The science department at North Central offers a wide variety of courses in order to meet the diverse needs of our students. We offer a number of introductory , accelerated, and AP courses. An emphasis is placed in all courses on extensive laboratory experiments in order to allow students first hand experiences with practical science. Below is a general idea of the scheduling process in science courses.

• 1 year (2 credits) of Biology X or CP
• 1 year (2 credits) of a physical science: Chemistry X of CP, Physics X or CP, ICP
  • College bound students should be pushed toward Chem or Phys.
  • Students may take ICP before Chemistry or Physics, but not after.
  • ICP is better for those who struggle with math.
• 1 year (2 credits) of any other course offered. (list on page 2)

• Most colleges would like to see 4 years of science. The best course of action includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics and one other course.

• ICP (lower language proficiency needed)
• Earth and Space
• Biology (high language proficiency needed–iLearn required)
• If freshmen are advanced ELL’s they can take Biology and not need to be in our integrated courses so can expand into chemistry, physics or other courses.

• College Prep Courses:
  • Biology (typically 9th grade, unless WIDA 3 or below)
    • Pre-requisite for Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Biotech, Human Genetics
  • Chemistry (10-12)
  • Physics (10-12)
  • ICP (10-12)
  • Earth and Space (10-12)
  • Zoology (10-12)
  • Human Genetics/Biotechnology (10-12)
  • Project Lead The Way (Biomedical Sciences) (9-12)

• Honors Courses:
  • Biology X (typically 9th grade)
    • Pre-requisite for Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Biotech, Human Genetics
  • Chemistry X (10-12, co-req-Algebra 2)
  • Physics X (Algebra based AP) (10-12, co-req-Algebra 2)
  • GeologyX/Astronomy X (11-12) Geology is pre-req for Astronomy
  • Zoology X (10-12)
  • Anatomy and Physiology X (11-12)

• AP Courses:
  • Biology AP (11-12), chemistry pre-req or DC permission
  • Chemistry AP (11-12)
  • Environmental Science AP (11-12)
  • Physics AP (11-12)

• International Baccalaureate DP course
  • Environmental Societies and Systems (ESS)