Science :::

Science Department

Mrs. Lilane Koehn Mace, Division Chair
TEL: SC (708) 579-6580, NC (708) 579-6409
FAX: (708) 579-6038
EMAIL: lkoehn@lths.net
Mr. Charles Adamovic, Assistant Division Chair
TEL: SC (708) 579-6581, NC (708) 579-6411
FAX: (708) 579-6038
EMAIL: cadamovic@lths.net

Science Department Philosophy

All high school students need a broad background in science.  To attain a broad background, all students should complete at least three years of science.  The three years of science should consist of one course each in biology, chemistry, and physics.  If these three foundation courses are completed by the end of  junior year, students have maximized their opportunities to do well on standardized tests, such as ACT and PSAE, and will be prepared for further study of science during their senior year. 

An important component of all science courses is laboratory work.  Lab work gives students direct contact with the material studied in the course, develops lab skills, increases a student’s understanding of how science actually works, and helps the student develop analysis, interpretation, and synthesizing skills.

Science Department Standards

As a result of their core science courses (biology, chemistry, physics) students will be able to know and apply...

  1. the concepts, principles, and processes of scientific inquiry to investigate questions, conduct experiments, and solve problems.
  2. concepts that explain how living things function, change, and adapt.
  3. concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment.
  4. concepts that describe properties of matter and energy and the interactions between them.
  5. concepts that describe force and motion and the principles that explain them.
  6. concepts that describe the features and processes of the Earth and its resources.
  7. concepts that explain composition and structure of the universe and Earth’s place in it.
  8. the accepted practices of science.

General Information

  • Two credits in science are required for graduation. A course in biology, chemistry, and physics should be included in every student’s Four Year Academic Plan to provide a balanced preparation for future vocational and/or educational goals. 
  • Most colleges require at least two credits of a laboratory science for admission, and some (especially Illinois universities) require three. Many colleges and universities suggest a three or four year sequence for students entering engineering, medicine and the health services, home economics, and computer sciences.

Science Placement into Academic Ability Levels

The Division Chair recommends placement based upon an integrated analysis of the following performance indicators:

  1. information from the eighth grade teachers;
  2. standardized test scores on the EXPLORE test

Students’ scores may not all fall within a single range for a given course. If there is a preponderance of scores in one range, that range is normally the determining factor for placement. Students who are borderline for a given ability level course are encouraged to work in the higher ability level course.

After the Science Department has recommended placement of incoming freshmen, associate school staff review the results and may recommend changes. If the LTHS Science

Department agrees with the review, the placement is changed. Parents are then notified of the recommended placement. Parents may then request changes and/or consultation about placement decisions.

Science and Advanced Placement (AP)

The Science Department offers preparation for AP examinations in three areas.

  1. Biology AP
    Biology AP is the suggested course to prepare for the AP examination in biology or related examinations given by various colleges and universities. As the course description indicates, it is equivalent to two semesters of college biology.
  2. Chemistry AP
    The Chemistry AP course is the equivalent of two semesters of college chemistry. Chemistry AP uses the College Board syllabus to prepare students for the AP examination in chemistry.
  3. Physics AP
    Physics (C) AP is a college level physics course for those students whose post-high school plans call for a major in engineering science, the physical sciences, astronomy, medicine, or any related technical field. Physics (C) AP is a calculus-based university physics course and covers all of the material traditionally offered in the introductory course of colleges of engineering science and other related fields. As a result, of the Physics (C) AP course students will be prepared for both Physics (C) AP examinations: Electricity and Magnetism, and Mechanics.

Science Course Sequence and Career Information