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Mr. SWICK
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Course Descriptions
Environmental Science I (G)
Prerequisite Lab Science or Biology including collection, orienteering and mapping. The natural history of northern Illinois is used to demonstrate ecological principles and concepts. Field experiences to a natural area will use acquired skills and demonstrate content covered in the course. Ecological concepts are examined and applied to case studies of modern wildlife management including whitetail deer, wolves and zoos. Environmental Science II (G) Prerequisite ES I or Senior. Students will study the current status of our natural resources and the environmental threats, possible management practices, conservation techniques and alternatives are identified and analyzed. As technology develops, new production techniques, environmental management/protection jobs are increasingly being created. Careers in management, consulting and as technicians will be investigated. Students will be able to gain practical experience by participating in public education and local conservation projects. Major focus is on how municipalities, industries, local communities and individuals manage their resources. Students extensively sample, test, monitor and evaluate stream ecosystems, soil conservation measures and their own use of water energy and solid waste. In addition to the curriculum, students participate in: river conservation activities in two networks, operate the school's paper recycling program, manage the school's Earth Week and Illinois recycling day activities, make recommendations to government and industry, develop education materials and may attend three student congresses on the environment. Environmental Research - Fall (H) This is a single term course open to 10th - 12th grade students who are participants in the Gifted Program at DCHS, or have the consent of
In addition to the fieldwork, students will work on current, new and ongoing research projects. A focus will be on the development of skills in communication, research, and problem-solving. This will lead to technical/vocational and academic training for effective citizen involvement. Student work will be presented to various communities including sate agencies. This course may serve as a prerequisite for an independent study option for more in depth research. Environmental Research - Spring (H) Same course description as above. Raceway Woods (G) This course involves the development of Raceway Woods as an ecological educational (outdoor), cultural, and recreational community resource. Students will work with Dundee Township Park District and Kane County Forest Preserve District staff developing and implementing a management plan. Activities will involve the actual application of scientific knowledge, skills, and concepts. The activities include: Ecological (animals, soil, wetlands, prairie, forest and streams), inventorying and monitoring, erosion control, restoration of degraded areas, protection of sensitive areas, development of recreational facilities, and creation of outdoor education opportunities. Various agency personnel will assist in instruction and supervision. Much of this course will involve on site data collection and physical activity. It is recommended that students have appropriate clothing available. The Final Exam will be in the form of a presentation. It will be the culmination of the individual student's Research Project. Community Science (G) This course uses the local community as a multi-curricular resource to investigate the interrelations of various sciences. This class explores mining (geology), sewage treatment (biochemistry), storm water management (physics), development (geography), and natural areas (conservation). Best management practices and alternatives will be presented. Local issues, sites and personnel will serve as resources. This course will involve several field trips and guest speakers. Students will work on individual projects, and cooperatively synthesize their own simulated community based on the knowledge gained through their experiences. Arboriculture (G) Trees are among the oldest and largest living organisms on Earth. Trees provide us with many resources, even in our suburban environment. The field is very diverse and rapidly growing, which will provide many vocational opportunities. This course is designed to take a multidimensional view of trees. Students will learn proper tree care and will do field work with trees on campus. Soil testing, tree, health evaluation, and tree care consultation will be services that students may offer to the community. Visits will be conducted to sites demonstrating various facets of the business. Advanced Placement Environmental Science (H) This course is designed to "provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternate solutions for resolving and/or preventing them". |
