About

  • Philosophy
    The science curriculum is directed toward investigative processes designed to meet the individual needs and abilities of New Trier students. The value of an experience for a student is not exclusively linked to a specific content or process, but also to the quality of the experience. Enthusiastic teachers instilling vitality for learning is a most important guiding principle.

    New Trier cherishes individual differences and the particular strengths that the science faculty brings to the classes at New Trier. Students are respected for their individual differences. The Science Department believes that it should work with students to realize their potential, and must encourage students to respect the uniqueness of each individual.

    Goals

    Students will:

    • develop an understanding of the fundamental laws of our universe and how these laws govern the phenomena they encounter everyday;
    • develop an understanding of how science and technology impact their lives acquire the skills and knowledge they need to be well-informed citizens, be prepared for college and careers, and understand and appreciate the scientific enterprise;
    • develop the skills and attitudes that will enable them to improve and protect the environment.

    Students engage in scientific inquiry in the laboratory to:

    • observe, use, and interpret scientific explanations of the natural world
    • generate and evaluate scientific evidence and explanations
    • participate productively in scientific practices and academic discourse
    • understand the nature and development of scientific knowledge
    • appreciate the historical contributions of scientists

     

    Course Offerings

    All students are required to take one year of a biological science and one year of a physical science. The PCB courses are an interconnected sequence of Physics > Chemistry > Biology that builds on concepts learned in previous courses.

    Introductory Courses

    • Biology and Biology PCB
    • Chemistry and Chemistry PCB
    • Environmental Geoscience
    • Physics and Physics PCB

    Elective Courses

    • Anatomy
    • Marine Biology
    • Forensic Science
    • Biomechanics & Sports Medicine
    • Astronomy
    • Zoology

    Advanced Placement

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Environmental Science
    • Physics 1
    • Physics 1 & 2
    • Physics C (calculus)

    Clubs and Activities
    Competition and Recognition

    • Animal Protection Club
    • Astronomy Club
    • Environmental Club
    • G-Force Club (Girls in STEM)
    • Innovation and Maker Club
    • International Chemistry Olympiad
    • International Physics Olympiad
    • Minds to Inquiry Club
    • Robotics Club
    • Science Olympiad
    • Society of Women Engineers
    • WYSE/JETS

    Faculty

    Professional Memberships

    • American Association for the Advancement of Science
    • American Association of Physics Teachers
    • American Chemical Society
    • Association for Supervision and Curriculum
      Development
    • ChemWest
    • College Board
    • Geological Society of America
    • Golden Apple Academy
    • Illinois Association of Biology Teachers
    • Illinois Association of Chemistry Teachers
    • Illinois Science Education Leadership Association
    • Illinois Science Teachers Association
    • Knowles Teacher Initiative
    • National Association of Biology Teachers
    • National Association of Geology Teachers
    • National Earth Science Teachers Association
    • National Science Teachers Association
    • North Shore Ecosystem
    • Northern Illinois Science Educators
    • PHI DELTA KAPPA International
    • Physics Northwest