Science Curriculum
All students at YWLCS take year-long Science courses every year. We use a hands-on, experiential approach to Science which helps students gain an understanding of concepts and processes such as chemical interactions, biological effects of chemicals, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the difference between science and public policy.
Middle School Academy
Seventh grade students focus on Life Science objectives and concepts that connect their textbook knowledge to the real world. Eighth grade students engage in Physical Science content and activities that develop higher order and critical thinking skills.
Junior Academy
Ninth grade students take Environmental Science, where they learn about the living and non-living factors and phenomena that make up the world in which they live. As they learn about the environment and their role in it, they will also sharpen critical thinking and analytical skills. Tenth grade students explore a series of Chemistry concepts beginning with matter, atoms and molecules, and leading up to molecular properties, structures, phase changes and chemical reactions.
Senior Academy
Eleventh grade students cover key concepts of Biology related to the fields of cell biology, genetics, ecology and evolution. Twelfth grade students study Physics through the Modeling Physics approach and its applications to the world around us.
Special Projects
An important part of the YWLCS science curriculum is the school-wide annual Science Fair. The Science Fair is driven by the Chicago River Project, a project that is unique to our school and an outgrowth of a partnership with the Friends of the Chicago River. The project allows all students (with the exception of seniors) to analyze the Chicago River from the perspective of their respective grade level course. Students then present their analysis of the River to a panel of judges at the fall Science Fair.
To expand its science focus beyond the classroom, YWLCS has also engaged in partnerships with Northwestern University's Institute for Women's Health and Project Exploration. We believe girls learn science best when they are actively engaged in doing science and thinking like scientists. Friends of the Chicago River, Northwestern University, and Project Exploration take this belief and turn it into reality for our students.