The Science Department subscribes to helping the students develop an understanding of the nature of science, analyze the implications of scientific knowledge for the citizen as well as for the researcher, and refine the skills of hypothesis stating and testing that are central to scientific methods. To produce a quality program in science education, the department will provide programs where the student will be able:

• To develop the skills of textbook and laboratory problem solving and the skills of working collaboratively withothers toward the solving of these problems
• To acquire a knowledge of current theories and scientific research as well as comprehension of the language of the sciences
• To demonstrate an understanding of the complex interdependence of all aspects of the physical and biological world and the relationship of humans to those systems
• To accomplish the goals of the science standards

GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE CP     

Grade: 9

This is a survey course investigating the physical science concepts necessary for the understanding of natural processes taught through a study of the Earth’s subsystems in which they operate. There are 2 major sections. The first of these categories is introductory physics, which includes kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, energy and momentum. The second section is introductory chemistry, which includes an exploration of periodicity, matter, and atomic and molecular structure and interaction. Learning takes place via labs, demonstrations, direct instruction, reading, and writing.

BIOLOGY CP

Grade:  10

Biology seeks to understand and explain the living world around us.  This course emphasizes the common themes that unite all living organisms and the ways in which living things impact one another.  Through homework assignments, hands-on activities, lab investigations, projects, and regular exams, students will gain a clearer understanding of how scientific knowledge is acquired, analyzed, and supported in the fields of ecology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, physiology, and genetic engineering.  This course meets six times per week, with one double period laboratory period session. Students will be required to pass the end of year New Jersey State Biology Assessment.

BIOLOGY HONORS

Grade/s:  9-10

Biology seeks to understand and explain the living world around us.  This course emphasizes the common themes that unite all living organisms and the ways in which living things impact one another.  Through homework assignments, hands-on activities, lab investigations, projects and regular exams, students will gain a clearer understanding of how scientific knowledge is acquired, analyzed, and supported in the fields of ecology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, physiology, and genetic engineering.  This course meets six times per week, with one double period laboratory period session. Students will be required to pass the end of year New Jersey State Biology Assessment.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CP

Grade/s: 11-12

This course is intended to enable students to understand and appreciate their environment, to increase their knowledge of environmental problems, and to investigate ways to approach reducing or solving these problems. This course is geared towards students in grades 11 and 12 so as to satisfy the third year science requirement.

CHEMISTRY CP

Grade/s:                   11 -12

Chemistry is a course based on regular laboratory investigations of matter, chemical reactions, and the role of energy in those reactions. Students enrolled in Chemistry compare, contrast, and synthesize useful models of the structure and properties of matter and the mechanisms of its interactions. In addition, students enrolled in this course are expected to: (1) gain an understanding of the history of chemistry, (2) explore the uses of chemistry in various careers, (3) investigate chemical questions and problems related to personal needs and societal issues, and (4) learn and practice laboratory safety. This course also includes mathematical problem solving. Students enrolled in Chemistry should have good grasp of the concepts presented in Algebra I (graphing, solving equations, etc…).

CHEMISTRY HONORS

Grade/s:                    10-12

The Honors Chemistry course is an accelerated, challenging course designed for the highly motivated student who has a strong interest and background in both mathematics and science. This course is designed to meet the interests of students who are preparing themselves for a career in a science, technical or related field. Students enrolled in Honors Chemistry compare, contrast, and synthesize useful models of the structure and properties of matter and the mechanisms of its interactions. Topics covered include properties of solids, liquids and gases, chemical reactions, mass and moles, energy in reactions, and chemical bonding in materials. This course also includes mathematical problem solving. Students enrolled in Honors Chemistry should have excellent grasp of the concepts presented in Algebra I (graphing, solving equations, etc…). Students should be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II or higher.

PHYSICS HONORS

Grade/s:                    11, 12

Physics is the study of the fundamental laws that determine the workings of the universe. Although fundamental concepts are emphasized, many practical applications of physics are included. Algebra is regularly used in physics and the needed trigonometry is taught as part of the course. Honors Physics fosters a deep understanding of foundational principles of physics in classical mechanics and modern physics by applying these principles to complex physical situations that combine multiple aspects of physics rather than present concepts in isolation. Students will discuss, confer, and debate with classmates to explain a physical phenomenon investigated in class. Students will design and conduct inquiry-based laboratory investigations to solve problems through first-hand observations, data collection, analysis and interpretation.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) BIOLOGY

Grade/s:                     12

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The course is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology and one in high school chemistry as well. The course is broken into three general areas: Molecules and Cells, Heredity and Evolution, and Organisms and Population.  While covering these topics the course will attempt to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Those students who take the course will take the Advanced Placement Examination in order to qualify for college credit.