The Bernards Township School District recognizes the vital role of science and technology in our lives and communities. Subsequently, the entire K-12 Science Curriculum is designed around:
Exposing students to inquiry-based scenarios that reflect naturally occurring phenomena from the world around us
Using critical thinking and problem-solving skills to investigate those scenarios
Conducting research and assessing resources to determine which sources of information are and are not credible/reliable
Analysis of data and application of research to create models and make predictions about how different scenarios would be impacted by changing conditions/variables
Collaborating with peers to communicate ideas, delegate workload fairly, and solve problems based upon real-world scenarios
The rigorous K-12 Science Program is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science (NJSLS) which were designed as a reflection of the changing trends and focal points in science as well as the evolving demands of society. These changes were researched by both the National Research Council (NRC) and the National Science Teachers' Association (NSTA) and presented as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
The Bernards Township School District's Science Program culminates at Ridge High School. The State of New Jersey requires three years of lab-based science: Biology plus two additional lab science courses. In noting it's commitment to providing students with superior education, Ridge defines the additional lab courses thus requiring that students complete Biology, Chemistry, and Physics ensuring that all Ridge graduates have a solid background in all disciplines of science. As college-bound students are encouraged to exceed the minimum requirement and take science during all four years of high school, most students at Ridge take a fourth year of science. The current list of science offerings is visible at the following link:
RHS 2025-2026 Program of Studies
Additional details about any of the science courses in grades K-12 can be located through our district curriculum management system, Rubicon.