Content Area Supervisor: Kerith Lewis
klewis@bloomfield.k12.nj.us; x4385
The Science Department offers a comprehensive science program that focuses on physical, life and geologic areas of science. All students are required to complete 3 years of science but are encouraged to take 4 years of science. The teachers of the science department are dedicated to developing each student’s knowledge of science that allows each student to make good decisions and solve problems based on scientific concepts.
Course Sequence
Required Courses
20061213 GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE CP
(9) 5 CR.
GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE is designed to introduce students to the major concepts of earth and physical science, including, but not limited to, earth systems, matter, rocks and minerals, atomic theory, trends in the periodic table, simple machines, forces and motion, electrical circuits, and magnetism. Emphasis is placed on the ability to use critical thinking skills, proper use of laboratory apparatus, and effective expression of ideas.
20061214 GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE HONORS
(9) 5 CR. PREREQUISITE: TEACHER RECOMMENDATION
GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE HONORS is available to students recommended prior to 9th grade. GeophySIcal Science content is presented with greater depth and rigor.
20060213 BIOLOGY L/CP
(9-10) 5 Cr. Prerequisite: GEOPHYSICAL SCIENCE L/CP.
BIOLOGY CP includes an investigation of topics in biology, with laboratory enrichment including, but not limited to molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, taxonomy, human systems and ecology. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course.
20060214 BIOLOGY L/HONORS
(9) 5 Cr. Prerequisite: 8TH GRADE ALGEBRA.
Biology L/Honors is designed for accelerated freshmen. The course includes topics in molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, taxonomy, human systems, and ecology. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course.
20060311 ACTION CHEMISTRY CP
(10,11,12) 5 Cr. Prerequisite: BIO CP, and ALGEBRA 1.
ACTION CHEMISTRY is a general survey course that focuses on the practical application of chemical concepts and theories to industry, technology, and everyday life. Numerous lab exercises and experiments enhance the classroom materials while providing hands-on experiences.
20060313 CHEMISTRY L/CP
(10,11,12) 6 Cr. Prerequisite: BIO CP, and ALGEBRA 1, concurrently enrolled in ALGEBRA 2 CP.
CHEMISTRY is the study of the composition and behavior of matter; principles of structure, matter-energy relationships, thermodynamics, and chemical reactions are applied in the lab. Quantitative and qualitative analyses are utilized with a command of algebraic operations. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course.
20060314 CHEMISTRY L/HONORS
(10) 6 Cr. Prerequisite: HONORS BIOLOGY, HONORS GEOMETRY, enrolled in HONORS ALGEBRA 2.
HONORS CHEMISTRY is the second year of science for the Honors program. Its application of mathematics and concurrent study of chemistry is rigorous and more demanding. Students are expected to complete quantitative and qualitative analyses of chemical reactions through laboratory activities.
20060413 PHYSICS L/CP
(11, 12) 6 Cr. Prerequisite: CHEM CP; ALG 2 CP, CONCURRENT PRE-CALCULUS CP.
PHYSICS/L CP is a course that utilizes an application of mathematics to problem solve in the physical world. Computer application and data analysis provide the elements of laboratory experiments. Mechanics, waves, heat, nuclear physics, and electromagnetism are areas for study in the course. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course.
20060414 PHYSICS L/HONORS
(11-12) 6 CR. PREREQUISITE: CHEM Honors; ALG 2 honors, CONCURRENT PRE-CALCULUS CP or honors.
PHYSICS L/HONORS is an alternative option for students wanting to continue with the rigor of the honors science program but not wanting to take an AP level course. This course utilizes the application of mathematics to solve problems in the physical world. Computer application and data analysis provide the elements of laboratory experiments. Mechanics, waves, heat, nuclear physics, and electromagnetism are areas of study in the course.
20060415 AP PHYSICS 1
(11, 12) 7 Cr. Prerequisite: CHEMISTRY CP OR HONORS, CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN PRE-CALCULUS CP OR HONORS.
Placement exam required and administered by Chemistry teacher.
AP PHYSICS 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics; work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory simple circuits. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills..
20061111 LABORATORY SERVICE
(12) 0 CR.
Required lab period for students taking two AP science courses or one AP and one Honors/CP science course. Credits are applied in the primary science courses.
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TITLE 16 Education CHAPTER 16-22: Curriculum
SECTION 16-22-20
§ 16-22-20 Animal dissection and vivisection – Right to refuse – Alternate learning project required. – (a) A parent(s) or legal guardian of any student in a public or nonpublic primary or secondary school may refuse to allow their child to dissect or vivisect any vertebrate or invertebrate animal, or any part of a vertebrate or invertebrate animal. (b) A school that offers dissection or vivisection as a learning activity shall permit those students whose parent(s) or legal guardian refuse to allow them to participate to demonstrate competency through an alternative method of learning the material that would be covered in the activity. Alternative materials and methods may include but not be limited to: videotapes, models, films, books, computer programs, clay modeling or transparencies. (c) A teacher shall not discriminate against a student for not participating in dissection or vivisection and shall not lower a grade because a student’s parent or legal guardian has chosen an alternative education project.
Dissections at Bloomfield High School are used as a component of life science classes to meet course objectives. All animal materials are used in a respectful manner. Each teacher will provide alternatives to actual dissection. The alternatives may include a computer simulation, a research project and a video presentation.
If you choose not to have your student take part in dissections, please notify the student’s teacher in writing by September 15, 2026.
Elective Courses
20060225 AP BIOLOGY
(11, 12) 7 Cr. Prerequisite: BIO HONORS OR CP, CHEM HONORS OR CP.
AP BIOLOGY is for students with a strong interest in biology and who may be considering majoring in the biological sciences. Areas emphasized include cell biology, molecular biology and biotechnology. Students are expected to take the AP BIOLOGY exam.
20060325 AP CHEMISTRY
(12) 7 Cr. Prerequisite: CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT, PRECALCULUS OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT.
AP CHEMISTRY is intended for students who expect to major in the physical or biological sciences or engineering in college. Dimensional analysis, thermodynamics, activation complexes, kinetics, rate orders, and catalysts are areas of concentration in the course. Students are expected to take the AP CHEMISTRY exam.
20060425 AP PHYSICS 2
(12) 7 Cr. Prerequisite: AP PHYSICS 1.
AP PHYSICS 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. Students are expected to take the AP Physics 2 exam.
20061014 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY L/HONORS
(11-12) 5 Cr. Prerequisite: BIO CP, CHEM CP.
ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY HONORS is a demanding study of the way the human body is organized and functions. Students explore histology, the structure and the structure and function of human systems. Students apply for college credit through Seton Hall University.
20060813 ASTRONOMY L/CP
(12) 5 Cr. Prerequisite: 3 CP Sciences, ALGEBRA 2 CP.
ASTRONOMY is a course that will enable a student to explore the universe, galaxies, and solar systems. Telescopes will be used; astronomical observations will be described in detail and analyzed. Emphasis is on concepts, rather than mathematics.
20060143 NATURAL HAZARDS & DISASTERS CP
(12) 5 Cr. Prerequisite: 3 years CP SCIENCE, ALGEBRA 2 CP.
This course will provide students an understanding of underlying geological processes (ex. earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, landslides, severe weather, climate change, coastal erosion, etc.), explore the impact these processes have on humans and vice versa, and analyze strategies for mitigating these hazards’ physical and financial harm.
20061413 MARINE SCIENCE L/CP
(12) 5 Cr. Prerequisite: 3 years of CP science, ALGEBRA 2 CP.
MARINE SCIENCE is a college preparatory course, which will include topics such as: history of marine science, ocean basins, the world’s oceans, the chemical composition of the oceans, waves and currents, marine plankton, algae, plants, invertebrates, fishes, and ecosystems such as: intertidal communities, coral reefs, ocean depths, marine resources, and the impact of humans on marine environments.
20060713 METEOROLOGY L/CP
(12) 5 Cr. Prerequisite: 3 years of CP science, ALGEBRA 2 CP.
Meteorology is a course that will provide an opportunity to learn about the composition of the atmosphere, precipitation processes and cloud formation, development of mid-latitude cyclones, formation/dissipation of tornadoes and hurricanes, analysis of weather maps and weather patterns specific to the United States.
20060513 GEO SCIENCE L/CP
(11,12) 5 Cr. Prerequisite: BIO CP.
GEOLOGICAL SCIENCE is a final course of study for graduation seniors which consists of four parts: geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Students are encouraged to enroll concurrently in CHEM CP, or PHYSICS CP with this course. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course.