High School Science/STEM

The high school science program is a continuation of our middle science program that focuses on the three branches of science: earth & space, life, and physical. Students will build upon topics learned in middle school and continue to learn science with a hands-on approach and focus on the engineering and design process. Courses are more focused on specific branches of science (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, & Physics) but still include components of all 3 branches. Below is the course sequence for the high school science program.

The high school STEM courses also focus on the concepts of engineering and design. Whether it be designing control systems in Digital Electronics, exploring the world's water, food and energy problems in Environmental Sustainability or building the next generation of robots in Robotics, students will be challenged to use their imaginations to solve real-world problems.

Course Sequence

Course Descriptions:

Freshman Year Options

Geophysical Science L/CP or Honors (Jumpstart Only), 5 credits (Grade 9)

This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts of earth and physical science as these disciplines relate to the world around them. It involves the learning of concepts such as properties and processes involved in earth systems (rock and weather cycling), matter, biogeochemical cycling, rocks and minerals, atomic theory, trends in the periodic table, simple machines, forces and motion, machines and work, electromagnetic waves, static electricity, electrical circuits, and magnetism. This course requires students to understand basic earth and physical science concepts, perform investigative laboratory activities, analyze scientific data, and apply physical science principles to real life situations. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them.

Biology L/Honors 5 credits (Grade 9)

This course 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. This course requires students to understand basic life science concepts, perform investigative laboratory activities, analyze scientific data, and apply life science principles to real life situations. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them.

Sophomore Year Options

Chemistry L/Honors, 6 credits (Grades 10-12)

This 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. This course requires students to understand basic physical science concepts, perform investigative laboratory activities, analyze scientific data, and apply physical science principles to real life situations. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them.

Biology L/CP, 5 credits (Grades 9-10)

This course 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. This course requires students to understand basic life science concepts, perform investigative laboratory activities, analyze scientific data, and apply life science principles to real life situations. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them.

Junior Year Options

AP Physics 1, 7 Credits (Grades 11-12)

This is the third year of science for the Honors/AP Program. It 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. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them. Students are expected to take the AP Physics 1 exam.

Physics L/Honors, 6 credits (Grades 11-12)

This is the third year of science for the Honors Program. It 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. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them. In this course, students mostly learn the same content from AP Physics 1 but at a slower pace and do not take the AP Physics 1 exam.

Chemistry L/CP, 6 credits (Grades 10-12)

This is the study of the composition and behavior of matter; principles of structure, matter-energy relationships, thermodynamics, and chemical relationships are applied in this lab. Quantitative and qualitative analyses are utilized with a command of algebraic operations. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course. This course requires students to understand basic physical science concepts, perform investigative laboratory activities, analyze scientific data, and apply physical science principles to real life situations. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them.

Action Chemistry L/CP, 5 credits (Grades 10-12)

This 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 experience. This course requires students to understand basic physical science concepts, perform investigative laboratory activities, analyze scientific data, and apply physical science principles to real life situations. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them.

Environmental Science L/CP, 5 credits (Grades 11-12)

This course encompasses a multidisciplinary scope that draws from all branches of science to achieve practical goals such as conservation and protection of natural resources, environmental education and communication, and environmental research. Students will identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made (focusing on climate change), investigate threats associated with these problems, and explore strategies resolving and/or preventing these problems from occurring. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course.

Senior Year: AP Courses

AP Biology, 7 credits (Grades 11-12)

This course 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. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them. Students are expected to take the AP Biology exam.

AP Chemistry, 7 credits (Grade 12)

This course is 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 this course. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them. Students are expected to take the AP Chemistry exam.

AP Physics 1, 7 Credits (Grades 11-12) see description above in Junior Year Options

AP Physics 2, 7 credits (Grade 12)

This 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.

AP Physics C, 7 credits (Grade 12)

This is a calculus-based course, covering mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. Differential and integral calculus are utilized in problem solving. Teacher demonstrations and laboratory exercises are essential pedagogical components for understanding fundamental concepts. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. Students are expected to take the AP Physics C exam.

Senior Year: Electives

Physics L/CP, 6 credits (Grades 11-12)

This 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. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course.

Anatomy and Physiology L/Honors, 5 credits (Grades 11-12)

This course is a demanding study of the way the human body is organized and functions. Students explore histology and the structure and function of human systems. Students apply for college credit through Seton Hall University. This course requires students to understand basic life science concepts, perform investigative laboratory activities, analyze scientific data, and apply life science principles to real life situations. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them.

Natural Hazards & Disasters L/CP, 5 credits (Grade 12)

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. Engineering and design projects are an integral part of this course.

Meteorology L/CP, 5 credits (Grade 12)

This course provides students with 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. This course requires students to understand basic earth and physical science concepts, perform investigative laboratory activities, analyze scientific data, and apply earth science principles to real life situations. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them.

Marine Science L/CP, 5 credits (Grade 12)

This course provides students with an opportunity to explore "how the ocean works". Physical and chemical aspects of the ocean affect the biology of marine ecosystems. This course will delve into how all of these facets affect one another. Exploratory topics can include history of marine science, ocean basins, the world’s oceans, the chemical composition of the oceans, waves, tides and currents, marine plankton, algae, plants, invertebrates, fishes, reptiles and mammals. Additionally, marine ecosystems such as: intertidal communities, coral reefs, ocean depths, mangrove forests will be examined along with the impact of humans on these environments. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply their learning to themselves and the world around them.

Astronomy L/CP, 5 credits (Grade 12)

This course enables students to explore the universe, galaxies, and solar system. Telescopes will be used; astronomical observations will be described in detail and analyzed. Emphasis is on concepts, rather than mathematics. This course requires students to understand basic earth and physical science concepts, perform investigative laboratory activities, analyze scientific data, and apply earth science principles to real life situations. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them.

Geo Science L/CP, 5 credits (Grade 12)

This is a course of study in four parts: geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Students are encouraged to enroll in Chemistry CP or Physics CP with this course. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course. This course requires students to understand basic earth and physical science concepts, perform investigative laboratory activities, analyze scientific data, and apply earth and space science principles to real life situations. The course follows an inquiry model of instruction, where students identify prior knowledge, use a concrete model to explore content, reflect on learning, and apply their learning to themselves and their world around them.

STEM courses

Robotics Level 1, 5 credits (Grade 9-12)

The course objective is to design and implement basic electronics to create simple robots that function upon command. The problem-solving model is a basis for construction challenges using lego parts. Specific software is utilized for programming the designs. Robots are created as prototypes for more elaborate design and function.

Robotics Level 2-4 CP, 5 credits (Grade 10- 12) - Prerequisite - Robotics/Advanced Robotics

The advanced level of the Robotics course offers extended opportunities in design, creation and implementation of activated robotic tools. Projects may be independent or group oriented. Different software applications for programming robots are explored.

Digital Electronics 5 credits (Grade 10-12) - Prerequisite - Enrolled in or completed Algebra 2.

DIGITAL ELECTRONICS (DE) is BHS’s first Project Lead The Way (PLTW) course in the Engeinerring Program. DE is appropriate for students enrolled in Algebra 2 or higher and are interested in exploring electronics. The purpose of this introductory pre-engineering coure is to develop the student’s logical thining skills by solving problems and designing control systems. In this manner, students gain a better understanding of the digital circuits in microelectronic design, manufacturing, computer technology, and information systems.

Environmental Sustainability Honors, 5 credits (Grade 11- 12) - Prerequisite - Biology & Chemistry

The Students investigate and design solutions in response to real world challenges related to clean and abundant drinking water, food supply and renewable energy using Project Lead The Way curriculum.

Report abuse