Science
To acquaint students with important scientific concepts and inquiry skills, the high school science program emphasizes the big ideas in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as the connections between these key subject areas. (To this end, the science program requires that all students enroll in Biology, Chemistry and Physics in their freshman, sophomore and junior years respectively.)
Selection to honors courses is determined on an individualized basis using multiple indicators to ensure success for future study in science. These indicators include the teacher’s assessment of the student’s mathematical reasoning and problem solving skills in science, day-to-day classroom performance and grades.
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
Credits: 6
Course Length: Full Year
Grade Level: 11 or 12
The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or themes, that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science.
College Preparatory Biology
Credits: 6
Course Length: Full Year
Grade Level: 10
Prerequisite: Environmental Science, Biomedical Science
The field of biology studies living things. Biologists investigate the interactions of living and nonliving things within ecosystems, the relationships between cells and the maintenance of homeostasis in living things, and the genetic makeup and natural evolution of living things. The Biology program is a hands-on lab science that consists of five thematic units reflective of the NJDOE Model Curriculum. Each unit develops new content with consistent emphasis on the science and engineering processes, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts reflective of the Next Generation Science Standards and the Frameworks for Science Education. The major course themes include matter and energy transformations in ecosystems, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, humans’ activity and climate, human activity and biodiversity, cell specialization and homeostasis, and DNA and inheritance.
Pre-AP Biology
Credits: 6
Course Length: Full Year
Grade Level: 10
Prerequisite: Environmental Science, Biomedical Science
In Pre-AP Biology, students engage in real-world data analysis and problem solving that sparks critical thinking about our living world. As students engage in grade-level content, they utilize the kind of scientific reasoning skills needed to analyze the natural world—and to succeed in future science and social science courses in high school and college.
College Preparatory Chemistry
Credits: 6
Course Length: Full Year
Grade Level: 11
Prerequisite: Biology
The field of chemistry investigates matter and energy and ways in which these two quantities interact. After completing this course, students should be able to recognize how matter and energy are both quantified (measured) and qualified (observed) in a variety of contexts. The Chemistry program is a hands-on lab science that consists of four thematic units reflective of the NJDOE Model Curriculum. Each unit develops new content with consistent emphasis on the science and engineering processes, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts reflective of the Next Generation Science Standards and the Frameworks for Science Education. The major themes include structure and properties of matter, conservation of matter, reaction rates and chemical equilibrium, and nuclear chemistry.
AP Physics 1
Credits: 6
Course Length: Full Year
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology
The AP Physics 1 class is designed to introduce students to the algebra based physics learned at the college level. At the end of the course, students will take the AP Test, which will test students’ knowledge of both the conceptual and mathematical formulations of the requisite concepts.
Physics Honors
Credits: 6
Grade: 9-12
This is a weighted lab-based course designed to address the Physics portions of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science as well as the development of science practice skills. This course provides an in-depth study and analysis of Physics concepts and is designed for students who are able to learn and work independently at a faster pace and deeper level than is required in College Preparatory level Physics. Students will study one and two dimensional kinematics and dynamics. This will include such topics as displacement, velocity, acceleration, free fall, forces, Newton’s laws, circular motion, work, energy, power and momentum. Other topics include waves and vibrations, sound, and electricity and magnetism.
Pre AP Chemistry
Credits: 10
Course Length: Full Year
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Prerequisite: Pre AP Biology & PLTW Biomedical Sciences
In Pre-AP Chemistry, students develop a deep conceptual understanding of matter and energy at the molecular level as they learn to explain their macroscopic observations using particulate-level reasoning. As students engage in grade-level content, they utilize scientific reasoning skills needed to analyze the natural world—and to succeed in future science and social science courses in high school and college.
Advanced Placement Chemistry
Credits: 10
Course Length: Full Year
Grade Level: 11,12
Prerequisite: 1 AP Science Course & Honors Geometry
AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college general chemistry course. The course will place special emphasis on mathematically solving problems. The course covers the contents in depth. The topics covered are structure of matter, atomic structure, liquids and solids, gas laws, thermodynamics, stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibria, oxidation-reduction and electrochemistry. AP Chemistry is a rigorous experimental science and, as such, the laboratory will be the focus of much of our efforts in the class. As part of the course, students will work on experiments at least two 43 minute periods each week. Students are expected to be fully prepared for each experiment. Students will take the AP Chemistry Exam in May in order to have the opportunity to earn college credit.
Science Skills
Credits: 5
Course Length: Full Year
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Science Skills is designed to meet the diverse learning needs and modifications of students. This curriculum incorporates various components of Earth, Physical and Life sciences and their applications to everyday life. The goal of this course is to give exposure to a variety of science disciplines through participation in exploratory experiences and activities. Students will explore all the levels of life from the simplest particles that make up matter to the complex interactions of groups within the biosphere. They will experience a combination of interactive lessons and activities from hands- on experiments and projects to individual assignments that will enhance their exposure to various science topics and engage students in the learning process.
Studies in Climate Change, Resilience, and Sustainability
Credits: 2.5
Course Length: Semester
Grade Level: 11-12
This elective course offers students in grades 10 through 12 an opportunity to explore the interconnected issues of climate change, resilience, and sustainability within their community. Through a combination of classroom discussions, fieldwork, and research projects, students will examine the impacts of climate change on local ecosystems, economies, and social systems. By identifying areas for improvement and innovation, students will develop practical solutions to enhance community resilience and promote sustainability. Through this course, students will gain valuable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration while making a positive impact on their environment and society.
Innovation, Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship
Credits: 5
Course Length: Full
Grade Level: 10-11
Innovation & Community Leadership
Credits: 2.5
Course Length: Semester
Grade Level: 11-12
Innovation and Community Leadership is a transformative elective for grades 10 through 12, blending service-in-action with innovative problem-solving. Students embark on a journey of community engagement, identifying local issues and devising creative solutions through hands-on projects. By stepping into leadership roles and collaborating with community stakeholders, students develop valuable skills while making a tangible impact on their surroundings. This course nurtures a sense of responsibility and empowers students to become proactive leaders who drive positive change in their communities.
Innovation & Environmentalism
Credits: 2.5
Course Length: Semester
Grade Level: 11-12
Welcome to Innovation and Environmentalism, an elective course for grades 10 through 12 where students explore creative solutions to environmental challenges. Through hands-on projects and discussions, students learn how to apply innovative concepts like entrepreneurialism and 3D printing to address pressing environmental issues. This course empowers students to become agents of change, fostering creativity and critical thinking while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship in their communities.
Innovation Kickstarter
Credits: 2.5
Course Length: Semester
Grade Level: 10-12
Innovation Kickstarter is an exciting elective course designed for students in grades 10 through 12, focusing on entrepreneurial innovation. Through hands-on projects and mentorship, students will identify real-world problems and develop innovative business solutions. From crafting marketing strategies to building comprehensive business plans, students will immerse themselves in the entrepreneurial process, culminating in a mock launch of their own business ventures. This course empowers students to become visionary leaders, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship while making a positive impact on society.