Science

Our science program is designed to provide every student with the necessary science skills and abilities to understand his/her environment. Fundamental through Advanced Placement instruction is offered. 

Course Descriptive Codes

+21st Century Careers and CTE | @ Visual and Performing Arts | ^ NCAA Approved Course | FY Course meets Full Year | A/B Course Meets every other day full year

0410 HONORS BIOLOGY ^    

Grades: 9-10

0410S STEM HONORS BIOLOGY^

Grade: 9

Prerequisite: “90” in 8th grade science, a score of advanced proficiency on NJSLA 8 Science and teacher recommendation.

An accelerated course in biology has been designed for the advanced, college bound student. The scope and sequence of this course leads to the mastery of concepts including cells, biochemistry, genetics, ecology, theory of evolution and human biology. Hands-on laboratory work will be integrated into all areas of study.

0412 BIOLOGY ^

Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: 8th grade science

This college prep, lab-oriented course provides each student with the opportunity to investigate the vital life processes. The scope and sequence of this course explores concepts including cells, biochemistry, genetics, ecology, theory of evolution and human biology. “Hands-on laboratory work will be integrated into all areas of study.”

0416 AP BIOLOGY ^ (FY)         

Grades 11-12 

Prerequisite: Honors Biology with a grade of 85 or better, Chemistry I, with a grade of 85 or better, teacher recommendation and successful completion of summer coursework.

Students interested in medical fields or biological fields in college.

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is an in-depth continuation of Honors Biology. This course is available to selected students who are highly motivated and who plan to pursue a career in the sciences. It should be understood that due to the challenging nature of the course only those students with strong academic skills and commitment to academic excellence should participate. The emphasis is to successfully complete the Biology Advanced Placement Test, which is sponsored by the College Board. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the AP Exam in May.

0417 SPORTS SCIENCE 

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology

By studying topics such as biomechanics, nutrition, injury prevention, and training methods, students develop scientific literacy, critical thinking skills, and an understanding of lifelong health and fitness. Sports Science also supports career exploration in health, fitness, physical therapy, athletic training, and sports medicine, making it a meaningful addition to the high school curriculum 

0422 HONORS CHEMISTRY I ^

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: 85 or better in Honors Biology; 90 or better in Biology; 85 or better in Algebra l.

This accelerated, lab-oriented course is designed for the advanced, college-bound student. The scope and sequence of this course leads to the mastery of understanding matter - its composition, structure, properties, interactions, and changes. Qualitative and quantitative reasoning is emphasized throughout.

0422S STEM PHYSICAL SCIENCE HONORS ^

Grade: 9

Prerequisite: STEM BIOLOGY, ALGEBRA 2, & Enrolled in STEM ACADEMY

This is an accelerated course designed for students in the STEM Program to experience a breadth of material in the Physical Sciences to better prepare them for future AP Science courses. This course is designed to introduce micro and macro concepts in a quick paced, lab oriented setting. The scope and sequence of this course ranges from mastery of the basic structure of matter to an in-depth study of the complex reactions found in the chemistry of life. In addition, the student will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the use of The Natural Laws of Matter and energy and their relationships, while introducing Newtonian mechanics, energy and conservation, and rotational motion.  

0424 CHEMISTRY I ^

Grades 10-11

Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra I or Biology and a 90 or better in Algebra I P.1 and P.2

This lab-oriented course is designed for the college bound student. The scope and sequence of this course leads to the mastery of understanding matter - its composition, structure, properties, interactions, and changes. Qualitative and quantitative reasoning is emphasized throughout.

0426 CONCEPTUAL CHEMISTRY

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology

This course is designed to provide students insight into chemistry and the vital roles it plays in day to day life. The course covers material from basic properties of matter to chemical reactions. Connections are made between simple chemical processes and how understanding each can help you become a more aware consumer.

0428 HONORS CHEMISTRY II ^

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry 1 or a grade of 85 or better in Chemistry I. Course may not be used as 3rd year science requirement. 

This lab-oriented course is intended for the more academically motivated student. A strong Chemistry 1 foundation will be required as topics covered in this course will build on those concepts. Specific themes to be investigated will be: Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Acid-Base Chemistry, Solution Chemistry and Oxidation-Reduction Chemistry.

0430 AP CHEMISTRY ^ (FY)

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Honors Chemistry

This Advanced Placement (AP) program provides an opportunity for highly motivated secondary students to pursue and receive credit for college level coursework The AP Program, sponsored by the College Board, is based on the premise that college-level material can be taught successfully to capable and well-prepared high school students. The course also addresses all appropriate lab work that goes along with the materials covered. Students enrolled in this course must take the AP Exam in May.

0432 HONORS PHYSICS ^

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Chemistry Honors (or level 1 with teacher approval)

Co-requisite: Pre-Calculus or Highly capable Algebra 2 students

Honors Physics is a one-semester student directed course designed for the highly motivated student that will likely study science in college. The student will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the natural laws of matter and energy and their relationships. The course covers Newtonian mechanics, energy and conservation, electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetism, mechanical waves and sound, light and geometric optics. 

Upon completion of this course students will be able to transition to AP Physics C:Mechanics.

0434 PHYSICS ^

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Geometry

Co-requisite: Algebra II

Physics is a one semester course designed for the motivated student who may or may not study science in college. Topics are taught conceptually with a basic mathematical application. The student will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the natural laws of matter and energy and their relationships. The topics in this course are Newtonian mechanics, energy and conservation, electrostatics, electric circuits, magnetism, mechanical waves and sound, light and geometric optics.

0436 AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS ^  (A/B)

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Honors Physics; teacher approval; completion of summer assignment.

Co-requisites Honors Calculus semester 1 or AP Calculus

AP Physics C: Mechanics is equivalent to a first-semester college course in calculus-based physics. The course will provide instruction in each of the following six content areas: kinematics; Newton's Laws of Motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation.

This course is recommended for students who have shown an advanced proficiency in mathematics and sciences, and are interested in the sciences or engineering disciplines in college

Students may earn college credits, and college level work is expected of them. Students must take the AP Examination in May.

0444 HON. ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: 85 or better in Honors Biology; 90 or better in Biology. 85 or better in Honors Chemistry; 90 or better in Chemistry. 

This lab-oriented course is designed for the college bound student. This course provides students with information about the structure and function of the organizational levels of the human body. The scope and sequence of this course ranges from the eleven organizational levels of the human body to their complex interaction and relationships. This course is taught at an accelerated level of Anatomy and Physiology; therefore, it is geared to the highly motivated student.

0445 ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCE ^

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Chemistry or Conceptual Chemistry

Environmental Earth explores various aspects of the planet Earth, such as the Universe in which we exist, the history of the Earth, properties of the Earth and its energy systems, Tectonics, Climate, Atmosphere, Weather, and Biogeochemical Cycles and how the environment is affected. Classroom investigations of collecting, cataloging, and interpreting data are performed from which conclusions are drawn. 

0446  AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (A/B)

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: 85 or better in Biology and Chemistry

This course allows students to study broad aspects of environmental science and environmental studies. Students receive information on topics that include the use of basic scientific concepts and tools for environmental problems; human population growth; cycles of carbon, water and weather, and the use of natural resources. Students are required to take the AP Examination in May

 0450 FORENSIC SCIENCE ^

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Chemistry I with a grade of 85 or better.

Forensic Science is a hands-on, problem solving, lab-oriented course utilizing knowledge and skills learned in the areas of Biology and Chemistry to solve simulated criminal cases. Students will receive instruction on forensic law, criminalistics, crime scene investigation, hair and fiber analysis, blood identification and pattern analysis, fingerprint comparison, DNA, entomology, anthropology, and autopsy.

 0455 MARINE SCIENCE ^

Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Biology

Marine Science is an elective that explores the physical, chemical, and biological systems of the world’s oceans. The course begins with foundational oceanography - examining how water, light, temperature, pressure, and geologic features shape marine environments - and progresses into the study of marine organisms and the adaptations that support life in aquatic ecosystems. Topics include: Oceanography (properties and chemistry of water, light penetration and ocean zonation, temperature density, and pressure relationships, ocean circulation and currents, seafloor features and coastal processes, estuary and coastal ecosystems) and Marine Biology (survey of marine invertebrates and vertebrates, structural and physiological adaptations for survival, feeding strategies, reproduction, migration, and communication, ecological roles and interactions among marine species, human impacts on marine systems).  Students will also engage in hands-on investigation using classroom aquariums, including care of live specimens and exploration of regeneration, growth, and ecological relationships. 

0466 AUTHENTIC STEM RESEARCH (ASR) (A/B)

Grade 10-12

Prerequisite:, Application and Teacher Recommendation

Authentic STEM Science Research (ASR) is an elective science course that affords highly-motivated students a unique opportunity to actively engage in the scientific process. Through in-depth analyses of scientific journal articles, students will develop critical thinking, data analysis and oral presentation skills. Experienced ASR students will be encouraged to initiate a partnership with a mentor in the scientific community to conduct authentic science research during the junior year. Scientific findings will be shared in class as well as at local, state and/or national science competitions during the senior year.