Science

The Science Department at Northern Highlands is committed to fostering scientific literacy, critical thinking, and inquiry-based learning through a diverse and rigorous curriculum. From foundational courses in physics, chemistry, and biology to specialized electives in environmental science, forensics, and anatomy, our program prepares students to explore the natural world and engage with real-world scientific challenges. Hands-on laboratory experiences, interdisciplinary connections, and cutting-edge technology empower students to apply scientific principles and develop problem-solving skills essential for success in both academic and professional settings. Our mission is to inspire curiosity, promote intellectual growth, and prepare students to become informed, responsible citizens in an increasingly complex and scientific world.

Physics Courses

Geophysics/Lab     Grade 9 

The Geophysics course is designed to develop student understanding of the four core ideas in the physical sciences in the context of the Earth. These ideas include forces and motion, interactions between objects and systems, thermo energy, electricity and magnetism, and waves as they apply to our understanding of global climate change, the motion of Earth’s crust, the future of space travel, and current smart technologies. The intention of this course is to provide students with fundamental concepts to allow for expansion and connections in subsequent high school science courses while keeping students engaged with seeing the immediate application of said concepts aligned to physics. Students enrolled in Geophysics will develop a genuine understanding of the physical laws basic to all sciences and interrelationships and their effect on the development of society, technology, Earth, and Earth-space systems. The course will employ a multi-activity/laboratory-based approach, including video demonstrations, computer and non-computer-assisted laboratories, as well as interactive computer simulations. Students are also expected to demonstrate understanding of several engineering practices, including design and evaluation. 

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

Honors Physics/Lab     Grade 9 

The physics course is designed to develop student understanding of the four core ideas in the physical sciences. These ideas include forces and motion, interactions between objects and systems, thermo energy, electricity and magnetism, and waves. The intention is to provide students with fundamental concepts to allow for expansion and connections in subsequent high school science courses with a strong emphasis on math concepts and skills. Students enrolled in physics will develop a genuine understanding of the physical laws basic to all sciences and interrelationships and their effect on the development of society. The course will employ a multi-activity/laboratory-based approach, including video demonstrations, computer and non-computer-assisted laboratories, as well as interactive computer simulations. Students are also expected to demonstrate understanding of several engineering practices, including design and evaluation.

Prerequisite for incoming freshmen: Multiple criteria will be used to determine placement.

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility

AP Physics I/Lab     Grades 9-12 

The course is a rigorous math-based physics course. It is designed to be equivalent to the first semester of an introductory college level algebra based physics course. A high level of achievement in algebra and geometry is mandatory. Students choosing to take this class will find it challenging, with extended study time requirements outside of class. Students are required to apply the principles learned in class to problem solving in homework, test, and laboratory settings. The major topics of study include: kinematics, Newtonian Mechanics, energy, harmonic motion, waves, sound, electrostatics and simple electric circuits. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP Physics I exam in May. Please see page 5 for additional information regarding advanced placement courses and exams. 

Prerequisite for incoming freshmen: Only freshmen enrolled in Honors Math Analysis will be eligible to take AP Physics I. (Please refer to page 5 for additional information). 

Prerequisite for sophomores, juniors, and seniors: Teacher recommendation and minimum grade of a “85” or better in Honors Physics, or “95” in Geophysics/Lab, and a minimum grade of “85” or better in Algebra II/Trigonometry or concurrently enrolled in Algebra II/ Trigonometry. 

Note: A summer assignment may be required. 

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

AP Physics C/Lab     Grade 12 

AP Physics C is designed to prepare the qualified physics student to take the Advanced Placement Physics C test in Mechanics and/or Electricity/Magnetism. This course requires the use of Calculus in the solution of problems. This includes: mechanics with motion in two dimensions, work, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillatory motion, universal gravitation and electricity/magnetism with electric forces and fields, capacitance, steady state and non-steady state circuits, magnetic fields and forces, and induction. Successful completion of this course and the AP Physics Examination in Mechanics and Electricity/Magnetism will provide an experience similar to that of two semesters of physics in engineering, physical science, mathematics or pre-med program at a university. This course requires a high degree of commitment to academic work and extremely strong mathematical analysis and problem solving abilities. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP Physics C exam in May. Please see page 5 for additional information regarding advanced placement courses and exams. 

Prerequisite: This is a senior course and requires science teacher recommendation and a strong performance in three previous years of honors science. 

AP Calculus is a co-requisite. Concurrent placement in AP level Calculus course is required (BC calculus is preferred). 

Note: A summer assignment may be required. Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility (please refer to page 4). 

Chemistry Courses

Chemistry/Lab   Grade 10 

This chemistry course is designed for students to explore chemistry concepts using real world phenomena. Students will learn the chemical principles necessary for an introductory college chemistry course as well as entering a science related career. Topics of study include interactions of matter, chemical reactions, quantitative relationships, energy, solutions, and equilibrium. Students will blend these core ideas with scientific and engineering practices to explain chemistry core concepts. Scientific practices include developing and using models, planning and conducting investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and using mathematical and computational thinking. The engineering practices put a realistic twist on the scientific method to give students the opportunity to experience how real scientists investigate problems. 

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

Honors Chemistry/Lab   Grade 10 

This chemistry course is designed for students who are considering a science related career and who have shown superior aptitude and interest in science and mathematics. Students will explore chemistry concepts using real world phenomena to explore interactions of matter, chemical reactions, quantitative relationships, energy, solutions, and equilibrium. Students will blend these core ideas with scientific and engineering practices to explain chemistry core concepts. Scientific practices include developing and using models, planning and conducting investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and using mathematical and computational thinking. The engineering practices put a realistic twist on the scientific method to give students the opportunity to experience how real scientists investigate problems. 

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of “70” or better in Honors Physics and their current math course or teacher recommendation or a minimum grade of “95” or better in Geophysics/Lab and minimum grade of “95” in their current math course with teacher recommendation. 

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

AP Chemistry/Lab   Grades 11-12 

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a high mathematical, introductory college level course that builds upon the knowledge base gained in a first year chemistry course. This course emphasizes inquiry and reasoning skills as methods to develop the College Board’s six Big Ideas and their corresponding enduring understandings. The areas of study include, but are not limited to: the structure of matter, the properties of matter, chemical reactions, rates of chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. Students will be required to do independent research and reading, write formal lab reports, and think analytically about problems they may never have encountered before. Students will be engaged in hands-on laboratory work, integrated throughout the course, which accounts for a minimum of 25 percent of the course time. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP Chemistry exam in May. Please see page 5 for additional information regarding advanced placement courses and exams. 

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of “85” or better in Honors Chemistry, minimum grade of “85” or better in either Honors Algebra II/ Trigonometry or Honors Pre-Calculus or teacher recommendation. 

Suggested co-requisite (if not taken previously): Honors Precalculus and Honors Biology. 

Note: A summer assignment is assigned at teacher discretion. 

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

Biology Courses

Biology/Lab   Grade 11 

This course focuses on the nature of life at all levels of structural organization. It emphasizes the similarities of basic life functions within the vast diversity of life forms. Students will describe the molecules that make up living things and explain how cells use energy to stay alive. They will show how cell structure relates to function and how cell division and gene mutation can result in evolutionary change. They will examine interactions between living things and the environment. Concepts will be reinforced by related laboratory experiences.

 Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

Honors Biology/Lab   Grade 11 

In this course, students explore the core concepts on which modern biology is based. Students will see how all forms of life are unified by the similarities in their organization and life functions. They will describe biologic molecules and explain the energy transformations that sustain life. They will show the relationship between cell structure and function, and between cell division and genetic variation, and describe how evolution is possible through sexual reproduction and gene mutation. Critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills are fostered through laboratory work, group activities, internet sources, and independent work. 

Prerequisite: Minimum grade of “75” or better in Honors Chemistry or “95” or better in Chemistry/Lab with teacher recommendation. 

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

AP Biology/Lab   Grades 11-12 

The AP biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college level introductory biology course. The intent of this course is to expose students to higher level biological principles, concepts, and skills and allow them the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real life applications. The core concepts of AP Biology are organized around biological principles called Big Ideas that permeate the entire course and focus on the following topics: the process of evolution drives diversity and unity of life; biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis. Big Idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes; biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. In class, students are given opportunities to learn and apply their knowledge through the process of inquiry rather than learning solely from lectures and/or prescribed lab protocols. AP Biology is a challenging course that requires a strong Biology (summer Bio classes are not encouraged unless it is through the Highlands Summer Academy) and a Chemistry background. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP Biology exam in May. Please see page 5 for additional information regarding advanced placement courses and exams. 

Prerequisites: AP Biology is offered to any student who has successfully completed Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology with a minimum grade of a “85” or better in both courses. Teacher recommendation is required. 

A summer assignment may be assigned. 

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

Science Full Year Electives

Honors Anatomy & Physiology I & II/Lab (DUAL ENROLLMENT: Rutgers University) Grades 11-12 

This course follows a sequential development of the major body systems in an organized and structured curriculum. The course is designed to give the students a selective overview of human anatomical structure and an analysis of human physiological principles. Labs will include slide work, dissection of various animals and study of the human skeleton. The course will also use computer simulated dissection. 

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of “90” or better in Biology/lab or “85” or better in Honors Biology. 

Note: There is a financial obligation for students who wish to earn college credit for this course

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility (please refer to page 4). 

Honors Forensic Science (DUAL ENROLLMENT: Syracuse University Project Advance)   Grade 12 

Introduction to Forensics Science at Syracuse University explores the application of scientific methods and techniques to matters of law. Case details are evaluated with scientific logic, and principles and practices of physics, chemistry, and biology are used to analyze different items of physical evidence to support or disprove an interpretation in the scene. Historical cases, new technologies, and ethical considerations are also discussed. Topics include blood analysis, DNA comparison, drug chemistry and toxicology, fingerprints, autopsy and pathology, arson, firearms, and trace evidence analysis. Please note that portions of this course include mature content and graphic images. Students must follow the Physics First Curriculum: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. 

Prerequisites: Completion of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with a minimum grade of “80” in the most recent Honors level science course, or a minimum grade of “85” in the most recent Lab-level science course. 

Note: There is a financial obligation for students who wish to earn college credit for this course

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility

AP Environmental Science/Lab   Grades 11-12 

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with 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. The AP Environmental Science course is a demanding course designed to be the equivalent of a one semester, introductory college course in Environmental Science. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary; it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas which include concepts of geology, biology, chemistry, and geography. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP Environmental exam in May. Please see page 5 for additional information regarding advanced placement courses and exams. 

Prerequisites: Minimum grade of “85” or better in Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology and a minimum grade of “90” or better in Chemistry/Lab and Biology/Lab, or written recommendation from two science teachers. 

Note: A summer assignment may be required. 

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

Forensics   Grades 11-12 

This course studies the science behind how forensic scientists are used to solve crimes. Topics include history of forensic science, the crime scene, physical and biological evidence collection and analysis, microscopic investigations, hair and fiber analysis, determination of the time of death, and insect study. DNA evidence is also covered along with computer, document, and voice recognition as evidence. Please note that portions of this course include mature content and graphic images. 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Physics and Chemistry, and successful completion or currently enrolled in Biology. 

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

Sports Medicine   Grades 11-12 

Sports Medicine is designed for the student who is interested in the study of anatomy and physiology and how sports affect these systems. Areas of emphasis include the study of anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, personal health and fitness, supplementation, physical therapy, kinesiology, athletic injury evaluation, rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Lab experiences are an essential learning tool and include blood pressures and heart rates, reflexes, joint assessments, ankle and various taping techniques, splinting and wrappings, and dissections. 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of any level core science course. 

Science Semester Electives

Astronomy   Grades 11-12 

Students are introduced to astronomy and the makeup and dynamics of the universe. Using powerful telescopes, the school planetarium, and the Internet, students learn how to identify Earth’s place in the universe. Students also study the moon, planets, major stars and constellations, galaxies, nebulae, and other objects like black holes. 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of any level Physics and Chemistry course. 

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

Environmental Science   Grades 11-12 

Some of the most pressing issues of our time revolve around the environment and more importantly climate change and working towards a sustainable future. The Environmental Science course provides students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to consider these issues and analyze climatic concerns both natural and human made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. The Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent to an introductory college course in Environmental Science. The course draws from diverse subjects, including concepts of geology, biology, chemistry, geography, politics, history, economics, and current events. 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of any level Physics and Chemistry course. 

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

Oceanography   Grades 11-12 

Students will be introduced to marine biology and oceanography through both the physical dynamics of the ocean and the interdependencies that exist within the various marine ecosystems. Students will learn about the physical structure of chemistry of the ocean, the diversity of ocean life, marine ecology, and the scope and impact of human interactions with the oceans. Laboratory experiences are embedded in the curriculum and will take place during the regularly scheduled class periods. 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of any level Physics and Chemistry course, as well as concurrently enrolled in a Biology course.

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility 

Food Science   Grades 11-12 

Are artificial flavors and colors really that bad for you? How do you make the fluffiest muffin? How do you get the best flavor in your food? These are the kinds of questions we will explore over the course of the semester to clarify misconceptions that have developed between scientists and consumers regarding food and to optimize our recipes. Students will have the opportunity to perform experiments with food and food materials, learn how to be an informed consumer, and become more aware of the chemistry of food. Students will use chemical concepts to explain how food molecules react to changes during cooking. Students should be able to view food through a new lens as they focus on the science behind it. 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of any level Chemistry course. 

Honors Dynamics of HealthCare (DUAL ENROLLMENT Rutgers University)   Grades 10-12 

This Rutgers School of Health Related Professions course provides an orientation to health care services and their delivery. Students who successfully complete the course will earn three college credits from Rutgers and 2.5 credits on Northern Highlands’ transcript. This course is a prerequisite for all Rutgers courses at Northern Highlands. The class presents an interdisciplinary perspective focusing on process skills such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, effective communication, and the ways to continue independent learning throughout life. The course shows how all health care providers acquire professional competency in dealing with the issues and problems they face as well as the role they play as informed consumers. 

Note: There is a financial obligation for students who wish to earn college credit for this course

Honors Medical Terminology (DUAL ENROLLMENT: Rutgers University)   Grades 11-12 

Medical Terminology is the study of words that pertain to body systems, anatomy, physiology, medical processes and procedures and a variety of diseases. It provides specialized language for the health care team, enabling health care workers to communicate in an accurate, articulate and concise manner. This course is designed to give the students a comprehensive knowledge of word construction, definition and use of terms related to all areas of medical science. The course includes, but is not limited to terms related to anatomy of the human body, functions of health and disease, and the use of language in processing medical/dental records and claim forms. 

Prerequisite: Honors Dynamics of Healthcare. 

Note: There is a financial obligation for students who wish to earn college credit for this course

Honors Scientific Principles of Nutrition (DUAL ENROLLMENT: Rutgers University)   Grades 11-12 

This dual enrollment course outlines the relationship of diet, lifestyle, and the prevention of disease for healthy living. An overview of the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and five minerals is provided. Nutrition needs at various stages of the lifespan are stressed. Applying the science of nutrition to life including needs for fitness and physical activity, evaluating nutrition claims, food labeling, and other consumer concerns are emphasized. 

Note: There is a financial obligation for students who wish to earn college credit for this course

Approved for NCAA DI and DII athletic eligibility