Philosophy

Science is a way of knowing that requires empirical evidence to support reasoning.  It is human nature to be curious and curiosity motivates an individual to seek understanding and reason.  Science education aims to leverage this natural human emotion to help students learn explanations for natural phenomena. 

The Ramsey Science Curriculum provides learning experiences in which students use science and engineering practices and apply crosscutting concepts to make sense of scientific phenomena and deepen their understanding of core ideas in earth and space science, life science, and physical science.  The goal is to produce scientifically literate citizens who can engage in public discussions of science-related issues, be critical consumers of scientific information related to their everyday lives, and to continue to learn about science throughout their lives. 

A variety of assessment and instructional strategies are used to measure and support student learning.  Core courses in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics are offered at different levels to facilitate student learning and address individual student needs.  The scope and sequence of core courses meets college entrance requirements and exposes students to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) career paths. All course offerings are laboratory based and core courses are substantially aligned to the New Jersey Learning Standards in Science.  

*Adapted from A Vision and Plan for Science Teaching and Learning (2015)

Although the AP examinations at the end of AP exams are optional, we recommend that students take the exam.

Course Descriptions

Environmental Science (CP)

Prerequisite: None - 1 year 5 credits Grade 9

This course focuses on a study and understanding of the Earth system and the role humans play  in the dynamic processes that operate both on and within the planet. In order to gain a full appreciation for how human beings might impact the Earth system, students must first understand the natural processes that allow Earth to operate as a functional body. Once an introduction to topics such as the Earth’s origin, structure and composition, and interrelationships between the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere has been addressed, students will be able to evaluate the degree to which the human species has altered such systems. Topics to be addressed in this course include plate tectonics, climate stability and change, co-evolution of life and the atmosphere, and the responsible use, acquisition, and management of natural resources.

Biology

(Honors) Prerequisite: 

9th Grade: Multiple criteria will be used to establish a recommendation including placement test performance, 8th grade marking period grades, and teacher input. Co-requisite of Algebra II Honors or Geometry Honors.

10th Grade: “A” average in Environmental Science CP, Teacher Recommendation, Co- requisite of Algebra II  

(CP) Prerequisite: Environmental Science, Teacher Recommendation

1 year 6 credits Grades 9 – 10

This course focuses on engaging students in scientific inquiry to build explanations for natural phenomenon. Students will develop a body of knowledge that supports deeper understanding of broad ideas in the life sciences. This includes the relationship between structure and function at different hierarchical levels of organization (including molecular, cellular, organ system, organism, and ecosystem), a study of inheritance and variation of traits, deep understanding of matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, the interdependent relationships in ecosystems, and natural selection and evolution. Students will develop proficiency in multiple Science and Engineering Practices including the development and use of models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, and the construction of scientific explanations.

Chemistry

(Honors) Prerequisite: 10th Grade: Co-requisite Algebra II Honors or Pre-Calculus Honors, Teacher Recommendation, “B” average in Biology H and Geometry Honors or Alg II Honors 

11th Grade: Teacher Recommendation and Co-requisite Precalculus CP,. 

(CPE)(CPC) Prerequisite: 11th Grade: Environmental Science, Biology, Teacher Recommendation

1 year 6 credits Grades 10 – 11

This course introduces the fundamental principles, laws, and concepts of general chemistry. The program highlights problem solving and the application of mathematical concepts to chemical principles. Emphasized throughout the course are the principles of structure-matter-energy relationships. Major topics include: atomic structure and the periodic table, the mole concept, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, chemical stoichiometry, states of matter, solution chemistry, and acid base theory.

Physics

(Honors) Prerequisite: 11th Grade: "B" average in Biology Honors & Chemistry Honors, and Precalculus Honors or Algebra II Honors, Teacher Recommendation, and Co-requisite of Pre-Calculus Honors or AP Calculus BC

(CPE) Prerequisite: 12th Grade: Environmental Science CPE, Biology CPE, Chemistry CPE, Teacher Recommendation, Co-requisite of Pre-calculus CPE or Calculus CPE

(CPC) Prerequisite: 12th Grade: Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Teacher Recommendation 

1 year 6 credits Grades 11 – 12

This course is designed to use physics to better understand the world in which we live. It presents concepts in a very applicable manner and then uses these concepts and formulas to solve problems. Example problems are used extensively in the text to show how these formulas are applied. The major concepts of physics are presented in a multi-media manner. Emphasis is put on lab work and the relationships between science, motion, astronomy, light, sound, electricity, and radioactivity. These will be presented in both a qualitative and quantitative manner. 

Anatomy and Physiology

Prerequisite 11th Grade: "B" average in Biology H and Chemistry H, and Co-requisite of Physics Honors or CPE. 

Prerequisite 12th Grade: 12th Grade: “B” average in Environmental Science CPE, Biology CPE and Chemistry CPE 

1 year 6 credits Grades 11 – 12

This course is designed for science-oriented students who have successfully completed courses  in Biology and Chemistry. The purpose of this course is to thoroughly investigate cells and histology, biochemistry, mammalian anatomy and physiology, embryology, genetics, and biotechnology. Emphasis is placed on laboratory activities, the inquiry method, and the use of extensive resources to provide the opportunity to experience scientific writing on a college level.

Advanced Placement Biology

Prerequisite: 10th Grade: Teacher Recommendation, “A” average in Biology H, and co-requisite of Chemistry H

Prerequisite: 11th Grade:  "B" average in Biology H and Chemistry H, and co-requisite of Physics Honors

Prerequisite: 12th Grade: “B” average in Biology H, Chemistry H, and Physics Honors or CPE 

 1 year        6 credits         Grades 10 – 12

Units of study for the course are derived directly from  the College Board AP Biology Course and Exam Description.  Major units of study include Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure and Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication and Cell Cycle, Heredity, Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology.  The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course for biology majors. Relevant and appropriate laboratory experiments will be used to provide hands on experiences .

Advanced Placement Chemistry

Prerequisite 11th Grade: "B" average in Biology H and Chemistry H and Co-requisite of Physics Honors 

Prerequisite 12th Grade: “B” in Biology H, Chemistry H, and Physics Honors or CPE. 

1 year 7.5 credits Grades 11 – 12

Units of study for the course are derived directly from  the College Board AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description.  Major units of study include Atomic Structure and Properties, Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties, Intermolecular Forces and Properties, Chemical Reactions, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, and Applications of Thermodynamics. The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year.  Relevant and appropriate laboratory experiments will be used to provide hands on experiences.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science

Prerequisite 11th Grade: "C" average in Biology H and Chemistry H, and Co-requisite of Physics Honors. 

Prerequisite 12th Grade: “B” average in Environmental Science CP, Biology CP and Chemistry CPE

1 year 6 credits Grades 11 – 12

Units of study for the course are derived directly from  the College Board AP Environmental Science Course and Exam Description.  Major units of study include Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Populations, Earth Systems and Resources, Land and Water Use, Energy Resources and Consumption, Atmospheric Pollution, Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution, and Global Change.   Experiences in both the laboratory and in the field will provide students with opportunities to test concepts and principles that are introduced in the classroom.  Students will be challenged to critically observe environmental systems, develop and conduct well-designed experiments, analyze and interpret data, think analytically and apply concepts to the solution of environmental problems, and communicate accurately and meaningfully about observations and conclusions.

Advanced Placement Physics C Mechanics

Prerequisite: “B” in Physics Honors and "C" in Pre-Calculus Honors 

Co-requisite: Advanced Placement Calculus AB or BC 

1 year 6 credits Grade 12

Units of study for the course are derived directly from  the College Board AP Physcis C: Mechanics Course and Exam Description.  Major units of study include Kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, and Power, Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum, Rotation, Oscillations, and Gravitation. Instruction will be grounded in guided inquiry and student-centered learning to foster the development of critical thinking skills. Introductory differential and integral calculus will be used throughout the course.   

Astronomy

Prerequisite 11th Grade: Two years of CPE level science coursework or teacher recommendation. Co-requisite of Chemistry or Physics. 

Prerequisite 12th Grade: Three years of CPE level science coursework or teacher recommendation. 

1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 11 – 12

This course is designed to cultivate a deeper comprehension and appreciation for the  vast expanse of space and why this matters to mankind. Students will examine how short-term and long-term changes in celestial bodies and processes directly affect humans. In addition to exploration of the cosmos, students will be exposed to related disciplines of chemistry and physics. Topics that will be discussed include; an overview of the electromagnetic spectrum, practice analyzing and predicting patterns of orbital motion, recognition of forces, and the ability to work through nuclear fusion reaction equations. Students will be challenged to apply concepts of patterns; scale, proportion, and quantity; and energy and matter in the field of space science. Students will develop proficiency in developing and using models, using mathematical and computational thinking, constructing explanations, and obtaining, evaluating, and  communicating information.  (Not offered 2023-24) 

DNA Technology

Prerequisite 11th Grade: Two years of HS science and co-requisite of Chemistry or Physics 

Prerequisite 12th Grade: Three years of HS science

1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 11 – 12

Have you ever wanted to clone your own DNA? Are you curious about how the sheep Dolly was cloned or how plants are made to glow like fireflies? Could dinosaurs be reintroduced on Earth  as they were in Jurassic Park? If we could bring back the dinosaurs, should we? This course offers students the opportunity to explore these questions and to learn the laboratory techniques behind the science. Lab techniques, such as DNA cloning as used by genetic engineers and DNA fingerprinting as used by a forensic scientist, will be taught. Fundamental molecular and genetic processes will be reviewed and studied in light of DNA technology. Emphasis will also be placed on the role of DNA in forensic science. The benefits and implications of DNA technology on medicine, agriculture, and society will be addressed. This hands-on course requires active  student participation in all lab activities and a willingness to collaborate with peers. (Not offered 2023-24) 

Forensic Science

Prerequisite 11th Grade: Two years of HS science and co-requisite of Chemistry or Physics 

Prerequisite 12th Grade: Three years of HS science

1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 11 – 12

Have you ever wondered how law enforcement agencies solve their crimes? Sometimes science helps! Forensic science begins at the scene of the crime. The interpretation of evidence left at the crime scene follows principles of scientific investigation and involves the fields of earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics. In this course, students will be engaged in the learning process through the use of inquiry based tasks and authentic forensic laboratory techniques. These tasks will further develop students’ observation, analytical, and problem solving skills as well as teach methods in evidence collection, processing, and analysis. Topics of study and lab activities will include fingerprinting, hair and fiber analysis, footwear analysis, tool mark analysis as well as how to investigate and secure a crime scene. Case studies will be used to supplement lecture and laboratory activities. This hands-on course requires active student participation in all lab activities and a willingness to collaborate with peers. (Offered 2023-2024) 

Inquiry and Research in Science*          

Prerequisite: 3 years of HS Science

1 semester  2.5 credits               Grade   12

*Profile Pathway Course 

This is a senior profile course where students have the opportunity to deeply engage with a topic of interest related to any one of the many fields in science. Students who enroll should have one or more scientific questions that can be used for possible study in the course.  Students’ projects may take the form of original research and experimental inquiry, a deep dive into a topic culminating in a research paper, or a project may culminate in the coordination of a service-learning event. In modules designed to support the execution of student projects, key features of scientific inquiry including methods of research, interpretation of science journal articles, design of surveys, and production of visuals to communicate findings will be discussed.  Students are provided time to complete Profile Project components which include a proposal, research summary, portfolio of work, and final reflection. 

Meteorology

Prerequisite: 11th Grade: Two years of CPE level science coursework or teacher recommendation. Co-requisite of Chemistry or Physics. 

Prerequisite 12th Grade: Three years of CPE level science coursework or teacher recommendation. 

1 semester 2.5 credits Grades 11 – 12

Few things affect our daily lives as much as the weather. Upon waking, before planning their day, most individuals consult the weather channel for an update. Therefore, it is advisable that the atmosphere be studied and understood. The implications of major storm events and long-term climate changes are integral to the day-to-day and broader development of our culture, as inhabitants of earth. As is true with anything that so profoundly impacts us, achieving an understanding of such events is a worthy endeavor. Through meteorology students will gain an understanding of: the composition of the atmosphere, air masses and weather-producing fronts, tools, both modern and ancient, that have been used to forecast weather events, significant historical weather events, mechanics of various storm systems, and the earth's ever-changing climate. This course will employ the use of many major scientific tenets, from a multitude of disciplines  (Not offered in 2023-24)