Science Department

This lab-based course is designed to investigate the external conditions and influences affecting the development of life and, ultimately, the survival of the human population. Scientific crosscutting concepts will be emphasized, including patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and stability and change. Laboratory investigations and the use of internet resources are integral parts of this hands-on course, helping students to further develop their analytical and scientific inquiry skills. A few of the topics that are emphasized are, nature of science, humanity and the global environment, ecology, ecosystems and energy flow, mineral resources, energy and energy resources, growth of population, water quantity and quality, and resource management. This course counts towards the science requirements for graduation.

BIOLOGY - CP

Prerequisite: None

Credits: 5

In this lab-based introductory course, students will utilize investigation, observation, and inquiry skills to gain knowledge about all living parts of the Earth. Students will design experiments to develop a deeper understanding of living organisms and their interactions. Scientific crosscutting concepts will be emphasized, including patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and stability and change. The course is structured to support and encourage active learning that fosters engagement, academic rigor, and student responsibility through case studies and aligned evaluation rubrics. Laboratory investigations and the use of internet resources are integral parts of this hands-on course, helping students to further develop their analytical and scientific inquiry skills. A major goal of this course is to develop scientifically literate citizens; 21st-century skills of collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking are emphasized to cultivate a community of learners that are college- and career-ready. This is a required course for high school graduation.

BIOLOGY - HONORS

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation; 90% or higher in Life Science & Physical Science; Score of 4 or 5 (Proficient or Advanced Proficient) on NJSLA-Science

Credits: 5

This lab-based course is an accelerated version of the CP Biology course. There is an enhanced breadth and depth of course content and scientific practices (refer to CP Biology description) within the Honors Biology curriculum. This is considered an AP Biology course preparatory class. This course counts towards the science requirements for graduation.

CHEMISTRY - CP

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Successful completion of Algebra I

Credits: 5 Credits

This rigorous course provides a hands-on approach to the study of structure and properties of matter, chemical behavior, and energy relationships. There is a strong emphasis on scientific processes as well as quantitative/laboratory skills and their safe execution. Some areas of concentration are nature of chemistry, structure, and interactions of matter, stoichiometry, states of matter, aqueous solutions and their properties, and earth science and environmental concerns. Laboratory investigations and the use of internet resources are integral parts of this hands-on course, helping students to further develop their analytical and scientific inquiry skills. A major goal of this course is to develop scientifically literate citizens; 21st-century skills of collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking are emphasized to cultivate a community of learners that are college- and career-ready. This course counts towards the science requirements for graduation.

CHEMISTRY - HONORS

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology; Successful completion of Algebra I; 87% or higher in Honors Science and Mathematics courses, or 90% or higher in CP Biology and Mathematics; Science Teacher Recommendation

Credits: 5 Credits

This rigorous lab-based course is an accelerated version of the CP Chemistry course. It is designed for sophomores within the Honors science program. Chemistry includes the study of the structure and properties of matter, chemical behavior, and energy relationships. There is a strong emphasis on the science process, quantitative/laboratory skills, and their safe execution. Some areas of concentration are the nature of chemistry, structure, and interactions of matter, states of matter, chemical names/formulas, bonding theories, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, and chemical equilibrium. This course counts towards the science requirements for graduation.

PHYSICS - CP

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology; Successful completion of Chemistry; Successful completion of Algebra I

Credits: 5 Credits

In this hands-on, rigorous course, students will utilize investigation, observation, and inquiry skills to build upon their knowledge about how the universe works. Scientific practices and crosscutting concepts will be emphasized. The students will investigate Earth and space sciences, forces and motion, energy and conservation, and vibrations and waves. The course is developed to create a structured active student learning environment that promotes creativity and fosters individual student learning. Students work together through interactive laboratory investigations and internet resources to develop their scientific practices and create scientifically literate citizens; 21st-century skills of collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking are emphasized to cultivate a community of learners that are college- and career-ready. This course counts towards the science requirements for graduation.

PHYSICS - HONORS

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology; Successful completion of Chemistry; Successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, 85% or higher in all prerequisite classes; Teacher Recommendation

Credits: 5 Credits

Honors Physics is an accelerated course designed primarily for juniors within the enriched program. There is an enhanced breadth and depth of course content and scientific practices (refer to Physics CP description) within the Honors Physics curriculum. There is an emphasis on scientific problem solving as a process as well as more individual responsibility for learning. This course counts towards science requirements for graduation.

BIOLOGY - AP

Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry with no less than a B average; Biology and Chemistry with no less than a B+ average; Teacher Recommendation

NCAA-7.0 Elective Credits

This challenging lab-based course is designed to substitute for two college courses in Biology (I and II). The subject content of this advanced course is a balance of the most recent findings in the areas of evolution, cellular processes (energy and communication), genetics and information transfer, and interactions governing living organisms and biological systems. This course parallels the College Board AP Biology course and is taught on a college level. It integrates 21st-century skills of collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Success in the study of this course requires analyzing supplemental material, reading journal articles, identifying problems, asking questions, and designing and performing experiments. Instructional time will be spent in hands-on laboratory work. On average, the student is expected to spend one hour on homework each night, with additional time spent reviewing chapter notes and reading assignments from the textbook. Students who enroll in this course are expected to take the AP exam given in May. This course has a required laboratory period that meets twice weekly. Students must take the AP exam in May to earn AP weighted GPA credit.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE- AP

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology & Chemistry; Successful completion of at least one year of Algebra; Science Teacher Recommendation

Credits: 7 Credits

This lab-based course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory course usually taken during the first year of college. AP Environmental Science is a rigorous science course that stresses scientific principles and analysis 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 and/or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it includes many different areas of study such as geology, biology, environmental studies, chemistry, and geography. Students must take the AP Environmental Science exam in May to earn weighted GPA credits. This course has a required laboratory period that meets twice weekly.

CHEMISTRY - AP

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry; A- (90%) average in Honors Chemistry; B+ (87%) average in Mathematics courses

Credits: 7 Credits

In this course, students will build on their knowledge of chemistry. AP Chemistry is designed as a substitute for a college course in chemistry. Some of the themes discussed include: measurement and dimensional analysis, stoichiometry, energy relationships, atomic structure/theory, descriptive chemistry of various families of elements, bonding theory, intermolecular forces, equilibria, and chemical thermodynamics. There is a strong emphasis on science process, quantitative/laboratory skills, and their safe execution. Students must take the AP Chemistry exam in May to earn weighted GPA credits. This course has a required laboratory period that meets twice weekly.

PHYSICS I - AP

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (may be taken concurrently); B+ (87%) average in all prerequisite courses; Science and Math Teacher Recommendations

Credits: 7 Credits

This is a hands-on, algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); 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 requires hands-on laboratory work, with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations that provide students with opportunities to apply the science practices. Students must take the AP Physics exam in May to earn weighted GPA credits. This course has a required laboratory period that meets twice weekly.

ASTRONOMY - HONORS (DUAL-ENROLLMENT OPTION WITH BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE; PHY 111)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of a lab science; Successful completion of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry; B (83%) average in Science & Math courses

Credits: 2.5

This hands-on course emphasizes Earth in its place among the stars and uses it as a frame of reference when discussing other planetary bodies. Students will survey various aspects of the universe, applying principles from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics on a larger scale. Laboratory investigations and the use of internet resources are integral parts of the course, helping students to further develop their analytical and scientific inquiry skills, including, but not limited to, telescope usage.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY - HONORS (DUAL-ENROLLMENT OPTION WITH BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE; BIO 109 and BIO 209)

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry with no less than a B average; Teacher Recommendation
NCAA-7.0 Elective Credits
This challenging course provides an in-depth study of the functions and structures that make up the human organism. Content includes the language of anatomy, muscular system, digestive system, cardiovascular

system, nervous system, respiratory system, urinary system, and the integumentary system. Units on the reproduction and endocrine lymphatic systems are also included as a year-long study. Dissections and other experiments are integral components. Emphasis is placed on case studies and laboratory work. A year-long dissection of a comparative mammalian organism is required. This course has a required laboratory period that meets twice weekly.

MARINE SCIENCE - HONORS

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I, Biology, and Chemistry with B+ (87%) average; Science Teacher recommendation

Credits: 5

This course is designed to investigate the marine environment, including oceans, seas, and coastal habitats as well as the various organisms that inhabit them. Marine Science is intrinsically related to most natural sciences. The content includes but is not limited to the following: the nature of science; the origins of oceans; the chemical-physical and geological aspects of the marine environment; marine communities; and the characteristics of various marine phyla/divisions. It includes field experiences and related laboratory investigations of selected topics in the content. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific method, measurement/lab skills, and their safe execution. Students must be prepared to work outdoors for many of the labs/field investigations. A minimum of one period per week is devoted to hands-on laboratory experiences or fieldwork.

MEDICAL ETHICS - CP

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology; Successful completion of Anatomy & Physiology (may be taken concurrently)

Credits: 2.5

This discussion-based course is the application of ethics to the fields of medicine and research. With ever-growing technology comes ever-growing possibilities that may question moral principles. This course will use multiple disciplines within biology, medicine, law, and public policy to explore authentic case studies based on bioethical issues from early, middle, and end of life, not limited to only human beings.

DUAL ENROLLMENT FORENSIC SCIENCE - HONORS

Prerequisite: Chemistry and Algebra I with no less than a B average; Teacher recommendation

NCAA-5.0 Career Readiness Credits

Forensic Science is focused on the application of scientific methods and techniques to crime and law. Recent advances in scientific methods and principles have had an enormous impact on law enforcement and the entire criminal justice system. In this course, scientific methods specifically relevant to crime detection and analysis will be presented. Emphasis is placed on understanding the science behind the techniques used in evaluating physical evidence. Topics included are blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass compositions and fragmentation, fingerprints, soil comparisons, and arson investigations, among others.

SUPA FORENSIC SCIENCE - HONORS (DUAL-ENROLLMENT OPTION WITH SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry (Honors or CP); Algebra 1 and Geometry; Physics is recommended but may be taken concurrently; Final Grade Average of B (83%) in Mathematics & Science courses; Juniors and Seniors with priority given to Seniors; Students may register for college credit through Syracuse University.

Credits: 7

Page updated

Report abuse