NEW JERSEY STUDENT LEARNING STANDARDS FOR SCIENCE
NEW JERSEY STUDENT LEARNING STANDARDS FOR SCIENCE
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At Westwood Regional School District, our science program for grades 6-12 is built upon the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science (NJSLS-S). These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in science, moving beyond just memorizing facts to truly understanding how science works.
A Modern Approach to Science Education
A Modern Approach to Science Education
The NJSLS-S promotes what we call "three-dimensional" science instruction, which means students don't just learn about science; they do science. This approach integrates three key areas:
Science and Engineering Practices: Students actively engage in scientific inquiry, much like real scientists and engineers. This includes asking questions, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, constructing explanations, and designing solutions.
Disciplinary Core Ideas: These are the fundamental concepts across the main science domains: physical sciences, life science, and Earth and space sciences.
Crosscutting Concepts: These are overarching ideas that connect different scientific disciplines, such as cause and effect, patterns, systems and system models, energy and matter, and stability and change.
From the moment they enter middle school through their high school years, our students will consistently engage in experiences that encourage them to:
Investigate phenomena: Explore the natural world around them.
Design solutions to problems: Apply scientific principles to real-world challenges.
Make sense of evidence: Use data to build logical arguments.
Critique and discuss ideas: Engage in scientific discourse and evaluate different perspectives.
WRHS LAB INFORMATION
WRHS LAB INFORMATION
DISSECTION
DISSECTION
According to NJ state law, students may opt out of dissection in life science courses. Please note that if they choose to opt out of dissection, they will opt out of all dissection for the entire year. If you choose to opt out of dissection, this form must be completed and brought to your science teacher by the first Monday of school.
PATHWAYS
PATHWAYS
What are Pathways?
What are Pathways?
Westwood Regional High School has instituted a Pathway Program beginning with the Freshman class. Some students know early on in their high school careers they want to focus on a specific subject when selecting elective courses. A concentration in a certain area enables students to develop deep knowledge, and it also communicates a strong interest to colleges, universities, and employers. The Pathway Program is completely optional, as we recognize some students want to choose from a wide variety of electives in order to determine which subject areas they like most.
WHY PHYSICS FIRST?
WHY PHYSICS FIRST?
Why did Westwood Regional High School change its Science sequence to Physics, Chemistry, Biology? There are many reasons, but the main reason is still that it is just plain "logical". This document will offer detailed reasons and explanations to anyone who still has questions about Physics First.
DEPARTMENTAL NOTES
DEPARTMENTAL NOTES
Physics, Chemistry, and Biology core courses must be taken in sequential order.
Students may transfer to a higher (or lower) level provided grades and prerequisites are appropriate, a teacher recommendation is provided, and counselor is able to successfully schedule the student.
Electives may not be substituted for core requirements unless approved by the Supervisor of STEM and Principal.
Students wishing to double up in a lab science must make sure that all lab times are able to be scheduled.
Students may choose to “opt-out” of dissection in the following life science courses: Biology, CP Biology, Honors Biology, Sports Medicine & Anatomy, Human Anatomy Honors & Human Physiology Honors, and AP Biology. Consult the Student/Parent Handbook and/or the instructor’s web page for details concerning the opt-out process.
PROGRAM OF STUDIES
PROGRAM OF STUDIES
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