Science
Science Courses
- STEM Integrated Science
- Physics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Sustainability
- Forensic Science
- Astronomy
- Biotechnology Lab Practices
- Meterology
- Human Anatomy & Physiology Honors
- Science Issues & Ethics
- Environmental Science
STEM Integrated Science
Course Level: | General |
Credits: | 5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 9 |
Prerequisite: | None |
NJ Course Code: |
The course is designed to provide a broad spectrum of scientific literacy in the youth of today through an immersion in real life applicable science. The overall goal of the course is to provide students a basic scientific knowledge base, educate students on current scientific issues and the ability to determine fact from fiction in the media of today and tomorrow. Scientifically literate adults make informed choices on their actions and are at an advantage in post-secondary jobs and education. Content will focus on all major branches of science including Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Environmental, Life, Meteorology, and Climatology.
Physics
- PHYSICS FIRST LAB COLLEGE PREPARATORY
- PHYSICS FIRST LAB HONORS
- PHYSICS 1: ADVANCED PLACEMENT
- PHYSICS C: ADVANCED PLACEMENT (MECHANICS ONLY)
- PHYSICS LAB COLLEGE PREPARATORY
PHYSICS FIRST LAB COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Course Level: | College Preparatory |
Credits: | 5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 9 |
Prerequisite: | Concurrently taking Algebra 1 CP or higher. Refer to Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-161-E |
This first year Physics course uses a conceptual and quantitative approach to introduce motion, forces, momentum, energy, waves, sound, optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Physics CP provides a conceptually-based exposure to the fundamental principles and processes of the physical world. Students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, which will be practiced during laboratory and other active learning activities.
PHYSICS FIRST LAB HONORS
Course Level: | Honors |
Credits: | 5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 9 |
Prerequisite: | Concurrently taking Geometry Honors or higher. Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-161-H |
Honors Physics First develops the mathematical and critical thinking skills necessary throughout students' lives and helps them understand the physical world around them. This is a rigorous course that begins with kinematics, dynamics, momentum, and energy. It continues with waves, sound, light, optics. This course ends with electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. These topics are explored on both a qualitative and quantitative basis using a variety of different techniques such as investigations, complex laboratory activities, and challenging projects. The format and structure of the course is designed for students to gain experience as independent, self-motivated learners and prepare them for Honors and AP upper-level science courses.
PHYSICS 1: ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Course Level: | Advanced Placement |
Credits: | 10 (2 blocks) |
Suggested Grade Level: | 11 - 12 |
Prerequisite: | Pre-calculus. Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03765 |
AP Physics 1 is based on six Big Ideas1, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. Strong emphasis is placed on problem solving and understanding of formula derivations. Knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for the course. Understanding of the basic principles involved and the ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems are the major goals of the course.
This course is equivalent to the first semester of introductory general physics at the college level. Students explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits.
Twenty-five percent of instructional time is devoted to hands-on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations. Investigations will require students to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their progress.
PHYSICS C: ADVANCED PLACEMENT (MECHANICS ONLY)
Course Level: | Advanced Placement |
Credits: | 10 (2 blocks) |
Suggested Grade Level: | 11 - 12 |
Prerequisite: | AP Calculus AB. Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-156 |
AP Physics C: Mechanics forms the first part of the university level physics sequence that serves as a foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering.
Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate throughout the course in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. The sequence is more intensive and analytic than that in the AP Physics 1 and 2 series of courses. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus. AP Physics C: Mechanics includes 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.
PHYSICS LAB COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Course Level: | College Preparatory |
Credits: | 5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 11 - 12 |
Prerequisite: | Chemistry or Biology and Algebra II. Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: |
03-151-E |
This course is for high school juniors or seniors that wish to learn about the physical world around them. It presents a historical and philosophical approach to matter, energy and motion. The careful blending of practical and theoretical Physics makes concepts relevant to a wide spectrum of students. The course uses techniques of problem-solving that improve critical thinking skills and build and understanding of quantitative relationships. Using a project-based format, students learn physics by exploring material through thought provoking experiments and applications that reinforce the course's basic concepts. Topics include kinematics, forces, momentum, energy, optics, and modern physics.
Biology
Biology
Course Level: | General |
Credits: | 5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 11 |
Prerequisite: | Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-051-G |
This course is designed for students who wish to investigate the world of living things. The students are guided to discover some of the important facts upon which the concepts of Biology are based and to experience the process of inquiry. Study aids, meaningful laboratory activities, and exploration of scientific fields in an effort to strengthen students' comprehension will be available.
BIOLOGY LAB COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Course Level: | College Preparatory |
Credits: | 5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 11 |
Prerequisite: | Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-051-E |
This course covers the fundamental biological concepts with a blend of biological principles and applications. Concise presentation in familiar language clearly connects Biology to everyday living. Complete comprehensive coverage includes new material on photosynthesis, respiration, protein synthesis, viruses and the human organism. A wealth of study aids, meaningful laboratory activities, and enriching career close-up features strengthens students' comprehension.
BIOLOGY LAB HONORS
Course Level: | Honors |
Credits: | 5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 11 |
Prerequisite: | Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-051-H |
This comprehensive course focuses on unifying principles and major life processes, not just terms and facts. At both the molecular and biochemical levels, the program traces the development of biological organization from the simplest to the most complex levels. Study aids, informative research/career reading features, laboratory investigations, and group research projects give the students a solid understanding of the major ideas in biology.
BIOLOGY ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Course Level: | Advanced Placement |
Credits: | 10 (2 blocks) |
Suggested Grade Level: | 11 - 12 |
Prerequisite: | Chemistry Honors & Biology Honors. Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-056 |
This introductory college level course is a comprehensive, rigorous balance between the eight major themes of biology as determined by The College Board. Topics included in the course of study are biochemistry, cell biology, energy transformations, molecular and classical heredity, evolution, and basic ecology. The material will be divided into 4 major units: Evolution, cell biology and energy transformations, genetics, and ecology. Other features include current research readings with follow-up discussions that put benefits and applications of modern biology into perspective in today's world. Also, computer integration, numerous photos, charts, diagrams and DVD presentations are utilized to help visualize complex relationships. Students will become familiar with the CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) method of scientific explanation. Accompanying chapter study guides enhance student's success. Laboratory activities will be conducted on a regular basis. The required AP labs will be conducted throughout the year. Students will also design and conduct their own scientific investigations. Students' goals should include Advanced Placement Testing, which will take place in May.
More information about this course can be found at www.collegeboard.com.
Chemistry
CHEMISTRY
Course Level: | General |
Credits: | 5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 10 |
Prerequisite: | Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-105-G |
This laboratory science course is a basic introduction to the composition of matter and the physical and chemical changes it undergoes. Students use science process skills to study chemical principles, the development of atomic theory, and the interactions between matter and energy. Students explore chemistry concepts through an inquiry-based and hands-on approach where they will engage in problem-solving and laboratory activities for reinforcement of concepts covered.
CHEMISTRY LAB COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Course Level: | College Preparatory |
Credits: | 5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 10 |
Prerequisite: | Algebra 1 CP. Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-101-E |
This course is a mathematically based laboratory science course in which students investigate the physical and chemical changes matter undergoes. Students use science process skills to study chemical principles, the development of atomic theory, and the interactions between matter and energy. Students explore chemistry concepts through an inquiry-based approach where they will engage in problem-solving and laboratory activities for reinforcement of concepts covered.
CHEMISTRY LAB HONORS
Course Level: | Honors |
Credits: | 5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 10 |
Prerequisite: | Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-102-H |
Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure and properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. Honors Chemistry is an inquiry based learning approach to developing the major chemistry concepts. As an honors course, it is distinguished from the standard chemistry course by the depth at which concepts are examined. In order to achieve this deeper understanding a higher level of mathematical aptitude is expected. Students apply their knowledge of mathematics including algebra, geometry and algebra II to test models, evaluate data and to solve chemistry problems. It incorporates laboratory experiments and classroom discussion as well as traditional lectures and hands on activities. Atomic theory, the nature of matter in its various phases, chemical periodicity, and the mole concept are studied early in the course. Among the basic principles included are energy, reaction rates, reaction equilibrium, and characteristics of chemical reactions, acid-base behavior, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry
CHEMISTRY ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Course Level: | Advanced Placement |
Credits: | 10 (2 blocks) |
Suggested Grade Level: | 11 - 12 |
Prerequisite: | Chemistry Honors. Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-106 |
AP Chemistry is designed for students who have demonstrated both aptitude for and interest in the sciences. Students will learn the basic principles of chemistry including, fundamental concepts of matter and energy, structure and properties of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding and properties of aggregates, and principles of reactions. Descriptive chemistry will be used by students to study all areas more effectively, and to understand how chemical phenomena are included in everyday activities. Extra laboratory periods are required during the school day. All students enrolled in an AP class are encouraged to prepare for and take the AP exam in May.
More information can be found about this course at www.collegeboard.com.
Sustainability
Course Level: | College Preparatory |
Credits: | 2.5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 10 - 12 |
Prerequisite: | None |
NJ Course Code: |
This sustainability course is designed to introduce the concepts and theories of sustainability at global, regional, and local levels. Students will design hands-on, inquiry-based investigations addressing three areas of sustainability; natural, built and managed systems. Emphasis will be placed upon the foundations of permaculture, an approach to managed and built agricultural systems which maximizes sustainable technologies to create productive systems and restore the health of mismanaged natural ecosystems.
Forensic Science
Course Level: | College Preparatory |
Credits: | 2.5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 10 - 12 |
Prerequisite: | None |
NJ Course Code: | 03-099-E |
This course is a laboratory-based science course. Forensic Science is the application of scientific knowledge to criminal investigations. Students learn how to obtain scientific data and use it as evidence to engage in crime scene reconstruction and ultimately narrow the database of potential suspects associated with criminal activities. This course explores in detail the field and laboratory techniques utilized in actual crime scene investigations. Hands-on activities include analysis of hair, fingerprints, fibers, falsified documents, ballistics and forensic anthropology. The study of blood evidence and DNA analysis is also covered.
Astronomy
Course Level: | College Preparatory |
Credits: | 2.5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 10 - 12 |
Prerequisite: | None |
NJ Course Code: | 03-004-G |
This course is a laboratory science course that is designed to help students gain an understanding of the concepts of astronomy. Students will not only explore the dimensions of the solar system, but also the complete life cycle of stars, how brightness and distance of stars can be calculated, the characterization and classification of galaxies, and the possible origins of the universe. Other specific topics will include the cycles of the moon, a detailed study of the sun and the Milky Way Galaxy, cosmology in the 21st century, and a complete history and discussion of the planets in our solar system.
Biotechnology Lab Practices
Course Level: | |
Credits: | 2.5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 10-12 |
Prerequisite: | Current Enrollment or Successful completion of Biology |
NJ Course Code: |
This semester course is a lab-centered introduction to the vast and rapidly changing field of biotechnology. Students will be able to explore a wide variety of careers in the biosciences while comprehending how key concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and basic mathematics apply to modern applications within the biological sciences. Students will learn essential laboratory skills and how to document their results and analyze their data by keeping a scientific lab notebook. Students will nurture essential critical thinking skills, inquiry-based learning skills, and discussion methods as they explore.
Meterology
Course Level: | College Preparatory |
Credits: | 2.5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 10 - 12 |
Prerequisite: | None |
NJ Course Code: | 03-006-E |
This course is a laboratory science course that is designed to help students gain a foundational understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and the weather's impact on human society. The course begins by developing a fundamental understanding of how the weather work, which is then applied to the interplay of factors when it comes to the changing climate and the future of humanity.
Human Anatomy & Physiology Honors
Course Level: | Honors |
Credits: | 5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 12 |
Prerequisite: | Biology CP or Biology Honors. Refer to the Level Placement Policy |
NJ Course Code: | 03-053-H |
This rigorous course is designed to help students master the basic terminology and concepts of human anatomy (the structure of the body) and physiology (how the body works) and apply their knowledge to real-world, clinical situations. Topics to be covered will include an introduction to anatomy, a review of cells, the hierarchy of organization in living organisms, and the major body systems. Major body systems covered will include the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems.
Science Issues & Ethics
Course Level: | College Preparatory |
Credits: | 2.5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 10 -12 |
Prerequisite: | |
NJ Course Code: |
This course is for students who are interested in the application of science in their everyday lives. This discussion and research based course will focus on the identification and harms of pseudoscience as well as other controversial topics that fall within the realm of real science. Students should be comfortable researching and writing consistent with a CP level of English II and above. Cloning, Designer Babies, Vaccination, Stem Cell Research, Nuclear Energy, Evolution, GMO, Climate change, etc...
Environmental Science
Environmental Science College Prep
Course Level: | College Preparatory |
Credits: | 2.5 |
Suggested Grade Level: | 10 - 12 |
Prerequisite: | None |
NJ Course Code: | 03-207-E |
This course is an integrated discussion and laboratory course intended to introduce students to environmental concepts and issues from an interdisciplinary approach. Environmental matters and controversies are explored from geological, ecological, social, economic, ethical, and governmental policy positions. The students gain an understanding of earth system science, and analyze issues such as population growth, resource management, toxicology, industrial and municipal pollution (air, water, and waste), global warming and ozone depletion. The environmental decision making process and relevant case studies of human interactions with the environment and the challenges of preserving sustainable soil and drinking water quality are also investigated.
Environmental Science Advanced Placements
Course Level: | Advanced Placement |
Credits: | 10 (2 blocks) |
Suggested Grade Level: | 10 - 12 |
Prerequisite: | Chemistry Honors, Physics First Honors, or Biology Honors. Refer to the Level Placement Policy. |
NJ Course Code: | 03-207 |
The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing these problems. Advanced Placement Environmental Science is a challenging interdisciplinary course; it incorporates a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. However, strong emphasis is placed on several unifying themes, including: scientific problem-solving, energy conversions in ecosystems, change of natural systems over time, human impact on natural systems, the scientific, social, and cultural context of environmental issues, and development of sustainable environmental practices. This is a rigorous introductory College Environmental Science course, and students' goals should include Advanced Placement Testing. Laboratory and research activities are conducted weekly. This course requires a strong background in earth systems, biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as algebra.
More information can be found about this course at www.collegeboard.com.
Additional Information
HW Policy
Science Department Homework Policy
Homework:
Students will receive a zero for homework not handed in on time.
Make up work policy:
If students are absent from school, it is their responsibility to make up the work missed. It is the teacher's responsibility to make students aware that the teacher is available and willing to assist them in making up missed work.
It is the student's responsibility to inquire about work that has been missed and to take advantage of the availability of the teacher. If after five days a student has not met his/her obligation, the parent is to be contacted. If the student does not meet the obligation in an additional five days, a failure for the work is to be recorded and the chairperson will be informed. However, if because of protracted illness or absence the student requests additional time, it shall be within the discretion of the teacher to make arrangements.
Students who will be out of school with previous knowledge, before a test/quiz, will be responsible to take the test/quiz on the scheduled day.
Lab write ups/ Projects / Term papers:
It is the student's responsibility to meet all required deadlines. Cum or Non-cumed absences do not extend due dates. However, if because of protracted illness or absence the student requests additional time, it shall be within the discretion of the teacher to make arrangements.
Students will receive a zero for homework not handed in on time.
Lab Format
Lab format for Science
All lab reports are to be handed in on the due date. Late labs forfeit 100 points.
Title:
Copy the name of the lab from the book.
Purpose:
Copy this item from the text. This will be the first item mentioned in the conclusion. (Our purpose was to determine a numerical value for absolute zero.
Procedure:
Your teacher may or may not require this section of the lab write-up.
Verbal Instructions:
These are usually safety instructions and directions specific to your class.
Data:
For each lab you will construct some sort of data table. The table will contain actual measurements taken in class. Take your time and enter the data neatly. Your instructor will initial the data table before you leave for your next class.
Graphs:
All graphs will be constructed according to college standards. You may at any time use the charts and graphs produced by computer. See your instructor for specific examples. This is the most difficult portion of the lab for many students. Take your time and follow directions. Each graph has a title, X axis scale with units, and the Y-axis scale with units. Points are made with fine point pencils and circled. The line on the graph is drawn so that the line covers most of the points. All points on a graph may or may not lie on the line. If you use excel make sure you use x,y scatter graph.
Calculations:
All calculations for your lab appear here. A single trial followed from the first step to the last is sufficient. Remember that you must follow through with all units. Please remember that numbers in a data table are not calculations.
% error calculations are shown here.
%Error = (Lab value - Accepted value) x 100%
Accepted value
Note: error can be positive (higher then the accepted value) or negative (lower than the accepted value).
Questlons/Analysis:
These are from the text or lab book. Each question is answered completely with a full sentence.
Conclusion:
This part of your lab has three parts.
First is the statement of completion of the purpose. (e.g.: Our purpose was to determine the value of absolute zero. Our team value for absolute zero was -271° C)
Any graphs placed in the report should be mentioned in this section. What was the purpose of the graph, what did it show, how does mesh with the purpose of the lab?
Second, Error analysis. In this section you explain what type of error you found in the lab and explain why you think it occurred. The % error value is shown and explained in this section.
The third section of the conclusion centers on the lessons learned, and improvement of the lab portion of the class. What unique lesson(s) have you learned from this lab. If you can make any suggestions for improving this lab, please state them here.
Department Chair
Mr. Jensen
christian.jensen@motsd.org
ext: 7437
Department Staff Members
Ms. Brown
ext: 7687
jennifer.brown@motsd.org
Ms. Callahan
ext: 7680
megan.callahan@motsd.org
Mr. Czesak
ext: 7428
keith.czesak@motsd.org
Mr. Edwards
ext: 6616
max.edwards@motsd.org
Ms. Fayvelevich
ext: 7681
svetlana.fayvelevich@motsd.org
Ms. Lewin
ext: 7445
kimberly.lewin@motsd.org
Ms. McCrea
ext: 7682
ryan.mccrea@motsd.org
Ms. Nikola
ext: 7686
janetta.nikola@motsd.org
Mr. Ninewise
ext: 7684
christopher.bailey@motsd.org
Mr. Otey
ext: 7685
matthew.otey@motsd.org
Ms. Pillai
ext: 7689
uma.pillai@motsd.org
Mr. Pinto
ext: 7645
jeanpierre.pinto@motsd.org
Ms. Shaw
ext: 7683
kimberly.shaw@motsd.org
Ms. Sterling
karen.sterling@motsd.org
Mrs. Varner
jillian.varner@motsd.org