Six courses of Science are required. Initial placement in science classes in
grade 9 will be based on GEPA scores, the previous year’s report card grade in science and analysis of a comprehensive math assessment. Course selection in subsequent years will be determined by student academic performance, student interest, Science Department, and parent
recommendation.
SC 101 Science Skills and Introduction to Biology
In this first course, students will learn the basics of the scientific method, including note taking, observation, and other study skills. They will be introduced to some of the vocabulary and the equipment they will encounter in their science courses at CREATE. The students will then begin the study of biology concepts.
SC 102 Fundamentals of Biology
The major goal of the course is for students to understand and apply the process of science as well gain a better understanding of the diversity of living things. This is a foundation course in biology. The units of study are cellular biology; genetics and evolution, simple organisms, plants, and animals (invertebrates and vertebrates).
SC 111 Biology 1
This class requires strong math skills and reading comprehension. The course is a study of living organisms from one cell to multi-cellular plants and animals and deals with the basic biological principles that are involved in all life functions on a cellular level. This course will integrate the necessary biological facts into a broader conceptual framework that stresses unifying themes and the ways in which an understanding of Biology can enrich and enlighten day-to-day living.
SC 112 Biology 2
Students will engage in various lab activities that will allow them to apply the scientific method to their application of biological concepts. The lab course will include microscopic observations, dissections and experiments. Students will complete research projects and written reports.
SC 121 Honors Biology
Knowledge of Biology is crucial to the understanding of modern concerns and controversies such as the spread of diseases, the destruction of tropical rainforests, and the promise and perils of genetic engineering. The course is an in-depth study of living organisms from one cell to multi-cellular plants and animals and deals with the basic biological principles that are involved in all life functions on a cellular level. This course will integrate biological facts into a broader conceptual framework that stresses unifying themes. Students will complete a research project.
SC 122 Honors Biology Lab
Students will engage in various lab activities that will allow them to apply the scientific method to their application of biological concepts. The lab course will include microscopic observations, and dissections. During this course, students will be presented with problems that will have to be solved, using deductive reasoning and the scientific method.
SC 201 Physical Science
This course explores topics in chemistry and physics. Students focus on the practical and functional applications of science including laboratory investigations. Physical Science includes topics of measurement skills, atomic structure, chemical formulas and equations, classification of chemical substances, radioactivity, and organic chemistry; force and motion; work, energy, and power; thermal energy; wave motion and sound; light and optics; and electricity and magnetism.
SC 202 Earth Science
This course emphasizes the study of biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of selected topics in astronomy, meteorology, geology, oceanography, and associated sciences. Attention is given to the impact of the Space Age and the relevance of earth science to current environmental issues. Topics include astronomy, meteorology, geology, and oceanography
SC 211 Chemistry
The course encompasses the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Some topics included are: mathematics of chemistry, safety, laboratory procedures, elements-compounds-mixtures, atomic theory and structure, periodic table, mole concept, chemical bonding, nomenclature and chemical equations. A solid foundation in mathematics is required.
SC 212 Chemistry Lab and Applied Chemistry
Students will engage in various lab activities that will allow them to apply the scientific method to their application of chemistry concepts. The lab course will include observations, and experiments. Students will complete research projects and written reports.
SC 221 Chemistry Honors
This course is a rigorous general chemistry course designed for those planning to pursue a science-based career and/or take AP Chemistry. Students in the course should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. A solid foundation in mathematics is required.
SC 222 Chemistry Honors Lab
Students will engage in various lab activities that will allow them to apply the scientific method to their application of chemistry concepts. The lab course will include observations, and experiments. During this course, students will be presented with problems that will have to be solved, using deductive reasoning and the scientific method.
SC 301 Discoveries and Inventions
Students will investigate the impact of scientific discoveries and inventions on human progress and quality of llfe. This course will explore scientific developments from the first use of the wheel through the discoveries of the Renaissance, and inventions of Leonardo DaVinci, Galileo, Newton, Marconi, Edison, Bell, Wright Brothers, and others. and others. Students will complete group and independent projects.
SC 302 Astronomy
This course applies the basic concepts of the physical sciences to the study of the universe. Topics include the movements of the sun and moon, stars of the night sky, the celestial sphere, constellations Greek mythology, and modern constellations. This course engages students in hands-on activities while they study the solar system, planets, spectra, star classification, galaxies, deep sky objects, cosmology, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Optional nighttime observing sessions and a trip to the Hayden Planetarium will take place.
SC 311 Contemporary Issues in Science 1
This course examines the impact of science on human survival. Issues discussed will include weather disasters (floods, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes), geological events (earthquakes, volcanoes), pollution, diseases and epidemics, food processing and preparation (chemical additives, food safety) forest fires, avalanches, and mudslides. Students will complete research projects.
SC 312 Anatomy and Physiology
This introductory course involves the study of the human body. Emphasis will be placed on the basic structures of the human body as they relate to the eleven organ systems. This laboratory course includes various dissections. This course involves the study of the human body. An in-depth study of the structure and organization of the parts of the body, as well as the functions of these body parts will be addressed. Since this is a systems approach to the study of anatomy and physiology, path physiology is briefly introduced. This course is designed for those students planning to enter the health or medical fields. Prerequisite: Biology
SC 401 Marine Biology
We know more about the surface of the moon than the bottom of the sea! This course explores the ocean, the sea, marshes and estuaries through hands-on laboratory experience. The focus is a physical and chemical approach to study the flora and fauna that comprises this dynamic ecosystem. Field trips to the New Jersey or New York Aquarium and the ocean or marchland may be included.
SC 402 Ecology
This science course examines the condition of the environment and its relation to the human condition. The main portion of the course is applying the scientific process to ecological problems in the field and within the lab. Ecology incorporates the varied disciplines. The course includes a review of ecological principles, environmental monitoring, biodiversity, population growth, invasive species, human impact, energy, and the distribution of plants and animals. The overall goals of the class are to apply the methods of science to ecological problems and to achieve an understanding of the necessity of building a sustainable society. Completion of a research project is required.
SC 411 Physics
This course is based on a qualitative study of the central concepts of Physics. Emphasis is on mental imagery that relates to things and events that are familiar in the every day environment. Some special areas of emphasis include: basic principles of force, motion, heat, light, sound, energy, optics, electricity, magnetism, mechanics, properties of matter, and wave theory. Students will be responsible for Physics concepts but be tested mainly on how well they can apply those concepts through problem solving using mathematics. Prerequisite: Algebra and trigonometry.
SC 412 Physics Lab
Students will engage in various lab activities that will allow them to apply the scientific method to their application of physics concepts. The lab course will include observations, and experiments. During this course, students will be presented with problems that will have to be solved, using deductive reasoning and the scientific method.
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