Science: 9-12
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- Livingston Public Schools
- Course Descriptions
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General Biology
This course is designed to fulfill the New Jersey State Graduation requirement for science. The curriculum includes topics such as: skills and tools of the biological scientist, basic chemistry and biochemistry, cellular organization and processes, molecular processes, genetics and genetic technology, evolution, ecology, classification and the physiology of the human body. The goals and objectives identified in each student’s IEP will be addressed throughout this course. -
Biology (CP)
Biology CP is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the relationships between the structure and function of living things. The curriculum includes topics such as: origins of life, molecular processes, genetics and genetic technology, evolution, ecology, human impact, and the study of select human body systems. The curriculum will address the needs of all learners through an interesting, problem-based approach to learning about living things and is designed to prepare students for the NJ Biology Competency Test. This course is not designed to cover all the material assessed on the Biology SAT II. -
Biology (Honors)
Completion of a summer assignment is required for this course. Biology – Honors is designed to provide the highly motivated student with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the relationships between the structure and function of living things. This curriculum includes topics such origins of life, molecular processes, genetics and genetic technology, evolution, ecology, human impact, and the study of select human body systems. This course moves at a faster pace than Biology College Prep (422) and covers a greater depth of information requiring students to have excellent work habits and independent study skills. This course is designed to prepare students for the NJ Biology Competency Test and most of the material needed for the SAT II-Biology tests. This course is highly recommended for those wishing to take AP Biology. -
General Physical Science
The General Physical Science course has been designed to develop an understanding of the relationship between matter and energy. This course is not intended to include all of the concepts taught in physics and chemistry, but provides a solid foundation in the major topics taught in both courses. Goals of this course include assisting students to become better problem solvers while they learn relationships and patterns among events and processes in the physical world. Chemistry topics include: techniques of measurement, the structure of the atom, isotopes, ions, bonding, classification of matter, the periodic table, properties of metals and nonmetals, and formula writing. The physics topics include: speed, velocity, acceleration, force and Newton’s Laws of Motion, work and power, energy and electricity. -
Chemistry (CP)
Chemistry CP is a science course designed to provide motivated students with an understanding of the important role chemistry plays in their lives. It will prepare them to enter a first-year college chemistry course with confidence. This course challenges students to apply their understanding of chemistry to everyday situations. The curriculum includes topics such as energy, structure and interactions of matter, nuclear processes, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, states of matter, solutions, and acids and bases. It will address the needs of all learners through an interesting, problem-based approach to learning about the substances that make up our world. The laboratory portion of Chemistry CP is designed to give students hands-on experiences to reinforce concepts introduced in class. Mathematical skills required for this class include an understanding of ratios, percent and solving problems by substitution. This course is not designed to cover all the material assessed on the Chemistry SAT II. -
Chemistry (Honors)
Completion of a summer assignment is required for this course. Chemistry Honors is designed to provide the highly motivated, college-bound student with an understanding of inorganic chemistry. Topics include: properties of matter and change; atomic theory, electron structure and periodicity; chemical bonding and reactions; stoichiometry; states of matter; solutions; thermochemistry; rates and equilibrium; acids, bases and salts; and redox reactions. This course moves at a faster pace than Chemistry CP (432) and covers a greater depth of information, requiring students to have excellent work habits and independent study skills. A minimum grade of “B” or higher in 8th grade Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Honors is a good predictor for success in this course. This challenging course covers most of the material needed for the Chemistry SAT II exam and will better prepare interested students for Advanced Placement Chemistry. -
General Environmental Science
General Environmental Science is a resource center replacement course. This course fulfills one year of the science requirement for high school graduation. General Environmental Science parallels the regular education Environmental Science course as students study the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required 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. The curriculum includes topics such as: the scientific method, introduction to earth processes, ecology, populations, land, air and water quality and pollution, climate change, biodiversity and endangered species, mineral and energy resources, our health and our future, and legal aspects of conservation. The goals and objectives identified in each student’s IEP will be addressed throughout this course. -
Environmental Science (CP)
Environmental Science CP is designed 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 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. The curriculum includes topics such as an introduction to earth processes, ecology, populations, land, air and water quality and pollution, climate change, biodiversity and endangered species, mineral and energy resources, our health and our future, and the legal aspects of conservation. This curriculum will address the needs of all learners through an interesting, problem-based approach to learning about human impact on the environment. -
Environmental Science (Honors)
Completion of a summer assignment is required for this course. Environmental Science Honors is designed to provide the highly motivated student with a thorough knowledge of the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required 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. The curriculum includes topics such as: an introduction to earth processes, ecology, populations, land, air and water quality and pollution, climate change, biodiversity and endangered species, mineral and energy resources, our health and our future, and the legal aspects of conservation. This course moves at a faster pace than Environmental Science CP (412) and covers greater depth of information, requiring students to have excellent work habits and independent study skills. A minimum grade of “B” or higher in Biology CP and Chemistry CP or a grade of “C” in Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors are good predictors for success in this course as students will be expected to incorporate their knowledge of both disciplines with the analysis of various environmental issues. -
Physics (CP)
This course has been structured to provide students with the opportunity to explore phenomena of the world around them from the perspective of motion and energy. Students explore topics such as motion, forces, momentum, work & energy, electricity, magnetism, mechanical waves, and optics by participating in observational experiments, designing testing experiments, and developing skills in data analysis and representing situations with mathematical models. A comfortable understanding of Algebra I is strongly recommended for this course. Modeling and inquiry strategies aid students in developing strong conceptual understanding, a basis for mathematical models and application of concepts. Throughout the year, students partake in engineering design projects to showcase their understanding of concepts.PLEASE NOTE: Students taking Physics over the summer for advancement must declare which future Physics elective(s) they are interested in taking. For students interested in either of the AP Physics 1 or AP Physics 2 electives, the CP Physics midterm and final exam would be given. For students pursuing either of the AP Physics C options, the AP Physics 1 midterm and final exams would be given. Students interested in this option should obtain an AP Physics 1 prep book and use it to guide their study.
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Anatomy & Physiology (CP)
Anatomy & Physiology CP has been designed to present an anatomical and physiological study of the human systems with an emphasis on human disease. The curriculum includes topics such as: basic cell and tissue types, homeostatic mechanisms, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, digestive system, reproductive system, respiratory system, excretory system and nervous system. Field trips are scheduled to supplement instruction. Lab work includes cell microscopy, extensive dissection of the cat as a human analogy, and non-invasive respiratory and cardiovascular studies. A minimum grade of “C” in Biology CP as well as a strong work ethic, are good predictors for success in this course. -
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation, and it affects nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Although the name might imply a single field, biotechnology actually includes a broad array of related technologies, unified in that they all use organisms or their products to benefit society. The applications of biotechnology are a part of various industries, from agriculture and environmental protection to forensics, engineering, and medicine. The goal of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required in a Biotechnology lab in accordance with career cluster 8 (Health Sciences). -
Forensic Science (CP)
Forensic Science is designed for the well-motivated student with an interest in science as it applies to the legal system. Students will integrate knowledge from the fields of physical science, biology and mathematics to analyze crime scene evidence. Topics include analysis of DNA, fingerprints, hairs, fibers, entomology, and blood spatter. Class time will be devoted to mastering techniques in evidence evaluation. Students will be required to identify and document evidence in mock crime scenes, analyze evidence and communicate analysis in a written format. The culminating project involves students working with peers to design a scene. In addition, they will process, analyze, and communicate findings of evidence from mock scenes built by peer groups. A minimum grade of “C” in Biology CP and a strong work ethic are good predictors for success in this course. -
Introducton to Health Sciences (CP)
In the Introduction to Health Sciences course, students will learn about the health care system by investigating the history of medicine, safety practices used by medical professionals, communication skills, ethics, and leadership skills. Students will receive instruction in basic anatomy and physiology, recognition of vital signs, infection control, emergency care, first aid, and the care of a hospitalized patient. Students will learn about preventive medicine as well as build their foundation in medical terminology. Students will develop an appreciation and understanding of technical advances in the medical field. Students will also familiarize themselves with the multitude of careers in the health care system. Ethics and professionalism will be stressed through case studies of patient privacy and various other ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals. Note: This course is available to all students as an elective; however, it is a requirement for those students looking to complete the Heath Sciences Pathway. -
Astronomy
Science begins with observation. Ancient societies used the motions of the Sun, Moon, and stars establish their cultures and sustain their people. The field of astronomy has changed dramatically over the last millennia, and with every new discovery, our understanding of the Universe changes as well. This semester course is designed to provide students with an exploratory experience in astronomy topics including: gravity, orbital motion, constellations, moon phases, telescopes, the solar system, stellar evolution, galaxies, the big bang, and the possibility of life outside our solar system. Hands-on lab activities as well as use of the STARLAB simulator are methods to explore these topics in greater depth. -
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry is a semester course designed to provide a general background in organic chemistry for students interested in any medical field or a specific career in science. Organic Chemistry deals specifically with the structures, synthesis, and reactions of carbon-containing compounds. This organic chemistry course will help students to understand the reactions, industrial uses, biological significance, and environmental concerns associated with alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, organic acids, and amines as well as provide students with an introduction to polymer chemistry. Topics have been chosen by carefully examining prerequisite knowledge from biology and chemistry classes, looking at background information needed for college, medical school and other professional fields, and by examining the relevancy of the material in terms of students’ lives. Labs are scheduled within regular class periods and are all safe "hands-on" activities. A minimum grade of “B” in Chemistry CP or a grade of “C” in Chemistry Honors would be a good predictor for success in this course. -
Natural Disasters
This semester course will use historical case studies to examine the causes and impacts of natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes. To accomplish this, students will learn how Earth systems and processes work, how humans interact with them, with sometimes disastrous results, and how disasters can be mitigated. Socioeconomic issues such as economic costs, costs to human and ecosystem health, and aid relief and recovery in developed versus undeveloped nations will be incorporated into class discussions. -
Medical Microbes
Despite enormous advances in treatment and prevention made during the 20th Century, infectious diseases remain a leading cause of death worldwide. Today, diseases once thought eradicated are re-emerging, others historically responsive to treatment are becoming increasingly drug-resistant, and emerging pathogens are posing new threats to human health. The goal of this semester course is to give students a basic understanding of the causes, pathology, and treatments of human infectious diseases, if they are known. Students will also explore how socioeconomic conditions and human decisions affect the spread of disease. -
Introduction to Research Methods (Honors)
Completion of a summer assignment is required for this course. The Science Research program at Livingston High School is a three-year sequence of courses that begins with the 10th Grade student. Students have the opportunity to perform research projects and participate in the scientific research community as part of their high school experience. They will learn time management, sophistication in dealing with professionals, and bibliographic research using online services. Students choose a topic from mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences, social sciences, or psychology and pursue this research for three years. The first year is dedicated to searching for and defining a topic of interest, learning the process of primary article dissection, basic statistics, presentation of knowledge in written and oral forms, finding a mentor, and collaborating to host the Annual Science Research Symposium.