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Science

The main aim of studying science is to learn how nature works by observing the natural and physical world, and to understand this world through research and experimentation

Science

A group of Pioneer Academy high school students doing an experiment in Chemistry lab

The main aim of studying science is to learn how nature works by observing the natural and physical world, and to understand this world through research and experimentation

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Science is a distinctive way of learning about the world through observation, inquiry, formulating and testing hypotheses, gathering and analyzing data, and reporting and evaluating findings.

Science always leads to technological and engineering developments and technology helps science also to move further to develop new ideas to understand and make the life easier and meaningful for its followers.

We are all part of an amazing and mysterious phenomenon called "life" that thousands of scientists everyday are trying to better understand. It is surprisingly easy to become part of this great discovery. All you need is an understanding of how people use the process of science to learn about the world and your natural curiosity.

If we describe science with scientific method: Science starts with asking questions. If you ask the questions it will give you a chance to make observations and collect data. Science also will teach you how to interpret the data you collected and you will come to a conclusion which will be reviewed by peers.

Skepticism is an attitude of doubt about the truthfulness of claims that lack empirical evidence. Scientific skepticism, also referred to as skeptical inquiry, questions claims based on their scientific verifiability rather than simply accepting claims based on faith or anecdotes. Scientific skepticism uses critical thinking to analyze such claims and opposes claims which lack scientific evidence.

Courses

Credits

Semester

Full Year

Course Description

Honors Biology is a first-year high school course and a prerequisite for AP Biology. It emphasizes hands-on learning and introduces students to life’s chemical foundations, biological structures, and the interactions between living and nonliving systems. Students build conceptual understanding through inquiry, investigation, and evidence-based reasoning rather than memorization. The course fosters problem-solving skills and scientific literacy to prepare students for college, careers, and informed citizenship. Independent study and local and scientific resources are used to deepen understanding of core life science concepts.

Course Objectives

This course is designed to give students an understanding of all that composes life on Earth. Students will gain: Knowledge of various and scientific laws. Appreciation of various ways organisms and the environment can affect our world. Skills in using the scientific method to solve problems and design experiments. Knowledge and practical application of laboratory safety, and laboratory techniques. Skills in collection, processing, and evaluating laboratory data, and scientific writing.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology: Definition and scope of biology, scientific method, levels of biological organization.
Chapter 2: Chemistry of Life: Atoms, molecules, chemical bonds, properties of water, pH and buffers.
Chapter 3: Macromolecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids; structure, function, and importance in biological systems.
Chapter 4: Cells: Cell theory, types of cells, structure and function of organelles.
Chapter 5: Plasma Membrane: Structure, function, and transport across cell membranes.
Chapter 6: Photosynthesis: Light-dependent and light-independent reactions, factors affecting photosynthesis.
Chapter 7: Cell Respiration: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain, ATP production.
Chapter 8: Cell Division: Mitosis, meiosis, stages, significance in growth and reproduction.
Chapter 9: Genetics: Mendelian genetics, inheritance patterns, Punnett squares.
Chapter 10: DNA and Protein Synthesis: Structure and function of DNA, DNA replication, transcription, translation.
Chapter 11: Evolution: Natural selection, evidence of evolution, mechanisms of evolutionary change.
Chapter 12: Prokaryotes: Structure and function of prokaryotic cells, bacterial diversity, ecological roles.
Chapter 13: Protists: Classification, characteristics, ecological importance of protists.

Laboratory Component: Practical sessions complement theoretical learning, focusing on scientific inquiry, experimentation, and data analysis related to course topics.

Credits

Semester

Full Year

Course Description

AP Physics 1 is a full-year, algebra-based introductory college-level physics course. It is equivalent to a first-semester course in college physics. Students will cultivate a deep conceptual understanding of foundational physics topics through inquiry-based investigations and problem-solving strategies. The course emphasizes real-world applications, scientific reasoning, and laboratory experimentation.Through hands-on labs and collaborative learning, students explore topics including kinematics, dynamics, circular motion, gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, and rotational motion.

Course Objectives

Unit 1: Kinematics
Students explore the motion of objects in one and two dimensions using graphical analysis and equations of motion.This Unit builds a foundation for understanding how objects move and introduces key concepts such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics
This Unit focuses on Newton's Laws of Motion and how forces cause changes in motion. Students learn to analyze free-body diagrams and solve problems involving tension, friction, and normal forces.
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power
Students develop an understanding of energy transformations and conservation of energy. The concepts of work, kinetic and potential energy, and power are applied to various mechanical systems.
Unit 4: Linear Momentum
This Unit covers momentum, impulse, and the conservation of momentum in isolated systems. Students analyze collisions and explore real-world examples such as car crashes and sports.
Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Students extend their understanding of linear motion to rotational motion, exploring torque, rotational kinematics, and dynamics.This Unit introduces the rotational analogs of force, mass, and acceleration.
Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Building on previous Units, students apply conservation principles to rotating systems. Concepts include rotational kinetic energy and angular momentum, with applications to systems like spinning wheels and planets.
Unit 7: Oscillations
This Unit introduces periodic motion, including springs and pendulums. Students investigate simple harmonic motion and its applications in mechanical and wave systems.
Unit 8: Fluids
In the final unit, students explore the properties of fluids, pressure, buoyancy, and fluid dynamics. This unit provides insight into phenomena such as air pressure, water flow, and the operation of hydraulic systems.

Note: This course prepares students for the AP Physics 1 Exam, and successful completion may earn them college credit, depending on the policies of their chosen institution.

Credits

Semester

Full Year

Course Description

AP Chemistry is a rigorous, college-level course that investigates the fundamental principles of chemistry through inquiry-based learning, problem solving, and hands-on laboratory experiences. Aligned with the College Board’s AP Chemistry Curriculum Framework, the course emphasizes conceptual understanding, quantitative analysis, and real-world applications. Students will explore atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium, while preparing for the AP Chemistry Exam and future coursework in science or engineering.

Course Objectives

Develop a deep understanding of chemical concepts and principles
Apply mathematical reasoning to solve chemical problems
Perform and analyze laboratory experiments using scientific practices
Interpret data, construct models, and communicate scientific findings
Be thoroughly prepared for the AP Chemistry Exam and college-level chemistry
Course Outline Units of Study:

Unit 1: Atomic Structure and PropertiesExplore atomic models, electron configurations, periodic trends, and the nature of electromagnetic radiation.
Unit 2: Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and PropertiesStudy chemical bonding, molecular geometry, polarity, and properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
Unit 3: Intermolecular Forces and PropertiesAnalyze how intermolecular forces affect physical properties like boiling point, vapor pressure, and solubility.
Unit 4: Chemical ReactionsExamine types of chemical reactions, stoichiometry, balancing equations, and net ionic equations.
Unit 5: KineticsInvestigate reaction rates, rate laws, reaction mechanisms, and factors that affect reaction speed.
Unit 6: ThermodynamicsStudy energy changes in chemical systems, enthalpy, calorimetry, and heat transfer.
Unit 7: EquilibriumUnderstand dynamic equilibrium, Le Châtelier’s Principle, equilibrium constants, and their calculations.
Unit 8: Acids and BasesAnalyze pH, acid-base reactions, buffers, titrations, and properties of strong vs. weak acids/bases.
Unit 9: Applications of ThermodynamicsExplore Gibbs free energy, spontaneity, electrochemistry, and thermodynamic favorability.

Laboratory Component:
Students conduct a minimum of 16 college-level, inquiry-based laboratory experiments. Labs emphasize experimental design, data collection, error analysis, and scientific communication. Students are expected to maintain a lab notebook and write formal lab reports in accordance with AP Chemistry standards.

Mustafa Dincturk

Science Department Head

(973) 405-5169 x 124

E-mail

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SCIENCE STANDARDS

STEAM DAY

STEAM week is one the great opportunities for our students’ celebration of STEAM learning. Students from Grade 5 through 12 showcase their projects they worked on throughout the year. Last year we had over 80 projects across Science, Engineering, Math, Technology and Art.

The event is open to public. This year's STEAM Week will be between March 20-24, 2023.

MORE ABOUT STEAM PROGRAM

In the classroom we are preparing students for completing the curriculum that is required of them for high school but we are also preparing them for different college courses so we offer a variety of different AP courses.

Priscilla Lainez
Dean of Students