Science Department

NHS Science Department HyperDoc: This two page summary of departmental courses and programs includes links to video presentations and infographics!

Our Greenhouse is connected to its own WeatherLink Monitoring Station, complete with temperature, humidity, wind direction & speed, and much, much more!  Check here for realtime weather updates.

Mr. David Storch 
District Chairperson of Science & Technology Education
154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport, NY 11768
Phone: (631) 262-6704
Email: david.storch@northport.k12.ny.us 

A study of the four major scientific disciplines is a primary part of a comprehensive high school educational experience in preparation for successful entry into our increasingly technological and complex world.  All students – whether they become technicians in a hospital, marketing analysts in business, graphic designers in the arts, product engineers in manufacturing, or PhD researchers – must have a solid foundation in science education.  It is essential that each student challenge and explore the fundamentals of Earth & Space Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics through a core program of study.  Each of these disciplines and their core courses examine critical aspects of the natural world in order for all students to become scientifically literate; having the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity.

The selection of the specific sequence of core science courses and their corresponding level should be made through joint discussions between the student, teacher, guidance counselor, and parent.  Students are encouraged to challenge the most rigorous program of science courses in which they can be successful.

Regents diploma requirements can be met by earning three units of credit in commencement-level science including one course from the Physical Setting and one course from the Living Environment.  In addition, students must pass one Regents examination in science.  Regents science courses require completion of 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory experience with satisfactory lab reports.  A commencement-level course in technology education may be used as the third unit of credit in science or mathematics, but not both. In order to earn a Regents diploma with advanced designation, students must earn three units of credit in commencement-level science and pass two Regents examinations with at least one from the Living Environment and one from the Physical Setting.

The department offers science courses designed to expose students to content and inquiry beyond the scope of the fundamental scientific disciplines and should therefore typically be taken concurrently with or in addition to the Regents courses.  This ensures that our students graduate with the necessary skills to continue their education as scientifically literate learners.  Full year coursework in Astronomy, *Forensic Science, *Medical Anatomy & Physiology, Marine Science, and LI Native Ecology & Plant Science develops specialized skills which broaden scientific knowledge and foster potential career pathways.  Students considering future university study in science or science-related fields are encouraged to consider challenging Scientific Investigations (SI) courses, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), as well as Science Research courses.

* affiliated with the LIU High School Scholars Program

Science courses include skill development in:

• Asking questions and defining problems
  
• Developing and using models
  
• Planning and carrying out investigations
  
• Analyzing and interpreting data
  
• Using mathematics and computational thinking
  
• Constructing explanations and designing solutions
  
• Engaging in argument from evidence
  
• Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Scientific Investigation (SI) courses are rigorous science classes for highly motivated students who display organizational and study skills, self-discipline and dedication to task.  SI courses prepare students for the SAT Subject Test exam in all areas with the exception of Earth Science where there is no SAT Subject Test exam offered. Students challenging SI courses are strongly encouraged to sit for the corresponding SAT Subject Test in June.  SI laboratory activities provide students with an opportunity to design and conduct inquiry-based investigations.  Guided inquiry labs emphasize student-constructed learning as opposed to teacher-directed information.  Scientific Investigation courses will include curriculum designed to help students develop scientific skills for future advanced study and research.  SI classes are open enrollment; however, students and parents should consider whether they are well prepared for this challenging and in-depth course of study.

Dissection of Animals:  New York State education law provides that any student with a moral or religious objection to participating in or witnessing an animal dissection, substantiated by a parent or legal guardian, shall be provided with an approved alternative project.