Department Overview:

Our mission is to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through meaningful science learning.  We want our students to see science not only as a subject in school but as a way of understanding and improving the world around them. By fostering a spirit of curiosity, and bringing relevant real-world science into the classroom experience, we prepare our students to become educated citizens capable of comprehending and analyzing complex global issues.

The newly adopted New York State (P-12) Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS), which are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), are guiding a significant transition in science instruction. These standards emphasize three-dimensional learning—disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices—helping students not only learn scientific knowledge but also apply it through inquiry, modeling, problem-solving, and design. Our teachers are actively integrating these standards into the existing Core Curriculum, creating more opportunities for students to engage in authentic investigations, collaborative projects, and evidence-based reasoning.

The curriculum is a rich mixture of the Physical, Life, Earth, and Chemical Sciences. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in critical thinking through demonstrations, laboratory experiments, and real-world applications. As students progress through their courses, they will encounter many learning experiences that mirror the work of scientists and engineers—an approach at the heart of both NYSSLS and NGSS. 

Commitment to education is a vital ingredient in this process, and we hope that students will put forth their best effort in developing meaningful scientific attitudes and a lifelong curiosity about the world around them. By embracing the NYSSLS and NGSS vision, we are preparing our students not only for academic success but also for informed citizenship and future careers in an ever-changing, science-driven society.
 

Course Sequence:

Additional Information:A separate Science Research course (Full year, alternating days) is also available to students. The Science Research course enables students to practice authentic and original scientific research using current scientific protocols in an independent manner. This multi-year opportunity, which begins during a student’s freshman or sophomore year culminates in students working with a professional mentor in creating an experiment and writing their paper toward preparing for presentation at local, regional or state science symposia and student research competitions.  Additionally, college credit is available through UALBANY upon satisfactory completion of UALBANY requirements for “Science Research in the High School”.

Courses Descriptions can be found link here. (Pages 31 - 39)

Science Resources for Parents:

• Core Curriculum Guides
  • Intermediate Science (7-8)
  • New Visions for Life Science: Biology
  • New Visions for Earth and Space Science
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
• New York State (P-12) Science Learning Standards
• Engage NY
• How to help your child prepare for assessments

Science Resources for students:

• Summer STEM programs for high school and middle school students at Stony Brook University (partial scholarships available)
• Summer Engineering Camps for Middle and High School Students at Stony Brook University
• University of Texas at Austin STEM Enhancement in Earth Science Summer High School Intern Program (10th Grade: 7/24-8/4, 11th grade 7/7-7/20)
• ICaRE Summer Science Program at SUNY Old Westbury
• Hofstra Summer Science Research Fellowship
• Join the Junior Science Olympiad Team
• Castle Learning
• Khan Academy Tutorial Videos (ALL SUBJECTS & LEVELS)
• Quizlet
  • Life Science: Biology
  • Earth and Space Science
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
• Life Science: Biology Practice Exams
• Earth and Space Science Practice Exams
• Chemistry Practice Exams
• Physics Practice Exams 

*Coteacher

Summer Enrichment Programs

Now is the time to register for summer programs.  Many summer research programs are currently accepting applicants  with registrations closing soon.

• Marine Science Enrichment Program (MSEP) – July 8-11, 2025
  -MSEP is a summer residential program that is completely free of charge to students. This year, our camp will begin on July 8th and end on July 11th. Throughout camp, students will engage in authentic marine science field excursions all over Long Island’s East end. For this program, preference is given to Suffolk County students receiving the National School Lunch Program, entering grade 11 in the fall of 2025. Depending on the number of applications received, students from Nassau Country and students entering grade 11 in the fall of 2025 will also be considered.
  -Please Contact students google classroom for application and flyer.  Applications are due 5/2/25

• EcoQuest – July 14-18, 2025
  -The WS BOCES Outdoor Environmental Education Program is pleased to announce that we are launching a new FREE of charge residential summer camp opportunity, EcoQuest. This inaugural week of camp is based on the highly successful Marine Studies Enrichment Program (MSEP), that has been running for 14+ years. This week of camp will begin on July 14th and end on July 18th. Throughout camp, students will engage in authentic science field excursions all over Long Island. For this program, preference is given to Nassau County students receiving the National School Lunch Program, entering grade 11 in the fall of 2024. Depending on the number of applications received, students entering grade 11 in the fall of 2025 will also be considered. 
  -Please Contact students google classroom for application and flyer.  Applications are due 5/2/25

• Artificial Intelligence Summer 2025 Intensive
  - Inspirit AI is offering an in-person, 30-hour pre-college AI program 

• ICaRE Summer Science Program   (Fee)

  The Summer Science Program offered by the ICaRE (Institute of Cancer Research and Education) at SUNY Old Westbury provides High School students with an opportunity to learn molecular biology of cancer, cell biology, cancer immunology, biochemistry, neuroscience and microbiology under the mentorship of Faculty. Students will learn how laboratory science can be translated to improved human health and will engage in investigative experiences. Our program gives students the opportunity to:

  Understand the process of the scientific method

  Apply knowledge to a real world problem and gain research skills.

  Learn key laboratory methodologies.

  Learn critical reading of peer-reviewed literature on an unknown topic.

  Gain experience presenting scientific work through writing and oral presentation

  Have fun learning about science!

  Learn More and Apply Here

   

• Summer Research at Hofstra - Fee
  Students must be enrolled in 10th or 11th grade at the time the application is submitted;
  Have had at least one year of a high school laboratory-based science course; Have demonstrated an interest in the sciences;
  Be willing and able to commit six weeks to full-time scientific research; and Have demonstrated the ability to work independently.

• Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook 
  • (One of Long Island's most Prestigious Programs)
  • Six-week program.
  • Must have recommendation from school science chair-(school can only recommend a max of 2 students).
  • Interested students please speak to the Science Chair by January 3^rd

• Garcia Summer Research Program at Stony Brook ( Fee)

  • This is an intensive seven-week program for gifted high school students which combines formal instruction with independent research and allows students to design original research projects with guidance from Garcia Center faculty, students, and staff. Students can continue during the academic year in the Mentor Program, which allows them to plan a research schedule with a faculty mentor throughout the year 6 weeks.
    Requirements for Summer High School applicants:
    All students must be at least 16 years old on, or before July 4,  no exceptions.
    Have an unweighted GPA of 95/100 (3.8/4.0)
    Must have at least 3 of the following subjects:

    English (Honors or AP a plus)

    Chemistry (Honors or AP a plus)

    Mathematics or Calculus (Honors or AP a plus)

    Physics (Honors or AP a plus)

    Biology (optional) (Honors or AP a plus)

    Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT and/or Regents) must be 60% or above.

    Students who show evidence of leadership, special talents or interests, and other personal qualities through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and other non-academic pursuits will receive special consideration