Cherokee Science Department

Science Department Teachers

Click on the names below to visit teachers' home pages

Science Courses
at Cherokee High School

Note: Beginning with the freshman class of 2000-2001, every New Jersey public school graduate must successfully complete a minimum of three years of science. Students are encouraged to take more than the minimum requirement. The recommended sequence is earth science, biology, chemistry and physics. It is strongly recommended that students schedule earth science in their freshman year. To assist students and parents in planning for a high school science sequence, a suggested course sequence chart has been included. Sequences are arranged according to post-secondary goals.

EARTH SCIENCE (Levels 1 & 2)
Involves a physical science approach to the study of the earth and the interrelationships between man and the environment. Special emphasis is placed on exploring topics in astronomy, environmental issues, and geology. This course involves laboratory application of earth science concepts. Level 1 is a more rigorous version of the Level 2 course and is offered by invitation only to those students with a special ability in science.

EARTH SCIENCE (Level 5)
Available for students in need of individualized or small group instruction, with Child Study Team approval. Topics covered include map reading skills, the solar system and physical properties of the earth: its atmosphere, weather conditions, and bodies of water. Hands-on experiences are provided and organizational skills are emphasized.

EARTH SCIENCE (Level 3)
Contents as described in Level 2 but less rigorous. Greater emphasis is placed on organizational skills and hands-on experiences.

EARTH SCIENCE (Level 4)
A basic survey course in earth science. Placement is based on the need for remediation.

BIOLOGY (Levels 1 & 2)
Basic survey course in the life sciences. Topics include: biochemistry, cell biology, energy and developmental relationships, genetics, evolution, ecology and comparative anatomy. Emphasis is placed on the design and analysis of experiments using the scientific method. Students will gain an appreciation of the interdependence of all living things. Level I is offered by invitation only to students with special ability in science. A term project also is assigned at this level. (Must be scheduled for geometry or higher.)

BIOLOGY (Level 3)
Basic survey course in life sciences, less rigorous than level 2. It includes the chemistry of living things and studies: plants, animals, microbiology, human biology, genetics, and ecology. Greater emphasis is placed on organizational skills.

BIOLOGY (Levels 4 & 5)
Basic survey course in the life sciences. It includes the chemistry of living things and studies plants, animals, microbiology, human biology, genetics and ecology. Greater emphasis is placed on remediation and organizational skills.

*ADVANCED BIOLOGY (Level 1)
(Advanced Placement)
Offered as a second year biology course to those students who display special abilities in biology. Equivalent to a first-year college course. These students will be able to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Test and could receive college credit or advanced standing depending upon their scores and the policy of the college. The course is laboratory-oriented and includes dissections. This course is by invitation only, and completion of chemistry is suggested. *Also offered at Cherokee and Lenape as BCC CAP Course.

ADVANCED BIOLOGY (Level 2)
A second year biology course offering an in-depth study of selected topics in biology. Student involvement and initiative is emphasized. Problem solving and critical thinking are important aspects of advanced biology. The course includes data collection and analysis, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, anatomy and physiology. The course is lab oriented and includes dissections. It is recommended for students with a strong interest in these areas of biology.

CHEMISTRY (Level 1)
Focuses on chemical elements, compounds, chemical equations and the use and applications of the periodic table. Mathematical applications are frequent and knowledge of Algebra 1 and geometry are needed. Basic techniques are developed in laboratory experiments. Level 1 is by invitation only to those students with special ability in science and math.

CHEMISTRY (Level 2)
Focuses on chemical elements, compounds, chemical equations and the use and applications of the periodic table. Mathematical applications are frequent and knowledge of Algebra 1 and geometry are needed. Basic techniques are developed in laboratory experiments.

GENERAL CHEMISTRY (Level 3)
General chemistry is a modified academic course which includes basic chemistry concepts and utilizes mathematical skills in problem solving and laboratory experiences. Topics covered include atomic theory, formula writing, chemical bonds and equations, mole concept, gas laws, chemical reactions, characteristics of acids, bases, salts and periodicity. The course involves laboratory experience with emphasis on data collection and organization, problem solving, and analysis of results.

*ADVANCED CHEMISTRY (Level 1)
(Advanced Placement)
Offered as a second year course to students who display special abilities in chemistry. Equivalent to a first-year college course. These students will be able to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Test and could receive college credit or advanced standing depending upon their scores and the policy of the college. It is designed as a second year Chemistry course. This course is offered by invitation only. *Also offered at Cherokee as BCC CAP Course.

ADVANCED CHEMISTRY (Level 2)
Covers in more detail much of the material from the first-year chemistry course. Particular emphasis is placed on the mathematics involved. Additional topics to be covered are: organic chemistry, acid/base chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Laboratory experiences will be developed that reinforce standard techniques relating to the materials covered in the class. This class is recommended for any student planning a career in the sciences or medicine.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Levels 2 & 3)
Builds students’ awareness of the physical world. Physical Science will provide students with information pertaining to the foundations of both chemistry and physics. Through classroom and laboratory activities, students will explore the fundamental characteristics of matter, from its basic atomic structure to detailed descriptions of how and why chemical reactions occur. Also, students will study the basic mechanics of motion in addition to a variety of other physics topics. Students can take the first year of chemistry or physics after passing physical science but cannot take physical science after passing chemistry or physics. Not available at freshman level.

INTEGRATED SCIENCE (Level 4)
A hands-on, critical thinking-based course with an emphasis on life skills and work place readiness skills. Students will be exposed to three areas of science: chemistry, physics and environmental science. This course is available to juniors or seniors after the completion of earth science and biology.

PHYSICS (Level 1)
(Advanced Placement Course B)
Offered as a first year course to students who display strong potential in the area of physics. Equivalent to a first year noncalculus based college course. These students will be able to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Test and could receive college credit or advanced standing depending upon their scores and the policy of the college. This is a first year Physics course. This course is offered by invitation only.

PHYSICS (Level 2)
Emphasizes concepts and theory in physics. Topics may include: motion, energy, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and thermodynamics. This course involves laboratory applications of physics concepts. A good working knowledge of algebra is needed.

GENERAL PHYSICS (Level 3)
A survey of basic physics principles with topics similar to Level 2 Physics, but with less rigor. Greater emphasis is placed on practical applications and laboratory experiences. Average mathematical ability is required, including basic algebra.

ADVANCED PHYSICS (Level 1)
(Advanced Placement Course C)
Offered as a second year course to students who show special abilities in physics. Equivalent to a first year college course. These students will be able to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Test and could receive college credit or advanced standing depending upon their scores and the policy of the college. This course is designed to follow the first year of physics and will include the use of calculus. This course is offered by invitation only. This is a second year physics course.