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East Rockaway High School

Science Department

Department Chairperson: Ms. Dame Forbes

Department Overview:

The East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School Science Department mission is to create knowledgeable, scientifically literate and capable problem solvers. By fostering a spirit of inquiry, nurturing our students’ curiosity, and bringing current, relevant and real-world science into the classroom experience, we work to prepare our students to become educated citizens capable of comprehending and analyzing global issues. The newly adopted New York State (P-12) Science Learning Standards are being absorbed into the current Core Curriculums that drive science instruction in our classrooms. Courses are supported using Discovery TechBook, an online digital textbook that updates to reflect the most up to date curriculum and provide interactive learning experiences and resources.

The curriculum is a rich mixture of the Physical, Life, and Chemical Sciences. Emphasis is placed upon developing skills in critical thinking through demonstrations and laboratory experiments. Teachers will guide students towards improving scientific skills and knowledge and will expect a mature and hardworking approach to problem solving. Commitment to education is a big ingredient in this process, and it is hopeful that students will put all efforts into developing meaningful scientific attitudes that will last into adult life.

Course Sequence:

1

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.

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

 

Science Resources for Parents:

 

Science Resources for students:

 

Teacher

Courses 24-25

Course Outlines

Dame Forbes, Chairperson

 

Chemistry Foundation*

Science Research

 

Chemistry Foundation

Science Research

 

Alexandra Pietrantonio

AP Biology

Psychology 205

Living Environment Acc

AP Biology

Psychology 205

Living Environment Acc

 

Brian Crowley

Imandt*

AP Environmental

Earth Science

Earth Science *

Marine Biology

AP Environmental Science

Earth Science

Earth Science *

Marine Biology

Bryan Palermo

Physics

AP Physics 1

Science Research 

Physics

AP Physics 1

Science Research 

Emanuela Matthews

Chemistry

Marine Biology

 

Chemistry

Marine Biology

Cheryl Poland

Living Environment JH

Living Environment JH

Life Science 7/8

 

Louis Duet 

Living Environment Acc*

EMT, Anatomy & Physiology

 

Living Environment Acc

EMT, Anatomy & Physiology

Patricia Refino 

Earth Science*

Seven Enrichment

 

Earth Science

Seven Enrichment

Scott Gerken

EMT, Anatomy & Physiology

 

EMT, Anatomy & Physiology

 

*Coteacher

 

Summer Research Programs

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

  • MSEP – July 15-19, 2024
    -MSEP is a summer residential program that is completely free of charge to students. This year, our camp will begin on July 15th and end on July 19th. 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 2024. Depending on the number of applications received, students from Nassau Country and students entering grade 11 in the fall of 2024 will also be considered.
    -Please click on these links for the:
    Brochure
    Flyer
    Application
  • EcoQuest – July 8-12, 2024
    -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 8th and end on July 12th. 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 2024 will also be considered.  
    -Please click on these links for the:
    Brochure
    Flyer
    Application
  • Artificial Intelligence Summer 2024 Intensive
    - Inspirit AI is offering an in-person, 30-hour pre-college AI program hosted at Lynbrook Senior High School that teaches students in grades 8-12 fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build socially impactful projects such as safe ChatGPT bots, exoplanet search, self-driving car systems, and more!
    - Stanford and MIT graduates in AI will be present in person from July 8-19, 2024. to teach.
    - Be willing and able to commit six weeks to full-Please read more information in the program brochure 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 Science Chair Mrs. Forbes by January 3rd.
  • Garcia Summer Research Program at Stony Brook
    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.

There is a fee for this program TBA