Science

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”.
 

Science Resources for Parents:

• Core Curriculum Guides
  • Intermediate Science (7-8)
  • Life Science: Biology
  • Earth and Space Science
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
• New York State (P-12) Science Learning Standards

Science Resources for students:

• Summer STEM programs for high school and middle school students at Stony Brook University (partial scholarships available)
• University of Texas at Austin STEM Enhancement in Earth Science Summer High School Intern Program 
• Hofstra Summer Science Research Fellowship
• 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

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)
  • Selected Long Island high school students from Suffolk County are immersed in the marine environment through a 5-day, 4-night residential summer camp located on Long Island’s east end. From morning to night, students learn about physical and chemical oceanography, marine ecology, invertebrate zoology and more through hands-on investigations in both a lab and field setting. This program is offered free of charge to students through a generous donation from the Avalon Nature Preserve. Interested students must complete an application to be considered in May. For more information, contact Jennifer Cressy Click here to email or Michael Langer Click here to email.
• EcoQuest
  • Selected Long Island high school students from Nassau County are immersed in the natural world through a 5-day, 4-night residential summer camp located on Long Island’s east end. During this week of camp, students are immersed in Long Island’s natural world, engage with regional experts and participate in authentic field science experiences. This program is offered free of charge to students through a generous donation from the Serra Club Foundation. Interested students must complete an application to be considered in May. For more information, contact Jennifer Cressy Click here to email or Michael Langer Click here to email.
• Artificial Intelligence Summer 2026 Intensive
• ICaRE Summer Science Program
  • 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.
• Summer Research at Hofstra
  • Hofstra University’s Summer Science Research Program (HUSSRP) provides high school students with the opportunity to conduct on-campus research alongside Hofstra faculty across a range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, psychology, computer science, engineering, sociology, geology, mathematics, and public health. Admission is competitive and requires a completed online application and a teacher recommendation. Students are selected based on academic performance, an interview, faculty recommendations, and mentor availability.
  • The program typically runs throughout July and concludes with a poster session where students present their research. This event is open to participants, their families, and their teachers.
• Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook

  • Established in 1984 as an outreach program for local high school students, the Simons Summer Research program now attracts applicants from all across the country to the Stony Brook campus: Simons Fellows are matched with Stony Brook faculty mentors, join a research group or team, and assume responsibility for a project. The Simons Fellows conclude their apprenticeship by producing a written research abstract and a research poster.

  • In addition to learning valuable techniques and experiencing life at a major research university, Simons Fellows attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in special workshops, tours and events. At the closing poster symposium, students are presented with a stipend award.

  • The Simons Summer Research Program is supported by the Simons Foundation. Students apply while they are currently in their junior year of high school (11th grade) — and participate in the program in the summer before senior year.

  • Eligibility: Students interested in science who have demonstrated independence, creativity and an aptitude for doing hands-on work are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants must currently be in their junior year (11th grade) of high school at the time of applying; must be US citizens and/or permanent residents; and must be at least 16 years of age by the start of the program (No exceptions).

• 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.