PROJECT WILD
This course focuses on natural phenomena relevant to the season. Using birds as a mechanism, students may learn about migration, nesting and feeding habits, bird identification, and more. Field Trip(s) – Montclair Hawk Watch, American Museum of Natural History, Raptor Trust
SCIENCE SYNERGY (also available in CI)
This course is a general overview of the nature of science. Students will engage in productive discourse with their peers, examine their own thoughts and opinions about science, and research various scientists and their contributions to society. (While no official standards exist for this course, Appendix H of the NGSS states that understanding the “Nature of Science” is more that just a practice.) A course like this would beneficial for ALL students to take.
CI JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND SOCIETY
Students conduct independent research on a scientific topic of their choosing. They compose substantial written reports and present reports to the class with hands-on activities. Students also conduct surveys and interviews.
FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
This course emphasizes nutrition using the food pyramid. Students will become literate in reading food labels, identifying food groups, creating a daily menu; discover food preservation techniques and what causes food borne illness, and more. In addition, students volunteer their time one day during the course to serve a meal at Toni’s Kitchen. Field Trip – Toni’s Kitchen
JUNIOR SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
Let’s get ready to compete in all things Science!!! If you love science, love working with teammates and being independent, this 2 cycle course is for you. All types of science topics will be explored in this course. We plan to participate in at least one competition, usually in the Spring. Students will be asked to complete an application form in the Fall. This course is 2 cycles.
ROCKS AND MINERALS
What is the difference between a mineral and a rock? Investigate the properties of minerals and three types of rocks. Use models to observe patterns of erosion, and identify ways that society utilizes rocks and minerals in daily life. Field Trip – Sterling Hill Mining Museum
CI NASA
Students will explore Newton’s Laws of Motion, design an apparatus for the Egg Drop, and possibly launch rockets.
SIMPLE MACHINES
This course includes a large component of exploring force and energy transfer. We will build and test various simple machines and design new machines that will make life easier.
FORENSICS
Forensics is a comprehensive CI course that allows each student to study the basic fundamentals of criminal science by participating in hands on experiments and activities. Activities ranging from finger printing to plaster casting footprints allow each student to examine evidence as a forensic scientist would. Each student will need to rely on his or her knowledge of science and the Scientific Method.
GROW IT
Students investigate what plants need in order to grow, dissect seeds, examine the soil and the creatures within it, hatch chicks and get their hands dirty planting Hillside’s garden. Additional emphasis on integrating literacy and engineering. Field Trip – Community Garden or Duke Farms
POWER UP
Energy makes the world go round. Students will investigate types of energy, energy transfer, and natural resources as fuel. Field Trip – Duke Farms
SAVE OUR SOURCES
This course is designed to introduce the student to the use and misuse of energy in our society. It will make them aware of the need to conserve that energy, by providing a variety of hands-on projects for students to participate in.
CHEMISTRY FOR KIDS (Also offered in CI)
Students are introduced to the Metric system and states of matter. Students will gain hands-on experience using a variety of tools to make accurate measurements of length, mass, volume and temperature.
WEATHER STUDY
Students will dive into topics such as climate vs. weather, the water cycle, types of weather, emergency preparedness, seasonal change and sun protection.
AMAZING ADAPTATIONS
Students will explore the different tools that animals use for their survival. We will examine how organisms move, eat, and protect themselves. Hands-on investigations and art projects will immerse students in the lives of different kinds of animals. Field Trip – Turtle Back Zoo
AWESOME ASTRONOMY
Students learn about the planets in our solar system, as well as celestial objects such as asteroids, meteoroids, and comets. They are also introduced to galaxies, the Big Bang theory, and key people involved in the study and exploration of space.
ISAAC'S KIDS
Who was Isaac Newton and why was he an important figure in Science? Students will learn about the individual and investigate forces and motion through hands-on experiments.
SCIENCE ALL AROUND US
A survey of three main branches of science – Life, Earth and Physical – using hands-on investigations.
S.T.E.A.M. 3
Calling all scientists and engineers! Unleash your creativity solving design problems using the Makerspace. Emphasis on Engineering Design (NGSS)
S.T.E.A.M 4
Calling all scientists and engineers! Unleash your creativity solving design problems using the Makerspace. Emphasis on Engineering Design (NGSS).
S.T.E.A.M. 5
Calling all scientists and engineers! Unleash your creativity solving design problems using the Makerspace. Emphasis on Engineering Design (NGSS).
SOLAR SYSTEM
Outer Space has been a curiosity that humanity has always been interested in. For centuries, people have looked to the skies to attempt to make sense of what was beyond Plant Earth. Students will work in collaborative efforts to research and make discoveries based on our solar system, galaxy, and universe. Explorations of the planets, earth systems, history, space exploration and theories will be discussed, researched and analyzed. Students will also have the opportunity to infuse fact-based material with art, fiction and creative writing. Solar System is a fun and engaging class to investigate the final frontier.
THINK TANK
Let’s put our heads together learning about real-world problems and generating possible actions to resolve them. We’ll hear from real professionals about the what, how and why some problems exist and how we can work collaboratively toward solving these problems on a local to global level.