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Science
Philosophy
It is the mission of the Fair Lawn Schools science program that all students should achieve scientific literacy. An understanding of science makes it possible for everyone to share in the richness and excitement of the natural world. Scientific literacy enables people to use scientific principles and processes in making personal decisions and to participate in discussions of scientific issues that affect society. A sound grounding in science strengthens many of the skills that people use every day, like solving problems creatively, thinking critically, working cooperatively in teams, using technology effectively, and valuing life-long learning.
Overview
Science instruction from grades K-12 in Fair Lawn is aligned with the NJ Student Learning Standards.
In grades K-8, Students learn "integrated science" by covering topics in life, earth and physical science each school year. Students receive science instruction on an alternating cycle with social studies in grades K-6. In grades 7-8, students receive science instruction daily. In High School, science instruction is specialized in classes such as "biology", "chemistry", "physics", etc. Students must pass three distinct science classes in high school to graduate, but additional electives are available. "Enriched" science classes are available based on a rubric beginning in grade 7. "Honors" and "AP" science classes are available based on pre-requisites in grade 9.
Science Safety
At the Fair Lawn Public Schools, we believe you should be informed regarding our effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom learning environment. With the cooperation of the administration, teachers, parents, and students, a safety instruction program can eliminate, prevent, and correct possible hazards.
You should be aware of the safety instructions your student will receive before engaging in any laboratory work. Please read the science safety rules provided to your child which are linked on this website.
Be sure to acknowledge the safety rules and the safety agreement with your grade 5-12 students in the Genesis Parent Portal.
Fair Lawn High School Safety Rules
Science Program
Fair Lawn Public Schools offers a rich science program for our K-12 students. Use the following links to learn more about our course offerings and sequences.
Grade 5 - 9 Science Course Sequence
Grade 5 - 12 Science Course Sequence
2024-2025 MS/HS Scheduling Guide
Science Course Descriptions (Coming Soon)
AP Science Summer Assignments
Summer assignments should have been discussed with your AP teacher prior to leaving school in June.
If you have questions about your summer assignment, please contact the teacher below. For general questions, please contact Mr. Durso, Science Supervisor (rdurso(at)fairlawnschools.org).
AP Biology (K. Straubel)
- A digital summer assignment is available with digital access to the textbook. Contact Ms. Straubel or Mr. Durso for more information.
You should have also gotten your textbook.
AP Chemistry (A. Battaglia)- A digital summer assignment is available with digital access to the textbook. Contact Ms. Battaglia or Mr. Durso for more information.
AP Environmental Science (N. Rios)- A workbook is required for the summer assignment. Contact Ms. Rios or Mr. Durso for more information.
AP Physics 1 (E. Altunkaya)- A Microsoft team has been established. Paper copies of the assignment are available from Mr. Durso. An online textbook is needed for the summer assignment.
AP Physics C (E. Altunkaya)
- A digital summer assignment is available. Contact. Mr. Altunkaya or Mr. Durso for details.
The Summer Slide
From time to time, parents and students ask what they can do over the summer so they can continue enjoying science.
The best advice we can give is to read books together that are of interest. Older children may look for volunteer opportunities.
If you or your student would like an opportunity to explore science in greater detail, I encourage you to explore this resource. A group of my colleagues from around the state have put together a resource list of free materials. Although they seem like good quality, we have not explored every single link and every single page. If you find a link that doesn't work or you find something of concern, please contact me.
These materials are provided for the enjoyment of learning. These are not provided for course advancement or credit.
Choose a tab at the bottom of the page that is most appropriate and explore!
Exploring the Field of STEM
Each school in the Fair Lawn School District is unique but each offers various opportunities for students to get involved and explore science.
STEM Opportunities in and Outside Fair Lawn
Careers in Science (US Department of Labor)
Careers in Healthcare (US Department of Labor)
Careers in Engineering (US Department of Labor)
FLHS Alumni in STEM Careers are invited to join the FLHS STEM Alumni group on LinkedIn!
This is a great way to engage with FLHS. We are looking for speakers, role models and career connections for our Cutters!
Science National Honor Society
Fair Lawn High School Chapter
Chartered November 2009
Please see Mrs. Rios for more information in Room D210.
SNHS Website
Science National Honor Society Objectives
· Encourage and recognize scientific and intellectual thought.
· Advance the students’ knowledge of classical and modern science
· Communicate with the scientific community
· Aid the civic community with its comprehension of science
· Encourage students to participate in community service and in turn, encourage a dedication to the pursuit of scientific knowledge that benefits all humankind.
Document Downloads
Applications will be via the SNHS Google Classroom.
FLHS SNHS Members may be eligible for National Scholarships.
Visit SNHS for more information.
Volunteering in STEM
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and explore your interest in STEM. Click here for a list to help you think about places and ways you can volunteer.
The planetarium dome
Fair Lawn High School Planetarium
ATTENTION: OUR PLANETARIUM IS NO OPEN FOR RESERVATIONS FOR PRIVATE GROUPS!
Private Planetarium Shows Are Now Available on a Limited Basis
Shows cost $200 and set up to 30 people. The content of the show is customizable.
These may occur on Thursdays or Fridays between 6PM and 8PM.
We hope to be advertising some Public Planetarium Nights in the near future. Ticket prices will be about $10 per seat. Please check this website for more information.
Shows are recommended for children age 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by at least 1 adult per 10 children.
Contact: Fair Lawn Community School
201-794-5500 Option 2
A Valuable Resource for Fair Lawn Students
Our Planetarium is used by our High School Astronomy classes and is a resource provided to students in our elementary and middle school classes at various points through district-sponsored class trips. The district also provides a traveling planetarium show to our elementary school students.
Introduction & History
The FLHS planetarium currently has a Spitz A3P star projector under a 22 foot diameter fiberglass dome with a 30 seat capacity. We have also implemented a full dome projection solution utilizing an HD multimedia projector and a spherical mirror. The idea came from the work of Paul Bourke which can be reviewed here
The Spitz A3P star projector was brought to the Fair Lawn School District by former Fair Lawn Science Chairperson, Andrew Lukac, and was funded in part by Federal grants during the "Space Race". The goal was to bring the wonders of space and space exploration into our local classrooms.
Throughout the past several decades, the projector has moved around the district multiple times until it found its current and most permanent home on a former stage in the A-Gym at Fair Lawn High School.
The district continues to support enhancing the astronomy program by adding full dome video capabilities, surround sound, and other multimedia components to the shows.
We have free and licensed full dome content from many providers. Below is an overview of our sponsors and licensed content vendors.
Listing of Shows for Public Presentation
This planetarium has received worldwide recognition by being a member of the International Planetarium Society. Fair Lawn High School sits among the worlds recognized planetariums in countries around the globe. (IPS Directory)
A planetarium show
A view of the planetarium
Spitz A3P star projector
Calculator Information
About Graphing Calculators in Mathematics & Science Classes in the Fair Lawn Public Schools (Grades 8-12)
TI-Nspire CX II full color graphing calculator
Dear Parent/Guardian:
We strongly encourage students of the Fair Lawn schools to purchase their own calculators. Calculators have become an integral component of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs throughout our schools. We want your children to thrive in school and to succeed in their studies both here in Fair Lawn and in their future endeavors.
We believe that students must become comfortable with technology since it offers them a means to explore problem solving, concept development, pattern recognition, data analysis, and numerous other key skills that can help keep them excited about and interested in learning. Technology enables students to spend a greater amount of time in mathematics and science class interpreting data rather than collecting it.
We also recognize, however, that using technology in the classroom is not a substitute for mastery of basic skills. Indeed we continue to stress building every student’s fundamental skills in mathematics, science, and other core subjects.
We firmly believe using handheld technology in the classroom gives our students a way to explore ideas and visualize concepts in greater depth than ever before. In math and in many science classes, we will be using Ti-Nspire CX II graphing calculators. Used appropriately, this graphing technology from Texas Instruments can help lead to better comprehension and mastery of concepts and their real-world applications. This technology interfaces with Vernier data collection equipment used in science and mathematics classes and expanding into our technology education program. This kind of cross-curricular learning is critical to ongoing success as your child grows and develops academically. For these reasons, the amount of exposure your child will have to this type of technology will continue to increase.
Although we will be providing some for the use in the classroom, we encourage each student to have his or her own personal calculator. Here are some benefits we see in each child owning a calculator:
With a personal calculator, your child will be able to continue exploring concepts after class, at his or her own pace, and do homework the same way it is taught in class.
A calculator is a more affordable and convenient form of technology than a personal computer. And a calculator is portable, so your child can have it available anytime, anywhere he or she needs it.
Like a personal computer, TI calculators with Flash technology are upgradeable, providing long-term value and extending your investment over several school courses.
Many standardized and college admissions tests approve the use of calculators, including most TI graphing calculators. In fact, several college placement tests require the use of a graphing calculator.
Your individual purchase can help our school acquire free technology. Purchase a TI calculator at a retail store, save the proof of purchase, and help our school get free educational technology and teaching materials (similar to Campbell Soup labels or Box Tops for Education).
We are suggesting that all students in grades 8th through 12th purchase their own TI-Nspire CX II graphing calculator; this is the calculator of choice. Our goal is to have all students own and be proficient at using a TI-Nspire CX II graphing calculator. Do not purchase the CAS version. Any student who needs to purchase a calculator should only buy the new TI-Nspire CX II.
Sincerely,
Lauren Gimon
Supervisor of Math K-12
Supervisor of Business 9-12
Ronald Durso
Supervisor of Science K-12
Supervisor of Technology Education 9-12
Purchasing Advice
This information is provided for advice only. The Fair Lawn Public Schools does not recommend any particular company or store over another.
The TI-Nspire CX II can be purchased during August “Back to School Sales” at your local Office Supply store for the approximate cost of $150
The calculator can be purchased for a similar price at http://www.eaieducation.com.
Remember to save your Proof of Purchase and turn it in to you math teacher so our school can earn free educational technology and teaching materials.