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    Science Department

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    Suffern High School provides students with a comprehensive and exciting science program designed to challenge all students as they explore the many facets of science education and understand the relevancy of instruction to real-world situations and problems.  In addition to courses in Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics, students may also take courses offered through the Advanced Placement program, as well as several elective courses in various fields of study.  Of particular note is the research-based program of Science and Technological Investigative Research (STIR), offered in conjunction with the State University of New York at Albany.  This multi-year program provides students with the opportunity to earn college credit from SUNY while participating in a research program guided by mentors in our high school and from the college/university, or research field.

    All SHS science classes incorporate the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology that provide the major focus and direction for all our courses.  These learning standards are:

    Standard 1.     Use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers and develop solutions.

    Standard 2.   Access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate techniques.

    Standard 3. Understand the mathematics and become mathematically confident by communicating and reasoning mathematically, by applying mathematics in real-world settings, and by solving problems through the integrated study of number systems, geometry, algebra, data analysis, probability, and trigonometry.

    Standard 4. Understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

    Standard 5. Apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.

    Standard 6. Understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas.

    Standard 7. Apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.