1. Vincent Dionisio Supervisor of Science, K-12 Eighth Grade Parent Orientation

2. What do you remember most about High School Biology? A. Nothing … not memorable B. It was boring C. Dissecting a Frog D. It was thought provoking E. It changed my life http://www.online- stopwatch.com/eggtimer- countdown/full-screen/ http://www.online- stopwatch.com/eggtimer- countdown/full-screen/

3. Objectives Expectations for science in 9 th grade and beyond Placement Process Course offerings New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT)

4. Department Objectives Bring inquiry to the forefront of student learning. Stress comprehension & application of scientific ideas. Provide an atmosphere where students share ideas, discuss, and defend their findings with their peers. Prepare young people for an ever increasing technological and scientific 21 st Century.

5. What we want your CHILD’s experience to be … Thought provoking & challenging Analytical – Use of critical thinking skills; Lab based; Use of Technology (MacBooks, Vernier Labquests) Relevant – Tasks, activities and assessments related to student experiences Involved – Hands-on activities; Projects; Clubs and Competitions

6. 9 th Grade Science Placement Process Recommendation of 8 th Grade Teacher. Recommendation of 8 th Grade Teacher. Scoring on Learning Characteristics Rubric Scoring on Learning Characteristics Rubric Grade 7 Science Grades (MP 3 & 4) Grade 7 Science Grades (MP 3 & 4) Grade 8 Science Grades (MP 1 & 2) Grade 8 Science Grades (MP 1 & 2) Standardized Test Scores in Mathematics and Language Arts Standardized Test Scores in Mathematics and Language Arts Note: Placement is pending NJ ASK 8 Scores

7. Course Offerings Core Courses Biology – Accelerated, Academic, Standard Chemistry – Accelerated, Academic, Standard Physics – Accelerated, Academic Electives Anatomy & Physiology Anatomy & Physiology Astronomy Astronomy Forensics Chemistry Forensics Chemistry Nutrition Science Nutrition Science Zoology & Animal Behavior Zoology & Animal Behavior Research in Science Research in Science AP Biology Biology Chemistry Chemistry Physics Physics

8. Who must take the New Jersey Biology Competency Test? Resource Center Biology ESL Biology General Biology Life Science Foundations in Biology College Prep Biology Honors Biology Accelerated Biology All New Jersey public high school students, regardless of grade level, who are enrolled in a first-year biology course any time … must take the NJBCT. The following course titles are included as exemplars:

9. What does the NJBCT look like and what does cover? Topics Characteristics of Life Cell Structure & Function Energy Transfer (Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration) Cell Division (Mitosis & Meiosis) Molecular Biology GeneticsEvolutionMicroorganismsEcology Format Administered over 2 days in the middle of May Administered over 2 days in the middle of May Multiple choice Multiple choice Performance assessment Performance assessment

10. Thank you for coming. Contact Information: (908) 889 – 8600 ext 3307 Or e-mail @ vdionisio@spfk12.org