The Science Department at Rutherford High School offers a wide range of courses to enhance the students’ learning experience at all levels. Current State Department of Education science requirements for graduation are three years. Our department offers a full four-year program for students, including electives. Most students continue in science for four years. Courses at all levels develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem solving techniques to prepare our students for vigorous college courses.
All course curricula are carefully aligned with both the New Jersey Core Content Standards and the NCTM Standards. Every course contains work specifically designed to prepare our students for standardized testing. Strategies for solving both multiple choice type questions and open-ended science questions are infused into coursework at all levels.
Honors Program
Students identified in eighth grade have the opportunity to enter our honors level program, taking Honors Biology in freshman year, continuing with Honors Chemistry during the sophomore year, and Honors Physics in the junior year. Students may also be recommended for AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and/or AP Physics.
Elective Program
Our elective program includes: AP Biology, an intensive study of botany and zoology that prepares students to take the Advanced Placement test for college credit; AP Chemistry that, in addition to preparing for the Advanced Placement test, allows students to enroll in the Middle College Program in affiliation with Fairleigh Dickinson University for college credit; AP Physics which utilizes the most modern lab equipment and computer analysis; Anatomy & Physiology and Marine Biology which enables students to continue within the science program at a different scope and pace. These courses are offered every year and have a high enrollment each time.
Extra Curricular
There are several extra curricular activities related to the science field of which students can take advantage. The Chemistry Club is open to all and students who are taking a chemistry class are encouraged to join. Students do experiments other than ones done in class as well as other chemistry-related activities. The club has done water testing and field sampling at the Meadowlands, “Chemistry Day” at William Peterson University, and worked with local scouts on a “Scientist” merit badge. The Biology Club does fun biology-related activities throughout the year. They do annual projects like weeding and planting the courtyard and front yard of RHS. They also raise money through tee shirt and bake sales to help sponsor biological causes, take trips to museums or the aquarium.
The Physics/Astronomy Club works on physics related projects in order to participate in Science fairs.
Science Department Supervisor
Mrs. Alison Heinzel is the district Mathematics and Science Supervisor. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics from Susquehanna University and A Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services from Montclair State University. She has worked in Rutherford for twenty years, teaching all levels of Mathematics as well as several Computer Programming courses.
Math Teachers
Mrs. Alison Heinzel (Supervisor)
Mr. Nick Ackerman
Mr. Richard Byrnes
Mrs. Pat Germain
Mr. Edward Guy
Mrs. Brenda Hernandez
Ms. Diane Powell
Mr. Alexander Robayo
Mr. Mark Rojowski
Mrs. Helene Wetzel
Classes We Offer
The Science Department consists of ten full year courses, and two half-year electives:
Anatomy and Physiology
AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Honors Biology
Honors Chemistry
Marine Biology
Physics
