The science curriculum at Prep is designed to allow students to interact with science as a discipline and to experience empirical inquiry as a method of investigation. Science courses focus on the scientific process, enabling students to discover and interpret scientific knowledge, develop positive attitudes and interests about science, and recognize that what they learn can be applied to decisions they will make in a world influenced by science and technology.  To prepare students for this world, Prep has adopted the inquiry method of teaching science. This method fosters an environment of hands-on learning that invites students to explain what is being observed in a scientific manner. The science department believes in a practical approach to science education and works to have students appreciate science as a skill.

Prep requires two years of laboratory science as a minimum graduation requirement: (1) life science and (1) physical science. The science department strongly recommends at least three years of laboratory science, namely physics, chemistry, and biology. Many colleges require three or more lab sciences, or particular lab sciences. Each student is encouraged to consult with his science teachers, his guidance counselor, and the college placement office to determine his best course of study in the sciences.  Please note that departmental approval is separate from meeting a letter grade requirement; no student will be accepted into an honors or AP level science course without approval of the department.

Note that a student does not have to progress to higher tiers and may take any courses in the tier for which he meets the requirements. Below are the titles of the courses and their life or physical science designation.

Life Sciences

Physical Sciences

  • Biology
  • Biology Honors
  • AP Biology
  • AP Environmental Science
  • Forensic Science
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Advanced Biology II
  • Physical Science
  • Chemistry
  • Chemistry Honors
  • Advanced Chemistry II
  • AP Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Physics Honors
  • AP Physics I

Click here to access the layout for our course of studies as well as potential course progressions.

TEACHER

EMAIL

Mr. Thomas Comey (chair)ComeyT@spprep.org
Mr. Mark BaltazarBaltazarM@spprep.org
Mr. Alex Canale, ’05CanaleA@spprep.org
Mr. Kevin Kuhl, ’14KuhlK@spprep.org
Ms. Jan MerskiMerskiJ@spprep.org
Ms. Manye OtuOtuM@spprep.org
Mr. Robert Puhak, ’16PuhakR@spprep.org
Mr. Nathan RileyRileyN@spprep.org
Ms. Donna SaulysSaulysD@spprep.org
Ms. Carmela SchlitzerSchlitzerC@spprep.org
Updated August 2021

Department Chair phone: 201-547-2312