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Manhasset Science Department

Science Department

Michael O’Connell

District Coordinator for Science and Technology

michael_oconnell@manhassetschools.org

Manhasset Public Schools

200 Memorial Place
Manhasset, NY 11030

Phone: (516) 267-7560  |  Fax: (516) 267-7562

Mission

The mission of the Manhasset Science Department is to create knowledgeable, scientifically literate, and technologically capable problem solvers. By fostering a spirit of inquiry, nurturing our students’ curiosity, and bringing current, relevant and real-world science into the classroom experience, we prepare our students to become educated citizens capable of comprehending and analyzing global issues. This prepares our students not only for higher education, but for life in general.

Technology Program

The Manhasset Technology Program incorporates the project-based aspects of the Project Lead The Way curriculum. This curriculum brings 21st Century engineering principles to middle school students.

🔬 Science, Technology and Health Webpage

K–6 Science & Health Program

Science Program

🔬 Read Elementary Science Sequence

Manhasset’s K–6 science education centers on fundamental instruction in all areas of science using a variety of hands-on activities and student-centered learning. Students are introduced to a wide range of topics including matter, energy & motion, light & sound, astronomy, plants & animals, ecology, simple machines, and weather.

They gain a foundation of knowledge in the physical, life, and earth & space sciences. This foundation prepares them to explore these topics in greater detail and at a higher level of rigor in the secondary school.

Health Program

The K–6 Health curriculum uses THE GREAT BODY SHOP, a fully comprehensive health curriculum that meets the needs and standards of school districts across the country. It includes topics that cover all aspects of physical, mental, social, emotional health, and safety.

Grades 7–12 Science Program

🔬 Read Grade 7-12 Science Sequence

Manhasset’s 7–12 science education begins with a physical science overview in 7th grade, followed by a sequence of Regents-level and AP courses. The typical pathway takes students through Living Environment, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics, in that order.

Each subject offers multiple levels of rigor, often including both Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) options. All six AP science courses recognized by the College Board are available to qualified students.

For a small group of highly qualified students, an AP Intensive Pathway is available beginning in 7th grade. A flow chart of science pathways is available below.

Science Research Program

Manhasset also offers a well-developed and comprehensive science research program. Students can progress through three levels of research courses, culminating in the STS Prep course in 12th grade. All research courses are offered as one-credit electives.

 

7-12 Technology curriculum

Follows the Project Lead the Way: Gateway to Technology program. The Project Lead the Way curriculum give students a chance to identify problems, find unique solutions, and lead their own learning rather than be passive recipients of information in a question-and-answer, right-or-wrong learning environment. The goal is to get students to understand how their education in science, technology, engineering, and math is relevant to their lives and future careers.

7th Grade: Automation & Robotics

Students cover the Automation & Robotics unit in 7th grade, in which they trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.

8th Grade: Design & Modeling

Students cover the Design & Modeling unit in 8th grade, in which students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They work in teams to design a playground and furniture, capturing research and ideas in their engineering notebooks. Using Autodesk® design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions.

High School: Introduction to Engineering

Students in HS have the opportunity to take Introduction to Engineering as an elective. In this course students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3-D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work.