Science

About Us: Science Department

Welcome to the Dover Public Schools' Science Department. Our mission is to create an engaging learning environment where students can excel in science through innovative programs that foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Our Mission Our goal is to nurture a passion for science among our students through a robust curriculum that includes both core content and elective courses. We utilize the Next Generation Science Standards to ensure a comprehensive understanding of science that builds over time. These standards allow our educators to design learning experiences that spark students’ interests, preparing them for college, careers, and active citizenship in a global community.

Our Goals

• Equip students with a thorough science education, enabling them to meet academic benchmarks and understand the world's intricate systems.
• Cultivate lifelong learning through diverse educational experiences that encourage students to explore and explain scientific phenomena.
• Inspire students from all backgrounds to pursue future careers in science and technology fields.

Recent Successes and Projects

• Our Dover High School students participated in a Forensics and Genetics Field Trip to the Regeneron DNA Learning Center in New York.
• Select students from Dover High and Middle Schools joined the Novartis Girls in Science and Business Mentorship Program.
• Fifth graders from East Dover Elementary, North Dover Elementary, and Academy Street Elementary enjoyed a field trip to Lake Hopatcong State Park, engaging in hands-on ecological studies.
• Dover Middle School’s Science Gifted and Talented classes competed in the New Jersey Consortium for Gifted and Talented Programs, with this year’s theme being "Build a Superhero."

Noteworthy Contributions and Partnerships

• Our faculty includes award winning educators that bring innovative expertise to the science classroom:
  • Mr. Thomas Nelson awarded the New Jersey Science Teacher Association (NJSTA) Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Scholar award for collaboration in professional development towards curricular and instructional strategies in Thermodynamics in Earth’s Systems
• We have established a partnership with County College of Morris for dual enrollment, allowing high school students to take courses like Anatomy and Physiology I.
• Advanced Placement offerings include AP Physics, AP Environmental Science, and AP Biology.
• Our faculty includes several bilingual science teachers and former industry professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom:
  • Mrs. Michele Lentz, who is working towards her NJ Bilingual Endorsement.
  • Ms. Eredis Sosa, fluent in English and Spanish and formerly a chemical engineer.
  • Mrs. Sandra Palmer, a published scientist and former marine biologist.
  • Mr. Michael Clear, an American Red Cross Certified Trainer in CPR and First Aid.

Join us as we continue to empower the next generation of scientists and innovators, prepared to tackle the challenges of the future with a solid foundation in science education.