STEM @ Al-Ghazaly

Our Math and Science (STEM) Department is led by Sr. Manal Darwish who has over 19 years of teaching experience. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical engineering from NJIT.  She is a licensed secondary school mathematics teacher. Sr. Manal is passionate about STEM subjects and uses her engineering background to spark students' interests well past the classroom.  She is blessed to work alongside the talented staff in the STEM department.

At Al-Ghazaly High School, we are dedicated to preparing our students for the ever-evolving challenges of the 21st century by offering a specialized and comprehensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Recognizing the pivotal role that STEM fields play in shaping the future, we have tailored our curriculum to foster a deep-rooted passion for innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Our experienced educators, provide students with hands-on experiences that goes beyond theoretical learning. From interactive experiments to collaborative engineering projects, our students are immersed in an environment that encourages exploration, experimentation, and creativity. Through a meticulously designed curriculum, we ensure that our students not only excel in STEM subjects but also develop the skills to adapt and lead in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

The key objectives of our STEM department are to help students:

  1. Analyze problems via multiple approaches.

  2. Think critically .

  3. Learn about and apply new technologies.

  4. Develop problem-solving stamina.

  5. Assess the validity of solutions.

  6. Work cooperatively with colleagues.

  7. Utilize creativity and ingenuity.

  8. Apply the core values of the IEF by:

  • Learning about various Islamic scholars past and present.

  • Promoting an Islamic learning environment.

  • Encouraging our students to seek knowledge for Allah's sake, their personal and community’s benefit.

At Al-Ghazaly, STEM education extends beyond the classroom. We offer a wide array of extracurricular activities and clubs to spark curiosity and nurture talent. Our Science Olympiad and Math Counts teams regularly win individual and team awards at regional and state.

Our commitment to STEM education is rooted in the belief that it equips our students with the tools to innovate, analyze, and contribute meaningfully to society. By nurturing a generation of young minds adept in STEM, we empower them to become pioneers, problem solvers, and thought leaders who drive advancements and positively impact our global community.

Al-Ghazaly Curriculum

7th Grade

  • Number, Operations, Rates and Ratio: Accentuate the Negative, Comparing and Scaling, Stretching and Shrinking

    Geometry and Measurement: Shapes and Designs, Stretching and Shrinking, Filling and Wrapping

    Data Analysis and Probability: What Do You Expect, Samples and Populations

    Algebra and Functions; Moving Straight Ahead.

  • Ecology and the Environment, Human Body, Cells and Heredity & Diversity of Life.

8th Grade

  • Number, Operations, Rates and Ratio: Looking for Pythagoras

    Geometry and Measurement: Looking for Pythagoras, Butterflies, Pinwheels and Wallpapaers. Data Analysis and Probability: Thinking with Mathematical Models (Linear regression)

    Algebra and Functions; Thinking with Mathematical Models, Looking for Pythagoras, Growing, Growing Growing, Frogs, Fleas and Painted Cubes. Say it with Symbols.

  • This course will introduce students to the basics of Chemistry & Physics necessary for a successful 4 years in high school. We also introduce the basics of Technology and how it is used in today’s world.

The word "algebra" comes from a treatise on mathematics called Hisab al-Jabr w'al-mugabala, written by the Muslim scholar Musa Al-Khwarizmi in the 9th century.

We ensure to highlight the contributions of Muslims to the sciences and mathematics so that students are proud of their heritage and history.

9th Grade

  • This is a standard course in Algebra I. Students study the properties of the real numbers, the fundamental operations with real numbers, proportional reasoning, the solution of linear and quadratic equation, the solution of systems of equations and inequalities, graphs of relations and functions, and problem solving. Students are encouraged to understand the abstract development of algebra and to acquire computational skills, which will enhance problem solving.

  • Geometry Honor is a rigorous course which covers topics of plane and solid geometry, with additional emphasis on deductive reasoning and proofs. Coordinate geometry and algebra skills are integrated in the course. The course offers an introduction to trigonometry and transformations. It encourages original thinking by providing an atmosphere of challenge and creativity.

  • Biology gives students a basic understanding of the living world around them. Ten themes unify all biological concepts and will be covered them throughout this course. These themes are biological systems, the cellular basis of life, form and function, reproduction and inheritance, interaction with the environment, energy and life, regulation, adaptation and evolution, biology and society, and scientific inquiry. Careful attention is given to detail and technique during laboratories with the intent of developing sound observations, organization, and analyses. The lab skills emphasized include lab safety, proper use of scientific equipment, microscopy, biological assays, and basic statistical analysis.

  • This college-preparatory course is a broader and deeper understanding to chemistry than Chemistry College Prep. It covers Chemistry college prep topics in greater depth, with more mathematics and at a faster pace. Additional topics as solutions, phase changes, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation/reduction, and organic chemistry are included as time permits. This course emphasizes abstract reasoning and will assist students planning to take AP Chemistry or SAT II test in chemistry.

10th Grade

  • Geometry is designed to be a comprehensive course in geometry. The study includes triangles and their congruence, circles, spheres, quadrilaterals, similarity of polygons, characterizations of sets and construction, transformational geometry, and plane coordinate Geometry. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and applying basic geometric properties and relationships and on the use of deductive reasoning.

  • Algebra 2 Honor is a rigorous course which covers all the topics of standard Algebra II. Additional emphasis is placed on the concepts of functions analysis, logarithmic and exponential functions, conics, and matrices. A student who chooses this course should be aware of the following: the range of topics is greater and in more depth than a non-accelerated course and the pace is faster. The course is the first in a sequence designed to prepare students for success in Advanced Placement Calculus courses.

  • This college preparatory course is designed to give students a working knowledge of the basic concepts and principles of chemistry. The laboratory experience is an integral part of the learning. Major topics include measurements, properties of matter, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding, reactions and stoichiometry, and gas laws. Other topics may include solutions, acids and bases, equilibrium, and liquid and solid, as time permits.

  • The course is designed to explore and integrate facts, models, methods, concepts, themes, and research in the field of biology. The course follows the AP syllabus. To meet timelines, one must be willing to work at a steady and intense pace during the year.

    A main approach in the class is to integrate biological themes, make connections, and examine quantitative analysis of those biological topics studied. The major themes presented in the course are:

    evolution, structure and function, emergent properties, unity and diversity, hierarchy of organization, science as a process, the cell, energy transfer, continuity and change (genetics), regulation, interdependence in nature and science, technology, and society. Two double laboratory periods occur in a cycle; the AP recommended labs will be covered. Laboratory exercises emphasize the scientific method of inquiry with particular attention to the analysis of data. Al-Ghazaly High school expects that all students enrolled in AP course will take the AP exam.

NJIT has one of the toughest Mathematics and STEM curriculums in the entire country. Al-Ghazaly with its wide breadth of AP & Honors courses provided me with foundation to succeed and flourish as an engineer. I graduated from Al-Ghazaly with 24 AP credits and basically started college as a sophomore.

Moustafa A. ‘08

11th Grade

  • Algebra II Junior is designed to be a comprehensive second year course in algebra. Topics covered include linear and quadratic equations, system of equations, matrices, functions ( linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial , rational) powers, roots, radicals and quadratic relations.

  • Pre-Calculus Honor is a rigorous course, which include the topics developed in pre-calculus. It also includes selected topics in analytic geometry, probability, sequences and series, vectors, polar coordinates, parametric equations, limits, and an introduction to calculus. A student who chooses this course should be aware of the following: the range of the topics is greater and in more depth than the College Prep course, and the pace is faster.

  • Advanced Pre-Calculus Honor is an event more rigorous course, which include the topics developed in Algebra and prepares you specifically for next year (12th grade) AP Calculus classes. It also includes selected topics in analytic geometry, probability, sequences and series, vectors, polar coordinates, parametric equations, limits, and an introduction to calculus. A student who chooses this course should be aware of the following: the range of the topics is greater and in more depth than the College Prep (CP) course, and the pace is faster.

  • This college preparatory course is specifically designed for students needing a less mathematically rigorous approach to physics. Topics of study include fundamentals of motion, dynamics, momentum, energy, heat, vibrations and waves, sound and music, light, electricity, magnetism, atoms, and nuclei as time permits. While a conceptual approach to the subject is stressed, critical thinking skills are practiced.

  • The AP Physics 1 course is conducted using a mixture of lecture and inquiry-based instructional strategies that focus on experimentation to develop students’ conceptual understanding of physics principles. The course follows the AP Physic I syllabus with a rigorous pace and is equivalent to a first course of college physics. A main approach is to integrate the big ideas of physics. Topics covered include kinematics, Newton’s laws, circular motion, universal gravitational law, simple harmonic motion, momentum, work, energy, rotational motion, electrostatics, DC circuits, waves, and sounds.

    Al-Ghazaly High school expects that all students enrolled in AP course will take the AP exam.

  • Students in this course will investigate the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems, both natural and human-made, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Students will participate in hands-on, laboratory and field investigations to apply scientific principles.

12th Grade

  • Pre-Calculus emphasizes the study of elementary functions and the sketching of their graphs. Functions are covered intensively. Trigonometry and applications are fully developed in this course. Other topics include logarithmic, exponential and inverse functions, probability, sequences and series.

  • This course covers the rate of change of a function, differentiation of algebraic and transcendental functions, plane analytical geometry, and integrals. Use of a graphing calculator is integrated throughout the course. The course is designed to prepare students to take the AP Calculus AB examination. Success on this exam could mean advanced placement for one semester of college calculus. Al-Ghazaly High school expects that all students enrolled in AP course will take the AP exam.

  • In addition to the topics of Calculus AB, student in this course will study differential equations, sequences, series, polar coordinates, and parametric equations. Use of a graphing calculator is integrated throughout the course. This is a rigorous course designed to prepare the student to take the AP Calculus BC examination. Success on this exam could mean advanced placement for up to two semesters of college calculus. Al-Ghazaly High school expects that all students enrolled in AP course will take the AP exam

  • This course prepares students for AP Calculus exam.

  • This course is designed for senior students who have a continuing interest in the biological sciences. It will provide the student with information about the major body systems in an organized and structured curriculum. The course is designed to give the students a selective overview of human anatomical structure and an analysis of human physiological principles. Dissection accomplished in depth, will serve as a parallel and comparison to the human condition.

  • This course follows the AP syllabus with a rigorous pace and is equivalent to a first year college course. The course focuses on the ability to express ideas with clarity and logic, to design and conduct laboratory experiments (double lab periods per week), to arrive at conclusions, and to manipulate equations and solve problems. Topics include: Atomic Structure, Analytical and Descriptive Chemistry, Gas Laws, Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Bonding, Equilibrium, Oxidation and reduction. Ghazaly High school expects that all students enrolled in AP course will take the AP exam

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