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Science Department
Course Name: Life Science, 1 year Grade Level: 7th
In this introductory Science course, students will be taught to understand, compare, identify, measure, classify, and know the characteristics of life, cellular organization and function, cellular life cycles, DNA and genetics, human body systems, the interactions of living organisms in their environment, and scientific inquiry. This course will include several lab activities, group activities, and several hands-on projects that will include but not be limited to reports, charts, models, posters, and graphs. Students are also prepared for future Regents coursework by developing lab skills and a solid foundation in the scientific method.
Prerequisite: None Regents Exam: None
Course Name: Physical Science, 1 year Grade Level: 8th
In this course students will gain a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry. Topics that students study include matter, force, energy, simple machines, atomic theory, and chemical reactions. Students are also preparing for future advanced science courses through the development of science lab skills. Students will be engaged in science lab activities throughout this course.
Prerequisite: None Regents Exam: None
Course Name: Earth Science Honors, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 8th
Students will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of Earth Science as provided in the New York State Core Curriculum, which focuses on Astronomy, Meteorology, and Geology. The use of scientific inquiry to develop explanations of natural phenomena is critical to understanding science concepts in this course. Students will also be required to participate in lab activities. Students are expected to complete all written lab activities, which are required by the New York State Board of Regents. The New York State Earth Science Regents exam is administered as the culminating exam for this course.
Prerequisite: Ability to meet the Honors-level course requirements (see page 5) Regents Exam: NYS Earth Science Regents Exam
Course Name: Earth Science, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 9th
Students will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts of Earth Science as provided in the New York State Core Curriculum, which focuses on Astronomy, Meteorology, and Geology. The use of scientific inquiry to develop explanations of natural phenomena is critical to understanding science concepts in this course. Students will also be required to participate in lab activities. Students are expected to complete all written lab activities, which are required by the New York State Board of Regents. The New York State Earth Science Regents exam is administered as the culminating exam for this course.
Prerequisite: None Regents Exam: NYS Earth Science Regents Exam
Course Name: Living Environment Honors (Biology), 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 9th
Students will learn the fundamental concepts and complete laboratory experiences dealing with the unity and diversity of living things, the maintenance of living things, human physiology, reproduction and development, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Students will be engaged in lab activities regularly throughout the school week. Students must complete a minimum of 1,200 minutes of written lab activities, which are required by the New York State Board of Regents. The New York State Living Environment Regents exam is administered as the culminating exam for this course.
Prerequisite: Regents credits in Earth Science Honors and Algebra 1 Honors and the ability to meet the Honors-level course requirements (see page 5) Regents Exam: NYS Living Environment Regents Exam
Course Name: Living Environment (Biology), 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 10th
Students will learn the fundamental concepts and complete laboratory experiences dealing with the unity and diversity of living things, the maintenance of living things, human physiology, reproduction and development, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Students will be engaged in lab activities regularly throughout the school week. Students are expected to complete all written lab activities, which are required by the New York State Board of Regents. The New York State Living Environment Regents exam is administered as the culminating exam for this course.
Prerequisite: None Regents Exam: NYS Living Environment Regents Exam
Course Name: Chemistry Honors, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 10th
Students will develop an understanding of atomic structure and an appreciation for the patterns and trends in basic chemical and physical properties of elements, as well as the interactions between them. Students will work to improve their problem-solving skills by performing laboratory experiments and evaluating the data from these labs. Students will be required to write laboratory reports that include performing mathematical calculations and drawing conclusions based upon observations. Students will also be exposed to a wide variety of topics in introductory chemistry which include: kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base theory, as well as nuclear and organic chemistries. This course does rely heavily on a solid understanding of mathematical concepts. Students may require outside tutoring if their skills do not meet the mathematical demands of the course. There will be at least one laboratory each week resulting in the students having 1,200 minutes by the end of the academic year, which is required by the New York State Board of Regents to take the Chemistry Regents exam. The New York State Chemistry Regents exam is administered as the culminating exam for this course.
Prerequisite: Regents credit in Earth Science Honors, Living Environment Honors, and Algebra 1 Honors with passing grades on previous Math and Science Regents exams; the ability to meet the Honors-level course requirements (see page 5) Regents Exam: NYS Chemistry Regents Exam
Course Name: Chemistry R, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 11th
Students will develop an understanding of atomic structure and an appreciation for the patterns and trends in basic chemical and physical properties of elements, as well as the interactions between them. Students will work to improve their problem-solving skills by performing laboratory experiments and evaluating the data from these labs. Students will be required to write laboratory reports that include performing mathematical calculations and drawing conclusions based upon observations. Students will also be exposed to a wide variety of topics in introductory chemistry which include: kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base theory, as well as nuclear and organic chemistries. This course does rely heavily on a solid understanding of mathematical concepts. Students may require outside tutoring if their skills do not meet the mathematical demands of the course. There will be at least one laboratory each week resulting in the students having 1,200 minutes by the end of the academic year, which is required by the New York State Board of Regents to take the Chemistry Regents exam. The New York State Chemistry Regents exam is administered as the culminating exam for this course.
Prerequisite: Regents credit in Earth Science, Living Environment, and Algebra 1 with a minimum of 80% in previous Science and Math classes; a passing grade on previous Math and Science Regents exams Regents Exam: NYS Chemistry Regents Exam
Course Name: Community Chemistry, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 11th
Chemistry is the study of matter: its composition, properties, and changes. Students will understand basic scientific concepts, principles, and theories as well as recognize the historical development of ideas in chemistry. Community Chemistry is a non-regents course and therefore we will have the opportunity to explore various chemistry applications and its uses for our world. In this course we will explore the beauty of diamonds, the usefulness of polymers, and the effect of chemicals on our environment. Also included is a food chemistry segment that explores the science behind food. This course will also introduce you to various careers in the sciences.
Prerequisite: Regents credit in Earth Science or Living Environment. Regents Exam: None
Course Name: Physics Honors, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 11th
Students will develop problem-solving skills needed for college work in science, mathematics, engineering, and pre-professional studies. Laboratory experiments are designed to develop hands-on skills in simple mechanical, electrical, and magnetic systems. Students are required to write laboratory reports explaining observations and integrating math skills with the curriculum. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the basic laws of motion and the relationships between different forms of energy. In addition, they will be exposed to a variety of introductory topics including electricity, magnetism, light and wave phenomena, particle physics, and basic nuclear physics. Students must complete a minimum of 1,200 minutes of written lab activities, which are required by the New York State Board of Regents. The New York State Physics Regents exam is administered as the culminating exam for this course. Please note that seniors taking Regents Physics are required to return after graduation to take the Physics Regents exam.
Prerequisite: Regents credit in Earth Science Honors, Living Environment Honors, and Algebra 1 Honors with a passing grade on previous Math and Science Regents exams; the ability to meet the Honors-level course requirements (see page 5) Regents Exam: NYS State Physics Regents Exam
Course Name: Physics, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 12th
Students will develop problem-solving skills needed for college work in science, mathematics, engineering, and pre-professional studies. Laboratory experiments are designed to develop hands-on skills in simple mechanical, electrical, and magnetic systems. Students are required to write laboratory reports explaining observations and integrating math skills with the curriculum. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the basic laws of motion and the relationships between different forms of energy. In addition, they will be exposed to a variety of introductory topics including electricity, magnetism, light and wave phenomena, particle physics, and basic nuclear physics. Students must complete a minimum of 1,200 minutes of written lab activities, which are required by the New York State Board of Regents. The New York State Physics Regents exam is administered as the culminating exam for this course. Please note that seniors taking Regents Physics are required to return after graduation to take the Physics Regents exam.
Prerequisite: Regents credit in Earth Science, Living Environment, and Algebra 1 with a minimum of 80% in previous Science and Math classes; a passing grade on previous Math and Science Regents exams Regents Exam: NYS State Physics Regents Exam
Course Name: Applied Physics, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 12th
Students in this non-Regents Physics course will gain a better understanding of the physical world. Topics will include an introduction to kinetics, simple machines, energy, internal energy, electricity, magnetism, sound, and light. Emphasis will be on qualitative understanding as opposed to quantitative calculations. Student evaluation will be heavily based on lab reports and project work.
Prerequisite: None Regents Exam: None
Course Name: Forensics, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 11th & 12th
Forensic Science has inspired dozens of detective movies and crime dramas such as CSI, NCIS, and Law & Order. This course will analyze famous cases to include but not limited to the O.J. Simpson trial, JonBenet Ramsey, as well as various local cases in New York. We will explore close-up the science of fingerprinting, DNA, hairs and fibers, toxicology, poisons (good and bad), unknown substance identification, crime scene processing, and other methods of analyzing evidence to fight crime. This course will hopefully prepare you to one day serve as an informed juror in the court of law.
Prerequisite: None Regents Exam: None
Course Name: Advanced Placement (AP®) Biology, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 11th & 12th
AP® Biology is an introductory biology course taught at the college level. Students develop their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics like evolution, energetics, information storage and transfer, and system interactions. Scientific methods and science communication (projects, presentations, etc.) will be emphasized as skills transferable to other careers. AP® Biology curriculum emphasizes technical writing. Students are required to write concise responses that integrate a broad range of topics and specific concepts in biology. In May, students are required to take the AP® Exam associated with this course. Students who successfully pass this course will receive high school credit and may also be eligible for potential college credit based on their AP® exam score and the specific requirements of the college(s) to which they are applying.
Fees: Please note that this AP® course may require the purchase of a college-level textbook and/or review book, which is the responsibility of the student. In addition, the College Board requires an AP® Exam fee for this course. Summer Assignment: This AP® course has a required summer assignment that must be completed. Details are provided upon enrollment in the course by the teacher. Prerequisite: 80% or above in Living Environment and Chemistry, the ability to meet the Honors-level course requirements (see page 5) Regents Exam: None Other Exam: AP® Biology Exam – Mandatory.
Course Name: Advanced Placement (AP®) Environmental Science, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 11th & 12th
The AP® Environmental Science course is designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. In May, students are required to take the AP® Exam associated with this course. Students who successfully pass this course will receive high school credit. Students may also be eligible for potential college credit based on their AP® exam score and the specific requirements of the college(s) to which they are applying.
Fees: Please note that this AP® course may require the purchase of a college-level textbook and/or review book, which is the responsibility of the student. In addition, the College Board requires an AP® Exam fee for this course. Summer Assignment: This AP® course has a required summer assignment that must be completed. Details are provided upon enrollment in the course by the teacher. Prerequisite: 80% or above in two years of high school laboratory science, including life science and physical science; Algebra 1; and the ability to meet the Honors-level course requirements (see page 5) Regents Exam: None Other Exam: AP® Environmental Science Exam – Mandatory.
Course Name: Advanced Placement (AP®) Physics C: Mechanics, 1 year, 1 credit Grade Level: 12th
AP® Physics C focuses on the big ideas found in the first semester of an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course and provides students with enduring understandings to support future advanced course work in the sciences. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, as defined by the College Board’s AP® Science Practices. Students will cultivate their understanding of physics and science practices as they explore topics which include: kinematics, dynamics and Newton’s laws, circular motion and the universal law of gravitation, simple harmonic motion, collisions and impulse, linear momentum, and conservation of linear momentum, work, energy, and conservation of energy, rotational motion, electrostatics, as well as mechanical waves and sounds. In May, students are required to take the AP® Exam associated with this course. Students who successfully pass this course will receive high school credit. Students may also be eligible for potential college credit based on their AP® exam score and the specific requirements of the college(s) to which they are applying.
