Science Department

Science is part of our everyday lives. If you have ever wondered why a morning is foggy, observed a spider weaving its web, or positioned your beach blanket according to the tides, you have experienced science. Through science classes, we attempt to provide understanding to the world around us. Our courses are aligned with the New York State Standards in the Core areas of Living Environment and the Physical Settings. Freshmen and sophomores usually take Regents courses in Living Environment and Earth Science. Juniors and seniors usually take Chemistry and Physics. We encourage all students to undertake the challenges of AP courses. Science electives are also available. Laboratory work is an integral part of all Science courses. All students enrolled in a Regents course are required to take the corresponding Regents exam. Students taking Regents science courses must meet the New York State requirement of 1200 laboratory minutes followed by satisfactorily submitted lab reports. This is a mandate that must be completed for entrance into each Regents exam.

INTRODUCTION TO BILINGUAL LIVING ENVIRONMENT - Course #421 (1 year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to: English Language Learners (ELL) placed at the Entering or Emerging Levels This course introduces students to the biological sciences and serves as the first of a two-year course of study, which will culminate in the Living Environment Regents exam, after completion of the Living Environment Regents course (taken the following year). The syllabus focuses on characteristics of plant and animal life and the ways in which they interact with the environment. Basic biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, and ecology are the major units within this course. A laboratory component is embedded into the curriculum. Students will be expected to complete various projects to demonstrate their learning. The course is aligned to the New York State Standards.

LIVING ENVIRONMENT REGENTS - Course #422 (1 year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grade: 9 Recommended for 9th grade students. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide for Living Environment. Students will investigate basic biological principles and the applications of life processes. Inquiry-based laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments, followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will prepare for the Living Environment Regents as the final exam of the course. NCAA approved

BILINGUAL LIVING ENVIRONMENT REGENTS - Course #420 (1 year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grade: 9 Recommended for 9th grade students. This course is designed to support Entering/Emerging English Language Learners. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide for Living Environment. Students will investigate basic biological principles and the applications of life processes. Inquiry-based laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments, followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will prepare to take the Living Environment Regents as the final exam of the course. NCAA approved

LIVING ENVIRONMENT REGENTS ENL - Course #419 (1 year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grade: 9 Recommended for 9th grade students. This course is designed to support transitioning or expanding English Language Learners. The content of this course follows the guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide for Living Environment. Students will investigate basic biological principles and the applications of the life processes. Inquiry-based laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments, followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will prepare to take the Living Environment Regents exam as the final exam of the course. NCAA approved

LIVING ENVIRONMENT HONORS - Course #423 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grade: 9 Recommended for 9th grade students with mid-year and final grades of 85 or higher in Earth Science and teacher recommendation. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide of Living Environment, as well as material in the SAT Subject Test in Biology. Students will investigate the content at an in-depth, pre-AP level, and should be able to maintain the pace necessary to provide comprehensive study of core topics. The content will provide the groundwork for more rigorous Advanced Placement work in the field of Biology. Inquiry-based laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments, followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will be prepared for the Living Environment Regents and the SAT Subject Test in Biology. The final exam for the class consists of the Living Environment Regents exam as well as an in-class examination. NCAA approved

THE PHYSICAL SETTING: EARTH SCIENCE REGENTS - Course #405 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grade: 10 Recommended for 10th grade students. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide for The Physical Setting: Earth Science. Students will investigate basic geological and environmental principles and the applications of these processes. Inquiry-based laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments, followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will prepare for the Physical Setting: Earth Science Regents as the final exam of the course. NCAA approved

THE PHYSICAL SETTING: EARTH SCIENCE REGENTS ENL - Course #405ENL (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10 Recommended for students in the ESL Intermediate level. This course is designed to support English Language learners as they investigate basic geological and environmental principles and the applications of these processes. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide for The Physical Setting: Earth Science. Inquiry-based laboratory work is an integral part of the course. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments, followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will prepare for the Physical Setting: Earth Science Regents as the final exam of the course. NCAA approved

THE PHYSICAL SETTING: CHEMISTRY REGENTS - Course #430 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science. This course is offered to students who have successfully completed both the Living Environment course and The Physical Setting: Earth Science Course. The content follows guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide for the Physical Setting: Chemistry. Students will investigate basic chemical principles and the applications of chemical processes. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments, followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will prepare for the Physical Setting: Chemistry Regents as the final exam of the course. NCAA approved

THE PHYSICAL SETTING: CHEMISTRY HONORS - Course #432 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Recommended mid-year and final grades of 85 or higher in Living Environment, Earth Science and Common Core Algebra and the Regents, and teacher recommendation. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide for The Physical Setting: Chemistry, as well as material in the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry. Students will investigate content at an in-depth, pre-AP level, and should be able to maintain the pace necessary to provide comprehensive study of core topics. This content will provide the groundwork for the more rigorous Advanced Placement Chemistry class. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments, followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will prepare for the Physical Setting: Chemistry Regents examination as well as the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry. The final exam for the class consists of the Physical Setting: Chemistry Regents exam as well as an in class exam. NCAA approved

THE PHYSICAL SETTING: PHYSICS REGENTS - Course #441 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science or Chemistry, as well as completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry or Common Core Algebra 2. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide for The Physical Setting: Physics. Students will investigate basic principles of physics and the applications of physical processes. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will prepare for the Physical Setting: Physics Regents as the final exam of the course. NCAA approved

THE PHYSICAL SETTING: CHEMISTRY REGENTS - Course #430 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science. This course is offered to students who have successfully completed both the Living Environment course and The Physical Setting: Earth Science Course. The content follows guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide for the Physical Setting: Chemistry. Students will investigate basic chemical principles and the applications of chemical processes. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments, followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will prepare for the Physical Setting: Chemistry Regents as the final exam of the course. NCAA approved

THE PHYSICAL SETTING: CHEMISTRY HONORS - Course #432 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Recommended mid-year and final grades of 85 or higher in Living Environment, Earth Science and Common Core Algebra and the Regents, and teacher recommendation. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide for The Physical Setting: Chemistry, as well as material in the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry. Students will investigate content at an in-depth, pre-AP level, and should be able to maintain the pace necessary to provide comprehensive study of core topics. This content will provide the groundwork for the more rigorous Advanced Placement Chemistry class. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments, followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will prepare for the Physical Setting: Chemistry Regents examination as well as the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry. The final exam for the class consists of the Physical Setting: Chemistry Regents exam as well as an in class exam. NCAA approved

THE PHYSICAL SETTING: PHYSICS REGENTS - Course #441 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science or Chemistry, as well as completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry or Common Core Algebra 2. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the New York State Core Curriculum Guide for The Physical Setting: Physics. Students will investigate basic principles of physics and the applications of physical processes. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory assignments followed by written lab reports, as required by the New York State Education Department. Students will prepare for the Physical Setting: Physics Regents as the final exam of the course. NCAA approved

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) BIOLOGY - Course #429 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 10*, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry with mid-year and/or final grades of 85 or higher and teacher recommendation. This course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory level college biology course. Students are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of biological principles, cellular dynamics, chemical structures and chemical processes prior to entry into this course. Students are also expected to be self-motivated and capable of independent study and thus be able to meet rigorous academic demands. The course moves at a challenging pace and includes extensive in-depth study of cells and cell chemistry, animal and plant physiology, genetic applications, evolutionary theory and processes, and ecological principles and dynamics. Under College Board AP guidelines, laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course. NCAA approved

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CHEMISTRY - Course #434 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment, Chemistry and Algebra 2 and Trigonometry courses and Regents exams with an 85 or higher and teacher recommendation. Students may be concurrently enrolled in a Pre-Calculus Honors class. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course offered to chemistry majors during the first academic year. Students are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of chemical structures and processes prior to entry into this course. Students are also expected to be self-motivated and capable of independent study, and thus be able to meet rigorous academic demands. The course moves at a challenging pace and includes extensive in-depth study of reaction chemistry, thermodynamics, stoichiometry, nuclear chemistry, and kinetics. Students develop skills in mathematical interpretations of these processes. Under College Board AP guidelines, laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course. NCAA approved

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - Course #421 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science or Chemistry. Recommended mid-year and final grades of 85 or higher in previous science course and teacher recommendation. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory environmental science course. It is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. There is a strong laboratory component to the class. NCAA approved

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PHYSICS 1 - Course #444 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Mid-year and/or final grade of 85 or higher in Earth Science or Chemistry and teacher recommendation. Students may be concurrently enrolled in Common Core Algebra 2. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory physics course offered to science majors during the first academic semester. Students are expected to be self-motivated and capable of independent study, and thus be able to meet rigorous academic demands. The course moves at a challenging pace and includes extensive in-depth study of one and two dimensional motion, energy, and momentum. The course also includes a brief unit on electricity and optics for students wishing to take the NYS regents Physics exam. Students develop skills in mathematical interpretations of these processes. Under College Board AP guidelines, laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course. NCAA approved

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) BIOLOGY - Course #429 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 7 ½ periods weekly Offered to grades: 10*, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry with mid-year and/or final grades of 85 or higher and teacher recommendation. This course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory level college biology course. Students are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of biological principles, cellular dynamics, chemical structures and chemical processes prior to entry into this course. Students are also expected to be self-motivated and capable of independent study and thus be able to meet rigorous academic demands. The course moves at a challenging pace and includes extensive in-depth study of cells and cell chemistry, animal and plant physiology, genetic applications, evolutionary theory and processes, and ecological principles and dynamics. Under College Board AP guidelines, laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course. NCAA approved

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE RESEARCH HONORS - Course #450-9 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 This course revolves around introducing students to developing and completing a science project to compete in local or state science competitions. Development of real-world skills, such as oral and written communication, statistical analysis, and technology will be a part of the curriculum. Students will be assessed by a scaffold of lessons beginning with an original hypothesis and project proposal, confounded with social communication skills and technology for research analysis, and culminating in a written scientific paper and formal presentation. Student are encouraged to take this course for successive years.

ADVANCED SCIENCE RESEARCH HONORS - Course #450 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods Weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Final grade of 65 or higher in Introduction to Science Research. Students will continue to develop their skills by learning advanced statistics, formal communication with mentors, and professional presentation and written skills for application to advanced competitions at local, state, or national science competitions. There is a focus on the development of skills for individual student interests for both college and career readiness.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR - Course #452 (½ Year - ½ Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 The characteristic behavior patterns of various groups of animals will be discussed in terms of their biological components, causes, implications and survival value. Among the topics to be investigated will be: animal rights, ethology, innate and acquired behavior, communication among animals and social behavior. Students will be actively participating in laboratory investigations including setting up and maintaining a habitat for live animals. Other activities include reading assignments, lectures, videos and films on animal behavior.

ENGINEERING DESIGN – Course #461 (1 Year – 1 Credit) Offered to grades: 11, 12 This introduction to engineering design course will expose students to the design process, research and analysis, team work, and communication methods. The content will help prepare students for a career in the engineering profession. The students use computer-aided design software and perform research and analysis as they work in teams on problems with global and human impact. Students will learn problem-solving skills using a design development process.

ASTRONOMY - Course #457 (½ Year - ½ Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Living Environment or Earth Science. Have you ever wondered about the constellations? What makes a star shine? These and many other questions will be answered in this course. Tools of ancient and modern astronomers will be used and viewed. The characteristics of celestial objects will be studied. The names, locations, and histories of constellations will be studied through the use of slides, charts, star finders and other multimedia resources. The course will also cover the farthest reaches of the known universe to the nearest celestial objects in our own solar system. NCAA approved

FORENSICS 1 – Course #455 F (½ year – ½ credit) 5 periods weekly. Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Living Environment, and Earth Science. This course will focus on the scientific principles of crime investigation. The study of crime and crime scenes involves systematically obtaining data and applying scientific processes to understand the details of a crime. Students will learn the history and theory of forensics and relate general scientific principles to the field of forensic science. They will learn the importance of investigation and the legal process involved in accurately questioning, hypothesizing, analyzing data, concluding, and communicating. They will apply scientific processes in focused activities. NCAA approved

FORENSICS 2 – Course #455 S (½ year – ½ credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Living Environment, Earth Science and Forensics 1. This course will focus on additional studies of the application of forensics science. Students will learn the importance of handwriting, ink and forgery within document analysis, and mortuary science, where students will create an autopsy plan. Also, students will learn forensic toxicology, where students can describe the difference within drug, alcohol and poisons. In addition, students will develop an understanding of the role of a forensic anthropologist and forensic serology, where students will closely analyze blood and bodily fluids. NCAA approved

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY – Course # 463 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite : Successful completion of Living Environment This course will focus on a broad spectrum of health science. The human anatomy and physiology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations that began in grades K-8 and high school Living Environment. This curriculum is extensively performance and laboratory based. It integrates the study of the structures and functions of the human body. However, rather than focusing on distinct anatomical and physiological systems (respiratory, nervous, etc.) instruction will focus on the essential requirements for life. Areas of study include organization of the body; protection, support, and movement; providing internal coordination and regulation; processing and transporting; and reproduction, growth, and development. Chemistry will be integrated throughout anatomy and not necessarily taught as a stand-alone unit. Case studies concerning diseases, disorders, and ailments (i.e., real-life applications) will be emphasized. Students who are interested in careers in athletic training, sports medicine, emergency medical technician, paramedics, doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and physician assistants are recommended to enroll in this course. NCAA approved.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - Course #431 (1 Year - 1 Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science. This course stresses basic principles of environmental science, with a strong focus on inquiry based, collaborative problem solving. Topics of study include ecosystems, energy, land, soil and water, pollution, population, biotechnology, waste and environmental ethics. There is a strong laboratory component to the class. NCAA approved

MARINE ECOLOGY - Course #453 (½ Year - ½ Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered to grades: 10, 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment. A “hands-on” approach will be applied to investigate various ecological relationships in the marine environment. Students will actively participate in various laboratory investigations including setting up and maintaining a marine aquarium, observing marine life and measuring physical aspects of the ocean environment. NCAA approved

Science classes are fun! Hands-on activities are an exciting way to practice the methods of science while learning the concepts of life, earth and physical science. Classes use technology and emphasize collaboration, communication and problem solving. Our science courses are designed to provide all students with a basic foundation of scientific concepts. This foundation will prepare the middle school student for Regents level science courses in high school. All students in Science 8 will take the Intermediate Level Science (ILS) Assessment. This New York State exam tests science concepts learned in grades 5 through 8. It consists of two components: a performance test in May and a written test in June.

SCIENCE 7 (40 Weeks) This course is required for all 7th grade students. Included in this course are topics found in the NYS Intermediate Science Core Curriculum Guide: The Living Environment. These topics include the scientific method, characteristics of living things, structure and functions of cells, and concepts in genetics and evolutionary theory. Human biology, including systems and interactions, are also studied.

SCIENCE 8 (40 Weeks) This course is the regular placement for all 8th grade students. Included in this course are topics found in the NYS Intermediate Science Core Curriculum Guide: The Physical Setting. Major concepts in each of the physical sciences: chemistry, physics and earth science are taught. All students in Science 8 will take the Intermediate Level Science (ILS) Assessment. This New York State exam tests science concepts learned in grades 5 through 8. It consists of two components: a performance test in May and a written test in June.

ENL SCIENCE 7/8 (40 Weeks) This course was created to meet the needs of the ESL students at the beginning English proficiency level. Over two years the ESL science course covers topics normally covered in Science 7 and Science 8. Students are placed in the class with the recommendation of the ESL Director and STEM Director.

EARTH SCIENCE R - Grade 8 (40 Weeks) This high school course is the placement for 8th grade students who are accelerated in science. Units of study are based on the NYS Core Curriculum Guide: The Physical Setting: Earth Science. Topics include planetary motion, meteorology, geology, and the earth’s environment, among other selected studies in the earth sciences. Under NYS guidelines, laboratory activities are an integral part of this course and include a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory investigations, with required written lab reports. Completion of requisite lab reports is a requirement in order to be eligible to take the Earth Science Regents examination in June, which will be the final exam for the course.

The Regents exam consists of two components: a performance test and a written test. Both the Regents exam and final grade earned will be recorded on the student’s high school transcript, and the final grade will be computed in the high school grade point average. Students who do not wish to have the grade entered this way must drop the course before the end of the first formal marking period.