Science

Physical Setting/Earth Science

This course marks the beginning of the Regents Science sequence and will prepare students for the physical setting-earth science assessment. In addition to the regular daily class period, students meet for an additional laboratory period every other day. Regents Earth Science is an inter-disciplinary course that builds on the background in science acquired in the earlier grades. Matter, energy, space and time are put into perspective through an inquiry-centered study of the student's environment on Earth. This framework attempts to relate all areas of science. Biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics are basic to understanding the processes that affect our planet and the universe. Astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography are strongly interwoven throughout the course. Laboratory activities form the core of this curriculum. Successful completion of laboratory assignments is required for admission to the Regents Examination. All students take the Physical Setting/Earth Science Regents exam at the conclusion of course.

Grades 9-12 - 1 credit
(Meets 7-1/2 periods per week)

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Living Environment

This course prepares students for the NYS Living Environment Assessment. Students develop positive scientific attitudes, explore inquiry, and develop an understanding of the basic concepts of modern biological science. Molecular genetics, ecological relationships and environmental issues are emphasized to prepare students to better understand the latest trends in the life and radical sciences. Laboratory work is a major part of the course. Successful completion of laboratory assignments is required for admission to the Regents examination.

All students take the Living Environment Regents exam at the end of the course.

Grades 9-12 - 1 credit

(Meets 7-1/2 periods a week)

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Advanced Placement Biology

Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be the equivalent of the two-semester Biology course required of pre med and other life science majors. Students will gain a thorough understanding of biological systems and receive hands on practice in cutting edge technology. Some of the areas of emphasis include human anatomy and physiology, molecular biology, genetics, cytology, thermodynamics, evolution, gene therapy and recombinant DNA technology. Laboratory work deals with the advanced application of biological procedures and techniques. These protocols range from inserting genes into bacteria to genetic examination of fruit flies. Several molecular biology experiments are performed by students on field trips to the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories.

All students take the Advanced Placement Examination at the conclusion of this course.

Grades 11-12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Regents Chemistry
(Meets 7-1/2 periods a week)

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Physical Setting/Chemistry

In this course students learn how to observe and describe experiences, to organize facts, to generalize relationships, and to predict future experiences. They gain a modern view of the fundamental concepts of chemistry. This includes a thorough understanding of the following topics: matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, the mathematics of chemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, redox and electrochemistry, organic chemistry, applications of chemical principles, and nuclear chemistry.

Laboratory work is a major part of the course. Successful completion of laboratory assignments is required for admission to the Regents Examination.

All students take the Physical Setting: Chemistry Regents Examination at the end of the course.

Grades 10-12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Math A
(Meets 7-1/2 periods per week)

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Physical Setting/Physics

The students use scientific measurement to investigate mechanics, transfer of energy by wave motion, electricity, magnetism and nuclear energy. Through extensive lab work, the students refine their understanding of the real world. Through discussions and problem solving, students develop patterns and habits of logical thinking. Laboratory work is a major component of the course. Successful completion of laboratory assignments is required for admission to the Regents Examination.

All students take the Physical Settings/Physics Regents examination at the end of the course.

Grades 11-12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Math A
(Meets 7-1/2 periods per week)

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Environmental Chemistry: Chemistry in Our Community

If you are what you eat, how really safe is your food? Do x-rays pose a threat to our health? Is nuclear power a panacea or a plague? The earth's atmosphere gives earth its benign climate. Are we destroying its protective ozone layer with our hair spray? Will the great incubator of life be irreparably damaged as we continue to burn down our rain forests? What is in the water we drink? These are only samples of the topics to be investigated in this laboratory course designed primarily for those students who plan to pursue non-science careers. Chemistry plays an important part in our personal lives. Decisions we make today concerning our environment will have long-term, possible catastrophic effects on our future. Each unit will cover the basic principles of chemistry and allow students to investigate critical scientific and technological issues.

Grades 10-12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Earth Science, Living Environment
(Meets 5 periods per week)

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Forensic Science

Forensic Science is a unique and interesting forum to incorporate many different areas of science with real world technology and the criminal justice system. This challenging course will expose students to many new technological advances in forensic medicine and crime solving techniques like DNA Fingerprinting, serology, toxicology, and organic analysis intertwined with "tried and true" scientific processes. This hands-on course will focus on scientific inquiry, logical thinking skills and problem solving procedures to understand how science can be crucial in solving crimes and how this information is gathered and used in a court of law. This course will combine many types of teaching strategies including scientific inquiry, hands-on laboratories, use of the Internet and libraries for research papers, field trips, guest speakers, and "murder mystery" scenarios that encourage students to utilize their knowledge learned in class to "solve a crime."

Grades 11-12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Living Environment
(Meets 7-1/2 periods per week)

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Advanced Placement Environmental Science

Advanced Placement Environmental Science is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in Environmental Science. Environmental science is the study of the natural sciences in an interdisciplinary context that always includes people and how they influence the system. It includes many aspects of biology, earth science, fundamental principles of chemistry and physics. This course will 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 and/or preventing them. Topics include scientific analysis, interdependence of earth systems, human population dynamics, renewable and nonrenewable resources, environmental quality, global changes and their consequences, environment and society. Field and laboratory investigations are an integral part of curriculum. All students take the Advanced Placement Examination at the conclusion of the course.

Grades 10-12 - 1 credit

Prerequisite: Regents Earth Science, Living Environment, and Regents Chemistry.
(Meets 7-1/2 periods per week)

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Advanced Placement Chemistry

The Advanced Placement Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the General Chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. The course stresses the development of student abilities to think clearly and logically and to express their ideas orally and in written form. Topics include structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, the basic concepts of thermodynamics, and descriptive chemistry. Laboratory work is an important component of the course requirement. Students must have successfully completed Regents Chemistry to manage this level of study. All students take the Advanced Placement Examination at the conclusion of the course.

Grades 11-12 - 1 credit
(Meets 7-1/2 periods per week)
Prerequisite: Regents Chemistry, Math B

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Advanced Placement Physics B

AP Physics (B) is a course which is equivalent to a full year of non-calculus based college physics (Physics I and II). College credits may be earned based upon the score achieved on the AP Exam. AP Physics covers more topics than Regents Physics and moves at a faster pace. Subject matter is treated in a highly mathematical and conceptual manner and is discussed in greater depth than in the Regents course. Topics covered include vectors, kinematics, dynamics, circular motion, energy, momentum, torque, heat, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, electricity, magnetism, waves and optics, and modern and nuclear physics. Laboratory work is integrated throughout the course to supplement the concepts discussed in class. Successful completion of the laboratory assignments is a requirement for admission to the Regents Exam (or comparable examination given at the end of the year). All students enrolled in AP Physics will we required to take the AP Exam in May in addition to the Regents Exam (or comparable final exam) in June.

Meets 10 periods per week
Grade 11-12 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: Regents Chemistry and Math B

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Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics

This is a calculus-based physics course that is equivalent to a semester of college-level work in mechanics. Instruction and laboratory experiences will be provided in the following content areas: kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation.
AP Physics C is intended to enhance and extend many of the topics and lab activities that the students experienced in their first physics course while providing the opportunity to earn college credit. Since much of it involves the use of introductory differential and integral calculus, it is strongly recommended that the students take an AP calculus course either prior to, or concurrently with, AP Physics C.
All Students will take the AP examination as the conclusion of this course.

Grade 12
1 credit
Prerequisites:AP Physics B (preferred) or Regents Physics
AP Calculus (may be taken concurrently)
(Meets 7 ½ periods per week)

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Anatomy & Physiology

This is a comprehensive course devoted to the study of the structure and function of the human body. It is intended to prepare students for college biology or pre-profession (i.e. medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, ECT.) majors as well as other training in the life science professions. A substantial portion of this course will be devoted to meaningful, hands-on laboratory experiences.

Grades 11-12
1 credit
Prerequisite: Living Environment
(Meets 5 periods per week)

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