Course Descriptions
Beginning 1 / ENL Science Prep One period – No Credit
The Beginning 1 science class is designed to provide the ELL students with the background, vocabulary and understanding of the concepts and skills necessary in order to successfully meet the challenges of the sheltered science classes.
Science 9 – 1 credit
This course introduces the student to the study of problem solving, interpreting data, using and analyzing data, critical thinking, developing and applying laboratory techniques into science investigations, and developing supporting conclusions using data. The course will be interdisciplinary as it will integrate the four broad based sciences: Earth, Biology, Physics and Chemistry.
Earth Science R – 1 credit
This course focuses on the concept of change as it relates to the earth, atmosphere and universe. Importance is placed on enhancing the skills required for making observations and accurate diagrams, problem solving and supporting conclusions based upon data. Students will be expected to take the Earth Science Regents (which includes a laboratory portion) as the final exam.
Earth Science R Honors (5% weight) – 1 credit
This course is for students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and motivation. In addition to receiving instruction in Earth Science and taking the Regents Examination, students are exposed to enrichment activities which will include data collection and analysis, deductive reasoning and an appreciation of environmental problems. The Earth Science Regents includes a laboratory portion.
Biology Living Environment R – 1 credit
This course focuses on students’ ability to explain, analyze and interpret biological processes and phenomenon. Importance is placed upon relationships, processes, mechanisms and application of concepts related to living things. Students will be expected to take the Biology/Living Environment Regents as the final exam. Students must successfully complete this course to graduate from high school.
Biology Living Environment R Honors (5% weight) – 1 credit
This course is for students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and motivation. In addition to receiving instruction in Regents Biology/Living Environment, students are exposed to enrichment activities that prepare them to take the SAT II in Biology and the development of scientific thought and expression through openended investigations. This course meets ten periods per week and students are expected to take the Biology / Living Environment Regents as the final examination.
Advanced Placement Biology (10% weight) – 1 credit
This course is equivalent to an introductory two-semester biology course on the college level. Emphasis will be placed on the molecules and cell; heredity and evolution; and organism and populations studies. The evolutionary connection between organisms and since as a process will be common themes throughout the course. College level laboratories will be conducted throughout the year. This course prepares students for the Living Environment Regents, the SAT II in Biology and the College Entrance Board Advanced Placement Examination in Biology for which a fee is charged. This course meets ten periods per week. The Regents and AP examinations are required.
ENL Biology: Living Environment R – 1 credit
This course is especially designed for limited English proficient (LEP) students at the beginning or intermediate levels of English proficiency. It is geared at preparing them to pass the Living Environment Regents examination. Students will earn one credit of required science.
Chemistry R – 1 credit
This Regents course focuses on the study of matter and energy relationships. Emphasis is placed on an appreciation of the scientific method and laboratory activities. Students are expected to take the Chemistry Regents as the final examination. Prerequisite: Successful completion of two years of math with a minimum average of 75% and successful completion of the Earth Science and Biology/Living Environment courses.
Chemistry R Honors (5% weight) – 1 credit
This course is for students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and motivation. In addition to receiving instruction in Chemistry, students are exposed to advanced chemistry concepts including the study of the interrelationships of matter and energy from a problem solving perspective. This course prepares students to take the SAT II in Chemistry. This course meets ten periods per week and students are expected to take the Chemistry Regents as the final examination. Prerequisite: Successful completion of two years of honors math or Regents level math with a grade of 85% or above with teacher recommendation and successful completion of the Earth Science and Biology/Living Environment courses.
Advanced Placement Chemistry (10% weight) – 1 credit
This course is equivalent to an introductory chemistry course at the college level. Emphasis is placed on atomic structure, chemical bonding and energy, equilibrium and kinetics, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry. This course prepares students for the Chemistry Regents, the SAT II in Chemistry, and the College Entrance Board Advanced Placement Examination in Chemistry for which a fee is charged. This course meets ten periods per week.
Modern Chemistry – 1 credit
This is a non-Regents chemistry course for those students who desire to have a better understanding of chemistry in our daily lives and its contribution to modern technology.
Physics R – 1 credit
This course includes the study of mechanics, heat, electricity, light and sound, as forms of energy that affect our everyday existence. Emphasis is placed on laboratory interpretation and analysis. Students will be expected to take the Physics Regents as the final exam. Prerequisite: Successful completion of three years of math with a minimum average of 75% or permission of the chairperson.
Physics R Honors (5% weight) – 1 credit
This course is designed for students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and motivation. In addition to receiving instruction in Physics, students are exposed to mechanics, relativity, thermodynamics, electricity, sound and light, and atomic and nuclear theory. This course meets ten periods per week. This course also prepares students for the SAT II in Physics. Students are expected to take the Physics Regents as the final examination. Prerequisite: Successful completion of three years of honors math or Regents level math with a grade of 85% or above with teacher recommendation.
Active Physics 1 credit In Active Physics, students explore physics concepts through hands-on laboratory activities and experiments. The activities are based on one of four themes: sports, home, transportation and communication. After completing a set of activities, students work cooperatively to complete a ?”challenge” – a real-world application of physics concepts. Prerequisite: A passing grade on the New York State Integrated Algebra Regents examination and at least one New York State Regents science exam.
Advanced Placement Physics (10% weight) – 1 credit
This course is equivalent to an introductory physics course on the college level. Emphasis is placed on kinematics, Newton’s Laws of Motion, work, energy and power, systems of particles and linear momentum, rotation and circular motion, and oscillations and gravitation. This course prepares students for the Physics Regents and the College Entrance Board Advanced Placement Examination in Physics. This course meets ten periods per week. The Regents and AP examinations are required. Prerequisite: Successful completion of three years of Honors Math or permission of chairperson.
Scientific Research I Honors (5% weight) – 1 credit
This course is designed for students who have an interest in doing research in a specific area in science. The aim of this course is to help students learn research methods and prepare papers of Intel Science Project quality. Students perform scientific research and inquiry by learning basic laboratory techniques and instrumentation to assemble data, interpret findings, and explore implications and applications of their research. Students may take this class for three years, by which time they will have completed their project.
Environmental Science – 1 credit
This course is designed to help students realize the importance of the relationship between living organisms and their environment. Students will study the impact of human activities on the environment, learn to make informed decisions about issues concerning the environment, and learn about careers in environmental science. This course meets five periods per week. This course will culminate in a final examination.
ELECTIVES
Forensic Science – 1 credit
This course will focus on the application of scientific methodology to solve crime. Some of the major themes in the course will be crime scene processing, fingerprinting, trace evidence analysis, DNA analysis, forensic pathology, ballistics, and blood spatter evidence. Guest speakers from the fields of forensics and law enforcement will be invited to share their expertise and experience. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology / Living Environment and Chemistry.