Science Curriculum
Our courses are aligned with the NYS Standards in the Core areas of Living Environment and the Physical Settings. Freshman and Sophomores usually take Regents courses in Living Environment and Earth Science. Juniors and Seniors usually take Chemistry and Physics. We encourage talented students to undertake the challenges of AP courses. Science electives are also available for qualified students. Laboratory work is an integral part of all Science courses. Students taking Regents Science courses must meet the NYS 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.
Living Environment
INTRODUCTION TO LIVING ENVIRONMENT (1 year - 1 Credit) 7 1/2 per. weekly (Recommended for students who have achieved at Level 1 or 2 on the ILS. This coursewill introduce students to the biological sciences and provide a background for The Living Environment course. It will include characteristics of plant and animal life and the ways in which they interact with their environment. Basic biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, ecology, and evolution will be major units within this course. A laboratory component will be an integral part of the curriculum. Students may be expected to complete various projects utilizing the content addressed. The course is aligned to the New York State Standards and pro vides excellent conceptual understanding of biology. Satisfatory completion of laboratory work is a requirement of the course. This course does not culminate in a Regents examination.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT (1 year - 1 Credit) 7 1/2 per. weekly (Recommended for students who have achieved at Level 3 or 4 on the ILS. Required as one of two Regents Core courses necessary for graduation.) The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the NYS Core Curriculum Guide of Living Environment. Students will investigate basic biological principles and the applications of life processes. Inquirybased 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 NY State Education Department. Students will be prepared for, and take the Living Environment Regents as the final exam of the course.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT TUTORIAL (1 year-no credit) 2 1/2 per weekly (Recommended for students who achieved Level 1 or 2 on their ILS exams; also, recommended for students who require extra support in science skills in order to take a Regents exam). This course is designed to support students in the content and skill areas of Living Environment. Students will work on topics related to scientific procedure, and develop the skills required to report scientific data. Science content topics covered will be those in the Living Environment Core Curriculum. Students meet daily for 2 periods, in concurrence with an on-going Living Environment class. Every other day, the support class will alternate with an assigned Living Environment lab session.
BILINGUAL LIVING ENVIRONMENT (2 Year -2 Credits) 7 1/2 per. weekly Recommended for 9th and 10th grade students who have been identified as English Language learners, placed at the Beginner or Intermediate levels. Required as one of two Regents Core courses necessary for graduation. This course is designed to support English Language learners as they study basic biological principles and investigate the scientific method. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the NYS Core Curriculum Guide of Living Environment. 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 NY State Education Department. Students will be prepared for, and take the Living Environment Regents as the final exam of the courseat the end of the second year.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT HONORS (1 year- 1 Credit) 7 1/2 per. weekly (Placement by middle school committee recommendation, and a minimum of Level 4 on ILS exam.) The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the NYS Core Curriculum Guide of Living Environment. Students will investigate basic biological principles and the applications of life processes. Students will investigate content at an in-depth 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 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 NY State Education Department. Students will be prepared for, and take the Living Environment Regents as the final exam of the course.
Earth Science
THE PHYSICAL SETTING: EARTH SCIENCE (1 year - 1 Credit) 7 1/2 per. weekly (Recommended to students who have successfully completed Living Environment. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the NYS Core Curriculum Guide of 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 NY State Education Department. Students will be prepared for, and take the Physical Setting: Earth Science Regents as the final exam of the course.
ESL THE PHYSICAL SETTING: EARTH SCIENCE (1 year-1 Credit 7 1/2 per. weekly (Recommended for 10th and 11th grade students who have been identified as English Language Learners, placed at the Beginner or Intermediate levels. This course is designed to support English Language Learners as they study basic geological and environmental principles and investigate the scientific method. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the NYS Core Curriculum Guide of 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 NY State Education Department. Students will be prepared for, and take the Earth Science Regents as the final exam of the course.
THE PHYSICAL SETTING: EARTH SCIENCE HONORS (1 year - 1 credit) 7 1/2 per. weekly (Recommended to students who have previously achieved a 90 or better in their Living Environment course average and LE Regents exam, and/or teacher recommendation.) The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the NYS Core Curriculum Guide of the Physical Setting: Earth Science. Students will investigate basic geological and environmental principles and the applications of these processes. Students will investigate content and an indepth 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 work in other fields of the sciences. 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 NY State Education Department. Students will be prepared for, and take the Physical Setting: Earth Science Regents as the final exam in the course.
Chemistry
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (1 year-1 credit) 5 per. weekly (Recommended for the non-science major and those students with average or less than average science course achievement.) Prerequisites: Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science courses, and at least a passing grade in either of these two Regents exams. This course stresses basic principles of chemistry, environmental applications, and how chemistry impacts our everyday lives. Laboratory experiences are an integral part of this course. A strong mathematics background is not required.
THE PHYSICAL SETTING: CHEMISTRY (1 year- 1 Credit) 7 1/2 per. weekly (Recommended to students who have previously completed the Living Environment course and The Physical Setting: Earth Science course. Satisfies Physical Setting requirement for graduation). This course is offered to students who have completed both the Living Environment course and The Physical Setting: Earth Science course. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the NYS Core Curriculum Guide of The Physical Setting: Chemistry. Students will investigate basic chemical principles and the applications of chemical 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 NY State Education Department. Students will be prepared for, and take the Physical Setting: Chemistry Regents as the final exam of the course.
THE PHYSICAL SETTING: CHEMISTRY HONORS (1 year- 1 Credit) 7 1/2 per. weekly (Recommended to students who have previously achieved a 90 or better in their course average for Earth Science and on the ES Regents exam, who have also achieved mastery level in their course average for Living Environment and on the LE Regents exam, and/or teacher recommendation.) The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the NYS Core Curriculum Guide of The Physical Setting: Chemistry. Students will investigate content at an indepth 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 work in the field of Chemistry. 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 NY State Education Department. Students will be prepared for, and take the Chemistry Regents as the final exam of the course.
Physics
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to Grades 11 & 12 This is an activity-based course which covers interesting facts of physics for everyday life. You will learn the answers to such questions as why roller coasters stay on track, how we see colors, how light bulbs work and much more. You will hit baseballs, ride scooters, make mini circuits and do other fun activities in this hands-on course.
THE PHYSICAL SETTING: PHYSICS (1 year- 1 Credit) 7 1/2 per. weekly (Recommended to students who have previously completed the Living Environment course, and The Physical Setting: Earth Science course. Satisfies the Physical Setting requirement for graduation). Prerequisites:Successful completion of Math B. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the NYS Core Curriculum Guide of The Physical Setting: Physics. Students will investigate basic principles of physics and the applications of physical 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 NY State Education Department. Students will be prepared for, and take the Physics Regents as the final exam of the course.
THE PHYSICAL SETTING: PHYSICS HONORS (1 year- 1 Credit) 7 1/2 per. weekly (Recommended to students who have previously achieved a grade of 90 or better in each of their previous science courses and Regents examinations, and teacher recommendation Prerequisites; Successful completion of Math B. The content of this course follows guidelines provided in the NYS Core Curriculum Guide of The Physical Setting: Physics. Students will investigate content at an in-depth 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 work in the field of Physics. 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 NY State Education Department. Students will be prepared for, and take the Physics Regents as the final exam of the course. Advanced Placement Courses
Advanced Placement
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY (1 year - 1 Credit) 10 per. weekly Recommended to motivated college-bound students who have an interest in the sciences, and have demonstrated mastery in previous science courses. Prerequisites: Mastery level in Chemistry course average and Chemistry Regents exam, and/or teacher recommendation. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course offered to biology majors during the first academic year. 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.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY (1 year - 1 Credit) 10 per. weekly Recommended to motivated college-bound students who have an interest in the sciences, and have demonstrated mastery in previous science and math courses. Prerequisites: Mastery level in Chemistry course average and Chemistry Regents exam. Co-requisite: Must have taken or concurrently be taking Pre-Calculus AB/BC. 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.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS (1 year - 1 Credit) 10 per. weekly. Recommended to motivated college-bound students who have an interest in the sciences, and have demonstrated mastery in previous science and math courses. Prerequisites: Mastery level in Chemistry course average and Chemistry Regents exam. Co-requisite: Must have taken or concurrently be taking Pre-Calculus AB/BC. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory physics course offered to physics majors during the first academic year. Students are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of physics prior to entering 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 thermodynamics, electrical energy and capacitance, optics, magnetism, nuclear physics, one- and twodimensional motion, and torque. Students develop skills in mathematical interpretations of these processes. Under College Board AP guidelines, laboratory investigations are an integral part of this course.
Electives
RESEARCH PROGRAM (1 year- l credit) or (1/2 year- 1/2 credit) Offered to: Grades 9 - 12 Recommended to students with an interest in doing science research in an area of choice, such as the biochemical sciences, psychology, genetics, environmental field work and material science.Application process is used for selection into this program. This course revolves around developing and completing a science project to compete in local, state, or national 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 portfolio that includes written work, project proposals, research analysis, and log data entry. Students are encouraged to take this course for successive years. College credit for this course may be granted by SUNY Albany to juniors and seniors who meet specific criteria. See instructor for details.
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (1/2 Year -1/2 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered: Fall and Spring Prerequisite: 1 year of Living Environment 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.
MARINE ECOLOGY (1/2 Year -1/2 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered: Fall and Spring
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.
FORENSIC SCIENCE (1 Year -1 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment and one additional regents science course. Crime-solving techniques will be studied, as well as hands-on laboratory investigations in such areas as fingerprinting, physical evidence, forensic anthropology and forensic serology. A research paper/ final project is required for successful completion of the course.
ADVANCED FORENSICS (1/2 Year -1/2 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to: Grade 12 Recommended to students who seek advanced study in the Forensic Science field. Prerequisite: Previous course in Forensic Science. Students will concentrate on the theory and advanced practices of criminalistics as it applies to tool mark identification, footwear/ tire identification, advanced blood stain analysis, questioned document examination, advanced forensic microscopy, and forensic geology. Students will also be offered an introduction to cyber crime. This course will build upon the lectures offered in the previous forensic science course in topics such as Genetics and DNA technologies, forensic toxicology, and fingerprinting. Topics of current news interest will be incorporated into each week’s class. Students are expected to complete a research project at the end of the course. College credit for this course may be granted by N.Y.I.T. See the instructor for details.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND SCIENCE FICTION (1/2 Year -1/2 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered to Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisite: Earth Science, Living Environment, Chemistry. This course will provide connections between creative pieces of film and fiction, and scientific reality. Students will evaluate the scientific principles underlying various works of science fiction and investigate the themes throughout the life and physical sciences. A selection of books and films including, “2001: A Space Odyssey”, “Jurassic Park”, “The Thing”, “Contact”, and “Gattaca”, will be explored. Students will utilize class time to investigate the scientific principles at work in these selections, and will prepare analyses for group discussions and/or presentations. This course is designed to enhance students’ research and writing skills, as well as, enrich their perception of real world applications of scientific principles.
ASTRONOMY (1/2 Year -1/2 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered: Spring only. 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.
SCIENCE AND SOCIETY CURRENT ISSUES I, II (1/2 Year -1/2 Credit) 5 per. weekly Offered: Fall and Spring Recommended as a course for juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: Two years of science. This course is intended for students who have already successfully completed two years of science. The course focuses on practical applications of the sciences. Students will learn about the ways that science affects their lives: in the marketplace, in medicine, technology, environmental issues, and government policies. This course will be interdisciplinary as it focuses on science concepts we experience every day, science in the future, and science awareness for informed decisions now and in the future.
Middle School
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. Lab investigations utilize hands-on, problem-solving activities to practice the methods of science while learning the concepts of life, earth and physical science. All students in Science 8 will take the Intermediate Level Science Assessment in May. This New York State exam will test science concepts learned in grades five through eight.
ESL 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 teacher and Director of Science.
Science 7 (40 Weeks) This course is required for all seventh 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, processes and characteristics of living things, structure and functions of cells, concepts in genetics, evolutionary theory, and ecological principles. 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. These topics include the scientific method, and major concepts in each of the physical sciences: chemistry, physics and earth science.
Advanced Topics in Science (40 Weeks) 8th grade students in accelerated science placement take this course concurrently with Earth Science. This course is a study of selected topics in the sciences. Students will develop research and presentation skills and will prepare independent projects. The class will meet every other day, during the period alternating with the Earth Science lab period.
Earth Science (40 Weeks) This course is the accelerated placement for 8th grade students. Students are placed in this course by a variety of factors. (See below. *) 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 completed laboratory investigations, with required written lab reports. Students are mandated to complete this laboratory requirement for entrance into the written component of the Regents Exam in June. In addition, students will complete the State Performance Assessment in June. The grade earned in Earth Science will be entered on the student’s high school transcript and computed in the high school grade point average. *Placement in the Earth Science accelerated class is selective and is based on several criteria. These include: grades in the seventh grade Life Science class, mathematics and English; score on the seventh grade NYS math assessment; science placement examination; attendance; and recommendations of the seventh grade science teacher.