Category Archives: Science HS

Earth Science Honors or Earth Science Regents

Grades 9-10     Credit: 1 Earth Science is a laboratory science course that explores origins and the connections between the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the earth system. Students experience the content of earth Science through inquiry-based laboratory investigations and focus on topics associated with matter, energy, crystal dynamics, cosmic evolution, and structure, cycles, geochemical processes, and the expanded time scales needed to understand events in the earth system. Earth Science provides the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind needed for problem solving and ethical decision making about scientific and technological issues. Embedded standards for Inquiry and Technology & Engineering are taught in the context of the content standards for the Universe, Energy in the Earth System, Cycles in the Earth System, and Geologic History.Students will take the NYS Earth Science Regents exam at the end of the course. In addition to the course description above the Earth Science Honors course will include the following: Reading and writing assignments that will encourage and require a greater depth of understanding of Earth Science concepts and require students to proficiently communicate their ideas. Some of these assignments may require additional research into a particular area of Earth Science. Honors lab activities and extensions that will require more sophisticated math and reasoning skills. Frequently used mathematic concepts include using rations, geometry, trigonometry, and algebra to help convey scientific information. These lab activities will require higher level analytical skills and the ability to work independently. Mandatory projects involving independent research and analysis will be assigned each quarter. Honors-level assessments (quizzes, tests, etc.) that will reflect the depth of understanding expected of Honors students. Students will take the NYS Earth Science Regents exam at the end of the course.

Living Environment (Biology) Honors or Living Environment (Biology) Regents

Grades 9-10     Credit: 1 Instruction focuses on the eight basic topics from the State syllabus, ranging from the activities of living things to identifying and defining interrelationships among organisms. Themes describing unity and diversity of organisms are further developed into the structure and function of anatomy and the transmission of traits from generation to generation. Evolution and ecology describe patterns of the origins of organisms as well as their interdependencies. As part of this course, the students must complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work and must have a complete file of their satisfactory written reports for each lab. This class will prepare students for the NYS Regents exam which will be taken in June at the conclusion of the school year. The Honors course is designed for the science-oriented student who may be considering a career in science. The Honors curriculum covers concepts in greater depth and detail. The course involves advanced readings in order to strengthen reading and comprehension across the curriculum and to better prepare students for future AP courses and the SAT exam. Areas of concentration include: research skills, scientific inquiry, biochemical aspects of modern biology, cells genetics, evolution, ecology, human anatomy and physiology. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth Science and/or teacher recommendation.

General Chemistry

Grades 11-12     Credit: 1 This course is designed for the third year science students and will provide instruction in topics including but not limited to matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, periodic tables and acids and bases. The course, while examining fewer topics, will examine topics and concepts in depth. Laboratory methods and skills will be learned in order to expand the student’s understanding of Chemistry. A comprehensive school exam will be administered at the end of the course. This is not a NYS Regents Course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Earth Science, Biology, and Integrated Algebra.

Honors Chemistry

Grade 10-11     Credit: 1 The chemistry curriculum includes the following topics: matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, periodic table, mathematics of chemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, redox and electrochemistry, organic chemistry, application of chemical principles, and nuclear chemistry. During the year the students develop skills in measurement, handling chemicals safely, and collecting and organizing data/evidence. They then will be encouraged to think critically, weigh the evidence, and extend their problem solving abilities. The Honors level course includes all additional materials in the New York State Syllabus. In addition, students will perform more demanding laboratory experiments requiring applications of chemical mathematics principles and equation writing skills. Students must complete a satisfactory lab report for each laboratory investigation. A complete laboratory folder is necessary in order for the student to take the required New York State Regents Examination at the end of the school year. Prerequisites: are the successful completion of Earth Science (Regents) and Biology (Regents) as well as successful completion of Integrated Algebra, and Geometry. It is strongly suggested that the student has either completed Algebra II or be currently enrolled in Algebra 11 and be recommended by his Earth Science or Biology teacher.

Forensic Science

Grades 11-12     Credit: 1 Forensics is a two-semester, interdisciplinary science and technology course. Students will learn how to observe, collect, analyze and evaluate data found at crime scenes. Some of the topics covered include: fingerprint analysis, ballistics, DNA fingerprinting, blood splatter, toxicology. Forensics uses and variety of activities, for instance, class discussions, projects, and labs.

Physics

Grades 11-12     Credit: 1 The prerequisites are the successful completion of Mathematics Courses Integrated Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 11 (or to be currently enrolled in Algebra 11). This course has a laboratory requirement since physics is best learned using an investigative approach. Satisfactory laboratory reports must be written by the student for each investigation. Students are also required to demonstrate several manipulative skills. Physics encompasses five core areas and six optional topics. The five core areas are: mechanics, energy, electricity and magnetism, wave phenomena, and modern physics. The optional topics include: motion in a plane, internal energy, electromagnetic applications, geometric optics, solid state physics and nuclear energy. During the year students will master skills, develop positive science attitudes, and extend their problem solving abilities. Activities and problems are chosen to foster critical thinking as the students collect evidence, and weigh that evidence. The rapid development of scientific knowledge in our physical world demands that adults be able to make informed decisions on the problems and issues facing our society. Students will develop scientific literacy by becoming knowledgeable about the physical world, developing skills and positive attitudes to solve problems in physics. This course is offered at the Regents and Honors levels. Prerequisites: are the successful completion of Integrated Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II (or to be currently enrolled in Algebra II).

AP Biology

Grade 11     Credit: 1 Advanced Placement Biology is an introduction to college biology that focuses on the following areas: the molecular basis of life and cells, principles and theories of evolution and organismal and population biology. Laboratory experiences are a vital part of this course. Students take the Advanced Placement Biology Examination in the spring. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Regents Biology and Regents Chemistry and for those who are considering a career in the biological or medical sciences.

AP Physics

Grade 12     Credit: 1 AP Physics is a college level course that uses advanced algebra and trigonometry as the primary tools for problem solving. The course covers topics in mechanics, energy, waves, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, quantum theory, and nuclear physics. Students take the Advanced Placement Physics Examination in the spring. This course is recommended for students who have completed Honors Chemistry and are seeking an additional challenge far beyond the Regents Physics course.

AP Chemistry

Grades 11-12     Credit: 1 Advanced Placement Chemistry is an introduction to college chemistry that focuses on many areas including the behavior of gases, chemical bonding, kinetics and equilibrium. Laboratory experiments are a vital part of this course and students are expected to write detailed reports. This course is recommended to students who have completed the Regents or Honors Chemistry course with distinction and are interested in majoring in science or pre-medicine in college.