Science

Science Research is not intended to be used as part of a science sequence but will enhance the science program for self motivated students interested in a specific area of science. This independent study program affords students the opportunity to participate in the community of scientific research and scholarship as part of their high school experience. It enhances experiences in research and presentation while drawing from and developing scientific capabilities in a broad spectrum of the student body. Topics will be determined by student interest under the advisement of the teacher. Science Research is divided into two semester-long courses. During the 1st semester students will research general topics in science and develop skills necessary for making formal scientific presentations. The second semester will focus on narrowing the chosen topic and devising a plausible scientific experiment.

Advanced Science Research is to be used as the continuation of Science Research. Students enrolled in the course will work with a specialist in the specific area of science chosen by the student through their work in the Science Research course. Each student will conduct a unique scientific experiment and be expected to participate in local and regional science competitions.
 

Earth Science is a full-year laboratory course that follows the Physical Setting/Earth Science Core Curriculum. Topics include geology, meteorology, hydrology, and astronomy with emphasis on our Earth and the processes affecting it. This course will follow the Physical Setting/Earth Science Core Curriculum.
 

Regents Biology is a one year laboratory course in modern biology following the Living Environment Core Curriculum. It is designed to provide broad general understandings of the fundamental principles of biology and to provide an extension of understanding in selected areas. Units include: biochemistry, animal and plant life, reproduction and development, genetics, evolution and diversity, and ecological relationships.
 

Honors Biology is a one year laboratory course which covers the Living Environment Core Curriculum, but in much greater detail and at a much faster pace in order to challenge the students with exceptional ability. The course will include additional laboratory work in biotechnology – electrophoresis and bacterial transformation. Students will be prepared to take the SAT II Subject Test in Biology in June.
 

THIRD OR FOURTH YEAR COURSES

Students must have successfully completed two science Regents level classes to take the following Regents level classes. To complete the third credit of science, students may enroll in one full year course or two semester classes. Students of any grade level may enroll in more than one science course.
 

Regents Chemistry is a one year laboratory course based on the Physical Setting/Chemistry Core Curriculum and deals with the fundamental relationships between matter and energy as well as the changes which matter undergoes. Topics include atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base theory, oxidation-reduction, and organic reactions.
 

Honors Chemistry is a one year laboratory course based on the Physical Setting/ Chemistry Core Curriculum with supplemental materials and a faster pace of instruction. The students will seek abstract patterns that unify the relationships between matter and energy. Students will be exposed to computer simulation and instrumentation as well as traditional lab work. Independent study skills will be developed to prepare the students for college. Students will be prepared to take the SAT II Subject Test in Chemistry in June.
 

Regents Physics is a one year laboratory course based on the Physical Setting/ Physics Core Curriculum and provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of the physical world. Topics covered include Mechanics, Energy, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves and Modern Physics. Regents Physics emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills and the student should have an understanding of algebra and trigonometry. Students who intend to continue study in any science based technical field are encouraged to enroll in this course.

Introduction to Nanotechnology is a full year course that is designed to introduce students to the emerging field of Nanotechnolgy and its implications for society. Students will understand science as a process as well as the implications of operating on the nano size scale. Students will understand the relevance of Nanotechnology as it relates to biological systems, electronics and material sciences.
 

Animal & Plants of the Northeast, formerly Field Biology, is a semester long survey course designed to acquaint students with the wealth of plant and animal life found primarily in the Northeaster Section of the United States. Trees, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and mammals (including marine mammals) will be covered. Each topic will include classification schemes, anatomy, physiology, and species identification. The goal is to develop an appreciation for and sense of stewardship toward our wildlife resources.

Applied Physics is a one year general level, hands-on, project based course. It will be taught using only basic algebra skills. The class will cover mechanics, energy, simple machines, electricity, and magnetism. Because this course is project based, regular attendance is extremely important to academic success.
 

The Environmental Science course is a semester long, interdisciplinary, general science class that exposes students to the natural environment and the current environmental issues facing our world. Students will explore various themes of environmental science including: the need for a scientific approach to understanding, that all environmental processes are interconnected, humans have great capacity to alter natural systems, social and cultural considerations are important to problem solving, and sustainability is crucial to our long-term quality of life. Students will study natural resources, ecological principles, population dynamics, basic water chemistry, energy use, human interaction with environments, and civic responsibility.
 

General Chemistry is a semester long course that focuses on traditional chemistry topics including atomic structure, bonding, solutions, gas laws, and nuclear chemistry. Lab activities will be performed in all topics.
 

Forensics is a semester long course that focuses on crime scene management, evidence collection, and analysis. Labs may include fingerprinting, organic analysis of drugs and poisons, hair and fiber identification, glass analysis, document analysis, blood work, and will culminate in thorough investigation and processing of crime scenes. Since this course is heavily lab-based, regular attendance is extremely important to academic success.

History of the Universe, formerly Special Topics in Geology, is a semester long course that goes beyond Regents Earth Science to more deeply examine the history of the Universe, Solar System, Earth, and the multitude of organisms that have arisen and become extinct. Astronomy will be emphasized as part of this course. In addition, special attention will be paid to the dinosaur and human fossil records, and the importance of technology and science in human history and modern times. This course will emphasize reading and writing assignments in order to provide a framework for critically evaluating the validity of data sources through critical analysis.

 

Natural Disasters is a semester long course that will address exciting, current and relevant topics of interest to students and that are of great importance to society. Topics will include heat waves and drought, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, tsunami, volcanism, earthquakes and the scientific study and assessment of human risk, and government planning and response.

Forensics is a semester long course that focuses on crime scene management, evidence collection, and analysis. Labs may include fingerprinting, organic analysis of drugs and poisons, hair and fiber identification, glass analysis, document analysis, blood work, and will culminate in thorough investigation and processing of crimes scenes. Upon registration and payment of tuition (approximately $100 per credit hour), students successfully completing the course may receive 4 college credits from Syracuse University. Since this course is heavily lab-based, regular attendance is extremely important to academic success.
 

Recommended Levels of Achievement:
Successful completion of Regents Chemistry and Math 3R with a 90 or better for the courses/ exams and teacher recommendation.

AP Physics is a college level, in-depth, algebra based course that provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics. It is intended for strong students who have shown exceptional success in science and math courses. Topics covered are aligned with both the Physical Setting/Physics Core Curriculum and the AP-B Physics Syllabus. Topics include Newtonian Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Fluid Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Waves and Optics, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics. AP-B Physics emphasizes the development of problem solving skills and the student should have a firm understanding of algebra and trigonometry.
 

Recommended Levels of Achievement:
Successful completion of both Regents Physics and Math 3R with a 90 or better for the courses/ exams and teacher recommendation. Students could be enrolled in Regents Physics concurrently.

AP Biology is a college level introductory biology course designed to cover the material typically presented in a two semester college class. It is intended for strong students who have shown exceptional success in both biology and chemistry courses. It is a rigorous, fast paced course covering topics including biochemistry, cells, organisms, populations, ecology, evolution, and genetics.
 

Recommended Levels of Achievement: Successful completion of Regents Chemistry, Physics and Math 3R with a 90 or better for the courses/exams and teacher recommendation. Students could be concurrently enrolled in Regents Physics. Students should be enrolled in either Pre-Calculus or Calculus.

AP Chemistry is a college level introductory chemistry course designed to cover the material typically covered in a two semester college class. It is intended for strong students who have shown exceptional success in high school science and math courses. It is a rigorous, fast-paced course covering topics including structure and states of matter, reactions and descriptive chemistry. The course will encompass lecture, lab, and independent study.