Earth Science | Biology | Chemistry | Physics | Science Electives
Students have the opportunity to learn an extensive array of science concepts, related facts, and laboratory skills in the areas of Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Earth Science is offered at the Regents Level. Biology is offered at the Honors, Regents, and Applied Regents levels. Chemistry is offered at the Honors, Regents, and General levels. Physics is offered at the AP, Regents, and General levels. An extensive list of science electives is offered as well to further enhance the students’ understanding of the various disciplines. These electives include AP Biology and AP Chemistry.
The core courses in Earth Science, Biology, and Chemistry require the students to sit for the Regents Exam in June. In order to be admitted to any Science Regents exam, the student must have fulfilled the minimum laboratory requirement established by the NYS Board of Regents. This requirement states that students must have successfully completed (1,200) minutes of laboratory time for the course they are taking the Regents exam for. This means students must have successfully submitted to their teacher the required number of lab reports (usually 30).
In order to fulfill the graduation requirements for science, students must earn (3) credits in Science. This must include one (1) credit in Biology (Living Environment). Students must also pass at least one (1) Regents Exam in Science.
Earth Science
Earth Science Regents
Course Number: 2021 – Earth Science Regents, 2041L – Earth Science Regents Lab
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: NYS Regents Exam in June
There is an emphasis placed on lab work and deductive problem solving. The New York State Regents Earth Science syllabus will be followed, and student expectations are to work toward taking the Regents exam to receive a Regents credit in Earth Science.
Two class blocks and one-half block for the laboratory per four-day cycle will be scheduled for these students.
Biology
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology
Course Number: 2354
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: AP Exam in May*
Requirements: Junior or Senior standing.
Prerequisite: Biology Honors
This course is open to Juniors or Seniors that have an exceptional work ethic, have performed well in Honors Biology, and who may have an interest in pursuing a possible biology-related field in college. Overall, the course curriculum will parallel an introductory college level biology course. Topics will include molecules and cells, genetics and evolution, and organisms and populations. This accelerated survey of biology will cover all of the topics required by the College Board in order to prepare students for the AP Exam. In addition, students will also complete the recommended AP Biology laboratory experiments. After the AP Exam, students will spend the remainder of the year working on special projects.
Two class blocks per four-day cycle will be scheduled for these students.
Note: *All students will take the Advanced Placement exam for which there is a fee. Students may earn up to six hours of college credit, depending on their performance on the AP Exam and the policies of the college where they enroll.
Biology Honors
Course Number: 2116 – Biology Honors, 2116L – Biology Honors Lab
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: NYS Regents Exam in June
Designed for the scientifically talented, this course is open to students who have performed well (90 or higher) in Regents Earth Science. This course has a stronger biochemical molecular approach to the study of the cell and more laboratory work than Regents Biology, and is a prerequisite for students planning to take AP Biology.
Three class blocks per four-day cycle will be scheduled for these students.
Biology Regents
Course Number: 2121 – Biology Regents, 2121L – Biology Regents Lab
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: NYS Regents Exam in June
This course presents the fundamentals to beginning Biology students. The New York State Regents Biology curriculum is followed with emphasis on the biochemical cellular approach. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.
Three class blocks per four-day cycle will be scheduled for these students.
Applied Biology 1: Cellular Level / Lab
Course Number: 2111
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: Final Exam in June
This biology class gives students the opportunity to study cellular structures and functions. This course will be taken as the first course in a two year sequence culminating with the NYS Living Environment Regents exam after the second course, Applied Biology 2.
Applied Biology 2: Macroscopic Level
Course Number: 2112
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: NYS Regents Exam in June
Prerequisite: Students must have taken Biology 1: Cellular Level in order to take this course.
This is the second course in a sequence. Students in this course will study human body systems with an emphasis on maintaining homeostasis. Students will also study principles of evolution, taxonomy, and ecology. After an extensive review of the material from both courses, students will sit for the NYS Living Environment Regents exam.
Chemistry
Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry
Course Number: 2355
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: AP Exam in May*
Requirement: Senior standing
Prerequisite: Chemistry Honors
This course is open to Seniors that have done well in science and math and are willing to put forth extra time and effort and are planning to pursue a science-related field in college. The course curriculum will include the following topics taught at the pace of a first year college-level chemistry course: stoichiometry, periodicity, chemical bonding, thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acid and bases, redox and organic chemistry. The course will include laboratories that are recommended by the College Board to prepare students for the AP exam. After the AP exam, students will spend the remainder of the year working on special projects.
Two class blocks per four-day cycle will be scheduled for these students.
Note: *All students will take the AP exam for which there is a fee. Students may earn up to six hours of college credit, depending on the performance on the AP exam and the policies of the college where they enroll.
Chemistry Honors
Course Number: 2216 – Chemistry Honors, 2216L – Chemistry Honors Lab
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: NYS Regents Exam in June
This is the same as Regents Chemistry but with an increase in the number of laboratory experiments, more optional material from the syllabus, and a higher level of difficulty in mathematical problems and conceptual material.
This course is open to exceptional students who are able to handle an increased pace in course material and is a prerequisite for AP Chemistry. There is a high correlation between math ability and Honors Chemistry. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the student successfully complete Geometry before taking Honors Chemistry.
Three class blocks per four-day cycle will be scheduled for these students.
Chemistry Regents
Course Number: 2221 – Chemistry Regents, 2221L – Chemistry Regents Lab
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: NYS Regents Exam in June
This is an introductory course that presents modern chemistry to beginning students. The presentation is intended to give students a preliminary understanding of what chemistry is about rather than to give them simply a voluminous collection of chemical reactions and laboratory techniques. There is emphasis on model building and problem solving. The laboratory is heavily used. College-bound students, whether Science majors or not, will find the course stimulating.
There is a high correlation between math ability and Regents Chemistry. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the student successfully complete Algebra before taking Regents Chemistry.
Three class blocks per four-day cycle will be scheduled for these students.
Chemistry General
Course Number: 2231
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: Final Exam in June
This course presents an approach to the study of chemistry that may be of more practical use to some students than the Regents Chemistry course. An effort has been made to provide students not majoring in high school Science with a course of study that may better prepare them to meet their special goals in life. In addition, the course helps to provide students with an increased understanding of the work of the chemist.
Two class blocks per four-day cycle will be scheduled for these students.
Physics
Advanced Placement (AP) Physics
Course Number: 2313 – AP Physics, 2313L – AP Physics Lab
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: AP Exam in May* and Final Exam in June*
AP Physics is open to the exceptional science/math student who is going to make a commitment of both time and effort. The course prepares the student to take the AP Physics I exam in May. The course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of problem-solving ability. A student may be interested in studying AP Physics as a basis for more advanced work in physics and engineering, life sciences, medicine, geology and related areas, or as a component in a non-science college program that has science requirements. The curriculum covers topics in mechanics, electricity, energy, rotational motion waves.
Three class blocks per four-day cycle will be scheduled for these students.
Note: *All students will take the AP exam for which there is a fee. Students may earn up to six hours of college credit, depending on their performance on the AP Exam and the policies of the college where they enroll. *Students that have satisfactorily met the NYS lab requirement may sit for the NYS Regents Exam in Physics in June.
Physics
Course Number: 2320 – Physics, 2320L – Physics Lab
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit
Final Assessment: Final Exam in June*
Physics is the science that deals with the interaction of matter and energy. The course is designed for the academically oriented student and emphasizes the thought processes involved in physics instead of just the mechanical relationships. The course is oriented toward laboratory work. The four major topics covered are: Mechanics, Waves and Light, Electricity and Magnetism, and Atomic and Nuclear. Physics should be considered a must for any student planning to major in Science in college.
Three class blocks per four-day cycle will be scheduled for these students.
Note: *Students that have satisfactorily met the NYS lab requirement may sit for the NYS Regents Exam in Physics in June.
Science Electives
The variety of offerings in the elective program allows the interested science student an opportunity to “test the waters” in many science areas and/or to concentrate in more specific science disciplines. A student must be enrolled in one of the four major science courses (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics) or have permission from the Department Chair to be eligible to take any of the science electives.
Anatomy & Physiology
Course Number: 2340
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Completed Biology
The intent of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of what the parts of the body are, what they do, and how they work together. Emphasis will be placed on the normal structure (anatomy) and function (physiology).
This 20 week elective would serve as a basic introduction to this area of science for those students who, after taking Biology, are interested in and would like to broaden their knowledge of human biology. It would also be extremely beneficial to those who are planning to pursue careers in the biological, medical or health-oriented fields.
The course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal muscular system, nervous system, and others. An integral part of this unit will be the mandatory anatomical dissection of a laboratory animal to provide each student with an increased understanding of human organization. Most work is self-directed, and the students need to be motivated and responsible.
This course is recommended for current and previous students in AP/Honors Biology as well as students who have successfully completed Regents Biology.
Anatomy & Physiology II
Course Number: 2360
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Completed or concurrent with Regents Biology
Students do not need to have taken the Anatomy & Physiology I course in order to take this class. This course is for students that want to broaden their knowledge of the human body with a specific emphasis on the circulatory, respiratory, digestive and excretory systems. It is extremely beneficial to those students who may be interested in a career in the health sciences. Among other laboratory activities, students can expect to carry out at least one animal dissection in the class. Most of the work is self-directed so students taking this course need to be motivated and responsible in order to be successful.
Forensic Science
Course Number: 2341
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Completed Biology; Completed or concurrent with Regents Chemistry
Forensic science is focused on the application of scientific methods and techniques to crimes and law. Recent advances in scientific methods have had an enormous impact upon law enforcement and the entire criminal justice system. In this elective, scientific methods specifically relevant to crime detection and analysis will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the science behind the techniques used in evaluating physical evidence. Several laboratory exercises will be included to demonstrate techniques commonly employed in forensic investigations.
Forensic topics will include:
- DNA analysis
- Tool marks and impressions
- Hair and fiber analysis
- Fingerprints
- Pathology
- Physical properties
- Arson and explosives
- Firearms
- Chromatography
- Toxicology
Forensics Science Supa
Course Number: 2361
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Requirements: Junior or Senior standing
Prerequisite: Completed or concurrent with Regents Chemistry
This course is focused upon the application of scientific methods and techniques to crime and law. Scientific methods specifically relevant to crime detection and analysis will be presented with emphasis placed upon the techniques used in evaluating physical evidence. Topics include blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass compositions and fragmentation, fingerprints, soil comparisons, and arson investigations. Laboratory exercises will include techniques commonly employed in forensic investigations.
Two class blocks per four-day cycle will be scheduled for these students.
Students can earn 4 Syracuse University credits after successfully completing this course and paying a significantly discounted Syracuse University tuition.
Astronomy
Course Number: 2335
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
This course is intended for students who have taken Earth Science. Students in this class will investigate the motion of the objects in our solar system more thoroughly. They will receive an introduction to Electromagnetic Radiation and the ways that light can be collected and interpreted to help us better understand the universe. Students will get an introduction to physics as they learn about the formation of stars, galaxies, and black holes.
General Physics: Electricity & Light
Course Number: 2336
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Through hands-on activities, students will gain an understanding of electricity, light and sound.
Note: General Physics classes do not require enrollment in a core science class.
General Physics: Force & Motion
Course Number: 2337
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Students will investigate through hands-on activities the forces of gravity, friction and motion. Students will be able to answer questions like “Why do astronauts experience weightlessness?” and “Why do you need friction to drive a car?”
Note: General Physics classes do not require enrollment in a core science class.
Introduction to Environmental Science
Course Number: 2308
Length: 1 semester
Credit: 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology course.
This course is a hands-on introduction to the study of the environment, how humanity has impacted it, and what we can do to repair and protect it. Students need to have successfully passed the Regents Biology exam to be eligible for this course.
Advanced Environmental Science (SUNY ESF)
Course Number: 2311
Length: 1 year
Credit: 1 credit (3 credits at SUNY ESF at a reduced tuition)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Regents Chemistry Exam
This course starts with an in-depth examination of various types of renewable sources of energy. Emphasis is placed on synthesizing connections among different energy sources, challenges, and benefits among them. The course continues with a survey of aspects including population and demographics; agriculture and toxic substances; water resources and pollution; and climate change. Independent research projects on environmental science topic is required.
Science Intervention (AIS) Lab
Course Number: 2398
Length: 1 year
Credit: 0 credit
Instruction in science topics will be provided as required by New York State for one or more of the following reasons:
- Student has failed a Science Regents exam and needs to pass a Science Regents exam.
- Student has been identified by scores received on the New York State Science Assessment at the end of 8th grade.
The instruction will be individualized as much as possible. The amount of time scheduled for students will depend upon the level of intervention required and the student’s schedule.
Remediation classes are required for students who fail or who are absent from the Science Regents exam to help improve study skills and science knowledge. This course will be a review of the topics covered on Biology Regents or Earth Science Regents.