SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Advanced Placement Biology (10, 11, 12) AP/College level with lab

Full Year, 1 credit

Co-requisite: Algebra II, Regents or Honor Chemistry

Prerequisite: Regents or Honors Living Environment and Regents Chemistry as well as 85% or higher on all previous science regents classes and exams.

AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of the general biology course taken during the first year of college. Students enrolled are expected to take the AP Biology exam in May. The major content areas of this course are: biological chemistry, cytology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including mitosis and meiosis: energy transfer, including glycolysis, fermentation and aerobic respiration: molecular genetics; heredity and Mendelian genetics; population genetics: evolution; ecology; taxonomy, including a survey of the six kingdoms; structure and physiology of vascular plants; human anatomy, physiology, development and behavior. There are 3 lab sessions per six-day cycle. Students must complete and submit required laboratory reports.

Anatomy and Physiology (11, 12) Possible college credit with lab

Full year, 1 credit

Prerequisites: Regents Living Environment/Honors Living Environment and Regents/Honors Chemistry

The human anatomy and physiology curriculum is extensively performance and laboratory based. It integrates the study of the structures and functions of the human body, however rather than focusing on distinct anatomical and physiological systems (respiratory, nervous, etc.) instruction will focus on the essential requirements for life. Areas of study include organization of the body; protection, support and movement; providing internal coordination and regulation; processing and transporting; and reproduction, growth and development. Careers related to medicine, research, health-care and modern medical technology will be emphasized throughout the curriculum. Case studies concerning diseases, disorders and ailments (i.e. real-life applications) will also be emphasized. Optional college credit from Dominican College for a fee.

Regents Earth Science/Physical Setting (10, 11, 12) Regents level with lab

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Living Environment

The curriculum reflects the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science and Technology. Topics covered include mapping skills, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, erosion, Earth’s geological history, meteorology, climate and astronomy. The course will emphasize a student-centered problem solving approach to stated learning objectives and laboratory assignments using scientific inquiry to develop explanations of natural phenomena. Each class meets once every day of the six-day cycle and labs meet every other day. All students must complete 1200 minutes of documented lab time to be eligible to take the regents exam.

Regents Chemistry/The Physical Setting (10, 11, 12) Regents level with lab

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Regents Living Environment

Co-requisite: Math – Geometry or Algebra II

Regents Chemistry is based on course content and laboratory investigations (3 per 6 day cycle) as prescribed by the Regents Chemistry Syllabus. Lectures and laboratory assignments include the following units of study: atomic structure, electron configuration, the periodic law and the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical composition, writing chemical formulas and equations, gas laws, molecular composition of gases, liquids and solids, the solution process, ionization, acids and bases, stoichiometry, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry. All students must complete 1200 minutes of documented lab time to be eligible to take the regents exam.

Chemistry Honors – Honors level with lab

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Honors Geometry and Honors Living Environment or teacher approval

This course is designed for the advanced Chemistry student. This course focuses on more independent and analytical problem solving with an increased number and more rigorous labs than in Regents Chemistry. Various topics are covered in much more detail, such as the ideal gas equation, Graham’s law, Hess’s law, aspects of aqueous reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions, hybridization, acid-base equilibrium and thermodynamics. Students will be prepared to take the SAT II in Chemistry and will, therefore, not rely on the Regents Chemistry Reference Table. At the end of this course students will be ready to move on to AP Chemistry. All students must complete 1200 minutes of documented lab time to be eligible to take the regents exam.

Advanced Placement Chemistry (11, 12) AP/College level with lab

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Regents or Honors Living Environment, and Regents or Honors Chemistry as well as Mastery (85 or better) in all previous Science Regents classes and exams. Co requisite: Pre-Calculus or higher

It is strongly recommended that students complete Regents Physics, or take it concurrently with AP Chemistry. AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Students attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course will contribute to the development of the students’ abilities to think clearly and express themselves orally, and in writing, with clarity and logic. Course content includes more advanced study of topics in Regents Chemistry. Students are expected to take the AP Examination in May. There are 3 labs per six-day cycle. 

Regents Physics/The Physical Setting (10, 11,12) Regents level with lab

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Co-requisite: Geometry

The study of acoustics, optics, electricity, magnetism, waves, motion, machine theory, forces and classical and quantum mechanics. The course uses basic algebra and involves experiments, projects and formulas that explain the basic laws of the physical world. The course will reinforce and help students see the real-life application of the Math learned in integrated algebra. It uses simple algebra designed for students in grades 10,11,or 12. Physics will give students an essential foundation for real understanding in later study of chemistry and earth science as well as the fields of engineering, architecture, mathematics, electronics and computer science. All students must complete 1200 minutes of documented lab time to be eligible to take the regents exam.

Advanced Placement Physics I (10, 11,12) AP/College level with Regents exam and lab

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Geometry as well as Mastery (85 or better) in all previous Regents classes and exams.

Co-requisite: Algebra II

AP Physics I is taught at an accelerated level, preparing students for both the Regents Physics and AP Physics I examinations all in one year of study. It includes the study of motion, forces, rotation, acoustics, electricity, magnetism, oscillations, waves, geometric optics, and modern physics (including quantum mechanics). The course uses algebra and trigonometry is designed to be taken while taking Algebra II/ Trigonometry or higher. It involves experiments, projects, and formulas that explain the basic laws of the physical world. The course will reinforce and help students see the real life applications of mathematics as it is used in the real world applications especially to technology. It is designed for advanced math students in grades 10, 11, or 12. Physics will also give students an essential foundation for real understanding in later advanced study of physics, chemistry, earth science, engineering, architecture, mathematics, technology, electronics, and computer science. Twenty-five percent of instructional time is devoted to hands-on laboratory work with an emphasis on inquiry-based investigations. Investigations will require students to ask questions, make observations and predictions, design experiments, analyze data, and construct arguments in a collaborative setting, where they direct and monitor their progress. It ends in a final college-level exam for all students in May and a Regents exam in June. Students are expected to take the AP examination in May. Optional college credit (Physics 101/102) from SUNY New Paltz is available for a fee.

Advanced Placement Physics C (Theoretical Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism) (12) AP/College level with lab

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Regents Physics or AP Physics 1 with a course grade of 85 or more

Any Calculus course is strongly recommended 

This is second year Physics course which prepares students for both the Advanced Placement Mechanics C and Electricity & Magnetism C examinations, in which students use more advanced mathematics, including calculus, to solve problems involving motion, force, energy, momentum, oscillations, rotation, torque and gravity. This course is designed to be the equivalent of the two semesters of college Physics for students interested in majoring in engineering, physics or mathematics. It is typically worth between 6 -10 college credits (3 – 5 credits per semester). There are 3 double lab periods per six-day cycle. Two separate, 90-minute A.P. Physics examinations are given in May and students receive two independent AP scores; one in Mechanics C and one in Electricity & Magnetism C.

Active Physics (11, 12) General Science level

Full year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Two years of High School science, Algebra I

A hands-on science course centered on experiments, projects, problems, and activities involving forces, motion, energy, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, heat and technology. Physics problems in this course involve formulas that use basic algebra that will actively seek to reinforce the problem solving skills taught in Algebra I. Active Physics counts as general science credit toward graduation and meets once each day (no double-lab periods). Students who wish to take the Regents examination for Regents credit should instead take Regents Physics.

Alternative Fuels (11, 12) Pending Approval and Enrollment

Semester, 1/2 credit

This course covers fundamentals of thermodynamics, chemistry, flow and transport processes as applied to energy systems. Topics include analysis of energy conversion in thermomechanical, thermochemical, electrochemical, and photoelectric processes in existing and future power and transportation systems, with emphasis on efficiency, environmental impact and performance. Systems utilizing fossil fuels, hydrogen and renewable resources, over a range of sizes and scales are discussed. Applications include fuel reforming, hydrogen and synthetic fuel production, fuel cells and batteries, combustion, hybrids, photovoltaics, etc. The course also deals with different forms of energy storage and transmission, and optimal source utilization and fuel-life cycle analysis. Students will apply concepts to the real world by experimenting with wind turbines, hydrogen fuel cells, biofuels, solar arrays, etc.

Advanced Placement Environmental Sciences (11, 12) AP/College level with lab

Full year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Regents Earth Science, Regents or Honors Living Environment, EITHER Regents or Honors Chemistry OR Regents Physics/AP Physics, Algebra Honors or Geometry Honors. All with a course grade of 85 or more or teacher approval.

The AP Environmental Sciences course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental sciences. Unlike most other AP science courses Environmental Sciences brings together all of the other disciplines, thus the need for the pre/co-requisites. It is designed to emphasize the collection and analysis of data involving scientific principles and therefore there is a laboratory component which will meet 3 times every 6 day cycle. The course will encompass the following themes in an inquiry, hands-on approach: Science is a process, Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes, the Earth itself is one interconnected system, Humans alter natural systems, and Environmental problems have a cultural and social context. Every student is expected to take the AP exam in May.

Bioethics (11, 12)

Semester or Cycle, 1/2 credit

Prerequisite: Regents Living Environment (11, 12)

This course will explore advances in the “new biology” and its ethical implications. The “gene future” has the potential to impact enormously on medicine, agriculture, industry, law, and the environment. Students will investigate the promises and perils of DNA fingerprinting, cloning, genetic engineering, and creation of transgenic plants and animals. The following questions will be addressed: 1.What are the chances of unknowingly doing harm to the biosphere? 2. What present controversies exist over the dangers of moving molecular biology from the laboratory to hospitals, farms, and families? 3. How can knowledge about the “new biology” be disseminated to assure informed decisions by citizens on issues that can greatly influence their lives and the lives of all creatures great and small?

Forensic Science (11, 12)

Semester or Cycle, 1/2 credit

Prerequisite: Two Regents science classes (11, 12)

Forensic Science literally means debating the evidence of a crime. Course content deals with procedures used at a crime scene and in a police science laboratory. Students apply scientific skills and concepts using investigative techniques and methodologies. Topics of study include fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and blood analysis, forensic anthropology (study of bones), toxicology, fiber analysis, arson, qualitative and quantitative analysis, crime searches methods and causes of death. The practical application of scientific study will be explored through field trip experiences and guest speakers (Medical Examiner’s Offices, Rockland County Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Crime Scene Search Unit, and New York State Bureau of Criminal Investigation).

Astronomy (11,12)

One Semester, 1/2 credit

Prerequisite: Two Regents Science classes (12)

This course will explore the universe in which we live. Students will investigate galaxies, constellations, and stars including the sun and the planets that make up our solar system. The United States’ space program will also be investigated from the Mercury missions up to the present day International Space Station. Scientific inquiry will be stressed, with hands-on activities guiding students through modern day problems such as the materials needed for a modern day space station and how the Hubbell space telescope shows us the Universe. Viewing of the night sky will be planned to correspond with activities performed in class. Assessments will be based on essays, papers, projects and participation on class assignments.

Environmental Science (11, 12)

One Semester, 1/2 credit

Prerequisite: Two Regents Science classes. Juniors and Seniors only

This course will focus on understanding the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Topics covered will be ecosystems, populations, resources, and pollution. Scientific inquiry will be stressed, with hands-on activities guiding students throughout the course. Assessments will be based on experiments, activities, essays, formal written exams, and participation on class assignments.

General Science: Marine Biology  (10, 11, 12) 

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisites: Regents Living Environment or Teacher Approval

Marine Science is the study of life in the sea. We will focus on the study of basic geological principles as they pertain to marine life.

General Science: Earth Studies  (10, 11, 12) 

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisites: Regents Living Environment or Teacher Approval

Throughout the year we will study countless exciting topics, some including: observation, measurement, models, topographic mapping, rocks, minerals, plate tectonics, earth quakes, volcanoes, weathering, erosion, streams, fossils, geologic history, weather, climate, and astronomy.

Oceanography (11, 12) College Credit

One semester; 1/2 credit

Prerequisites: Passing Regents Living Environment and Regents Earth Science classes and exams

This advanced earth science course will explore numerous aspects pertaining to the field of oceanography and how they interact with one another. Topics covered include the chemistry of ocean water, the physics of wave patterns and tides, seafloor geology and topography, and marine biology. Research techniques, both modern and historical, will also be studied. We will also discuss the impact that climate change is having on our oceans around the world. Scientific inquiry will be stressed. Assessments will be through class discussions, activities, essays, formal written exams, and projects. Successful completion of this advanced course and the college level projects incorporated in it will make students eligible to receive three college credits through SUNY Oneonta.

Science Research Course (9, 10, 11, 12) 

Cycled, 1/2 credit

This course enables students to practice authentic and original scientific research in an independent manner by creating their own original science project in whatever they choose. This program affords students the opportunity to participate in the community of scientific research and scholarship as part of their high school experience by working outside the school with a mentor scientist in their field of research. Students may do independent research in any one area of interest of their choice: medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, computers, weather, astronomy, geology, engineering, technology, mathematics, psychology or the social sciences. Research students are required to use computers and the internet to search for articles and make PowerPoint presentations, to occasionally visit libraries to obtain scientific literature, to use e-mail to communicate with mentor scientists and the teacher of the course and maintain a portfolio of their research.

Assessment is accomplished through in-class activities and research projects and presentations. The final assessment consists of participation in the annual TZHS Science symposium. All students are encouraged to enter local, regional and national scientific competitions in their senior year.

Athletic Training (10, 11, 12)

Cycled, 1/2 credit

This course will present an overview of the profession of athletic training and other related professions in the sports medicine/health and fitness umbrella. It will include basic anatomy and physiology, injury and illnesses as they effect athletes, and the rehabilitation of injured athletes. We will also touch on the components of fitness and nutrition for athletes.

The following semester courses are also available through Virtual High School (VHS):

General Science credit, One semester, ½ credit

Animal Behavior and Zoology

Biotechnology

DNA Technology

Epidemics: Ecology or Evolution’

Genes and Disease

Great Inventions and Scientific Discoveries

Integrated Mechanical Physics

Meteorology: A Study of Atmospheric Interactions

Nuclear Physics: Science, Technology and Society

Pre-veterinary medicine

The Human Body

Project Lead The Way (Pre-Engineering Curriculum)

The Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering program is a four-year sequence of courses which, when combined with traditional high school mathematics and science courses, introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of design and engineering prior to entering college. However, those not intending to pursue further formal education will benefit greatly from the knowledge and logical thought processes that result from taking some or all of the courses provided in the curriculum. Since you attend a PLTW-certified school, you can get a head start on your college career and add prestige to your admissions applications by receiving college credits from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) or University of Iowa. These are transcripted credits and are eligible for transfer to other universities

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)

Full Year, 1 credit

Do you enjoy thinking of new product ideas? Do you ever look at a product and think of ways that you could make it better? IED emphasizes creative problem-solving, designing, and technical drawing skills that are used in business and industry to develop new products. You will develop solutions to product design problems by researching, sketching, rendering designs on the computer, and finally building product models. This course will be taught in a laboratory setting providing access to tools and materials for individual, small group, and large group projects. You will use “State of the Art” 3D modeling software Autodesk Inventor (CAD) to design, problem solve, communicate, and visualize your ideas. This is an excellent course for anyone interested in Designing, Engineering, Architecture or any other related career fields. It serves as the pre-requisite for many of the technology courses the department has to offer. It also can replace one credit of science or math, but not both. IED is the keystone course in the new Pre-Engineering sequence (PLTW). *Students will take the college level final exam for college credit.

Principles of Engineering (POE)

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design or Geometry Math (10-12 only)

The purpose of the principles of engineering course is to expose students to the correlation between math, science, and technology, through the use of a broad survey of the technology process employed in the field of engineering and engineering technology. The course is an interactive, hands-on, laboratory-based set of case studies which will convey the concepts, principles, skills, techniques, and attitudes relative to the professional and social obligations of an engineer. Computers, robots, digital electronics and structures will be utilized in order to understand the theory presented. The classroom situation will be enhanced by visits from professionals in related engineering fields, as well as field trips to local industrial and educational institutions. This course can be used in a Technology or Pre-engineering sequence (PLTW) and can replace one credit of science or math, but not both. *Students will take the college level final exam for college credit.

Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA)

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design/ or Geometry Math (10-12 only)

CEA provides an overview of the fields of Civil Engineering and Architecture, while emphasizing the interrelationship and dependence of both fields on each other. Students will use detailed drawing and state of the art software to solve real world problems and communicate solutions to hands-on projects and activities. The major focus of the CEA course is a long term project that involves the development of a local property site. As students learn about various aspects of civil engineering and architecture, they apply what they learn to the design and development of this property. In addition, students use Revit (3-D design software) to help them design solutions to solve real-world challenges. Students learn about documenting their project, solving problems, and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community of civil engineering and architecture. The course of study includes: the roles of civil engineers and architects; project planning; site planning; building design; and project documentation and presentation.

This course can be used in a Technology or Pre-Engineering sequence (PLTW) and can replace one credit of science or math, but not both. *Students will take the college level final exam for college credit.

Aerospace Engineering (AE)

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: IED, POE, DE, CEA or Trigonometry Math (10-12 only)

This course propels students’ learning in the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight. As they explore the physics of flight, students bring the concepts to life by designing an airfoil, propulsion system, and rockets. They learn basic orbital mechanics using industry-standard software. They also explore robot systems through projects such as remotely operated vehicles. This course earns Regents credit, can be used in a Technology or Pre-engineering sequence (PLTW) and can replace one credit of science or math, but not both. *Students will take the college level final exam for college credit.

Digital Electronics (DE)

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design/Drawing or Geometry Math (11-12 only)

DE is a course of study in applied digital logic. Students will be introduced to digital circuits found in video games, watches, calculators, digital cameras, and thousands of other devices. Students will study the application of digital logic and how digital devices are used to control automated equipment. The use of digital circuitry is present in virtually all aspects of our lives and it’s use is increasing rapidly. This course is similar to a first semester college course and is an important course of study for a student exploring a career in engineering or engineering technology. This course can be used in a Technology or Pre-engineering sequence (PLTW) and can replace one credit of science or math, but not both. *Students will take the college level final exam for college credit.

Engineering Design & Development (EDD) 

Full Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite: 3 OR MORE PLTW COURSES (11, 12 grade only)

The knowledge and skills students acquire throughout PLTW Engineering come together in EDD as they identify an issue and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solution to a panel of engineers. Students apply the professional skills they have developed to document a design process to standards, completing EDD ready to take on any post-secondary program or career. This course earns Regents credit, can be used in a Technology or Pre-engineering sequence (PLTW) and can replace one credit of science or math, but not both. *Students will take the college level final exam for college credit .

Other Technology Education Courses (Not Project Lead the Way Affiliated)

Design and Drawing for Production (DDP)

Full Year, 1 credit

Is a one-unit, full year course, which emphasizes creative problem solving, design, and technical drawing. The course reflects the approach used in business and industry to develop new products. Students will develop solutions to various product design problems and proposed solutions are researched, sketched, refined and rendered as technical drawings. Basic elements of design and the six basic areas of technical drawing are covered. 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional drawings will be the primary forms of communication. This course will be taught in a laboratory setting providing access to tools and materials for individual, small group, and large group projects. DDP satisfies the one-unit cultural art/music graduation requirement. This course can be used in a Technology, Art or Drawing sequence, and can replace one credit of science or math, but not both. DDP is an excellent course for anyone interested in Designing, Engineering, Architecture or any other related career fields.

Woodworking: From Design to Finished Product

One Semester, 1/2 credit

Students will learn both basic and advances joinery techniques utilized in cabinet making and gain an understanding of the structural integrity of a joint due to its design and the material it is made from. Students will then apply that knowledge into designing and actually building a project of their own choosing. Once projects (desk, end table, shelving unit, etc) are authorized by the teacher, students will use one of several CAD programs to create a scaled drawing of their project. Students will learn proper techniques and safety procedures to operate large 

power tools such as a table saw, radial arm saw, compound miter saw, drill press and a router to name a few.

Small Engines: Concepts & Theory to Application

One Semester, 1/2 credit

This is a classroom/hands-on style course designed to teach the concepts and theories behind any internal combustion engine although the engine we will be working on will be the Briggs & Stratton 6.5 HP CE9040 OHV engine. The classroom portion of this course will cover the following topics through the use of science and mathematics: Overall Engine Operations, Compression System, Fuel System, Governor System, Electrical System, Cooling and Lubrication System, Troubleshooting. The hands on portion of the course will consist of the total disassembly of the CE9040 OHV engine, defining and measuring all the components, then rebuilding it to all the OEM specifications. When you are done, it must work!

The following semester courses are also available through Virtual High School (VHS):

Technology/Tech Ed.

Advanced Web Design

Animation and Effects: Flash MX Basics

Blogs, Wikis, and Web Tools

Digital Literacy for a Digital Age

Technology and Multimedia

Web Design and Internet Research

Web Design: Artistry and Functionality

Aquaponics
Engineering Club
Environmental Club
Robotics Team (SO BOTZ)

Science Honor Society

Science Olympiad Team