Science
The study of science is important and rewarding in its own right because of its unique perspective on humanity and our place in the universe. But in a practical sense it also prepares students to better function as informed citizens and understand the technology that increasingly affects — and dominates our lives.
The science department strongly believes that a well-prepared college bound student should be exposed to all four of the main sciences. In the ninth and tenth grades, students enroll in four semester-long, sequentially designed courses. Students take one term in each of the four sciences: chemistry, physics, biology, and earth science. After completing the core program, students can choose to follow their interests in Level II, elective, and/or AP courses.
Woven throughout all of the courses in the department is an emphasis on science as a process of discovery: from observation to hypothesis formation, experimental design and data collection to analysis and creative theorizing. In this way, students learn to distinguish between scientific evidence and personal opinion. Technology is emphasized throughout the science program in the form of computer software including spreadsheets, graphing calculators, and electronic probes.
* Note: Regents is taken at the end of this course as the Final Exam – only exception is seniors with a “B” average for the year.
Core Program
Core Program (9th and 10th Grades)
All students entering Bronxville High School enter the core program. This program seeks to provide an exposure to the four main sciences before a student pursues more advanced study. While the program is not designed for AP or Regents Exams, every student will have had at least one and a half years of a subject before s/he takes any one of those exams.
Throughout the program foundational concepts and unifying themes that bind the sciences together are emphasized. In addition, students learn graphing calculator and probe technology, computer software, basic statistical techniques, graphical interpretation, experimental design, and proper laboratory documentation procedures.
Students in the ninth grade take chemistry and physics. Students in the tenth grade take either earth science or biology in the fall and switch for the spring semester.
Core Chemistry and Physics
CORE CHEM/PHYS 619
Fall or Spring Semester, 1 credit
Corequisite: Algebra I, Geometry H or GeoTrig
Textbook: Physical Science: Concepts in Action. Wysession, Frank & Yancopoulos (2009.)
This course seeks to introduce students to the nature of chemistry and physics in an integrated series of basic concepts. Emphasis is placed on laboratory skills and practice with the scientific methods. Topics include microscopic and macroscopic properties of matter, chemical bonding and reactions, Newton's Laws and motion as well as various forms of energy. Students will do projects, laboratory experiments, reports and practice problems. Participation in the laboratory work is required.
CORE_SCIENCE_1_Course_Description_Video.mp4Core Biology
CORE BIOLOGY 620
Fall or Spring Semester, 1/2 credit
Textbook: Biology. Miller & Levine. Macaw Edition
This course will introduce students to basic principles of biology. The students will study cells, tissues, biochemistry, enzymes, DNA, RNA, cancer, biotechnology, classification, and evolution. Laboratory work is required.
Core Biology Course Description - Google Slides.webmCore Earth Science
CORE EARTH SCIENCE I 622
Fall or Spring Semester, 1/2 credit
Textbook: Spaulding, N. E., & Namowitz, S. N. (2005). Earth science. McDougal Littell.
This course will introduce students to the processes that control the natural world around them through the study of geology (minerals, rocks, surface processes and plate tectonics) and astronomy (the Big Bang, the solar system and star evolution). Laboratory work is required.
Environmental science video.mp4Living Environment
LIVING ENVIRONMENT 618
Full Year, 1 credit
Textbook: Biology. Miller & Levine. Macaw Edition
This course will introduce students to basic principles of biology. Emphasis is placed on in-class work. The students will study cells, tissues, biochemistry, enzymes, DNA, RNA, biotechnology, ecology, human impact, and evolution. Laboratory work is required. At the completion of this course, students will take the NYS Regents Exam in Living Environment.
Living environment video.mp4Level II Courses (10th, 11th and 12th Grades):
Level II courses are designed for further study after completing the Core Program. They are not appropriate as introductory courses in the subject. All juniors must take one of these courses OR an AP Science. At the end of the year students are required to take the Regents Exam in that subject to fulfill graduation requirements. Students who successfully complete a Level II course are prepared to take the SAT II examination in that subject.
Biology II
BIOLOGY II 644
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Science Core classes
Textbook: Biology. Miller & Levine. Macaw Edition
Biology II Honors will expand upon the topics introduced in Core Biology to include: botany, microbiology, disease, physiology, immunology, biotechnology, behavior, and ecology. Projects, presentations, and laboratory work are integral components of the course. The course ends in the Living Environment Regents exam as the Final Exam. This is not only a requirement of the Bronxville High School; it is a New York State Regents requirement.
Honors Biology II Course Catalog Presentation Video.mp4Earth Science II
EARTH SCIENCE II 624
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Science Core classes
Textbook: Spaulding, N. E., & Namowitz, S. N. (2005). Earth science. McDougal Littell.
Level II Earth Science expands the treatment of geology (rocks, plate tectonics), weathering & erosion) and astronomy initiated in Core Earth Science and includes meteorology, climate change, geologic history and topographic and geologic maps. Emphasis is placed on understanding natural disasters and the application of physical principles and evidence in explaining geologic history and evolution of the Earth. Laboratory work is required. The course ends in the Earth Science Regents exam as the Final Exam. This is not only a requirement of the Bronxville High School; it is a New York State Regents requirement.
ES2 class overview for Juniors.mp4Chemistry II H
CHEMISTRY II H 631
Full Year, 1 credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Science Core classes
This course expands upon the topics introduced in Core Chemistry and investigates new topics such as reaction rates, equilibrium, oxidation and reduction, acids and bases, and nuclear and organic chemistry. Laboratory work is required. The course ends in the Chemistry Regents exam as the Final Exam. This is not only a requirement of the Bronxville High School; it is a New York State Regents requirement.
Additional Science Courses (10th, 11th, and 12th Grades):
Environmental Science
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 630
Full year 1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Science Core classes
This course offers an overview of topics and disciplines needed to understand the environmental issues and challenges of today’s world. This course will integrate aspects of biology, earth science and public policy. Specific topics will include preserving biodiversity, toxicology, human population growth, energy, pollution and sustainability. This course can only be taken by students who have fulfilled the New York State Regents requirement for science. This course does not include a lab period.
Environmental science video.mp4Oceans
Half year 1/2 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Science Core classes
This course will focus on the world's oceans, including their physical chemistry, biology, and relationship with humans. The course will touch on topics such as oceanography, including ocean acidification, and climate change. The course will also focus on marine biology, including marine food webs and ecosystems, estuaries, and the anatomy and physiology of ocean organisms. Human relationships with the oceans will be a major emphasis, including environmental economics, environmental regulation, and conservation issues. Assessments will be largely project based with the occasional quiz on critical vocabulary and content. This course can only be taken by students who have fulfilled the New York State Regents requirement for science or must be taken while enrolled in a course that ends in a science Regents exam. This course does not include a lab period.
Anatomy and Physiology
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ___________________
Half year 1/2 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Science Core classes
This course will focus on the anatomical structures and functions in humans and animals. The course will review tissues and systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, muscular, skeletal, endocrine and excretory systems. Assessments will be dissection labs, journals, with an occasional quiz on critical vocabulary and content or a project. This course can only be taken by students who have fulfilled the New York State Regents requirement for science or must be taken while enrolled in a course that ends in a science Regents exam. This course does not include a lab period.
Fundamentals of Engineering
FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING 665
Half year 1/2 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: B+ or better in prior year math, B+ or better in prior year sciences.
This course will explore the fundamentals of engineering: from problem identification, client specification, problem solving, design, simulation and prototyping. Specific fields of engineering will include mechanical, civil, materials, electronic and renewables. A large emphasis will be placed on the iterative design process and appropriate engineering communication, such as reporting, data visualization, presenting and critiquing. Computer aided design and simulation, along with rapid prototyping techniques and tools will be employed to help build physical realization of designs. The use of CAD software for drafting and 3D modeling, coupled with the use of a 3D printer and laser cutter will expose students to modern manufacturing workflows.
Intro Engineering - IntroVid Dec 2021.mp4Bronx River Research I
BRONX RIVER RESEARCH I 672
Full year 1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Completion of or currently enrolled in Core Bio/Core Earth. Grades of B or above in all previous science coursework.
This full year course provides students with the opportunity to ask their own research questions related to the Bronx River ecosystem and participate in authentic research through data collection and problem solving. The first half of the year focuses on acquiring content knowledge and basic research skills related to water quality testing and environmental research. Additionally, students explore the history and ecology of the Bronx River. In the spring semester students design and implement a research proposal to answer a question of their choosing related to the Bronx River watershed. Students are expected to participate in regular reading assignments, write a research proposal and paper, and present their findings through public forums such as talks, posters, and lessons to other classes. Fieldwork requirements may require meeting outside of class time.
Bronx River Research Course Description.mp4Bronx River Research II
BRONX RIVER RESEARCH II 673
Full year 1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Bronx River Research I class or successful completion of or co-enrollment and good standing in an AP Science course
This course is a continuation of Bronx River Research for students who successfully completed a research project and wish to enter in competitions or conferences.. The expectation of this course is that students already have skills in data collection and writing a research paper and much of the work is completed independently. Students are required to present their results publicly, engage in community outreach and education with their topic, and enter at least one science research competition.
Bronx River II Video.mp4Advanced Placement Courses
Advanced Placement study should not be taken lightly. Electing to take an AP course should only be undertaken after consideration of a student’s total academic load. Two required laboratory periods are scheduled per cycle. All four AP courses require summer work. Summer assignments should be picked up from the respective teachers in June. All courses require passing an exam in the first week to demonstrate mastery of the summer assignment. Failure on this exam may result in removal from the course.
Students interested in pursuing Advanced Placement coursework must have received a grade of A- or better in that core subject, have an average of B+ or better in the four core sciences, and meet any other prerequisites for that AP course.
10th Grade students who meet the prerequisites may take an AP course, by doubling up in science in their sophomore year.
AP Biology
AP BIOLOGY 645
Full Year, 1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Core Chemistry with A- or above, or Chemistry II H with B or above
Prerequisite: Core Biology H with A- or above, or Biology II H with B+ or above
Textbook: Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky, Reece; Campbell Biology in Focus, 3rd edition, Pearson Education, USA, 2020.
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent to college introductory biology. The range and depth of topics covered the kind of laboratory and statistical analysis skills, and the time and effort required differs from a typical HS class. Topics include biochemistry and cellular biology, heredity, molecular genetics, evolution, biotechnology, ecology, statistical analysis skills, and experimental design. Aims of the course are to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The course ends in the Living Environment Regents exam as the Final Exam. This is not only a requirement of the Bronxville High School; it is a New York State Regents requirement.
AP Biology Course Description.webmAP Chemistry
AP CHEMISTRY 635
Full Year, 1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Core Chemistry with A- or above, or Chemistry II with B or above
Prerequisite: Geometry (A- or above), Geo/Trig (B or above)
Corequisite: Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 with Precalc
Textbook: Zumdahl. Chemistry, 10th edition
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course taken during the first year of college. There is strong emphasis on application of chemical calculations and the atomic and molecular models behind formulation of chemical principles. It is strongly suggested that students are well practiced in manipulating equations and variables such as those found in the AP Chemistry reference tables. In early May students take the AP Chemistry exam and the course ends in the Chemistry Regents exam as the Final Exam. This is not only a requirement of the Bronxville High School; it is a New York State Regents requirement.
AP CHEM Course Catalog Video Dowd.mp4AP Environmental Science
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 646
Full Year, 1 credit
Grades 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite 10th: Core Chemistry with A- or above, and Core Physics with A- or above
Prerequisite 11-12th: All prior science courses with B or above
Textbook: Withgott, J., & Laposata, M. (2018). Environment: The science behind the stories. Pearson.
The AP Environmental Science course is the equivalent of a college course in environmental science. By its nature, environmental science is interdisciplinary, integrating elements of chemistry, physics, and especially biology and the earth sciences. Students completing this course will understand and be able to apply the scientific principles, concepts, and methods necessary to 1) evaluate natural and human made environmental problems and 2) evaluate solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Environmental issues have political, economic, and social implications which will be touched on, but the focus of this course is on the science underlying the issues. Specific areas of study include: biogeochemical cycles, population growth and demographics, agriculture, toxicology, air and water pollution, energy and waste management, and human effects on the environment, sustainability, climate, and global environmental change. In early May students take the AP Environmental exam and the course ends in the Living Environment Regents exam as the Final Exam. This is not only a requirement of the Bronxville High School; it is a New York State Regents requirement.
APES Overview for prospective students.mp4AP Physics I
AP PHYSICS 1 648
Full Year, 1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Core Physics with A- or above
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 with A- or above or Algebra 2 with Precalc with B or above
Corequisite: Geometry/Trig or above
Textbook: University Physics, Moebs, Ling, Sanny, OpenStax
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits.
Students will use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena and solve scientific problems. Scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations, planning and implementing data collection strategies in relation to a particular scientific question, and then performing data analysis and evaluation of evidence will be an integral component of the course. Working with scientific explanations and theories, and connecting and relating knowledge across various scales, concepts, and representations in and across domains will be a key component of the course. In early May students take the AP Physics 1 exam and the course ends in the Physics Regents exam as the Final Exam. This is not only a requirement of the Bronxville High School; it is a New York State Regents requirement.
Physics (Dincer).movAP Physics II
AP PHYSICS 2 650
Full Year, 1 credit
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisite: Core Physics with A- or above
Prerequisite: Algebra 2 with A- or above or Algebra 2 with Precalc with B or above
Corequisite: Geometry/Trig or above
Textbook: University Physics, Moebs, Ling, Sanny, OpenStax
AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of Physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.
Students explore principles of fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics.
Much 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.
In early May students take the AP Physics 2 exam.
AP Physics 2 - IntroVid - Dec 2021.mp4Independent Studies in Science
INDEPENDENT STUDIES IN SCIENCE XXX
Half & Full Year
Grades 11, 12 only
An Independent Study in Science ought to be pursuant of a subject for which the students is passionate about, and is not currently offered via one of the “in-house” science courses. An Independent Study is not a course taught by faculty. It is a student-directed, self-guided and self-driven exercise.
A proposed curriculum outline or research plan must be written, provided to, and signed off on by :
Your mentor teacher;
The Science Dept head; and
Your Guidance counselor plus the High School principal.
Clear benchmarks of a minimum of one per quarter must be set in this outline and/or plan and met throughout the semester.
A final benchmark at semesters’ end will be a short student presentation to a Science Department faculty meeting, outlining the work accomplished.
The expected level of assistance and time available from a mentor teacher is estimated to include:
● A check-in once per cycle;
● More involved meetings as required: 6 max / semester
Importantly, the student will not be meeting with the mentor teacher every day / every other day like a traditional school class.
Evidence of work must be maintained by the student. This might include, but is not limited to:
● A journal
● A work and/or time log
● A notebook
The expected time the student spends on an Independent Study is estimated at: 2-3 hrs / week, but this is entirely dependent on the individuals endeavors and application to their studies.
Failure to meet these requirements will result in a Failing grade for an Independent Study.
Students who wish to take advantage of this opportunity should:
· Discuss their study interest with their guidance counselor, and obtain an independent study application/contract.
· COMPLETE the application/contract by providing a description of their proposed program of study, their reasons for undertaking this program, how it will be carried out, with whom they will be studying, and how their performance will be evaluated.
· OBTAIN the necessary signatures on the application - student's, sponsors, parents’ and guidance counselor's.
· RETURN the completed application to their guidance counselor for approval by the principal. Once the application has been completed and approved, students must keep a log of time devoted to the project, and fulfill all of the other terms of their contract if they expect to receive credit.
Note: Specific conditions for the awarding of credit for Online and Independent Study are noted on the application.