Science

The Earth Science program is designed to encourage students to investigate their world through lab-based experiences.This course will help foster a new understanding and appreciation of the world around them through the study of geology, meteorology, astronomy, and environmental issues.  The advanced course will study most concepts in more depth and be required to engage in additional enrichment in each unit.

Topics will include:

•  Earth Dimensions

•  Rocks and Minerals

•  Surface Processes and Landscapes

•  Dynamic Crust

•  Earth History

•  Meteorology

•  Water Cycle & Climate

•  Astronomy

•  Environmental Awareness

Regents Examination Physical Setting in Earth and Space Science

The Living Environment is a Regents level, laboratory based course. Students will study living organisms by focusing on the following themes: energy, environment, evolution, patterns of change, scale and structure, stability, systems and interactions, and unity and diversity. Course will also have a focus on increasing literacy, specifically scientific literacy.

Topics will include:

• Introduction to Biology

• Interdependence of Living Things

• Homeostasis

• Reproduction and Development

• Genetics

• Evolution

• Diversity of Living Things

Regents Examination: Life Science: Biology

In addition to the topics and requisites which are described in the Regents Living Environment curriculum, advanced students are taught the content at an SAT 2 level.This means that students are responsible for details of the biochemical pathways of cellular respiration and photosynthesis; details of transcription and translation; Population genetics and evolution. Students enrolled in this course will study human physiology and reproduction and development at a higher level of understanding.Supplemental labs, activities and more rigorous testing is part of this curriculum. Students will be exposed to SAT 2 level questions in tests and quizzes. This course prepares students for the SAT subject test in Biology, therefore students are strongly encouraged to take this test in June.

Regents Exam: Living Environment: Biology 

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year.The course includes topics regularly covered in freshman biology and differs significantly from the high school Biology course with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the types of laboratory exercises and the amount of time and effort required of students.The aim of an AP course is to provide students with a conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the facts, theories, and vocabulary of biology. All students are required to take the AP exam in May and are responsible for the cost of the exam.

Topics will include:

• Molecules and Cells

• Cellular Energetics

• Heredity and Evolution

• Molecular Genetics

• Organisms and Populations

• Diversity of Organisms

• Structure and Function of Plants and Animals

• Ecology

The chemistry course is designed to focus on the understanding of concepts, relationships, processes, historical development, models, and applications of chemical principles.  It will allow students to explain, analyze, and interpret chemical processes, and apply creative problem solving and reasoning skills to real world problems.

Topics will include:

• Matter/Measurement

• Atoms/Atomic Structure/Periodic Table

• Chemical Bonding

• Formulas/Compounds/Equations/Reactions

• Stoichiometry

• Gas Laws

• Matter & Energy

• Concentration Systems

• Acids/Bases

• Reaction Energy/Kinetics

• Redox/Electrochemistry

• Organic Chemistry

• Nuclear Chemistry

Regents Exam:Physical Setting: Chemistry

The accelerated chemistry course covers all of the topics covered in the Regents level chemistry course, but covers them in more detail and depth to prepare the accelerated student for the Advanced Placement chemistry course.  Additional material covered includes: unit factoring in more than one dimension, quantum numbers, light theory, Lewis structures, valence shell electron pair repulsion theory, dipoles, classical naming system, chemical reaction generalities, Graham’s law, conversions between concentration systems, colligative properties, Hess’ law, Gibb’s equation, equilibrium constant calculations, balancing redox reactions, organic chemistry functional groups and reaction types.Throughout the year additional worksheets and textbook problems are assigned in lecture class.

Regents Exam:Physical Setting: Chemistry

The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year.This course can be taken after completion of Regents Chemistry. It is highly desirable that the students have a course in Regents Physics and three years of college preparatory mathematics.All students are required to take the AP exam in May and are responsible for the cost of the exam.

Topics will include:

• Atomic Structure

• Stoichiometry

• Chemical Reactions/Solutions

• Thermochemistry/Chemical Thermodynamics

• Electronic Structure

• Bonding/Molecular Geometry/Periodic Table

• Gases

• Liquids & Solids

• Kinetics

• Equilibrium

• Acids & Bases

• Electrochemistry

The goal of the AP Environmental Science is to provide student with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand 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.  Environmental science is interdisciplinary, it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study with several major unifying constructs, or themes that cut across the many topics included in the study of environmental science.  All students are required to pay a fee to take the AP exam in spring.

Physics is a laboratory science designed for the college bound student with strong math skills.Both the regents and advanced classes will investigate a variety of natural laws and the mathematical descriptions that represent them.  The course will include class lectures, laboratory studies, classroom demonstrations and problem sets before each unit test. The advanced class will study most concepts in more depth and be required to do additional problems in each unit.

Topics will include:

• Uniform motion

• Forces

• Vectors

• Motion in Two Dimensions

• Momentum

• Waves

• Electrostatics

• Current Electricity

• Magnetism

• Modern Physics

Regents Exam: Physical Setting: Physics 

The Advanced Placement Physics B course is representative of topics covered in similar college courses in five general areas.  While algebra-based, rather than Calculus-based, strong math skills will be required throughout the year. Additionally, the course will have a laboratory requirement similar to entry level college courses.  All students are required to take the AP exam in May and are responsible for the cost of the exam.

Topics may include:

• Newtonian Mechanics

• Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics

• Electricity and Magnetism

• Waves and Optics

• Atomic and Nuclear Physics

This one semester course will serve as an introduction to the universe, including celestial bodies as well as space exploration. Related current news (articles, exploration, studies) will be incorporated into the course as well. Student involvement will include research papers and presentations of past, present, and future space science topics.

Topics will include:

• Introduction to Astronomical Concepts

• Astronomical Vocabulary

• Planetary Astronomy

• History of Astronomy as a science

• Constellations

• Research: Patterns in the Sky

• Modern arrangement of the universe

• Solar System

• Race to the Moon

• Outer Space science

• Modern research in astronomy

• Benefits of space science (spin-offs)

Current Topics is a one semester Senior Elective course designed to provide an opportunity to examine current social and ethical issues in science. Through current reading materials and classroom discussions, students will analyze and evaluate various points of view to determine their stand on relevant issues in contemporary biology.Participation and presentations are required as part of this course. This course is open to 11th and 12th graders.

Topics may include but are not limited to:

• Right to Die/Right to Refuse Medical Treatment

• Reproductive Technology

• Transplants

• Drugs

• HIV/AIDS

• Genetic Engineering/Gene Therapy

This one semester course will serve as an introduction to the living and non-living environment. Related current news articles and current environmental policy will be incorporated into the course via classroom discussion as well as student centered research papers and presentations of past and present environmental issues.

Topics vary each semester and may include the following:

• Environmental Law

• Study of ecosystem types

• Pollution

• Energy

• Climate Change

• Current research and applications

• Environmental Policy

Human Biology is a challenging one semester elective course designed to provide an introduction into the anatomy and physiology of the human body, giving special emphasis to the various mechanisms of disease.This course is designed for students who want to gain deeper insight into the human body and its functions. It is beneficial for students interested in pursuing careers in health care.

Topics will include:

• Introduction/Body Plan

• Mechanisms of Disease

• Skeletal System

• Muscular System

• The Heart

• Circulatory System

• Digestive System

• Respiratory System

• Nervous System

Introduction to Forensic Science is a one semester course designed as an introduction to the application of scientific concepts to criminal investigations. This course requires a significant amount of reading and writing and will require students to explore topics in biology and chemistry. Two years of science including biology as an understanding of concepts such as DNA is essential to forensic topics like DNA fingerprinting.

Topics will include:

• History of Forensic Science and Criminalistics

• Trace Evidence

• Toxicology

• Pathology

• Genetics

• Document

An introduction to the organization and dynamics of the biological communities that dominate freshwater and marine habitats, emphasizing key ecological processes common to all aquatic habitats. Environmental threats to the integrity of aquatic communities and issues related to conservation will serve as a focus for readings and class discussions. Close interlinkage between atmospheric and hydrospheric environments will be explored.  Laboratory investigations will emphasize field surveys and practical techniques, both analytical and quantitative. 

Students in grades 11-12 may take this course.

Why do curveballs curve? What’s the science behind the perfect free throw? In this exciting course, students will uncover the physics, biology, and chemistry that make sports thrilling and effective. Through experiments, data analysis, and hands-on activities, students will investigate how scientific principles like force, energy, and aerodynamics shape performance in a variety of sports. From analyzing the effects of temperature on a football's PSI to calculating the force of a tackle or the trajectory of a home run, this course combines classroom learning with practical applications. By connecting science to sports, students will gain a deeper appreciation for both while sharpening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Key Highlights: 

● Explore how Newton’s Laws apply to sports movements. 

● Conduct experiments on equipment performance under varying conditions. 

● Use mathematics to predict and analyze player performance and game strategies. 

● Understand the biomechanics of human motion in sports. 

Who Should Take This Course? 

This course is ideal for athletes, sports enthusiasts, and students curious about science in action. Whether you're a future scientist or an aspiring coach, this course will help you understand the game on a whole new level! 

Open to 11th and 12th grade students

Dive into the dynamic world of kinesiology, the science of human movement! This engaging and hands-on course explores how our bodies are designed to move and perform. From understanding the skeletal and muscular systems to analyzing the biomechanics behind everyday actions, students will uncover the fascinating connections between anatomy, physiology, and physical activity. Through interactive labs, practical activities, and project-based learning, students will explore topics such as injury prevention, exercise physiology, and the psychological aspects of performance. They’ll also gain insights into the role of nutrition, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and how energy is produced and utilized during movement. By the end of the course, students will have developed a foundational understanding of kinesiology, enhanced their personal fitness awareness, and explored potential careers in health, wellness, and sports science. Key Highlights: 

● Learn how bones, muscles, and joints work together to create movement. 

● Experiment with biomechanics to optimize performance and prevent injury. 

● Design personalized fitness plans and analyze energy systems in action. 

● Explore the role of mental health, nutrition, and recovery in physical activity 

Open to 11th and 12th grade students