Our Courses

Earth Science

Credit: 1 unit | Grade: 9 | Prerequisite: None

This course encourages students to use scientific processes to investigate their surroundings. Extensive laboratory exercises use the students’ life experiences and natural surroundings to help provide a better understanding of the planet Earth and its place in the universe. The course is organized into these areas: Astronomy, Geology, Meteorology, Geologic History, and Physical Oceanography. In the block schedule, the class meets 3 out of 4 times in each cycle, averaging about 6 hours in a five-day week. Earth Science is an initial course in science. Students are required to complete and pass a minimum number of lab activities prior to taking the Regents exam in June. As part of the Regents exam, students also take a lab performance test, covering major laboratory skills and activities, approximately two weeks prior to the written Regents exam. This performance test counts for approximately 15% of the total Regents score. Students must complete 1,200 minutes of lab experience and have satisfactory written lab reports on file for admission the Regents examination.

Earth Science Honors

Credit: 1 unit | Grade: 9 | Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment in 8th grade

Earth Science Honors is a rigorous course that covers the content and requirements of Earth Science (Geology, Meteorology and Astronomy) and engages students in a multi-month research project culminating in an Earth Science Symposium. This course follows the accelerated science program in the 8th grade. Students develop skills in file management, database searches for scholarly articles, how to read scholarly publications for understanding, and also how to create different types of work products. The work products include: a magazine-style review article, a scientific poster and an oral presentation given to a panel of judges at The Earth Science Symposium held at the high school in early spring. Students are required to complete and pass a minimum number of lab activities prior to taking the Regents exam. Students must complete 1,200 minutes of lab experience and have satisfactory written lab reports on file for admission to the Regents examination.

Living Environment

Credit: 1 unit | Grade: 8*, 10, 11, 12 |Prerequisite: None

Students study the interrelationships between organisms (plants, animals, microbes and humans), environment, biochemistry, modes of reproduction and development, genetic continuity, cellular structure and physiology, patterns of evolution and adaptation, and comparative animal and plant anatomy and physiology. Laboratory work is an integral part of each unit of study.

*8th grade students are eligible to take this course for credit as an accelerated option with Science teacher recommendation. An 85+ average must be maintained to remain in this course. Students must complete 1,200 minutes of lab experience and have satisfactory written lab reports on file for admission to the Regents examination.

College Prep Chemistry Honors

Credit: 1 unit | Grade: 10 | Prerequisites: Screening process, 85+ final average in Living Environment and teacher recommendation. Must currently be taking accelerated math—High-level math skills are required. (If a student is not in accelerated math, then a math teacher recommendation is required)

This is an accelerated chemistry curriculum that explores the unifying principles of chemistry in depth. The course will prepare students for Advanced Placement courses. Designed for students who plan to pursue science, engineering or mathematics in college. Requires high-level math skills and use of logarithms. The units of student include: Elements and the Periodic Table, Compounds, Mathematics of Chemistry, Energy, Kinetics and Equilibrium, Acid-Base Theories, Redox and Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Applications of the Principles of Chemistry. Students must complete 1,200 minutes of lab experience and have satisfactory written lab reports on file for admission to the Regents examination

College Prep Chemistry

Credit: 1 unit | Grade: 11, 12 | Prerequisites: Successful completion of high school science and currently taking Math 11R or Algebra 2, teacher recommendation - High-level math skills are required. Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science

This course presents a modern view of chemistry that is designed for students who plan to pursue science, engineering or mathematics in college. High-level math skills are required. The units of study include: Elements and the Periodic Table, Compounds, Mathematics of Chemistry, Energy, Kinetics and Equilibrium, Acid-Base Theories, Redox and Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Applications of the Principles of Chemistry. Students must complete 1,200 minutes of lab experience and have satisfactory written lab reports on file for admission to the Regents examination

Chemistry

Credit: 1 unit |Grade: 11, 12 | Prerequisite: Successful completion of two years of high school science and math—Basic math skills are required

This course focuses on the practical application of chemistry to the world around us. Basic mathematical skills are necessary. Students requiring a basic knowledge of chemistry for further studies in nursing, agriculture, photography, environmental science, or other professional training will benefit from this course. The course includes many hands-on labs. Topics include: Lab Analysis, Environmental Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Energetics, Atomic Structure, Elements, Bonding, Acids and Bases, Solution Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Nuclear Chemistry.

College Prep Physics

Credit: 1 unit | Grade: 11, 12 | Prerequisite: Currently taking Math 11R or Algebra 2 and teacher recommendation— High-level math skills are recommended AND Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science

Physics is designed for the academically oriented student and introduces topics in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and light. Proficiency in algebra and trigonometry is required. Students must complete 1,200 minutes of lab experience and have satisfactory lab reports on file for admission the Regents examination.

Forensic Science

Credit: 1 unit Grade: 11, 12 Prerequisites: Successful completion of Living Environment

Forensic Science is an introductory course. Students will apply their background knowledge from biology and chemistry to solving crimes. Topics will include, DNA, blood analysis, fingerprinting, hairs, fibers, glass, chemical analysis and crime scene processing. A comprehensive final exam will account for 20% of the final grade.

SUPA CHE 113 Forensic Science (Syracuse University Project Advance, 4 credits)

Credit: 1 unit Grade: 11, 12 Prerequisites: Living Environment and College Prep Chemistry. Must have recommendation and an 85+ final average if student took Chemistry

This four (4) credit college course focuses on the application of scientific methods and techniques to crime and law. The course provides an introduction to understanding the science behind crime detection. Scientific methods specifically relevant to crime detection and analysis will be presented, emphasizing 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 comparisons, finger-prints, soil chemistry, and arson investigations. The course has a laboratory component, which teaches techniques used in crime scene investigations. A comprehensive final exam will account for 20% of the final grade. There is a tuition cost for enrollment in SUPA courses.

RxeSEARCH - An Education Journey

Credit: 1/2 unit—outside of the school day; Oct - March | Grade: 11, 12 | Prerequisites: Living Environment, College Prep Chemistry or at least a concurrent enrollment in College Prep Chemistry and should have an 80+ average.

The RxeSEARCH curriculum takes students through the discovery, development and marketing of a pharmaceutical drug. A series of eleven lessons involving reading assignments and hands-on lab activities expose students to many facets of the pharmaceutical industry. The lessons involve biology, chemistry, general science, mathematics, language arts, ethics, social studies, business and marketing. This multidisciplinary approach is designed to engage and enlighten students. The experience will also introduce students to a wide variety of pharmaceutical career opportunities. Students will complete team final projects that will be presented at Bristol MyersSquibb. This is a Pass/Fail course.

Environmental Science

Credit: 1 unit | Grade: 11, 12 | Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment

This is an activity-based course involving studies of air, soil, streams, lakes and their interrelationships with living organisms. Topics covered include food web interactions, aquatic biology, forest biology, conservation of natural resources, wildlife populations, natural cycles, and air and water pollution. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach that includes photography, art, language arts, physical education, and computer skills.

SUPA PHY 101/102 Physics (Syracuse University Project Advance, 8 credits)

Credit: 1 unit |Grade: 11, 12 | Prerequisites: College Prep Chemistry, teacher recommendation

This is the one-year introductory, non-calculus physics science. This algebra-based course includes a regularly scheduled lab and provides the necessary physics background for health professionals and others who need physics but are not required to take a calculus-based course. The course introduces topics in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and light. Students may earn up to eight (8) college credits and/or exemption from college courses. There is a tuition cost for enrollment in SUPA courses.

SUPA CHE 106/107 Chemistry (Syracuse University Project Advance, 8 credits)

Credit: 1 unit | Grade: 11, 12 | Prerequisites: College Prep Chemistry, Living Environment and Math 11R Regents with an average of 85+ and recommendation of science faculty

Students will get a fascinating and fundamental grasp of the underpinnings of reality (as we currently understand them)! Students will investigate forms of energy, atomic structure, quantum theory, periodic law, molecular geometry, properties of liquids and gases, and more and will learn the concepts necessary for continued study in chemistry, medicine, biology, engineering, and physics. In the lab course (CHE 107), students will learn how to handle chemicals and equipment safely and the correct procedures for manipulating and reporting data. This course will prepare students to take the AP exam in May. Students may earn up to eight (8) college credits and/or exemption from college courses. SUPA final exams are given in January and June. There is a tuition cost for enrollment in SUPA courses.

SUPA BIO 121, 123/124 Biology (Syracuse University Project Advance, 8 credits)

Credit: 1 unit |Grade: 11, 12 | Prerequisites: Living Environment and College Prep Chemistry with an 85+ final average and recommendation of science faculty

SUPA Biology is a college course for highly motivated students. It is equivalent to two semesters of Introductory College Biology. A summer assignment including text readings and study guides must be completed prior to the beginning of school. Topics will include cell physiology, biochemistry, taxonomy, evolution, ecology, reproduction and development, genetics, plant and animal anatomy and physiology. This course will prepare students to take the AP Course exam in May, which may earn the student up to eight (8) college credits and/or exemption from college courses. There will be a final exam for BIO121 in January and a separate final for BIO123-124 in June. The final exams will count for 20% of the final grade in each course. There is a cost associated with the AP exam as well as a tuition cost for enrollment in SUPA courses.

Anatomy and Physiology

Credit: 1 unit |Grade: 11, 12 | Prerequisites: Living Environment, College Prep Chemistry

Anatomy and Physiology is intended for students who wish to pursue a career as a doctor, nurse, veterinarian, dentist, biologist, or pharmacist. These students will likely be required to take a college level anatomy and physiology course in their freshman or sophomore year. Therefore, the purpose of the course is to introduce anatomy and physiology so they will be better prepared for the challenges of this rigorous coursework. It will focus on eleven systems of the body and include learning the names and functions of thousands of structures. The course requires a great deal of memorization. Coursework includes a combination of lectures, reading independent projects, laboratory experiences, and cat dissection. Exams will include identification of structures by lab practical, oral quizzes and written responses. Exams constitute a large part of each marking period grade. There is a comprehensive final exam worth 20% of the course average.

SUNY - ESF: The Global Environment (EFB 120, 3 credits)

Credit: 1 unit | Grade: 10, 11, 12 | Prerequisites: Living Environment with an 85+ final average and recommendation of science faculty—Concurrent or successful completion of College Prep Chemistry or College Prep Chemistry Honors

This is a three (3) credit college-level environmental science course designed to help students make informed decisions regarding the environment. Topics include pollution, deforestation, climate change, acid rain, soil depletion, economics, evolution, history, and social justice. The course stresses a science based systems approach in evaluating problems and potential solutions as well as the critical role of energy in many of the environmental challenges facing the world. An overnight field experience is required for course participants. Offcampus data collection/research may be required. There is a tuition cost for enrollment in SUNY courses. An additional fee will be assessed to cover the field experience.

For more information about the above courses,

see your science teacher for or speak with your guidance counselor.