Science Department

Course Title         Credit               Length

COLLEGE & AP*

AP Biology* 1 40 Weeks

AP Chemistry* 1 40 Weeks

AP Environmental Science* 1 40 Weeks

College Physics 1 40 Weeks

*must have teacher recommendation to register for these classes

REGENTS

Life Science / Biology 1 40 Weeks

Earth and  Space Sciences 1 40 Weeks

Physical Setting Chemistry 1 40 Weeks

Physical Setting Physics 1 40 Weeks

NCAA APPROVED ELECTIVES

Project Chemistry 1 40 Weeks

Project Physics 1 40 Weeks

Human Anatomy   1 40 Weeks

Introduction to Forensic Science   1 40 Weeks

Explorations in Nanotechnology .5 20 Weeks

Intro to Robotics                                                 .5                 20 Weeks

Intro to College Physical Science       1 40 Weeks

LIFE SCIENCE /BIOLOGY (SC01)        

Credit: 1             Length: 40 Weeks       Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite:  None

This course stresses the basic life functions that occur in all living organisms with particular emphasis on select groups.  Special topics in biochemistry, genetics, reproduction, physiology, evolution and ecology are all included.  An attempt is made to correlate these activities with the problems one is confronted with in everyday life. Many skills will be developed that are essential for the success in future science courses.

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES (SC02)  

Credit: 1             Length: 40 Weeks       Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite:  None

Regents Earth and Space Sciences is the study of space systems including the universe and its stars and the solar system, the history of the earth, weather, climate, and global climate change and human sustainability which includes the study of natural resources and human impact.  There will be an emphasis on connections to engineering, technology, and applications of science and the ability to develop models  and construct explanations and possible solutions to the earth's problems.  

PHYSICAL SETTING/CHEMISTRY (SC03)    

Credit: 1          Length: 40 Weeks       Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite:  Earth and Space Sciences & Biology

A high level course that includes a comprehensive study of chemical principals as outlined in the NYS Regents Chemistry syllabus. Topics include atomic structure, bonding, the Periodic Table, the mathematics of chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, acid-base reactions, redox reactions, nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry. Homework will be assigned each day and students will be required to develop strong individual study skills in order to be successful in this class.

PROJECT CHEMISTRY (SC04)              

Credit: 1             Length: 40 Weeks       Grade: 11/12 Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Life Science/ Bio.

This course uses a more practical approach to chemistry.  It will cover the basic chemistry concepts that all students should know.  The topics covered that similar to Physical Setting Chemistry include: Matter, Energy, Atomic Structure, Bonding, Nuclear and Formulas and Equations.  Each of these units is completed through note taking, laboratory activities and projects based on the key concepts of these areas.  Several other chemistry and science concepts will also be covered during this class.  The students will complete lab activities that give them hands on experience with chemistry concepts.  The projects are designed to allow student to explore a chemistry topic in greater depth and develop a real world connection between chemistry and their own lives.

AP CHEMISTRY (SC05)                         

Credit: 1            Length: 40 Weeks       Grade: 11/12 Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Physical Setting / Chemistry course and exam required and Teacher Recommendation

Advanced Placement Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college chemistry course for science majors. The emphasis of the course is on the theoretical and mathematical relationships of stoichiometry, atomic structure, kinetics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, chemical reactions and descriptive chemistry. The course work in AP Chemistry is very challenging and requires a motivated, disciplined, hard working student.  Students need a strong Math and Science background including Mastery of PS/Chemistry to be successful.  In order to achieve at the highest level, Physics is recommended.  Students will have the opportunity to gain up to 8 college credits through the Advanced Studies Program at ECC by paying a fee and earning a grade of C or better in the course. There is a fee involved to take the AP Exam and all students enrolled will be expected to take the AP Exam or purchase credits from ECC. The fee for the AP exam is approximately $100.00. See page 1 for details. There is also a required summer assignment due on the first day of school.

PHYSICAL SETTING PHYSICS (SC06) 

Credit: 1             Length: 40 Weeks       Grade: 11/12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in Algebra 2 and Successful Completion of Regents Chemistry course and exam

This course follows the NYS curriculum for basic concepts in Physics.  The first semester covers Mechanics and Energy which includes Atomic Physics, Motion, Newton’s Laws, Forces, Momentum, Projectiles, Circular Motion, Work and Power.  The second semester covers Electricity, Electrical Circuits, Magnetism, Sound Waves, Light Waves and Light as a Particle.  The close association between Math and Science is demonstrated in this course – Physics is basically the application of Math to motion, energy, electricity and waves.  Importance of measurement in everyday, real life activities is also emphasized in this course.

COLLEGE PHYSICS (SC08)                    

Credit: 1            Length: 40 Weeks       Grade: 10/11/12

Prerequisite:  Successful Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in Algebra 2, Successful Completion of Regents Chemistry with an 80% or better on the exam and course average of 90% or better.  *Students who sign up for College Physics and do not meet the Chemistry requirements will be automatically placed in Regents Physics unless they have already taken it. 

College Physics is a course offered in conjunction with Niagara County Community College, PHY 131/PHY 132. The courses present a general overview of algebra-based physics at the introductory college level. Topics for the first semester are mainly mechanics based, and include one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion, projectiles, Newton's laws, momentum, energy, circular motion, states of matter, and the laws of thermodynamics. Topics for the second semester are electricity, magnetism, and will include also waves and optics, light and sound, circuits, and atomic and nuclear physics. If students choose to concurrently register with NCCC for this course, they may receive 4 credits per semester for a total of 8 credits.  See page 1 for details.

PROJECT PHYSICS (SC07)                         

Credit: 1             Length: 40 Weeks    Grade: 11/12 Prerequisite:  Algebra

Learning in Project physics centers around activities and projects.  Students are given engineering problems and work in groups to design, test, redesign, and produce solutions.  Students use spreadsheets, modeling software, and other technologies as part of the engineering process.  Students learn fundamental concepts of physics in areas such as motion, energy, light, waves, and electricity.  The importance of team work is emphasized as part of the problem solving process.

AP BIOLOGY (SC15)                              

Credit: 1          Length: 40 Weeks       Grade: 11/12

Prerequisite: Successful passing of the exam and course for Life Science / Biology and Physical Setting / Chemistry /Teacher Recommendation

Advanced Placement Biology is a 40 week course designed as an equivalent to a General Biology Course on the college level. The emphasis of the course will be in biochemistry, cellular structure and function, genetics, evolution, biodiversity, and ecology.  This curriculum is based on a Nationally Standardized Placement Program. Successful completion of the exam entitles the student to apply for college credit from any participating college or university in the country.  Listing of schools and marks required for credit are available.   All students registered for the course are expected to take the A.P. exam.  The fee for the exam is approximately $100.00.  Students will be required to complete a summer assignment. 

HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (SC12)      

Credit: 1    Length: 40 Weeks       Grade: 11/12

Prerequisite:  Successful Completion of Life Science / Biology Course and Exam

This 40 week course is designed as a second level biology course for students who have successfully passed a course in Regents and/or Living Environment/Biology. The major topics to be covered will include: an introduction to anatomical terms, a comparison of the levels of structural organization of the human body, histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, blood and immunity, nervous system, endocrine system, urinary system, respiratory system, reproductive system, and current topics in human biomedicine and disorders. The course will involve some laboratory investigations as well as group projects. Also, Human Anatomy & Physiology is a rigorous course with lots of terminology, much of which would be introduced in Regents Biology.

INTRO TO PHYSICAL SCIENCE (SC13)  

Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks      Grade: 11/12

Prerequisite: Successful Completion of 2 Regents Science Courses and Exams

This is a course that is divided into three major parts: Mathematical computations used in basic science courses for example scientific notation, significant figures, algebra and some trigonometry; Physics: Newton's Laws of Motion, momentum, impulse, work, energy, levers, magnetism and electricity; Basic laws of chemistry: atomic structure, periodic chart, nomenclature, chemical reactions and solution chemistry.  (4 credit hours NCCC)

INTRO TO FORENSIC SCIENCE (SC14)   

Credit: 1                 Length: 40 Weeks       Grade: 11/12

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of 2 Regents Sciences, one of which must be Regents Chemistry and a passing score on the Regents Chemistry Exam

Investigating crime scenes and accident scenes involves every aspect of science, from biology and anatomy to chemistry and physics - learn the reality behind the TV shows!  Observation skills, organizational skills, lab skills, and problem solving skills are needed to be successful in this course.  Topics include the study of hair and fiber, DNA and blood, evidence collection, arson, fingerprints, forensic anthropology and entomology, toxicology, impressions and tool marks, history and careers in forensics and more.  Topics are subject to change.   This course has an articulation agreement with Hilbert College for students choosing to attend Hilbert and major in Forensic Science.   Students in this course will be eligible to receive three college credits through Buffalo State University for reduced tuition ($275) upon maintaining a minimum of 70% average in the course as specified by Buffalo State. 

EXPLORATION IN NANOTECHNOLOGY (SC16) 

Credit: 1/2   Length: 20 Weeks   Grade: 11-12 Prerequisite: None

This is a half year course where students will work with biotechnology at the “nanoscale” (Science, Engineering and Technology conducted at the nanoscale) and discover both current and potential applications of nanosciences.  The sole purpose of the course will be to provide innovative Nanoscience and Nanoengineering concepts that will equip students with the skills necessary to pursue advanced educational opportunities in Nanotechnology. College credit from ECC is available for 11/12 graders and there must be a minimum of five students to run a class through ECC.

INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS (SC17)                             

Credit: 1/2   Length: 20 Weeks Grade: 9-12 Prerequisite:  None

This is a beginning course in Robotics.  We will be utilizing Vex EDR kits, Autodesk Inventor Software and other Robotic materials.  The objective of this course  is to introduce the student to basic programming as well as problem solving strategies.  Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program and document their progress.  Topics include motor control, gear ratios, torque, drivetrain design, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates decision making, timing sequences and propulsion systems.  During this process, they will learn key STEM principles and robotics concepts.  At the culmination of this class, they will compete head-to-head against their peers in the classroom.  We hope that this class will provide motivation for students to continue in computer science and engineering courses.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (SC18)                             

Credit: 1 Length: 40 Weeks Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Regents Biology, either completion of or co-enrollment in Regents Chemistry and a Teacher Recommendation.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science is a year-long course designed as an equivalent to an introductory one-semester college course. In APES, students will learn about the varying aspects of the natural world and how they interact with each other in the environment. Both natural and man-made environmental problems will be studied, and their potential solutions evaluated. Students will have the opportunity to study these issues through multiple angles - including the underlying scientific concepts, specific policies put in place to address them, and the advancements in technology and how it has affected things. There will be a strong hands-on component to this course. College credit can be earned upon the successful passing of the AP Exam. The fee for the exam is approximately $100.00. 

AIS SCIENCE 

Science AIS is designed to help students gain or improve the skills needed to pass the Regents exam for graduation.  Skills focus on building vocabulary, increasing comprehension, improving test-taking skills with multiple choice questions and document analysis.  They also work on short answer questions developing study and organizational skills.