Science

 The NYS Science Learning Standards, a 3-dimensional experience, were adopted in 2016 with a strong emphasis on science and engineering practices. The inquiry-based model began within this curriculum encouraging students to ask questions and define the problems. They would then develop and use models to help determine or create the scenario allowing them to plan and investigate. After analyzing and interpreting the data, they would construct explanations and design solutions. They would then be able to support their argument with evidence and be able to communicate their findings. 

The cross-cutting concepts are a key part in the inquiry process. Patterns, cause and effect, systems and system models, energy and matter, structure and function, scale proportion and quantity as well as stability and change are used to make connections during the investigations and lessons between the sciences and other core subjects. Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, elementary and intermediate-level science teachers will be required to do certain investigations or labs that will provide students with certain experiential learning that will be applied on both the 5th and 8th grade State assessments. Each grade level will have a role to play in ensuring each of the investigations are covered. Elementary classrooms are expected to have 30 minutes of science instruction every other day (or the equivalent) which can be incorporated and integrated within the ELA curriculum. 

Once the student is in high school, there are required labs in order to not only pass the class but also to qualify for the regents (1200 lab minutes-which is a graduation requirement). In order to graduate, students must have three science credits and have successfully (above a 65) pass one Regents exam. Classes within our agriculture department as well as some science electives can also be used. For an Advanced Regents Diploma, students must pass three Regents in Living Environment, Earth Science, Chemistry or Physics.