Administrator: Elizabeth Acee | Phone: 453-1500, ext. 4003 | Department Chair: Michelle Fanelli
Students have the opportunity to learn the extensive array of concepts, related facts, and laboratory skills of science through a program of many offerings. Laboratory experiences are strongly emphasized; therefore an additional period is required for Honors and Regents Earth & Space Sciences, Life Science: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
REGENTS EXAMINATION ELIGIBILITY All Regents science courses require at least 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory exercises accompanied by satisfactory written reports.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT/COLLEGE CONCURRENT COURSE/HONORS LEVEL These programs are designed for students who are exceptionally skilled and desire an enriched program of study. Note: For advanced placement, honors level classes, and college level courses it is suggested a final average of at least 90 in the previous grade and a teacher recommendation.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Course Number: 4407
Required course materials: 3 ring binder, spiral notebook, pencils, and a simple 4-function calculator.
This course is designed for 9th grade students that have successfully completed 7th and 8th grade Science and Math. Regents Earth & Space Sciences students study geology, meteorology, climatology, and astronomy, with a focus on world environmental issues. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, observation, data collection and analysis. This course requires successful completion, a grade of 65% or higher, on the three mandated NYSED investigations and completion of 1200 total lab minutes to sit for the course-specific Regents examination.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Course Number: 4413
Required course materials: notebook or composition book (100 pages), 2-pocket folder
Honors level Earth & Space Sciences students are expected to be self-motivated, independent learners who will master the Regents curriculum faster and with significantly less teacher directed support. Students will be expected to participate in regular class discussions. In addition to the expectation of the academic Earth & Space Sciences curricula, students will learn to read scientific articles and summarize the relevant information during an in-class presentation. Students will select a topic or issue of interest to them (could be global or local in extent), and will have the opportunity to choose from several project options. Some of the project options are collaborative, while others are independent. Regardless of the project choice, students will share their findings with a broader audience outside of school. This course requires successful completion, a grade of 65% or higher, on the three mandated NYSED Investigations and completion of 1200 total lab minutes to sit for the course-specific Regents examination.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Course Number: 4405
Required course materials: folder, loose leaf paper, writing utensils
A general (non-lab) level Earth Science course provides an opportunity for all students to earn a Physical Science credit as freshmen. Students will actively problem solve, make observations, and collect and analyze data during the year. Topics include scientific investigations, natural resources and the Earth’s Crust, weather and climate, natural disasters, Earth’s history, and astronomy.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Course Number: 4418
Note: This course is mandatory for most diplomas
Prerequisite: Completion of Earth & Space Sciences (Regents/Honors).
Required course materials: pencil, pen
This course fulfills the science Regents diploma requirement, also for students looking to earn a higher level Regents diploma. Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the living environment and recognize their real-life applications. The instructional focus is on conceptual understanding plus application through lab experiences, reading science literature, and writing. Evolution, organization of biological systems at all scales, dynamic equilibrium, reproduction- growth-development, genetics-molecular biology, and interactions-interdependence are the main themes. Students also practice the scientific method. This course requires successful completion, a grade of 65% or higher, on the three mandated NYSED Investigations and completion of 1200 total lab minutes to sit for the course-specific Regents examination.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Course Number: 4427
Prerequisite: Successful completion of honors Earth & Space Sciences (85% or higher) or 90% or higher in Regents Earth & Space Sciences; suggested Regents exam score of 85% or higher.
Required course materials: pencil, pen
This course is designed for students that are looking to achieve an advanced Regents with Honors diploma, take AP Biology in the future, pursue a career in science, and/or attend a competitive four year college. This course will include the Regents Life Science: Biology curriculum and include additional content in preparation for the AP Biology course. Students will be expected to show greater comprehension of biological concepts and perform at a higher level than those in the Regent Life Science: Biology course. Honors students are expected to maintain an average of 85% AND score a minimum of 85% on the Regents exam. This course requires successful completion, a grade of 65% or higher, on the three mandated NYSED Investigations and completion of 1200 total lab minutes to sit for the course-specific Regents examination.
*Recommended prior to AP Biology
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Course Number: 4433/4434
Prerequisites: Completion of Earth and Space Science and Life Science: Biology with 75% or higher for the course and Regents exam, and completion of Algebra 80% or higher
Required course materials: pencil, pen, folder or binder to stay organized, Scientific Calculator
This course is designed for 10th grade accelerated students and 11th - 12th graders. The course presents a modern view of the study of matter. Success in this course is well-correlated with a solid mathematics background. The units of study include: matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, periodic table, mathematics of chemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, redox and electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. This course requires successful completion, a grade of 65% or higher, on the three mandated NYSED Investigations and completion of 1200 total lab minutes to sit for the course-specific Regents examination.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Course Number: 4435/4436
Prerequisite: It is recommended final averages of 85% in previous science honors courses (Earth and Space Science and Life Science: Biology) and Algebra with 85% or higher.
Required course materials: pencil, pen, folder or binder to stay organized, Scientific Calculator
This course is designed for 10th grade accelerated students and 11th - 12th graders. Students will do in–depth advanced study of atomic structure and theory, chemical formulas and equations, thermochemical equations, behavior of gasses, periodic table, electronic structure of atoms, ionic and covalent bonding, solution chemistry, organic chemistry, rate of reaction, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, precipitation reactions, oxidation–reduction reactions, and electrochemistry. Students should possess a high degree of self–motivation and the ability to work independently. This course requires successful completion, a grade of 65% or higher, on the three mandated NYSED Investigations and completion of 1200 total lab minutes to sit for the course-specific Regents examination.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 10-12 | Course Number: 4462
Prerequisite: Successful completion of a previous science Regents course (Earth and Space Science or Life Science: Biology) and Algebra.
Required course materials: pencil, pen, folder or binder (preferred)
This course is a general (non-Regents) level physical science course that provides an opportunity for all students to earn a physical science credit as a 10th, 11th, or 12th grader. This course is designed for the student who desires a basic knowledge of chemistry and physics. The curriculum focuses on an understanding of physical systems and will include mathematical problem solving. (Think basic algebra for a reason!) Such topics may include matter and energy within physical sciences, atomic structure and periodic table, bonding and chemical reactions, nuclear and organic chemistry, fundamental concepts of mechanics (motion), Newton’s Laws, momentum, waves (mechanical), waves (sound and light), electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 10-12 | Course Number: 4450
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth & Space Sciences and Life Science: Biology
Required course materials: composition or 1-subject notebook, folder
Human Anatomy & Physiology is a well-established Biology elective course. It will not culminate in a Regents examination. It will contain an integrated lab component, with multiple chances for students to participate in dissections. It is designed to provide accurate information about the structure and function of the human body in an interesting manner. Students interested in the medical field will find this a great entry into learning about multiple medical fields. Students that have an interest in how the human body works will also be provided a foundation for understanding the human body.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 11-12 | Course Number: 4443/4444
Prerequisites: Completion of Earth and Space Science and Life Science: Biology with a 75% or higher and 80% or higher in Algebra. Geometry may be taken concurrently.
Required course materials: pen, pencil, 3 ring binder (preferred) or folder, Scientific Calculator
This course is designed for 10th grade accelerated students and 11th and 12th graders. The curriculum focuses on abstract conceptual reasoning of physical systems and quantitative problem solving. While the course is algebra-based, the vast majority of the subject involves complicated mathematical relationships, manipulations, and interpretations. This course presents a modern view of physics. The major emphasis is placed on fundamental concepts of mechanics, energy, electricity and magnetism, wave phenomena, and modern physics. Since mathematics is a significant part of this course, problem solving skills using algebra, basic trigonometry and geometry will be applied through this course. New and complex physical concepts will be covered at a consistently rigorous pace, and it will be necessary for students to be independently motivated to develop and perfect the skills and concepts that are vital for success in the course. Students looking to enter all technical careers (ex. forensics, electricians, auto mechanics, machinists, medical, engineering, and nursing) are strongly encouraged to take this course. Includes a 1200-minute lab eligibility requirement to sit for the Regents exam.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 11-12 | Course Number: 4461
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth & Space Sciences or Life Science: Biology.
Required course materials: composition or 1-subject notebook, folder
Environmental Science is an integrated discussion, project and laboratory course designed to task students with the investigation of environmental concepts and issues from an interdisciplinary approach. Environmental matters and controversies will be explored from geological, chemical, physical, ecological, social, economic, ethical and governmental policy positions. Students will gain an understanding of earth system science, and analyze and predict the impact of environmental issues such as population growth, resource management, toxicology, industrial and municipal pollution, and global climate change. Field and case studies of human interaction with the environment and the challenges of preserving sustainable air, soil and drinking water quality will be investigated.
ASTRONOMY
40 Weeks | 1 Credits | Grades 10 -12 | Course Number: 4463
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth & Space Sciences(or Physical Science) and Life Science: Biology
Required course materials: spiral notebook, pencils/pens, folder or binder
This course is designed for 10th-12th graders that have met the prerequisites and have an interest and passion for Astronomy. If you were not satisfied with how little time was spent on Astronomy in Earth & Space Sciences, this is the course for you! In this course, we will do a deep dive into the many topics in Astronomy that were only skimmed over before. Topics include: The Earth’s Motions & Place, The Moon, The Solar System, Star Formation & Stellular Evolution, History of Astronomy, Exoplanets, Constellations, Galaxies, Black Holes, The Big Bang & the Fate of Our Universe and much much more!
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 11-12 | Course Number: 4464
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth & Space Sciences and Life Science: Biology.
Required course materials: pencil, pen, folder or binder to stay organized, lined paper or notebook with lined paper
This course is designed for students entering 11th or 12th grades. In particular, students interested in the following CTE programs: hospitality and food (travel), business administration, communication art, and then drone program are encouraged to take this course. This will introduce students to atmospheric processes important to understanding the weather. Students are expected to be self-motivated and independent learners who are capable of abstract thought. Meteorology has significant deep concepts. Special emphasis will be placed on local weather phenomena and weather forecasting. Topics that will be covered include winter storms and lake-effect snow, nor’easters, thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes, weather modeling, reading and analyzing weather maps including surface maps and satellite and radar images, and the impact of climate change on our weather. The successful student will be: able to work independently and as part of a team, well-organized, curious, and proactive, and interested in learning more about the weather. An average of 80 or higher in the sciences is strongly recommended. A cumulative final exam is required of all students.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 10-12 | Course Number: 4466
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment or Life Science: Biology & Chemistry (can be concurrently enrolled)
Required course materials: pencil, pen, folder or binder to stay organized
This course is designed for 10th-12th graders who have met the prerequisite and who have an interest in Forensic Science, the application of science (chemistry, physics, and biology) to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. This course includes case studies and investigations on topics such as fingerprinting, fiber analysis, ballistics, arson, trace evidence analysis, poisons, drugs, blood spatters, and blood samples. Students are taught proper collection, preservation, and laboratory analysis of various samples as they engage in various laboratory investigations throughout the year.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 11-12 | Course Number: 4465
Prerequisite: Successfully passed Life Science: Biology and successfully passing the Life Science Biology Regents Exam is strongly recommended.
Required course materials: pencil, pen, folder or binder to stay organized
This course is designed for 11 & 12 graders with a strong interest in science in general and/or animals. Content is NOT pre-taught in any other courses so students have to master a large, new set of vocabulary. Students with interests in animals, vet medicine, working at a zoo or wildlife outreach, forestry or environmental interests are common in this course. Zoology will focus on the detailed examination of the 10 major phyla within the Animal kingdom (Porifera, Cnidarians, Ctenophores, Rotifers, Platyhelminthes, Annelids, Molluscs, Arthropods, Echinoderms and Chordates). With hundreds of new species discovered every year and thousands waiting to be named, students will gain an understanding of how these organisms will be classified based on identifying characteristics including structural and behavioral adaptations, anatomy, the various roles these groups play within a balanced ecosystem and their evolutionary history. This course will also strengthen student appreciation and understanding of the fragilities of our ecosystems, the roles animals play in keeping them balanced, and why it is important to protect them.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grades 11-12 | Course Number: 4491
Prerequisites: Completed Life Science: Biology and Chemistry with above an 80 on both Regents exams
Note: Accelerated juniors taking AP Biology must have achieved a minimum grade of 85 on the Chemistry Regents exam to enter the course.
Required course materials: pencil, pen, folder or binder to stay organized, Graphing Calculator
This course is designed for 11th and 12th graders who enjoy working hard to solve problems and have an interest in Biology. AP Biology is an introductory college-level Biology course. The students are introduced to the fundamental characteristics of life from the cellular level all the way up to the ecological community. As required by the College Board, students enrolled in AP Biology will spend a minimum of 25% of class time participating in laboratory exercises. This class is not a lecture course and is hands-on utilizing a flipped classroom model. Other learning tasks include case studies, concept mapping, analysis of historical data, discussion of current biological research, creating and captioning diagrams and models, and generating multiple representations of important ideas in the content. The estimated fee for the required AP exam is $94.
40 Weeks | 1 LHS Credit | 8 College Credits | Grade 12 | Course Number: 4445
Prerequisite: Algebra, Regents Chemistry. It is recommended an 85% average in science courses and strong mathematical skills.
Required course materials: pencil, pen, folder or binder to stay organized, Scientific Calculator
SUPA Chemistry is a cooperative effort between Syracuse University and Liverpool High School that provides qualified students the opportunity to enroll in SU courses taken directly from the SU course catalog. The curriculum and labs are completely aligned with Syracuse University, and upon successful completion of the course students will receive 8 hours of course credit from Syracuse University for a total cost of $920. Topics of study will include atomic structure, stoichiometry, electronic structure and chemical bonding, descriptive solution chemistry, gases, kinetics, thermodynamics and equilibrium.
40 Weeks | 1 LHS Credit | Grade 12 | Course Number: 4494
Prerequisite: Algebra, Regents Chemistry. It is recommended an 85% average in science courses and strong mathematical skills.
Required course materials: pencil, pen, folder or binder to stay organized, Scientific Calculator
The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations, as they explore topics such as: atomic structure, intermolecular forces and bonding, chemical reactions, kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium. The AP Chemistry course requires that 25 percent of the instructional time provides students with opportunities to engage in laboratory investigations. This includes a minimum of 16 hands-on labs, at least six of which are inquiry based. The estimated fee for the required AP exam is $94.
40 Weeks | 1 Credit | Grade 12 | Course Number: 4495
Prerequisite: 85% or higher in Honors Chemistry and 85% or higher in Algebra 2 and strong math skills are essential.
Required course materials: Scientific Calculator and notebook
This course is designed for 11th or 12th grade students. AP Physics 1 consists of the first semester of an introductory college physics survey course. Physics is physical science which is concerned with the relationship between matter and energy. Students will explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. The ultimate goal of physics is to explain the physical universe in terms of basic interactions and simple particles and to predict the behavior of those particles based on a given set of initial conditions. The underlying theme of physics is force and its effects, physics deals with the events of everyday living. This is a difficult course that requires 4-8 hours of student work outside of the regular class each week. Students looking to enter all technical or engineering careers are strongly encouraged to take this course. The Physics Regents exam is optional for this course. To sit for the Regents examination, this course requires successful completion, a grade of 65% or higher, on the three mandated NYSED Investigations and completion of 1200 total lab minutes.