Science Department Table of Contents

Introduction

Class Key

Full Year Courses

Biology

Physics

Earth and Space Science

Forensics

Chemistry

Advanced Placement Courses

UHS Courses

Half Year Courses

Introduction

The Shaker High School Science Department is dedicated to helping all students apply and effectively communicate scientific concepts and literacy to real-world phenomena through the use of independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These qualities will be modeled and fostered through the development of relevant curricula and the encouragement of appropriate collaboration in a safe, positive, and supportive environment.

Class Key

P = Prerequisite
E = Elective
R = Regents
AP = Advanced Placement
UHS = University in the High School

Full Year Courses

Biology

312 Unified Biology 1

NCAA Approved Course for .5 credit only

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Recommendation from current teacher.

The Unified Biology 1 course is the first year of a two-year program and focuses on topics found in the first half of the Biology-R/H curriculum, but is a modified version of the course. Support and assessments are designed to measure instructional objectives and to allow for the special needs of each student. This program, in conjunction with the Unified Biology 2 course the following year, culminates in the New York State Regents Exam in Life Science. New York State requires that students must submit 1200 minutes of satisfactory laboratory work, including the New York State mandated investigations, to qualify to sit for the Regents Exam. These minutes and mandated investigations are included in the combination of this course and Unified Biology 2 (313).

313 Unified Biology 2 (P)

NCAA Approved Course for .5 credit only

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Unified Biology 1 and all laboratories associated with Unified Biology 1.

The Unified Biology 2 course is the second year of a two-year program and focuses on topics found in the second half of the Biology-R/H curriculum, but is a modified version of the course. Support and assessments are designed to measure instructional objectives and to allow for the special needs of each student. This program, in conjunction with the Unified Biology 1 course the previous year, culminates in the New York State Regents Exam in Life Science. New York State requires that students must submit 1200 minutes of satisfactory laboratory work, including the New York State mandated investigations, to qualify to sit for the Regents Exam. These minutes and mandated investigations are included in the combination of this course and Unified Biology 1 (312).

322 Biology R/H (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Recommendation of 8th grade science teacher.

This course is based on the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards in Life Science. For more information regarding these standards, read more on the following link: https://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/parent-resources-science. This course will cover the following topics: Structure and Function of Organisms, Inheritance and Variation of Traits in Organisms, Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems, Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Natural Selection and Evolution. This course culminates in the New York State Regents Exam in Life Science: Biology. New York State requires that students must submit 1200 minutes of satisfactory laboratory work, including the New York State mandated investigations, to qualify to sit for the Regents Exam. These minutes and mandated investigations are included in the course.

All students enrolled in 322 Biology will be afforded the opportunity to earn “Honors” status by demonstrating achievement in the course and through the completion of additional independent project based work throughout the school year. Projects will consist of more extensive studies on selected topics and must be completed on strict deadlines throughout the year. Students who qualify will be considered “Honors” students and their final course designation will be changed to reflect the honors course (322H) on their transcript. NOTE: Infinite Campus will show this course as “Biology R” and NOT “Biology R/H” as listed here. Any student enrolled in “Biology R” in Infinite Campus is actually enrolled in “Biology R/H” and will have the opportunity to earn the honors designation.

Physics

332 Physics R/H (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: FSM of 75 in Chemistry R, or Chemistry R/H (342), FSM of 75 in Common Core Algebra 2 (232), concurrent enrollment in Math Precalculus (245) and a passing grade on each of the respective Regents Exams from the courses above.

Recommendation: FSM of 80 in Chemistry R, or Chemistry R/H (342), FSM of 80 in Common Core Algebra 2 (232), concurrent enrollment in Math Precalculus (245) and a 75 on each of the respective Regents Exams from the courses above.

This course is based on the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards for High School Physical Science in Physics. For more information regarding these standards, read more on the following link: https://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/parent-resources-science. This course will cover the following topics: Structure and Properties of Matter, Forces and Interactions, Energy, Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation, Space Systems, and Engineering Design. This course culminates in the New York State Regents Exam in Physics. New York State requires that students must submit 1200 minutes of satisfactory laboratory work, including the New York State mandated investigations, to qualify to sit for the Regents Exam. These minutes and mandated investigations are included in the course.

This course will assess individual learning goals using a standards based grading system. In this system students will know each learning goal for which they have and have not yet demonstrated proficiency. Students who demonstrate proficiency on at least 90% of the learning goals for this course will have their final course designation changed to reflect “honors” on their transcript (332H). NOTE: Infinite Campus will show this course as “Physics R” and NOT “Physics R/H” as listed here. Any student enrolled in “Physics R” in Infinite Campus is actually enrolled in “Physics R/H” and will have the opportunity to earn the honors designation.

Earth and Space Science

334 Earth and Space Science R/H (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: FSM of 65 or better in Biology R/H.

This course is based on the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards in Earth and Space Science. For more information regarding these standards, read more on the following link: https://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/parent-resources-science. This course will cover the following topics: Space Systems, History of Earth, Earth’s Systems, Weather and Climate, and Human Sustainability. This course culminates in the New York State Regents Exam in Earth and Space Science. New York State requires that students must submit 1200 minutes of satisfactory laboratory work, including the New York State mandated investigations, to qualify to sit for the Regents Exam. These minutes and mandated investigations are included in the course.

This course will assess individual learning goals using a standards based grading system. In this system students will know each learning goal for which they have and have not yet demonstrated proficiency. Students who demonstrate proficiency on at least 90% of the learning goals for this course will have their final course designation changed to reflect “honors” on their transcript (334H). NOTE: Infinite Campus will show this course as “Earth and Space Science R” and NOT “Earth and Space Science R/H” as listed here. Any student enrolled in “Earth and Space Science R” in Infinite Campus is actually enrolled in “Earth and Space Science R/H” and will have the opportunity to earn the honors designation.

335 Environmental Science (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: FSM of 75 in Regents Biology or Pilot Biology, or Biology R/H and a FSM of 75 in Regents Chemistry. Successful completion of the Regents exams in Biology and Chemistry.

In this course, special attention will be given to the basic concepts needed to understand the many environmental and technical concerns facing humankind today. Such topics as the study of ecosystem cycles and population, energy, and pollution will be discussed. It will be necessary for students to have acquired fundamental mathematical skills in order to understand and appreciate various topics under investigation. Also it will be necessary for students to have acquired a certain proficiency in reading, writing and interpreting newspaper and or magazine articles/papers in order to be able to evaluate the latest environmental issues. After the basic concepts and theories have been presented and learned, they will be applied in the study of such issues as alternative energy sources, nuclear energy, air/water pollution and solid waste disposal. Laboratories will be included in this course.

356 Astronomy and Severe Weather

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Semester 1 begins with a discussion about the universe and works inward toward our star (sun) and planet Earth. Semester 2 is focused on Earth, and discusses in detail how severe weather works on the surface of the Earth. Each of these semesters are based on a single Earth and Space Science unit, but contain much more detail that is not covered in the regents Earth and Space Science curriculum. Therefore, this course is open to students who have completed their life science credit even if they have formerly taken Earth and Space Science.

Forensics

340 UHS SU University Project Advance (SUPA) Forensics (P)

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: FSM of 75 in Regents Chemistry. In addition, students enrolled in this course must be in 12th grade and have successfully completed at least 3 years of science as well as passed at least 1 Regents Exam in science.

Description contains excerpts from SUPA:

Chemistry 113 (Forensics): This course is intended to provide an introduction to understanding the science behind crime detection. Scientific methods specifically relevant to crime detection and analysis will be presented, with emphasis placed upon the techniques used in evaluating physical evidence. Topics included are blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass compositions and fragmentation, fingerprints, soil comparisons, and arson investigations, among others. Laboratory exercises will include learning techniques commonly employed in forensic investigations. Students wishing to enroll in and earn up to 4 college credits through Syracuse University will be charged a fee from the University.

Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course at the time of their request must fill out a “Request for Prerequisite Waiver” form found from the student's current science teacher. In addition, this course may be subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry.

340 Forensics (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Students enrolled in this course must be in 12th grade and have successfully completed at least 3 years of science as well as passed at least 1 Regents Exam in science. Successful completion of Chemistry R is recommended.

Forensics is designed to be an overview of various concepts relating to forensic science and crime scene investigation. This course is inquiry-based and investigative in nature, placing a heavy emphasis on analysis and problem-solving skills. Topics include Fingerprint Analysis, Hair Analysis, Blood Analysis, DNA Analysis, Forensic Pathology, Forensic Anthropology, Toxicology and Document Analysis. Class size is limited. This course may be subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry.

Chemistry

342 Chemistry R/H (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: FSM of 75 or better in Geometry (222), FSM of 75 or better in Earth Science R/H, an FSM of 75 or better in either Biology R, Biology Pilot, or Biology R/H, and a passing grade on each of the respective Regents Exams from the courses above.

Recommendation: FSM of 80 or better in Geometry (222), Earth and Space Science R/H, and any of the Biology courses listed above as well as at least a 75 on each of the respective Regents Exams from the courses above.

This course is based on the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards for High School Physical Science in Chemistry. For more information regarding these standards, read more on the following link: https://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/parent-resources-science. This course will cover the following topics: Structure and Properties of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Energy, Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation, Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems, and Engineering Design. This course culminates in the New York State Regents Exam in Chemistry. New York State requires that students must submit 1200 minutes of satisfactory laboratory work, including the New York State mandated investigations, to qualify to sit for the Regents Exam. These minutes and mandated investigations are included in the course.

This course will assess individual learning goals using a standards based grading system. In this system students will know each learning goal for which they have and have not yet demonstrated proficiency. Students who demonstrate proficiency on at least 90% of the learning goals for this course will have their final course designation changed to reflect “honors” on their transcript (342H). NOTE: Infinite Campus will show this course as “Chemistry R” and NOT “Chemistry R/H” as listed here. Any student enrolled in “Chemistry R” in Infinite Campus is actually enrolled in “Chemistry R/H” and will have the opportunity to earn the honors designation.

343 Chemistry E (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 or equivalent. Successful completion of at least 1 life science credit.

This course presents a background in chemistry and develops an appreciation for the process of scientific investigation and the role of the chemist. Topics are derived from the Regents level chemistry course, however, depth and pace have been adjusted to accommodate a wide variety of learners. A portion of class time will be devoted to laboratory work, including hands-on lab activities and written lab reports.

Advanced Placement Courses

344 Advanced Placement Biology (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 ½ Units (meets 6 of 8 blocks in a rotation)

Prerequisite: FSM of 93 in Regents Biology, Biology Pilot or Biology R/H. FSM of 90 in Regents Chemistry (87 in honors Chemistry) and a 75 in Regents Physics or above.

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The AP Biology course is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of Biology R, Chemistry R and Physics R. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The course consists of eight major Components: Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure and Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication and Cell Cycle, Heredity, Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection and Ecology. Students are required to complete the laboratory portion of the course which will address the thirteen labs required by the College Board. The Advanced Placement Examination is required of all students enrolled in the course. A fee is charged by the College Board and must be paid or the student may be placed in another science course.

Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course at the time of their request must fill out a “Request for Prerequisite Waiver” form found from the student's current science teacher. In addition, this course may be subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry.

345 Advanced Placement Chemistry (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 ½ Units (meets 6 of 8 blocks in a rotation)

Prerequisite: FSM of 93 in Regents Chemistry, Chemistry R/H, or 90 in Chemistry H. An FSM of 75 in Regents Physics or above, and enrolled in Precalculus Honors or above.

This college-level course is designed to be the equivalent of General Chemistry I and II taken by chemistry and biology majors during their first year of college. This is a demanding, time-consuming course that builds on the Regents chemistry curriculum, but differs from it in depth of presentation, the amount and level of inquiry in the laboratory work required, and its emphasis on the mathematical formulation of principles. The College Board requires the successful completion of 16 labs, 6 of which must be inquiry based. The Advanced Placement Examination is required of all students taking this course. A fee is charged by the College Board and must be paid or the student may be placed in another course.

Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course at the time of their request must fill out a “Request for Prerequisite Waiver” form found from the student's current science teacher. In addition, this course may be subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry.

347 Advanced Placement Environmental Science (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: FSM of 85 in Regents Biology, or Biology Pilot, or Biology R/H and an 85 in Regents Chemistry. Successful completion of the Regents exams in Biology and Chemistry.

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. This course is intended to enable students to undertake, as first-year college students, a more advanced study of topics in environmental science. The course will address the following themes: Science is a process; Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes, the Earth itself is one interconnected system, Humans alter natural systems, Environmental problems have a cultural and social context, and Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. The course includes a strong laboratory and field investigation component. The goal of this component is to complement the classroom portion of the course by allowing students to learn about the environment through first-hand observation. The Advanced Placement Examination is required of all students taking this course. A fee is charged by the College Board and must be paid or the student may be placed in another course.

Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course at the time of their request must fill out a “Request for Prerequisite Waiver” form found from the student's current science teacher. In addition, this course may be subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry.

348 Advancement Placement Physics (C-Level Mechanics) (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: FSM of 90 in UHS Physics, (or a 93 in Physics H, or Physics R), enrollment in or completion of A/B or B/C Calculus.

The course in Advanced Placement Physics (C level) is intended to be representative of courses commonly offered in colleges and universities. It is designed to provide a more rigorous calculus investigation of topics previously studied in Physics. The subject matter of the course is Mechanics. Laboratory work will be an integral part of the course since certain areas of physics are much more meaningful when presented through the laboratory. This course is designed for any student continuing in a math/engineering field and is seeking college physics credit in that field. The Advanced Placement Examination is required of all students taking this course. A fee is charged by the College Board and must be paid or the student may be placed in another course.

Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course at the time of their request must fill out a “Request for Prerequisite Waiver” form found from the student's current science teacher. In addition, this course may be subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry.

UHS Courses

349 College Physics (P)

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: FSM of 93 in Common Core Algebra 2 (232), or 90 in H (231) and FSM of 93 in Chemistry R or Chemistry R/H (342) or 90 in Chem H (341), concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus or higher, or permission of Department Supervisor.

The College Physics program includes topics in both classical and modern physics. Understanding of the principles involved, and the ability to apply these principles to solve problems are major goals of the course. Laboratory work is required and will be an integral part of the course as discovery learning is the major methodology employed throughout the year. Knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required for the course. Students in this course can earn up to eight (8) Siena credits upon successful completion (4 credits available per semester). Students electing to enroll in the program will be charged a fee from Siena college.

Students in this program will have the option of sitting for the New York State Regents Exam in Physics. New York State requires that students must submit 1200 minutes of satisfactory laboratory work, including the New York State mandated investigations, to qualify to sit for the Regents Exam. These minutes and mandated investigations are included in the course.

Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course will be placed in Physics R/H (332) as an alternative.

350 UHS Science Research 10H (P)

351 UHS Science Research 11H

352 UHS Science Research 12H

NCAA Approved Course

Full Year 1 Unit

Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Science Research Program is by application only. Students will be considered based upon:

1. Completion of grade 9 and desire to supplement their science education through Science Research.

2. Willingness to commit to the three year program.

3. Problem solving and analytical abilities.

4. Work habits and career plans.

5. Writing skills.

6. Completion of a rigorous application with a strict deadline.

The Science Research Class is a unique program that allows the student the opportunity to conduct scientific research, at the college level, through the establishment of a mentorship with a professional researcher. Students will continue their research over their summer vacations. Students will be assessed through bi-weekly conferences with their instructor. Students will be required to document, in a laboratory notebook, a minimum of 3.5 hours per week of research, outside of the classroom setting. Ultimately the student will conduct a research investigation, write a paper on their findings, prepare a PowerPoint, scientific poster and present their findings to several local science competitions. Students in this course will have the opportunity to enroll in the University in the High School program and can earn up to twelve (12) State University of New York credits upon successful completion. (2 credits per summer semester x2) (4 credits per full year semester x 2).

Half Year Courses

355 Food Science (P)

Half Year ½ Unit

Prerequisite: Available to seniors who have completed all science-based graduation requirements.

This course is designed as an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the science of food and cooking. Science topics will include Food Chemistry (matter, energy, reaction kinetics), and Food Microbiology (nutrition, metabolism, food safety and preservation), Sensory and Consumer Science (biochemistry, molecule analysis), and Food Engineering (food production, processing and sustainability). This course will involve working with food and food preparation as part of the curriculum.