If you have questions regarding the Science curriculum, email Mr. DuRoss (fduross@nhart.org), Science Department Chairperson, or call him at 315-624-1216.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students are required to complete 3 credits in science in order to graduate.
One credit must be a life science, one credit must be a physical science, and the third credit can be either life or physical science or technology credit.
The third credit of science can also be fulfilled through integrated coursework at the BOCES Occupational Education Center and through the following Technology courses:
PLTW Design and Drawing for Production (DDP)
PLTW Digital Electronics
PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing
PLTW Principles of Engineering
AP PLTW Computer Science Principles
Production Systems
Students must pass one Regents exam in order to graduate. Students pursuing an Advanced Regents Diploma must pass two Regents exams (1 Life and 1 Physical).
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIOLOGY/AIS 1 unit of credit
This course covers the fundamental topics in biology focusing on core ideas, science practices, and concepts that cut across science disciplines. The course utilizes a storyline approach in which students explore various phenomena and their connections to the science of biology. Successful completion of the laboratory requirement must be accomplished before the Regents exam can be taken. This course has additional class time and is for students who did not take Regents Earth Science or Regents Earth & Space Science and need the Living Environment Regents exam to meet their graduation requirements.
BIOLOGY 1 unit of credit
This course covers the fundamental topics in biology focusing on core ideas, science practices, and concepts that cut across science disciplines. The course utilizes a storyline approach in which students explore various phenomena and their connections to the science of biology. Successful completion of the laboratory requirement must be accomplished before the Regents exam can be taken. PREREQUISITE: Earth Science or Earth & Space Science
LIVING ENVIRONMENT 1 unit of credit Last taught during 2024-25
This course covers the fundamental life science topics. Major units include unity and diversity of living things, homeostasis, reproduction, genetics, ecology and evolution. Hands-on lab experiences follow the major topics. Successful completion of the laboratory requirement must be accomplished before the Regents exam can be taken. PREREQUISITE: Earth Science
CHEMISTRY 1 unit of credit
This course consists of developing and understanding the concepts and principles that explain the behavior of elements and compounds. Competence in laboratory activities, the scientific method, and critical thinking skills are developed. A chemistry background is required for nearly all engineering and technology careers, as well as all medical and health professions. It is also strongly recommended for ALL college-bound students. Successful completion of lab requirements must be accomplished before the Regents examination can be taken. A scientific calculator is required for this course. Students will take the Chemistry Regents Exam at the end of the course. PREREQUISITE: Living Environment/Biology; Geometry Concurrently
PHYSICS 1 unit of credit
The purpose of this course is to answer fundamental questions about how and why things in the physical world work as they do. As such, it deals with an understanding of the relationships between matter and energy and thus is the basis for all fields of science. The course is theoretical and requires the ability to think of physical principles in mathematical terms. A foundation in mathematics through the Math A Regents exam is recommended but NOT required. Successful completion of lab requirements must be accomplished before the Regents examination can be taken. The Regents exam is the final exam for this course. PREREQUISITE: Living Environment/Biology; Geometry Concurrently
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1 unit of credit (0.5 each semester)
Students enrolled in this course are required to take the accompanying Advanced Placement Exam in May.
AP Environmental Science course is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. It embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. The following themes are included in the course: 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; human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems.
PREREQUISITE: Living Environment/Biology and Chemistry or Physics Concurrently
AP CHEMISTRY 1.5 units of credit (1.0 fall & 0.5 spring)
Students enrolled in this course are required to take the accompanying Advanced Placement Exam in May.
This course is designed to be the equivalent of the General Chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. For some students, this course enables them to take second-year work in the chemistry sequence during their freshman year in college or to register for courses in other fields where General Chemistry is a prerequisite. Given that this course is equivalent to freshman-level college chemistry, a significant time commitment outside of class and our school day is required. It is assumed that the student will spend at least 7 hours a week in unsupervised individual study. Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, stoichiometric relationships, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, and thermodynamics are presented in considerable depth. A lab is required which includes formal lab write-ups. Following the completion of the AP Exam in May, students will continue to prepare for the Regents Exam in Chemistry and will be required to take the Regents exam in June. PREREQUISITE: Living Environment/Biology; Algebra 2 Concurrently; 85+ on Geometry Regents Exam
AP BIOLOGY 1 unit of credit (0.5 each semester)
Students enrolled in this course are required to take the accompanying Advanced Placement Exam in May.
This is a fourth year of science for accelerated science students. Like most biological fields today, this course is highly molecular in approach. A thorough grounding in basic chemistry is essential for being successful in this course. Much of the first semester covers content that is chemical or molecular in nature. Additionally, it is assumed that prior knowledge from Living Environment/biology course is retained by the student, especially in cell structure, Mendelian genetics, evolution and ecology. The course is taught at a college freshman level and is rigorous, requiring a major investment of time outside of the classroom. Lab activities are integrated into the course and will emphasize the fundamental skills and techniques necessary for success in college biology courses. College credit may be granted by the college at which the student matriculates, depending upon test results and the policies of that college. PREREQUISITE: Living Environment/Biology and Chemistry
AP PHYSICS 1 1 unit of credit (0.5 each semester)
Students enrolled in this course are required to take the accompanying Advanced Placement Exam in May.
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores Newtonian Mechanics: forces, work, energy, impulse, momentum, classical gravitation, rotational kinematics & dynamics, simple harmonic motion, and wave behavior. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. The course is based on six Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. A grade of 3 or better on the AP exam may offer the opportunity to bypass the preliminary physics course when attending college. This course is offered to students in grades 11 & 12. PREREQUISITE: Living Environment/Biology.; Algebra 2 completed or concurrent
AP PHYSICS 2 1 unit of credit (0.5 each semester)
Students enrolled in this course are required to take the accompanying Advanced Placement Exam in May.
AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as fluid statics and dynamics; thermodynamics with kinetic theory; PV diagrams and probability; electrostatics; electrical circuits with capacitors; magnetic fields; electromagnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Through inquiry-based learning, students will develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills. The course is based on seven Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. This course is offered to students in grades 11 & 12. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of AP Physics 1 OR 90+ on the Physics Regents Exam and successful completion of Algebra 2
FORENSIC SCI - Fall ½ unit of credit
With the Chemistry core curriculum as the foundation, students will study the science behind solving crimes. This is a hands-on course in which general science principles will be discussed. This is a non-mathematical-based course. The types of topics in this course include: Introduction/The Crime Scene; Fingerprint Analysis; Trace Evidence; Hair and Fiber Analysis; Forensic Serology (Blood Analysis); Documentation/Handwriting Analysis.
FORENSIC SCI-Spr ½ unit of credit
With the Chemistry core curriculum as the foundation, students will study the science behind solving crimes. This is a hands-on course in which general science principles will be discussed. This is a non-mathematical-based course. The types of topics in this course include: The Analysis of Glass; Forensic Toxicology; Impressions and Odontology; Forensics Entomology; DNA; Anthropology; Forensics Arson Analysis.
ECOLOGY 1 unit of credit (0.5 each semester)
Ecology is a year-long class open to Juniors and Seniors that have passed Living Environment. Through direct observation and study of interactions that occur in natural systems, students will gain an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the world around them and a better sense of their place in that world. Grounded in fieldwork, lab activities, and practical outdoor skills, students will learn to explore the natural world with curiosity and confidence. Regular attendance is required for academic success. The Ecology Outdoor Education program at Camp Huntington on Raquette Lake is a 4-day experience in the heart of the Adirondacks and is among New Hartford’s longest-standing traditions. The field trips are the core of our time learning in the outdoors, and a transformational experience for students. There will be one trip in the Autumn and one in the Winter. Participation in one of these field trips is a course expectation. There is a cost for students to participate a trip. PREREQUISITE: Living Environment/Biology
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY - Fall ½ unit of credit
This is a general survey course of the Human Body. The course focuses on the structures and function of tissues, organs and organ systems of the human body. Because of their importance in anatomical development, some dysfunctions and their causes will also be studied. The level of the material to be learned requires some precious knowledge of biological systems and their development. Numerous hands-on activities are used to reinforce concepts and material covered in class. Topics covered in the fall consist of an Overview of Anatomy and Physiology, Cell and Tissues, Skin and Body Membranes, Skeletal System, Muscular System, and Nervous System. PREREQUISITE: Living Environment/Biology
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY - Spr ½ unit of credit
This course is a general survey course of the Human Body. The course focuses on the structures and function of tissues, organs and organ systems of the human body. Because of their importance in anatomical development, some dysfunctions and their causes will also be studied. The level of the material to be learned requires some precious knowledge of biological systems and their development. Numerous hands-on activities are used to reinforce concepts and material covered in class. Topics covered in the spring consist of Special Senses, Endocrine System, Blood, Cardiovascular System, Lymphatic System and Body Defenses, Respiratory System, Digestive System and Body Metabolism, Urinary System, and Human Reproduction and Development. PREREQUISITE: Living Environment/Biology; Anatomy & Physiology, fall is recommended.
BIOTECH 1 unit of credit
Students are exposed to the diverse fields of biotechnology including genetic engineering, prosthetic joint design, heart valve design, genetics, bioremediation, bioprocess engineering, agricultural engineering, biofuel production, bioethics and forensic technology. This course emphasizes group learning in a fun and productive setting. Anyone considering a career in medicine, engineering or any science field will benefit from this course. PREREQUISITE: Living Environment/Biology; It is highly recommended that students complete DDP prior to enrolling in this course.