Science

Requirements

Students are required to successfully complete three units and one Regents Exam in science to graduate with a Regents diploma. Of the three units, one must be a Life Science (Biology) one must be a Physical Science (Earth & Space, Chemistry, or Physics). Students in pursuit of an Advanced Regents diploma are required to pass two Regents Exams (one Physical Science and one Life Science).

Progression

9th Grade Course Options:

Regents Earth & Space Science 1 Year 1 Unit

Honors Earth & Space Science 1 Year 1 Unit

10th Grade Course Options:

Regents LS: Biology 1 Year 1 Unit

Honors LS: Biology 1 Year 1 Unit

11th Grade Course Options:

Principles of Chemistry 1 Year 1 Unit

Regents PS: Chemistry 1 Year 1 Unit

COLL Intro to Chemistry 1 Year 1 Unit

Advanced Placement Chemistry 1 Year 1 Unit

Environmental Science 1 Year 1 Unit

12th Grade Course Options:

Principles of Physics 1 Year 1 Unit

Regents PS: Physics 1 Year 1 Unit

COLL Physics I & II 1 Year 1 Unit

COLL Forensic Science 1 Year 1 Unit

Advanced Placement Biology 1 Year 1 Unit

Advanced Placement Environmental Science 1 Year     1 Unit

The Science department strongly recommends that students graduate with four years of science. We believe that taking four years of science in high school will better prepare our students for the future, regardless of their planned pursuits.

Students will NOT be allowed to enroll in the elective science courses (COLL Forensic Science, AP Biology, or AP Environmental Science) without completing at least one year of Earth & Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; the latter of which may be taken concurrently.

Regents Earth & Space Science (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards for Earth & Space Science.  Skills, ideas, concepts and facts are emphasized through laboratory experiences, classroom discussion, media demonstrations, mathematical analyses, notebook work, and textbook assignments. Topics of study include Astronomy, Meteorology, and Geology. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet and other laboratory equipment. Classes meet 3 blocks in every 4 day rotation.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Students are required to complete 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory investigations and submit the corresponding acceptable written reports in order to sit for the Regents Exam in June. The accompanying Regents exam will function as a final exam for this course, representing 10% of the student’s final grade.

Honors Earth & Space Science (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards for Earth & Space Science Curriculum, as well as a number of enrichment topics. Skills, ideas, concepts, and facts are emphasized through laboratory experiences, classroom discussion, media demonstrations, mathematical analyses, notebook work, and textbook assignments. Topics of study include Astronomy, Meteorology, and Geology. Students are exposed to more sophisticated concepts and probe more deeply into recent research findings than in the Regents course. Students may be required to do independent research study or project work. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet and other laboratory equipment. Classes meet 3 blocks in every 4 day rotation.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Students are required to complete 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory investigations and submit the corresponding acceptable written reports in order to sit for the Regents Exam in June. The accompanying Regents exam will function as a final exam for this course, representing 10% of the student’s final grade.

Minimum Math Recommendation: Completion of Math 8H or taking Algebra I Honors.

Minimum Science Recommendation: 95% final course average in Science 8.

Regents LS: Biology (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards for Life Science: Biology. Emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry, testing and analyzing proposed explanations using conventional and invented methods, examining similarities and differences among living things, reproduction and development, the basic unit of life, physiology, classification, ecology, genetics, biochemistry, and evolution. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet and other laboratory equipment. Classes meet 3 blocks in every 4 day rotation.

Course Requirements/Recommendations 

Students are required to complete 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory investigations and submit the corresponding acceptable written reports in order to sit for the Regents Exam in June. The accompanying Regents exam will function as a final exam for this course, representing 10% of the student’s final grade.

Minimum Science Recommendation: A passing grade in Regents Earth & Space Science.

Honors LS: Biology (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards for Life Science: Biology, as well as various enrichment topics. Students are exposed to more sophisticated concepts and probe more deeply into recent research findings than in the Regents course. Students may be required to do independent research study or project work. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet and other laboratory equipment. Classes meet 3 blocks in every 4 day rotation.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Students are required to complete 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory investigations and submit the corresponding acceptable written reports in order to sit for the Regents Exam in June. The accompanying Regents exam will function as a final exam for this course, representing 10% of the student’s final grade.

Minimum Science Recommendation: A final average of 85% in Honors Earth & Space Science or 90% in Regents Earth & Space Science and a score of at least 85% on the Earth & Space Science Regents Exam.

Principles of Chemistry (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is intended to provide a conceptual understanding of the basic principles of Chemistry through laboratory investigations and explorations of real-world, 21st century applications. Topics of study include measurement, matter, energy, phases, atomic structure, periodic table, formulas, equations, bonding, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids & bases, organic, and nuclear chemistry.  Emphasis will be placed on the meaning and implications of chemical principles rather than on their mathematical treatment.  Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet, and other laboratory equipment.  Classes meet 2 blocks in every 4 day rotation.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

A school final exam is administered in June.

Minimum Math Recommendation: Completion of Algebra I and the corresponding Regents Exam.  

Minimum Science Recommendation: Successful Completion of Regents Earth & Space Science, Regents Life Science: Biology and one science Regents Exam.

Regents PS: Chemistry (NCAA Core)

1 Year 1 Unit

Course Description

This course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards for Chemistry and is recommended for students planning on attending a four-year college. Topics of study include matter, energy, atomic and molecular structure, the periodic table, bonding, kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base theory, organic, and nuclear chemistry. This course is theoretical and quantitative. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet and other laboratory equipment.  Classes meet 3 blocks in every 4 day rotation.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Students are required to complete 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory investigations and submit the corresponding acceptable written reports in order to sit for the Regents Exam in June. The accompanying Regents exam will function as a final exam for this course, representing 10% of the student’s final grade.

Minimum Math Recommendation: Completion of Algebra I and the corresponding Regents Exam.

Minimum Science Recommendation: A final average of 75% in both Regents Earth & Space Science and Regents Life Science: Biology, as well as passing grades on both the Life Science: Biology and the Earth & Space Science Regents Exams.

COLL Intro to Chemistry (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards for Chemistry, as well as various enrichment topics. This course is recommended for students who desire a more in-depth and quantitative study of the topics covered in Regents Chemistry. Students are exposed to more sophisticated concepts and probe more deeply into recent research findings than in the Regents course. Students may be required to do independent research study or project work. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet and other laboratory equipment. Classes meet 3 blocks in every 4 day rotation. 

Four college credits may be obtained through HVCC CHEM 105 by successful completion of this course at a cost of approximately $70/credit hour for a total of $280. Tuition may be further reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. These credits will count towards the natural science general education requirement at all 64 SUNY and 25 CUNY schools, as well as, at many other institutions. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Students are required to complete 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory investigations and submit the corresponding acceptable written reports in order to sit for the Regents Exam in June. The accompanying Regents exam will function as a final exam for this course, representing 10% of the student’s final grade.

Minimum Math Recommendation: Completion of Geometry and the corresponding Regents Exam.

Minimum Science Recommendation: A final average of 85% in both Honors Earth & Space Science and Honors Life Science: Biology or 95% in both Regents Earth & Space Science and Regents Life Science: Biology, as well as scores of at least 85% on both the Earth & Space Science and the Biology Regents Exams.

Advanced Placement Chemistry (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is designed to be a college course that integrates introductory Regents level work with college level requirements. It is intended for the student who has gone beyond the memorization of facts and has developed the skills of logic and persistence needed to understand the mathematics and models of chemistry. In addition to the topics listed for COLL Intro to Chemistry, the course includes such topics as crystal lattices, rate laws, solubility equilibria, and titration of buffered solutions. Students will simultaneously complete Regents and college level assignments in order to be adequately prepared for the AP exam given in early May. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet and other laboratory equipment. Classes meet 3 blocks in every 4 day rotation. 

Eight college credits may be obtained through HVCC CHEM 110 & 111  by successful completion of this course at a cost of approximately $70/credit hour for a total of $560. Tuition may be further reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. These credits will count towards the natural science general education requirement at all 64 SUNY and 25 CUNY schools, as well as, at many other institutions. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Students in this course will be offered the choice to register for HVCC credit, to take the AP exam in May, or both. The cost of the AP exam is approximately $100, which will be reduced or waived for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Students are required to complete 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory investigations, submit the corresponding acceptable written reports and sit for the Chemistry Regents Exam in June. 

Minimum Math Recommendation: Completion of Geometry and the corresponding Regents Exam

Minimum Science Recommendation: A final average of 95% in both Honors Earth & Space Science and Honors Life Science: Biology, as well as scores of at least 85% on both the Earth & Space Science and the Life Science: Biology Regents Exams.

Environmental Science (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the various aspects of our environment and to the interdependence of life on earth. Topics of study include ecology, biodiversity, climatic changes, pollution, mineral resources, energy, and waste management. It consists of student-centered lab activities in addition to interactive and web-based research and analysis. Students will relate assigned readings to meaningful class discussion. This course can be used as the third unit of science, which is necessary for graduation with a Regents diploma. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet and other laboratory equipment. Classes meet 2 blocks in every 4 day rotation. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

A school exam is administered in June. 

Minimum Science Recommendation: Successful completion of one unit of Physical Science (Earth & Space Science, Chemistry, or Physics) and one unit of Life Science (Biology). 

Regents PS: Physics (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards for Physics. Topics of study include mechanics, energy, electricity, magnetism, wave phenomena, and modern physics. This course emphasizes the meaning and implications of physical principles, as well as their mathematical treatment. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet and other laboratory equipment. Classes meet 3 blocks in every 4 day rotation. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

Students are required to complete 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory investigations and submit the corresponding acceptable written reports in order to sit for the Physics Regents Exam in June. The accompanying Regents exam will function as a final exam for this course, representing 10% of the student’s final grade.

Minimum Math Recommendation: Completion of or enrollment in any level of Algebra II.

Minimum Science Recommendation: A final average of 75% in Intro to Chemistry and a passing grade on the Chemistry Regents Exam.

COLL Forensic Science (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the various aspects of forensic science and its connections to earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics. Topics of study include crime scene investigation, chemical analysis including drugs/toxicology, and biological evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, hair, and blood. It consists of student-centered lab activities, in addition to interactive and web-based research and analysis. Students will relate scientific concepts to the investigation of crime scenes and evidence. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet, and other laboratory equipment.   Classes meet 3 blocks in every 4 day rotation.

Three college credits may be obtained through UAlbany A BIO 175 by successful completion of this course with at least an 83 overall average at a cost of approximately $210. Tuition may be further reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. These credits will count towards the natural science general education requirement at all 64 SUNY and 25 CUNY schools, as well as, at many other institutions. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

A school exam is administered in June. 

Minimum Science Recommendations:  Seniors who have obtained mastery (a final average of at least 85%) in previous Regents level science courses or 80% in previous COLL and/or Honors level science courses. 

Students will NOT be allowed to enroll in the elective science courses (COLL Forensic Science, AP Biology, or AP Environmental Science) without completing at least one year of Earth & Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; the latter of which may be taken concurrently.

Advanced Placement Biology (NCAA Core)

1 Year/1 Unit

Course Description

This course is a senior elective which is designed to be a college level course. It is intended for students who plan to continue their study of science beyond the first year of College Biology. The goals of this course include helping students to develop a conceptual framework for modern biology, gain an appreciation of science as a process, and prepare students to take the AP Exam in Biology. Topics of study include molecules, cells, heredity, evolution, organisms, and populations. Students may be required to do independent research study or project work. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data using a computer, the Internet and other laboratory equipment. Classes meet 3 blocks in every 4 day rotation. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

All students enrolled in this course are expected to register for and complete the AP Exam in May at a cost of approximately $100, which will be reduced or waived for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

Minimum Recommendation: Seniors who have obtained a final average of 90% in previous COLL and/or Honors Science classes and/or 85% in previous AP Science classes. Students must have taken at least Regents Physics or COLL Physics I & II (or be concurrently enrolled) in order to take AP Biology. 

Students will NOT be allowed to enroll in the elective science courses (COLL Forensic Science, AP Biology, or AP Environmental Science) without completing at least one year of Earth & Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; the latter of which may be taken concurrently.