Living Environment is an investigation of the biological world and also how organisms interact with nonliving things such as DNA, oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, etc.  This class is centered on laboratory investigations and activities that are the primary means for developing problem-solving skills and for understanding real life scientific concepts and issues. Research and decision-making skills are further developed through the investigation of local or national issues and concerns that result from the interaction of science, technology and society.  The Living Environment curriculum will prepare students for the New York State Living Environment Regents, which will be given during Regents week in June.

According to the NYSUT “ALL students in a Regents science course must complete the laboratory requirement prior to entry into a Regents examination in science.”  

All students are required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of hands-on lab with satisfactory laboratory reports.  I measure this time by number of completed labs.  Students will have the opportunity to complete 45 to 50 labs throughout the school year.  In order to meet the New York State requirement students must successfully complete 30 of these labs.  Please keep in mind that any lab that is not completed will result in a zero averaged into the student’s marking period average.  If a student fails to meet this requirement he/she will be unable to sit for the Regents test in June.

• Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Single and Multi-Celled Organisms, and Feedback Mechanisms 

• Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems

• Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems 

• Inheritance and Variation of Traits 

• Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Organisms

• Natural Selection, Adaptations and Evolution 

We use a series of unit text books titled Science and Global Issues: Biology.  Each unit is framed with an overall focus to guide the learning and instruction based on a real life issue such as... How should we prevent the spread of an infectious disease? or How is a growing population affecting the availability of natural resources?  These text books are only used in the classroom.  Students will have access to a digital version in the google classroom.  

Students can request an older textbook, Biology, New York State, to be used for reading, studying and for reference.  Please leave this textbook in a safe place at home.  Children should always use their textbook for additional support, NOT the internet!