Science
Department Chairperson
Dawna Cintron
(631)874-1974
Science Sequences
A minimum of three (3) years of Science is required for graduation
ALL students will take Biology in 8th Grade then follow one of the sequences shown below.
Regents Sequence
9th Grade
Earth & Space Science
10th Grade
Science Electives
11th Grade
Science Electives
12th Grade
Science Electives
Advanced Regents Sequence
9th Grade
Earth & Space Science
10th Grade
Chemistry
11th Grade
(Take one of the following)
Physics
Science Electives
12th Grade
Science Electives
Honors Sequence
(for students who took Biology Honors in 8th Grade)
9th Grade
Earth & Space Science Honors
10th Grade
Chemistry Honors
11th Grade
(Take one of the following)
Physics
AP Science Electives
12th Grade
AP Science Electives
Life Science: Biology Courses
Life Science: Biology
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grade 9 (Course #0461)
Grades 10-12 (Course #0462)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: None
This comprehensive biology course aligns with New York State P-12 science learning standards and prepares students for the Regents Examination in Life Science. Through inquiry-based and hands-on learning, students explore critical biological concepts including cellular structure, metabolic processes, body systems, ecosystems, inheritance, and evolution. The course emphasizes scientific skills such as identifying patterns, evaluating evidence, asking questions, creating models, and applying engineering design principles to solve biological problems. Students will develop a deep understanding of cause-and-effect relationships in living systems, with successful completion of required state investigations and laboratory activities being essential for Regents Examination admission.
Earth & Space Science Courses:
Earth & Space Science
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grade 9 (Course #0401)
Grades 10-12 (Course #0402)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Biology or Living Environment
This comprehensive Earth & Space Science course aligns with New York State P-12 science learning standards and prepares students for the Regents Examination by engaging them in scientific inquiry and exploration of Earth's systems and celestial phenomena. Through hands-on laboratory investigations, modeling, and engineering design techniques, students will develop critical scientific skills such as identifying patterns, evaluating evidence, and solving global challenges while gaining deep insights into cause-and-effect relationships within geological, environmental, and astronomical contexts. Successful completion of required state investigations and laboratory activities is essential for Regents Examination admission, ensuring students are well-prepared to demonstrate their understanding of complex scientific concepts and methodologies.
Earth & Space Science Honors
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grade 9 (Course #0436)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and passing Biology regents exam with an 85 or better.
This rigorous course, designed to meet New York State P-12 science learning standards, provides students with a comprehensive exploration of Earth and space sciences, preparing them for the Regents Examination. Through engaging hands-on laboratory investigations, modeling, and engineering design techniques, students will develop critical scientific skills such as pattern recognition, evidence evaluation, and problem-solving. The curriculum focuses on deepening students' understanding of geological, environmental, and astronomical systems by examining complex cause-and-effect relationships. By completing required state investigations and laboratory activities, students will not only gain valuable scientific knowledge but also build the analytical and practical skills necessary to successfully navigate and excel in the Regents Examination.
Earth & Space Science Non-Lab
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 11-12 (Course #0402NL)
Prerequisite: Passing Living Environment Regents and has taken and previously failed Earth & Space Science. Must have administrative approval
This course covers the basic concepts in Earth & Space Science. The course structure contains a lecture/lab component without additional lab period.
Chemistry Courses:
Chemistry
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 10-12 (Course #0409)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Living Environment and a grade of 80 or better in Earth & Space Science. Strong math skills are required and student should have taken or be currently enrolled in Introduction to Algebra II or Algebra II.
This course is based on the Physical Setting/Chemistry Core Curriculum of New York State. The course of study includes matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, periodic table, mathematics of chemistry, organic chemistry, and application of the principles of reactions. A minimum of 1,200 minutes of lab work is required to sit for the Regents exam. All students meeting the lab requirement are required to take a Regents examination at the end of the course. This course meets 7 periods per week.
Chemistry Honors (College Credit Available)
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grade 10 (Course #0408)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and passing Earth & Space Science regents exam with an 85 or better.
This course is based on the Physical Setting/Chemistry Core Curriculum of New York State. The course of study includes matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, periodic table, mathematics of chemistry, organic chemistry, and application of the principles of reactions. In addition, concepts for the SAT II Chemistry exam are incorporated. A minimum of 1,200 minutes of lab work is required to sit for the Regents exam. All students meeting the lab requirement are required to take a Regents examination at the end of the course. This course meets 7 periods per week.
Students will have the option of taking this course for college credit through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program.
AP® Chemistry
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 11-12 (Course #0410)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Successfully completed Algebra II and enrolled in Precalculus. Satisfactory completion of Chemistry Honors with an 85 average or Regents Chemistry with a 90 average.
This course is the equivalent of a college course in freshman Chemistry. This class meets 7 periods per week. It is recommended that students take the AP exam, which is administered in May. The AP Exam cost is $96. The Free/Reduced lunch cost is $53. These costs are subject to change as per federal and state guidelines.
General Chemistry
Half Year - 1/2 Credit
Grades 10-12 (Course #0454)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: None
This course presents an overview of the major understandings and fundamental concepts in chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on practical, hands-on applications of chemistry in everyday life. Topics include the scientific method, matter and energy, the atom, the periodic table, bonding, and chemical reactions.
Physics Courses:
Physics
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 11-12 (Course #0411)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment and Earth Science, a grade of 85 or better in chemistry, and a grade of 80 or better in the three-year Regents Math sequence.
This course is based on the Physical Setting/Physics Core Curriculum of the New York State Learning Standards. The course of study includes matter at rest and in motion, heat energy, waves, electricity, sound, light, and nuclear structure. A minimum of 1,200 minutes of lab work is required to sit for the Regents exam. All students meeting the lab requirement are required to take a Regents examination at the end of this course. This course meets 7 periods per week.
AP® Physics (College Credit Available)
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 11-12 (Course #0442)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Successfully completed Algebra II and enrolled in Precalculus. Satisfactory completion of Chemistry Honors with an 85 average or Regents Chemistry with a 90 average.
This course is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. This course meets 7 periods per week. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits. It is recommended that students take the AP exam, which is administered in May. The AP Exam cost is $96. The Free/Reduced lunch cost is $53. These costs are subject to change as per federal and state guidelines.
Students will have the option of taking this course for college credit through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program.
Science Electives:
Anatomy & Physiology
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 11-12 (Course #0415)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Regents Living Environment and Regents Chemistry. Students must be enrolled or have completed Intro to Medicine.
This course is designed for students who are interested in a career in the health sciences. Classroom work will deal with the functions of human organs and systems. Dissections are an integral part of the program.
AP® Biology (College Credit Available)
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 11-12 (Course #0407)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Successfully completed Algebra II and enrolled in Precalculus. Satisfactory completion of Chemistry Honors with an 85 average or Regents Chemistry with a 90 average.
This course is the equivalent of a college course in freshman Biology. The Advanced Placement Exam will be administered at the end of the year. This course will meet 7 periods per week. It is recommended that students take the AP exam which is administered in May. The AP Exam cost is $96. The Free/Reduced Lunch cost is $53. These costs are subject to change as per federal and state guidelines.
Students will have the option of taking this course for college credit through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program.
AP® Environment Science
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 11-12 (Course #0424)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Successfully completed Algebra II and enrolled in Precalculus. Satisfactory completion of Chemistry Honors with an 85 average or Regents Chemistry with a 90 average.
The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students will also identify and analyze environmental problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. The course will focus on ‘real science’ behind environmental problems and issues. Laboratory and field studies are important elements of the course. This course meets 7 periods per week. It is recommended that students take the AP exam, which is administered in May. The AP Exam cost is $96. The Free/Reduced lunch cost is $53. These costs are subject to change as per federal and state guidelines.
Astronomy
Half Year - 1/2 Credit
Grades 10-12 (Course #0413)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: None
This course deals with distinguishing stars and constellations; finding sky objects by the use of terrestrial coordinates; study of the planets by means of a trip through the solar system. Students will learn about Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, Black Holes and more current theories in Astronomy.
Environmental Science (College Credit Available)
Half Year - 1/2 Credit
Grades 10-12 (Course #0414)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: None
This course aims to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course aims to: identify and analyze environmental problems (both natural and human-made), evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.
Students will have the option of taking this course for college credit through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program.
Forensics 1
Half Year - 1/2 Credit
Grades 10-12 (Course #0416)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: None
This course is a natural extension of all students’ science education with an emphasis on real life applications. This course uses the knowledge gained from previous science courses to investigate the activities utilized in a crime lab. Students will be asked to read, research, hypothesize, compute, and use deductive reasoning to propose solutions to criminal cases. Topic include: laboratory exercises in CSI (Crime Scene Investigation), Anthropology, Hair & Fiber Examination, Fingerprinting, Serology, and other analytical procedures.
Forensics 2
Half Year - 1/2 Credit
Grades 10-12 (Course #0416B)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed around the idea that in the real world all learning is interrelated and interdependent. This class blends all sciences with the core subject areas. Students will be asked to read, research, hypothesize, compute, and use deductive reasoning to propose solutions to criminal cases. The intention of this class is the continuation of study into the real world of Forensics with emphasis on more complex topics such as Arson, Ballistics, DNA, Time of Death, and Toxicology and other analytical procedures.
Introduction to Science Research
Full Year - 1 Credit
Grades 9-12 (Course #0455)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Regents Algebra I and Living Environment. Students must have a strong desire to do research projects as this contains a rigorous curriculum designed for intrinsically motivated students.
This full year course meets every day in a small-group class and provides a general overview of research in the natural sciences and behavioral science. Students will be introduced to procedures and methodologies used by researchers. Topics will include the scientific method, survey design and statistics. Students will work individually to complete an independent research project in which they apply their new skills. Students will be given the option to participate in science research competitions and publish their findings in scientific journals.
Marine Science (College Credit Available)
Half Year - 1/2 Credit
Grades 10-12 (Course #0418)
**NCAA Approved
Prerequisite: None
In this course students will study the physical characteristics of the oceans, life that lives in these vast areas, and how humans will utilize the oceans of the world to benefit humankind. Students demonstrate their proficiency through topical investigations, class discussion and participation, and summative assessments. This is a one-semester course.
Students will have the option of taking this course for college credit through the Suffolk County Community College Beacon Program.
Nutritional Science
Half Year - 1/2 Credit
Grades 10-12 (Course #0431)
Prerequisite: None
This course is an interdisciplinary science course that provides an overview of environmental processes, human impact on the global environment, and solutions to environmental problems. Science, mathematics, reading, and writing components are woven in the context of agriculture. Agriculture plays an essential role in society and feeding the world. Students will gain knowledge of concepts within agriculture from a scientific perspective, focusing primarily on plant production.
Students will be assessed using student designed, hands on labs, and projects (within the greenhouse) with an emphasis on seed germination and plant growth.
Major Topics include Soil Science; Food Production; Energy and Environmental Sustainability; Food Science and Career and Vocational Opportunities.
Renewable Energy
Half Year - 1/2 Credit
Grades 10-12 (Course #0432)
Prerequisite: None
There is a growing sense of concern regarding our energy system. This course enables students to understand the science behind traditional and renewable energy sources, describe future trends and evaluate how each impacts our environment and society and help students develop the ability to make informed personal, career, and public decisions regarding energy use for today’s global world.
Students will be assessed on their ability to evaluate and respond to present and future technological changes that impact energy usage and their analysis of the potential challenges and opportunities with various renewable energies.
Topics include the Environmental and Economic implications of each renewable energy resource; US and Global wind markets; Design Features of a Renewable Energy Facility; and Career and Vocational opportunities in renewable energy industries.
Weather & Climate Disasters **NEW COURSE
Half Year - 1/2 Credit
Grades 10-12 (Course #0433)
Prerequisite: None
The study of weather and climate disasters focuses on analyzing extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires, with a critical emphasis on understanding their connection to climate change. Students will investigate and determine how climate change influences the frequency, intensity, and geographic distribution of these events, while simultaneously examining their profound social and economic impacts. This interdisciplinary approach not only investigates the meteorological characteristics of severe weather patterns but also assesses community vulnerability and develops disaster preparedness strategies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between environmental changes and human systems.