Science
Earth Science
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 9
Prerequisite: None
The purpose of this course is to encourage students to use scientific processes to investigate their surroundings. Extensive laboratory exercises use the students' life experiences and natural surroundings to help provide a better understanding of the planet Earth and its place in the universe. The course is organized into these areas: Astronomy; Geology; Meteorology; Geologic History; and Physical Oceanography. In the block schedule, the class meets 3 out of 4 times each cycle, averaging about six hours in a five-day week. Earth Science is an initial course for a Regents sequence in Science. Students are required to complete and pass a minimum number of lab activities prior to taking the Regents Exam in June. As part of the Regents, students will also take a lab performance test, covering 6 major laboratory skills and activities, approximately two weeks prior to the written Regents Exam. The lab exam counts for approximately 20% of the total Regents score.
Students must complete 1,200 minutes of laboratory experience with satisfactory written lab reports on file for admission to the Regents Examination.Biology: The Living EnvironmentCredit: 1 unit Year: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Students will study the interrelationships between organisms (plants, animals, microbes and humans), environment, biochemistry, modes of reproduction and development, genetic continuity, cellular structure and physiology, patters of evolution and adaptation and comparative animal and plant anatomy and physiology. Laboratory is an integral part of each unit of study.
Students must complete 1,200 minutes of lab experience with satisfactory reports on file for admission to the Regents Exam. AP Biology Credit: 1 unit Year 11, 12
Prerequisite: Recommendation by science faculty, Regents Biology and Regents Chemistry with an average of 85% or better.
AP Biology is a college-level course for highly motivated students. It is equivalent to two semesters of Introductory College Biology. A summer assignment including text readings and study guides will need to be completed. Topics will include cell physiology, biochemistry, taxonomy, evolution, ecology, reproduction and development, genetics, plant and animal anatomy and physiology. Students will take the Advanced Placement Biology examination in May, which may earn the student college credit and/or exemption from college courses. The cost of the exam is approximately $80.
General Chemistry Credit: 1 unit
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Two years of high school science and currently taking Math 2 or Integrated Geometry.
In this course, the study of chemistry focuses on the practical application of chemistry to the world around us. Students in need of a basic knowledge of chemistry for further studies in nursing, agriculture, photography, environmental science, or for other professional training, will benefit from this course. The course includes hands-on labs. Topics include: Lab Analysis, Environmental Chemistry, Energetic's, Atomic Structure, Elements, Bonding, Acids & Bases, Solution Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Nuclear Chemistry.
Regents ChemistryCredit: 1 unit
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Currently taking Math 3
This course presents a modern view of chemistry, suitable skills for studious pupils with a wide-range of skills and abilities. The unifying principles of chemistry, basic to us in understanding our environment, will be presented, together with related facts. The units of study are: Elements and the Periodic Table, Compounds, Mathematics of Chemistry, Energy, Kinetics and Equilibrium, Acid-Base Theories, Redox and Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Applications of the Principles of Chemistry.
Students must complete 1,200 minutes of laboratory experience with satisfactory reports on file for admission to the Regents Exam.
AP Chemistry
Credit: 1 Unit
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Regents Chemistry, Regents Biology and two years of Regents Math with an average of 85% or better, recommendation by science faculty
The AP Chemistry course is a rigorous treatment of traditional introductory college chemistry. The units of study are matter and energy, phases of matter, atomic structure and bonding, formulas and equations, solutions, kinetics and equilibrium, acids, bases and salts, redox and electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. This course is definitely for the hard-working, motivated science student. Students will take the Advanced Placement Exam in May, which cost approximately $80.
Regents Physics
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Math 1 and Math 2 (75% or better on Regents exams) and teacher recommendation.
This course presents a modern view of physics with major emphasis on the fundamental concepts underlying this basic science. The physical laws of nature are studied in the following subdivisions: mechanics, wave-phenomena, electricity, and atomic and nuclear physics. To receive Regents credit for the course, the student must earn a passing average in laboratory work, as well as in lecture material. Students will complete 1,200 minutes of lab experience with satisfactory reports on file for admission to the Regents Exam.
AP Physics
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Recommendation by science faculty, Regents Chemistry and three years of Regents Math with an average of 85% or better
A rigorous physics course including topics in both classical and modern physics. A knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for the course; the basic ideas of calculus may be introduced in connection with physical concepts, such as acceleration and work. Understanding of the basic principles involved and the ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems are the major goals of the course. It is expected that all students enrolled would take the Advanced Placement Exam in Physics and the New York State Regents Exam. The cost of the AP exam is approximately $80.
Environmental Science
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology: The Living Environment
This is an activity-based course involving studies of air, soil, streams, lakes, and their interrelationships with living organisms. Topics covered include food web interactions, aquatic biology, forest biology, conservation of natural resources, wildlife populations, natural cycles and air and water pollution. This course will involve an interdisciplinary approach, including photography, art, language arts, physical education (canoeing) and computer skills.
Biology X
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 8
Prerequisite: Screening process
The 8th grade students selected for this accelerated science program will take Earth Science in 9th grade and Chemistry X in 10th grade.
Chemistry X
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 10
Prerequisite: Screening process
This is an accelerated chemistry curriculum for students following the accelerated science program in 8th grade.
Applied Science
Credit: 1 unit
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Regents science requirement.
This is an activity-based course concentrating on how science applies to food science, auto tech, cosmetology and carpentry. Students will investigate biological, physical, and chemical relationships. Foods, chemical reactions, energy and heat relationships, gas laws and consumer products will be explored. Safety, as always, will be stressed.
SUPA Forensic Science
Credit: 1 unit (College Credit Option)
Year: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Regents Biology and Chemistry
This one semester 4-credit course focuses on the application of scientific methods and techniques to crime and law. The course provides an introduction to understanding the science behind crime detection. Scientific methods specifically relevant to crime detection and analysis will be presented, emphasizing techniques used in evaluating physical evidence. Topics include: blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass comparisons, fingerprints, soil chemistry and arson investigations. This course has a laboratory component which teaches techniques used in crime scene investigations. Note: there is a tuition cost for enrollment in SUPA courses.
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