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The Science Department is committed to expanding students’ understanding and appreciation of the natural world around them and providing hands-on laboratory experiences that connect theory and the real world. All science courses are full-year courses and include laboratory experiences.
Sequencing (Flow of Science Courses)
Placement in most courses is dependent upon a student’s math and science level. In addition, it is recommended that a student take calculus concurrently with physics. Ninth grade students are programmed for The Living Environment: Biology, unless they have passed the Regents examination, in which case they will be programmed for either Earth Science or Chemistry, depending on the student’s math level.
Sample Science Sequencing
| Grade 9 |
Living Environment: Biology |
Grade 10 |
Chemistry or Earth Science |
Grade 11 |
Physics or Forensics |
Grade 12 |
AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or AP Environmental |
Course Offerings
Regents Courses
All Regents science courses – which are described below -- culminate in a Regents examination; students enrolled in Regents courses must take the examination. According to the State Education Department regulations, all students must successfully complete the laboratory component of the course in order to be admitted to the examination. In order to satisfy this requirement each student must:
- Complete at least 30 full laboratory periods (1200 minutes).
- Complete and have on file a satisfactory written report for each laboratory experience.
- Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory skills.
Students must satisfactorily complete and submit a report for a minimum of 15 full laboratory periods (600 minutes) per term to receive credit for a Regents course. Regents courses meet 6 periods per week.
The Living Environment: Biology - In this required course, the following topics will be covered: measurement, scientific method, research design, microscopy, organization and classification, molecular biology, animal and plant maintenance, homeostasis, disease and immunity, genetic inheritance, mitosis and meiosis, protein synthesis, genetic engineering, human reproductive systems, evolution, and ecology. In addition, there will be several special field and research reports.
Chemistry - The following topics will be covered: the interaction between matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, periodic trends, stoichiometry, solutions, kinetics and equilibrium, organic chemistry, nuclear energy, acid-base chemistry, and redox reactions.
Earth Science - The following topics will be covered: earth dimensions, celestial motion, interaction between matter and energy, heat and gravity, interpreting and constructing maps (contour and profile) plate tectonics, age of the earth, origin of the solar system, seasons and insulation, weathering and erosion, minerals and rocks, landscapes, climate, and meteorology.
Physics - The following topics will be covered: forms of energy, interaction between energy and matter resulting in change of motion, light, electricity, sound, magnetism, predicting velocities based on energy conservation.
Non-Regents Electives
These courses may be taken by juniors and seniors only after they have passed two Regents courses. All science courses are full-year courses
Biology, Advanced Placement - This college-level course is an in-depth study of all major areas of Biology with an emphasis on molecular mechanics, geared to the preparation for the AP exam. The course is taught through lecture, active classroom discussion, and laboratory projects. Students are tested on each unit and are graded on outlines they prepare of major topic areas. The student must read and master the material in a college-level text and review book that is required as outside reading. Students perform dissections and other laboratory exercises. Pre-requisite: Living Environment, Chemistry and Intermediate Algebra and Trig. This is a double-period class that meets every day. Students must commit to completing the entire year and taking the AP examination.
Chemistry, Advanced Placement - The college-level course encompasses stoichiometry, matter, atomic structure, bonding, solution chemistry, periodicity, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, redox, and electrochemistry. Students must be highly motivated and expect to engage in recitation and laboratory lessons. This course also includes frequent class exams, midterm, final exam, class participation and comprehensive laboratory reports. Pre-requisite: Regents Chemistry and Intermediate Algebra and Trig. This is a one-year course. Students must have a minimum average of 85% in Chemistry and Mathematics. This is a double-period class that meets daily. Students must commit to completing the entire year and taking the AP examionation.
Environmental Science - This course combines the chemistry of abiotic factors with the requirements and effects of various populations. Upon completion of integration of the sciences, students will research current environmental challenges and develop group solutions. Special field research opportunities with The New York Conservancy and other New York City venues are included in the laboratory component. This course does not culminate in a Regents examination. This course meets five periods per week.
Environmental Science, Advanced Placement - The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is 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 and/or preventing them. This course is interdisciplinary. A wide variety of topics from different areas are covered. Field trips, field studies and lab work are included. Prerequisite: Open to Juniors and Seniors who have a Science average of at least 85%.
Forensics - This course is designed around authentic performance assessments with students working in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge and reasoning. It involves all areas of science including biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science with an emphasis in complex reasoning and critical thinking. In addition, students will have an opportunity to critically think through and formulate problems, identify and investigate probable solutions, properly collect and scientifically evaluate data, record results and draw logical conclusions based on the evidence, apply data to the given authentic situations, evaluate the most effective means of delivering the information and communicate the results of the work. This course meets five periods per week.
Lab Make-Up Policy [pdf]
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