SCIENCE

Physical Setting – Earth Science:

This course provides the student with an understanding and an appreciation of this planet. Some of the topics covered are: Earth dimensions, minerals and rocks, the dynamic crust, earthquakes and interior surface processes and landscaping, glacial geology, the Earth’s history, meteorology, water cycle and climate and environmental awareness.   The student should have a background in the skills of observation and interpretation and analysis of data. The course is a Regents course. Minimum laboratory time is 1200 minutes. An acceptable written report is required for each laboratory investigation. Prior to the written portion of the Regents examination, students will be required to complete a laboratory performance test. The final exam is a Regents exam.

The Living Environment – Biology:

This course will give the students an understanding of the living environment. The student will apply scientific concepts, principles and theories pertaining to the living environment and recognize the historical development of these ideas. 1200 minutes of laboratory work plus a satisfactory written report of each laboratory investigation are required prior to being admitted to the Regents exam in June. Some topics covered are: similarities and differences among living and nonliving things, inheritance of genetic information, changes in organisms and species over time, continuity of life, dynamic equilibrium in living organisms, dependence of plants and animals on each other, the effect of human decisions and activities on the physical and living environment. The final exam is a Regents Exam in June

Physical Setting – Chemistry:

The Regents Chemistry course is designed for the student who has an interest in modern Chemistry and the effect that it has on his/her life. Some of the topics covered are: matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, Periodic Table, mathematics of Chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. Prerequisites: Completion of Math Course 2 and the approval of the current science teacher. The Chemistry student is required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of lab and have an acceptable written report on file for each laboratory investigation before being admitted to the Regents examination.

Physical Setting – Physics:

This course is designed to encourage the student to use such basic concepts as conservation of energy, momentum and charge, vector and scalar quantities, and fields as unifying themes rather than isolated topics. Because problem solving is an overall theme for the course, the student must have a strong foundation in Regents Mathematics. A minimum of 1200 minutes of lab and an acceptable written report on each laboratory investigation are required for admission to the Regents examination. Prerequisite: Approval of current science teacher.

Honors Regents – Biology Honors and Chemistry Honors:

 

These courses involve a more intensive approach to the Regents course of study. The more highly motivated students are recommended for these courses. Prerequisite: Department approval.

 

Advanced Placement Biology:

 

This is an advanced elective course offered to students who have completed Regents Biology and Chemistry with an average of 90 or above. The AP course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory Biology course taken by Biology majors. Areas covered are cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and plant and animal form and function. Lab work with acceptable reports is required. The AP examination is mandatory at the end of the year at a fee of ~$85.00.Each student must purchase his/her textbook, workbook and lab book. The cost is approximately $150.00. Department approval is required for admission to this course.

 

Advanced Placement Environmental Science:

 

This is an advanced elective course that includes the study of environmental science both locally and globally. Topics will include ecological principles, population dynamics, economics, law, philosophy, resource management and sustaining society. Classroom work will be supplemented with regular lab work, which will require write-ups. Each student must purchase an Environmental Science textbook and workbook. The AP examination is mandatory at the end of the year. A fee of ~$85.00 for the AP exam is also required. Department approval is required for admission to this course.

 

Oceanography (½ credit – 1st Semester Only):

 

This is a descriptive course entailing study of the oceans and their topography, geology and geophysics; physical and chemical properties of seawater, ocean currents, tides and shoreline processes; marine organisms and their ecology; survey of oceanographic instruments and techniques. This course is open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: Biology and Department approval.

 

Meteorology (½ credit – 2nd Semester Only):

 

This is a study of the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, weather maps, high and low pressure systems, air masses, cold and warm fronts, atmospheric circulation, storms and world weather patterns; discussion of past and present world climates. Reading meteorological instruments, weather analysis and forecasting will be included. This course is open to juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: Earth Science or Chemistry and Department approval.

 

Forensic Science (½ credit – 1 semester):

 

This course will give students an understanding of Crime Scene Investigation, applying aspects of Forensic Science. Topics include Nature of Evidence, Crime Scene Analysis, Evidence Collection, Fingerprinting, Forensic Serology, DNA Analysis, and Trace Evidence Analysis. This course is open to seniors; juniors may apply space providing. Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, and  Department approval.