Course Catalog

Regents level Earth Science is a laboratory-oriented course emphasizing the analysis of geophysical processes shaping our earth. The curriculum covers erosion, weathering, deposition, plate tectonics, geology, astronomy and meteorology. Students enrolled in Regents level Earth Science will be expected to hypothesize, interpret, analyze, evaluate data, and apply their scientific knowledge to real-world situations. Students are required to participate in laboratory activities, complete lab reports, and take the NYS Earth Science Regents Exam.

Prerequisites: None

This course follows the NYS Physical Setting/Earth Science Regents core curriculum. Problem solving techniques and mastery of learning are emphasized throughout the course to ensure student success in the Regents examination. Laboratory work is a required and integral part of the course. Course content includes: rocks and minerals, astronomy, meteorology, processes of change, and the earth’s history. Upon completion of the course, students take the Physical Setting/Earth Science Regents, which includes a separate required laboratory performance examination.  Presentations on current events are assigned as semester projects and discussed throughout the school year.

Prerequisites: Earning a score of 10 or higher on the science placement test. 

This course follows the New York State Regents curriculum for Biology: The Living Environment. Six important themes are covered: (1) Evolution, (2) Energy, Matter and Organization, (3) Maintaining a Dynamic Equilibrium, (4) Reproduction, Growth and Development, (5) Genetics and Molecular Biology and (6) The Interaction and Interdependence of Organisms. Students participate in lectures and labs. Students are required to take NYS Regents Exam in June.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Earth Science or Earth Science Honors.

This course follows the NYS Living Environment curriculum and forms the foundation of the course. The Honors level covers concepts in greater depth at an accelerated pace and  includes a greater number of advanced readings, laboratory investigations, and inquiry-based projects. Students engage in a holistic learning experience to analyze and understand scientific issues and topics beyond that of the NYS curriculum. Students are required to take the NYS Regents Exam in June.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Earth Science or Earth Science Honors. Students must have passed the Earth Science Regents. Departmental approval is also required. Approval is not based solely on their average, as teachers take into account that the student:

• Shows self-motivation in school and beyond.
• Consistently attends class on time.
• Demonstrates regular enthusiasm for the subject
• Periodically uses school resources (extra help, office hours).
• Often participates in the class’s whole-class, group, and individual activities.
• Always submits work on time.
• Manages constructive criticism.
• Respects the learning environment.
• Takes initiative for her own improvement.

This introductory course follows the NYS Physical Setting/Chemistry Regents core curriculum. Topics include: atomic structure, periodicity, chemical reactions, bonding, organic chemistry, stoichiometry, kinetics and equilibrium and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory investigation is an integral part of the course as students test the theories they learn. In addition to the textbook, students in this class read selected articles from The New York Times’ Science Times. Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to attend seminars and conferences that will enhance their knowledge of chemistry.

Prerequisites: Those students wishing to enroll in the course must have successfully completed Algebra I.

This course is an in-depth approach to the study of chemistry which follows the NYS Physical Setting/Chemistry Regents core curriculum. Topics include: atomic structure, periodicity, chemical reactions, bonding, organic chemistry, stoichiometry, kinetics and equilibrium, and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory investigation is an integral part of the course as students test the theories they learn. In addition to the textbook, students in this class read selected articles from The New York Times’ Science Times. Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to participate in science contests and scientific studies/ research to enhance their scientific acumen. 

• Shows self-motivation in school and beyond.
• Consistently attends class on time.
• Demonstrates regular enthusiasm for the subject
• Periodically uses school resources (extra help, office hours).
• Often participates in the class’s whole-class, group, and individual activities.
• Always submits work on time.
• Manages constructive criticism.
• Respects the learning environment.
• Takes initiative for her own improvement.

The AP Biology course is a college-level introductory biology course. The course is designed to provide students with a conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and the analytical and writing skills necessary to deal critically with the complexity of biological science today. The content includes the following topics: molecules and cells (25%), heredity and evolution (25%), and organisms and populations (50%).  It is mandatory for all students enrolled to take the AP Biology Examination in May; a fee is required.

Prerequisites: Students must have earned a course grade of 85 or higher in Living Environment. They must also have passed the Chemistry Regents exam. Department approval is also required. Approval is not based solely on their average, as teachers take into account that the student:

• Shows self-motivation in school and beyond.
• Consistently attends class on time.
• Demonstrates regular enthusiasm for the subject
• Periodically uses school resources (extra help, office hours).
• Often participates in the class’s whole-class, group, and individual activities.
• Always submits work on time.
• Manages constructive criticism.
• Respects the learning environment.
• Takes initiative for her own improvement.

Physics is a laboratory-based course recommended for those who have not ruled out a science, math or health-related career. The NYS Physical Setting/Physics Regents core curriculum is followed. The core topics include: mechanics, energy, electricity and magnetism, wave phenomena, and modern physics. Problem-solving and mathematical applications are integral parts of this course and are subject to testing. Students are required to take the NYS Physical Setting: Physics Regents examination.

Prerequisites: Students must have taken and earned a score of 75 or higher on their Algebra 2 Common Core Regents exam. They must also have passed the Chemistry Regents.

This senior elective is designed for students who wish to pursue careers as medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, and many other health-related fields.  Students begin by mastering the terminology and memorizing a substantial core of basic concepts related to the structure and function of the human body. In the process, they are also provided with a “mental framework” for organizing new information, the ability to access additional information when needed by referring to relevant print or electronic data sources, and the understanding of how to apply their knowledge to solve particular problems. Assessments include tests, practicals, labs, quizzes, homework assignments, and a final quarter project or final exam.

• Shows self-motivation in school and beyond.
• Consistently attends class on time.
• Demonstrates regular enthusiasm for the subject
• Periodically uses school resources (extra help, office hours).
• Often participates in the class’s whole-class, group, and individual activities.
• Always submits work on time.
• Manages constructive criticism.
• Respects the learning environment.
• Takes initiative for her own improvement.

Forensic Science is the application of science to investigations pertaining to the legal system. This course will be a lab-based, hands-on course. This senior elective is designed as an introductory course for students who have a strong interest in forensic science. Major themes of study in this course are pathology, anthropology, odontology, ballistics, trace evidence, biological fluids, DNA, fingerprints, impression evidence, questioned documents and forensic engineering. Students will study the history of forensic science and the techniques for estimating the time of death. Assessments include labs, quizzes, tests, homework assignments, and a final year project.

• Shows self-motivation in school and beyond.
• Consistently attends class on time.
• Demonstrates regular enthusiasm for the subject
• Periodically uses school resources (extra help, office hours).
• Often participates in the class’s whole-class, group, and individual activities.
• Always submits work on time.
• Manages constructive criticism.
• Respects the learning environment.
• Takes initiative for her own improvement.