Science

The ultimate goal of Preston High School’s Science Department is forming the scientifically literate person, and science teachers are responsible for starting ALL students along that path. Scientific literacy should continue to develop and grow throughout the life of every PHS student. The scientifically literate person is defined in Science for All Americans as someone who has integrated knowledge of science, mathematics and technology; has a deep understanding of scientific concepts and processes; and appreciates that both the learning and the practice of science are dynamic and constructed.

In each type of science course, the Physical Setting (Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics) and the Living Environment (Biology, Advanced Placement Biology, Anatomy & Physiology), the students will focus on the understanding of concepts, relationships, processes, mechanisms, models, and applications that are pertinent to each of the content areas. In attaining scientific literacy, students will be able to demonstrate these understandings, generate explanations, exhibit creative problem solving and reasoning skills, and make informed decisions. Students will be able to find and elaborate upon conceptual cross-linkages that connect to many of the key ideas of each content area and to other mathematics, science and technology learning standards. All Honors/Regents students will take the Regents exams in Earth Science, The Living Environment, and Chemistry. Physics, AP Biology and Anatomy & Physiology or Forensic Science are electives and may be taken simultaneously. Students who were accelerated in the eighth grade (those who took The Physical Setting: Earth Science Regents) will be accelerated at Preston should they attain mastery level (85 or above) on the Regents Assessment and successfully complete the New York State Laboratory requirement. The SAT II program in Biology, Chemistry and Physics is strongly encouraged for all and required of the Honors Biology students.