Unit: 1
Grade: 9 - 12
Final: Regents Exam

Earth Science is a full-year laboratory course covering the topics of geology, meteorology, hydrology, and astronomy with emphasis on our Earth and the processes affecting it. The student who is acquainted with Earth Science should be better able to discuss and vote intelligently on issues such as air and water pollution, desalinization plants, nuclear power plants, exploration of space, and the uses of our valuable and limited natural resources. This course meets 7 ½ periods per week to include laboratory work.

Unit: 1
Grade: 8 - 12
Final: Regents
Exam Prerequisite: Thorough background in junior high science and algebra

Biology is a one-year laboratory course in modern biology. It is designed to provide broad general understanding of the fundamental principles of biology and to provide an extension of understanding in selected areas. Units include: biochemistry, animal and plant life, reproduction and development, genetics, evolution, diversity and ecological relationships. This course meets 7 ½ periods per week to include laboratory work.

Unit: 2
Grade: 8, 9, 10

In this class the Regents Biology curriculum is extended over the course of two years, further allowing for greater understanding and success of Regents Biology topics, which include: biochemistry, animal and plant life, reproduction and development, genetics, evolution, diversity and ecological relationships.

Unit: 1
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite:
11th Grade: Successful completion of Algebra 1 (R); Earth Science Prerequisite/Co-requisite
10th Grade: Successful completion of Algebra 1 (R); 90% Earth Science course average; 85% Earth Science Regents; Math and Earth Science Teacher recommendations.

Chemistry is a one-year laboratory course dealing with the fundamental relationships between matter and energy and the changes which matter undergoes. This course provides students with an opportunity to understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to chemistry and its historical development. Students will be expected to explain, analyze, and interpret the processes and natural phenomena of chemistry. The core topics of the course are: Atomic Structure; The Periodic Table; Moles and Stoichiometry; Chemical Bonding; Physical Behavior of Matter; Kinetics and Equilibrium; Organic Chemistry; Oxidation-Reduction; Acids, Bases, and Salts; Nuclear Chemistry; Chemical Laboratory Skills. This course meets 7 ½ periods per week to include laboratory work.

Unit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Final: Regents Exam Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry Regents.

Physics is a one-year laboratory course with the major emphasis placed on the study of the fundamental concepts of conservation of energy, momentum and charge, and the study of vectors, scalars and force fields as a way of understanding nature. The core units include mechanics, energy, electricity and magnetism, wave phenomena and atomic and nuclear physics. The appreciation of scientific methods, and ability and willingness to change beliefs and opinions after careful weighing of new evidence, and the development of the habit of critical thinking are intangible, but important, outcomes of this course. This course meets 7½ periods per week to include laboratory work.

Unit: 1
Grade: 11, 12
Final: AP Exam (approx. $91 fee) Physics Regents
Prerequisite: Geometry Regents

AP Physics is a physics intensive course taught for 2 periods each day. Students will be involved in lecture discussions involving Newtonian Mechanics, Energy and its transfer, Electricity and Magnetism, Fluid Dynamics, Waves and the Duality of Light. Labs will also be involved so the student will learn by hands on experiences as well as lecture. The use of modern technology is among the important aspects of this class, featuring computer simulations, data gathering devices and on-line review and work. Several projects during the year also emphasize the real world applications of Physics. Critical thinking skills as well as their uses are stressed throughout the year. Upon successful completion of the AP test in May, the student may receive credit for study in Physics determined by the student’s college.

Unit: 1
Grade: 11 or 12
Final: AP Exam (approx. $91 fee) Prerequisite: Recommended guidelines for enrolling in AP Biology are a minimum overall average of 85% in Chemistry and a minimum score of 80% on the Chemistry Regents.

The Advanced Placement Biology course covers molecular, cell, organism, environmental, and population biology. It is a one year laboratory course taught at the freshman level of college Biology. It utilizes college textbooks and lab manuals. The workload for AP Biology includes summer and vacation assignments and will also involve extensive outside reading, lab workbook write-ups and essay writing. While Regents Physics is not a co-requisite, it should be emphasized that the AP Biology is not a substitute for Physics Regents. Science majors should take the Physics Regents before graduation. Upon successful completion of the AP exam, each student may receive college credit in Biology as determined by the collegiate institutions accepting the student for admission.

Unit: 1
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth Science and Bio/Living Environment

Environmental Science course examines the mutual relationships between organisms and their environment. In studying the interrelationships among plants, animals, and humans, this course will cover the following subjects: photosynthesis, recycling and regeneration, ecosystems, population and growth studies, pollution, and conservation of natural resources. 

Unit: 1
Grade: 10 - 12
Pre-requisite: Must have passed the Living Environment Regents or be enrolled in Biology

This course is designed to introduce students to the fascinating field of forensic science– the application of scientific methods and techniques to criminal investigations. Since the time of Sherlock Holmes, detectives and police have used scientific evaluation of evidence to solve mysteries. Science has become more sophisticated and this course explores current technology. Topics covered will include, but not be limited to, the history of forensics, crime scene analysis, fingerprints, microscopic hair and fiber analysis, DNA, handwriting analysis and blood spatter. This course is limited to students who have passed the Living Environment Regents Exam or who are currently enrolled in Biology.

Prerequisite: Recommended guidelines for enrolling in AP Environmental are a minimum overall average of 85% in Chemistry and a minimum score of 80% on the Chemistry Regents.

The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science, through which students engage with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.

Unit: 1
Grade: 10 - 12
Final: School Exam

An exciting overview of oceanography will be presented in this stimulating course designed to create an awareness and application for an environment that will be man’s future. Included will be a range of interesting subjects from the dissection of a shark to the plight of the great whales. Many field trips will be taken so that first hand knowledge can be obtained that will greatly enhance classroom discussion and lab work.