SCIENCE
Mr. Michael Sheridan, Chair
The New York State assessments in Science are given at the prescribed times.
461 – GENERAL SCIENCE 6
Prerequisite: none
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 6
Final examination: none
Topics covered in General Science 6 include chemical interactions, forces and motion, changes through geologic time, ecosystems, and astronomy. Through hands-on activities, the students will be active in observing and inferring science concepts and using numbers to record and interpret data. The students will also use computer technology to perform observational studies and to complete assignments.
471 - LIFE SCIENCE / HEALTH
Prerequisite: none
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 7
Final examination: department-developed exam
The major emphasis of Life Science is on our relationship with other living organisms. The course deals with a gradual progression through all of the kingdoms of life. The student learns an appreciation for the inner working of all organisms including himself. Included in the life science course are some of the following topics: genetics, evolution, ecology, mental health, nutrition, stress, problem-solving, communication, peer pressure, the systems of the body, growth reproduction, personal hygiene, physical fitness, consumer protection, basic first aid, drug awareness, Community and the Environment. The course includes approximately ten formal written laboratory investigations. These include dissection, field studies, and nutrient testing. There are also many informal lab activities.
481 - PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Prerequisite: none
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 8
Final examination: department-developed exam
Physical Science is presented to all eighth grade students. The year is divided into two sections. The first semester is called Introduction to Chemistry. It takes the student from the introduction of matter to complex chemical reactions. This section makes use of many hands‑on experiments involving element identification, acid‑base reactions, etc. The second half is called Introduction to Physics. Energy, force and motion are the prime areas covered. Experiments in electricity, motion, and the use of all six simple machines are explored during this section.
484 - PHYSICAL SCIENCE/H
Prerequisite: 90+ in Life Science and Math 7A and teacher recommendation
Weight = 1.04
Grade level: 8
Final examination: department-developed exam
The content of this honors level course is similar to 481. However, due to the math and science ability of the students, the course pace is much faster and topics are covered must more in depth.
NOTE: Students must maintain an 85+ average in order to remain in this class
LAB REQUIREMENT FOR COURSES ENDING WITH A REGENTS EXAM: Each student is required to fulfill a minimum of thirty (30) hours of laboratory investigations in order to qualify for the regents exam, and must complete formal written lab reports. These must be completed in a timely manner on a schedule set by the teacher. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the student being prohibited from taking the regents exam and a recoding of the course in the student’s permanent record as a school level course.
411 - EARTH SCIENCE / Physical Setting {lab requirement}
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 9
Final examination: NYS Regents exam in Earth Science / Physical Setting in June
This course strives to provide each student with an understanding of the world around them and the relationships within. Concepts presented include space, weather, rocks and minerals, and geologic history. Students will also be introduced to environmental topics and must know their place in today’s environmental society, especially in regard to the complex problems seen in New York State. Each student is mandated to fulfill thirty (30) hours of lab work in order to qualify for the regents exam, and must complete written lab reports in a set scientific format.
414 - EARTH SCIENCE / Physical Setting/H {lab requirement}
Prerequisite: 90th% in Math AND A-level grades in math and science
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.08
Grade level: 9
Final examination: NYS Regents exam in Earth Science / Physical Setting in June
The content of this honors level course is similar to 411. However, due to the math and science ability of the students, the course goes much faster and topics are covered must more in depth.
NOTE: Students must maintain an 85+ average in order to remain in this class
421 – LIVING ENVIRONMENT {lab requirement}
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 10
Final examination: NYS Regents exam in Living Environment in June
Living Environment explores a variety of topics which are essential in understanding our complex and changing environment. The investigation into these topics is facilitated by related laboratory exercises. Some of the central themes include unity and diversity, photosynthesis, human physiology, homeostasis, reproduction and development, transmission of traits (genetics), evolution, and ecology
4240 – BIOLOGY/H {lab requirement}
Prerequisite: 90+ in Earth Science and teacher recommendation
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.08
Grade level: 10
Final examination: NYS Regents exam in Living Environment in June
The content of this honors level course is similar to 421. However, due to the math and science ability of the students, the course goes much faster and topics are covered must more in depth.
NOTE: Students must maintain an 85+ average in order to remain in this class
431 - CHEMISTRY {lab requirement}
Prerequisite: 80+ in Living Environment and passing grade on Living Environment regents exam
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.04
Grade level: 11
Final examination: NYS Regents exam in Physical Setting Chemistry
This course provides a strong foundation in theoretical and descriptive chemistry. The New York State Regents course outline The Physical Environment: Chemistry is used as the starting point for subjects covered. Material studied is expanded to get each student ready to successfully complete the course and to give each student the background needed to begin the study of chemistry in college. Laboratory experiments are an integral part of the course. Reports written for each experiment and the problem solving that is studied foster the development of critical thinking skills. The major topics studied include: matter and energy, atomic theory and structure, the periodic law, chemical bonding, nomenclature and formula writing, chemical equations and stoichiometry, phases of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.
433 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY
Prerequisite: none
Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 11
Final examination: teacher-developed exam
This course does not fulfill the science requirement for the NYS advanced designation diploma
General Chemistry is an introductory course focusing on the basic principles of chemistry. Some of the key topics covered include the separation of matter, atomic theory and structure, the periodic table, ionic and covalent bonding, chemical formulas and equations, chemical reactions, acids and bases, organic chemistry, food chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The investigation into these topics is facilitated by related laboratory investigations and a formal lab report is required for each experiment.
434 - CHEMISTRY/H {lab requirement}
Prerequisite: 85+ in Living Environment/ H and teacher recommendation
Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.08
Grade level: 11
Final examination: NYS Regents exam in Physical Setting Chemistry
A strong foundation in theoretical and descriptive chemistry, particularly the quantitative aspects of the subject, is given in this course. Material covered includes all parts of the science of chemistry which are needed to provide students with an exceptional background to be ready to study college chemistry.
The content of this honors level course is similar to 4300. However, due to the math and science ability of the students, the course goes much faster and topics are covered must more in depth.
NOTE: Students must maintain an 85+ average in order to remain in this class
441 – PHYSICS: A Physical Setting {lab requirement}
Prerequisite: successful completion of chemistry and Math B-2 with passing grades in both Chemistry and Math B regents exams
Duration: full year
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.04
Grade level: 12
Final examination: NYS Regents exam in Physical Setting Physics and/or teacher-developed exam
This course in physics uses various methods of problem solving techniques and critical thinking methods as well as hands-on laboratory experience to enable students to understand a broad range of topics in physics. Problem solving techniques include the use of basic mathematical approaches to find solutions. An understanding of algebra and basic right triangle trigonometry are required. Students are also expected to be able to verbally express the methods used in reaching a solution to problems presented in class. The course of study includes: problem solving techniques (including graphing, dimensional analysis, and statistical analysis of data), linear motion and two-dimensional motion, Newton’s laws of motion, conservation of momentum, work, power, conservation of energy, static electricity and electrical potential, electric circuits, magnetism and electromagnetism, wave properties, properties of sound and light, and a broad overview of modern physics.
442 – GENERAL PHYSICS.
Prerequisite: none
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.00
Grade level: 12
Final examination: teacher-developed exam
This course is a college preparatory course in conceptual physics. Topics include classical mechanics; the properties of matter; heat, sound, and light energy; electricity and magnetism; and atomic and nuclear physics. The major emphasis is concept development through laboratory experiences and concept reinforcement through application activities. There is more of an emphasis on the concepts of physics than on mathematical models and relationships.
445 - AP PHYSICS {AP exam required}
Prerequisite: 85+ in Chemistry/H or Physics, Calculus and teacher recommendation
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.12
Grade level: 12
Final examination: Advanced Placement exam in Physics C (Mechanics)
This course in advanced physics follows the course guidelines for the Advanced Placement Physics C curriculum in Classical Mechanics. The course is a calculus-based approach to solving problems in Newtonian Mechanics and Conservation of Energy. In addition, students are involved in an in-depth analysis of problems in linear motion and rotational motion, and the conservation of energy principles involved in such types of motion. Laboratory experiments using a guided investigative approach are used to supplement the classroom material.
444 - ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY/H
Prerequisite: 85+ in Living Environment/ H and Chemistry/H, and teacher recommendation
Credit: 1
Weight = 1.12
Grade level: 12
Final examination: teacher-developed exam
This honors level course is a detailed study of the structure and function of the human body. It is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the health and life sciences. Topics covered include: chemical organization, cells, tissues, as well as the major systems of the body – integument, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive. A strong emphasis is placed on homeostasis and the development of disease. The course is especially designed for those students contemplating a career in the health field.
