Students are required to successfully complete three units and one Regents exam in science to graduate with a Regents Diploma. Of the three units, one must be from the living environment curriculum and one from the physical setting curriculum. Students in pursuit of a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation are required to pass two Regents exams (one physical science and one life science).
Science Department Head: Erin Bell (ext. 33110)
Science Progressions
Grade 9: Living Environment or Earth Science
Grade 10: Earth Science, or Chemistry
Grade 11: Chemistry, Physics, or Science Elective
Grade 12: Physics, AP Science, or Science Elective
Science Electives
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PLTW Biomedical Engineering Courses
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Science Research (3 Year Program)
- Sustainability Studies
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College Environmental Science
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Forensics
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Natural Disasters
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Astronomy
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics C
CORE SCIENCES
A well-rounded foundation in science is important to prepare students for college. We strongly recommend that students take one course in each of the four core subjects before taking a second course (usually AP) in any one subject.
EARTH SCIENCE
0344 Full Year 1 Credit Grade 9-10
Regents Earth Science follows the New York State Core Physical Setting/Earth Science curriculum. This is a laboratory-centered course designed to introduce students to the four sciences that make up earth science: meteorology, geology, astronomy, and oceanography. The course provides an understanding of climate, the space program, natural resources, and weather while providing background knowledge with laboratory experiences which enables students to be successful in future science studies, including chemistry and physics.
This course has a mandatory laboratory requirement and culminates with the required Earth Science Regents examination in June.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT/BIOLOGY
0331 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 9-11
Regents Living Environment follows the New York State Core Living Environment curriculum. Emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry, testing, and analyzing proposed explanations using conventional and invented methods, examining similarities and differences among living things, reproduction and development, the basic unit of life, physiology, classification, ecology, genetics, biochemistry, and evolution. This course has a mandatory lab requirement and culminates with the required Living Environment Regents examination in June.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT ESSENTIALS
0330 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 9-10
This course is designed for students who need additional support in preparing for the Regents exam in Living Environment after successfully completing the course. The objective of this course is to utilize and improve literacy skills through the themes of biology. Students will explore the principles of biology, build connections, and improve science literacy. In addition, students will conduct an array of experiments and activities to deepen their understanding and improve performance on the Regents Exam.
Prerequisite: Living Environment
AP BIOLOGY
0303 Full Year 1 Credit Grade 12
AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes: energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. An independent study component in ecology is required. It is recommended that students take the AP Biology examination.
Students will be expected to pay the cost of the laboratory manual and complete the summer assignment.
Prerequisite: Living Environment, Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics (or concurrent enrollment).
PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY
0319 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Principles of Chemistry is a full year non-Regents level chemistry course designed to provide a more project and problem-based learning approach to chemistry that is aligned to NGSS standards. Students will be exposed to a rich chemistry curriculum with the intent of preparing them for future science instruction in college. In addition to data collection and analysis, this course will provide opportunities for enhancing the soft skills which students so desperately need, including writing supporting statements and improving overall scientific literacy.
CHEMISTRY
0321 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Regents Chemistry follows the New York State Core Physical Setting/Chemistry curriculum and is generally recommended for students planning on attending a four-year college. Topics of study include matter, energy, atomic and molecular structure, the periodic table, bonding, kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base theory, organic, and nuclear chemistry. This course is theoretical, abstract, and quantitative. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data. It is recommended that students have a scientific (non-graphing) calculator. This course has a mandatory lab requirement and culminates with the required Chemistry Regents examination in June.
Prerequisite: Living Environment, Earth Science.
Recommended preparation: Geometry, and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2.
CHEMISTRY HONORS
0320 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-11
Honors Chemistry follows the New York State Core Physical Setting/Chemistry curriculum, as well as various additional topics. The pacing and depth of the course is more demanding than Regents Chemistry. Complex algebra and problem-solving skills will be utilized. Instruction centers on deeper, more rigorous science principles with intensity at the college level. Students are expected to be independent readers and learners of basic concepts related to this course. This course has a mandatory lab requirement and culminates with the required Chemistry Regents examination in June.
Recommended preparation: completion of Living Environment, Earth Science, Geometry, and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2.
AP CHEMISTRY
0302 Full Year 1 Credit Grade 12
AP Chemistry is an introductory college-level chemistry course. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based lab investigations as they explore the four Big Ideas: scale proportion, and quality; structure and properties of substances; transformations; and energy. A summer assignment will be required and assessed on the first day of school. Students will be encouraged and prepared to take the AP Chemistry exam given in May.
Prerequisite: Living Environment, Earth Science.
Recommended preparation: Algebra 2, or concurrent enrollment.
PHYSICS
0310 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 11-12
Regents Physics follows the New York State Core Physical Setting/Physics Curriculum. Topics of study include mechanics, energy, electricity, magnetism, wave phenomena, and modern physics. This course emphasizes the meaning and implications of physical principles, as well as their mathematical treatment. Students will collect, organize, and analyze data. This course is an introductory, algebra-based physics course, designed primarily for students who intend to pursue a four-year college degree. Successful completion of this course requires a strong background in Geometry and Algebra 2 concepts. Strong background in math is critical in this course. This course has a mandatory lab requirement and culminates with the required Physics Regents examination in June.
Prerequisite: Living Environment, Earth Science, Chemistry.
Recommended preparation: Algebra 2 and concurrent enrollment in Pre-calculus.
PHYSICS/CHS
(College in the High School Program)
0307 Full Year 1 Credit
CHS Physics is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students will cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, and conservation. The course will cover some additional topics in the Regents curriculum. College credit is offered through SUNY Adirondack.
Prerequisite: Living Environment, Earth Science, Chemistry.
Fee required for college credit. Students may opt to take the course for high school credit only.
Recommended preparation: completion of Chemistry Honors and completion or concurrent enrollment of Pre-Calculus or AP Mathematics.
AP PHYSICS C
0301 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 11-12
AP Physics C is comprised of a pair of one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics courses, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study and activities as well as hands-on laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation. It is recommended that students take each of two Physics C exams.
Prerequisite: Living Environment, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics CHS and concurrent enrollment in calculus.
SCIENCE ELECTIVE PATHWAYS
Elective science courses are designed to be taken as a second science course or as a third science.
SCIENCE RESEARCH THREE YEAR PROGRAM
(University in the High School)
0323-0325 3 Years 3 Credits Grades 10-12
Taking Science Research is a unique high school experience that allows the student the opportunity to conduct original scientific research at the college level through the establishment of a mentorship with a professional investigator. In the sophomore year, students explore topics of interest, learn library research skills, and develop a plan for experimentation. In the junior year data is collected and the analysis of results occurs. The Senior year is devoted to drawing conclusions and the presentation of findings to audiences in various formats. Up to 12 college credits can be earned in this course through an affiliation with the University at Albany. More Information available: https://tinyurl.com/TogaResearch
Enrollment Requirements: Application essay/interview and recommendation from current science teacher.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Science Research Program is based on the following: completion of grade 9, a willingness to commit to the three-year program, problem solving skills, analytical abilities, disciplined work habits, and the ability to adhere to deadlines. Students will be responsible for the college fees.
PLTW BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE PATHWAY
The recommended order of these courses is indicated below, however, if students are enrolled in or have completed Living Environment, students can personalize the pathway to best fit their own interests. Each of these courses can be taken for college credit through Rochester Institute of Technology if desired.
PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (PLTW)
0037 Full Year 1 Credit Grade 9-12
Principles of Biomedical Sciences is the recommended first course in the Biomedical PLTW series. This course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the biological sciences, emergency services, healthcare, or medicine. In this course, students investigate the human body systems and various health conditions. Students explore lifestyle choices and medical treatments that might potentially prolong a person’s life. The course culminates with a written exam. Students need to be concurrently enrolled in a Regents science class.
Prerequisite: Completion of, or Co-enrollment in Living Environment
HUMAN BODY SYSTEMS (PLTW)
0341 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
The Human Body Systems (HBS) course is the recommended second course in the Biomedical PLTW series but can be taken outside of sequence. In this course students will explore the systems of the human body, by designing experiments to investigate the structures and functions that allow the body to move, protect from disease and react to stimuli. Data software will be used to monitor various functions of the body such as reflexes, muscle movement and respiration. Students will play roles of biomedical professionals as they solve real world mysteries while playing the role of biomedical professionals.
Prerequisite: Completion of, or Co-enrollment in Living Environment.
MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS (PLTW)
0347 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Medical Interventions (PLTW) is the recommended third course in the Biomedical PLTW series but can be taken outside of sequence. In this course, the students will investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. Students will explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate human DNA for genetic disorders; investigate the cellular biology of cancer and evaluate cancer detection and treatment options; and explore different interventions for when organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students will learn various biomedical lab skills and explore a range of biomedical interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, audiology, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.
Prerequisite: Completion of, or Co-enrollment in Living Environment.
SCIENCE ELECTIVES
ASTRONOMY
0326 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 11-12
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental elements of astronomy. Study of the space program, solar system, stars, galaxies, and universe will be enhanced by the involvement of NASA based research and resources. Whether a student’s motivation to take the course is to establish a firm foundation of knowledge for study in college or to foster a lifelong understanding of the sky, all levels of interest will be addressed.
Prerequisite: Earth Science and/or Living Environment.
NATURAL DISASTERS I: METEOROLOGY
0339 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 11 -12
This course will investigate atmospheric related natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe phenomenon. The impacts of these events on humans and the environment will be incorporated into study. Throughout this course, students will read about, conduct research, design, and complete laboratory activities, and be involved in projects designed around these catastrophic events (using both a current and a historical perspective).
Recommended preparation: completion of Earth Science.
NATURAL DISASTERS II: GEOLOGY
0340 1 Semester .5 Credit Grades 11 -12
Major geologic natural disasters including earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes will be examined. The impact that these natural disasters pose to people and the environment will also be studied. Students will be involved in problem-solving techniques and assignments using scientific inquiry, research, and reading to develop a better understanding of these events (through current and historical perspectives).
Prerequisite: Earth Science.
SUSTAINABILITY STUDIES
0353 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 11-12
This course is based on current issues in environmental science, such as natural resource exploitation, impacts of climate change, human population growth, and pollution. Understanding chemical cycles, restoration ecology, and sustainable living practices will be necessary for exploring solutions to these environmental issues. The laboratory component of this course includes water and soil quality analysis, measurements of biodiversity, forestry methods, and GIS modeling. Students will participate in the school’s recycling program.
Prerequisite: Earth Science and/or Living Environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CHS
(College in the High School Program)
0346 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 11-12
This course involves the survey of the origin and effects of crucial environmental problems and scientific principles in treatment of such topics as population growth, resource depletion, industrial and municipal pollution, natural cycles of materials. This course fulfills the science requirement for non-science majors at most colleges. Students will participate in the school’s recycling program and will complete a final project.
Prerequisite: Living Environment, Earth Science.
College Credit: SUNY Adirondack. Fee required for college credit. Students must earn 80% or better to receive Chemistry 105 credit. Students may opt to take the course for only high school credit.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
0349 Full Year 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Forensic Science investigates a variety of topics including evidence classification, fingerprints, blood spatter, and time of death. Students will participate in laboratory activities, case studies and collaborative work to understand content.
Content Tag: Forensic Science is taught with the use of true crime. This includes accounts and videos/images that may be graphic in nature.