| Science courses are constructed in accordance with NYS curriculum quidelines to permit the exploration of the richness of science and its application to the real world. Students will be encouraged to ask “why”, which should lead to an increased curiosity about their natural environment. The approach is to make courses fun and exciting as students become knowledgeable about physical and life sciences.
Three sciences are necessary for graduation. Students must pass two Regents sciences for an Advanced Placement Diploma. All labs (1200 minutes) must be completed. An overall grade of 65% is required. A Regents examination grade of 65% is required.
Living Environment
Previously known as “Regents Biology”, the Living Environment. The curriculum is designed to promote scientific literacy as it applies to the natural world. Students will demonstrate literacy when they are able to explain in their own words, both accurately and with appropriate depth and examples, fundamental concepts about the living environment. Instruction stresses conceptual understandings through relationships, processes, mechanisms, and application of concepts. Labs are required to reinforce lecture content and 4 labs are NY State mandated. Students must pass the lab portion of the course to sit for the state regents exam administered upon course completion. Prerequisites: Students enrolled in ESL courses should be restricted from admission into Living Environment classes due to the extensive science-based vocabulary required for completion of biology. They must be able to demonstrate literacy in English before attempting the course. One semester, one credit. Two labs. Six day schedule.
Advanced Placement Biology
Prepares student for AP Exam administered in May and the school exam in June. Course is designed to promote science literacy at a collegiate level. Covers concepts and principles of biology form the structure and function of cells to the organization of the biosphere. The course is designed to emphasize the evolutionary theme that guides college-level biology. Labs are administered to reinforce basic themes presented during lecture. All students are required to attend a genetics conference at PSUC given in the fall semester. Major topics include the cell, genetic basis of life, evolution, diversity of life/plant structure and function, animal behavior/ecology. Prerequisites: Regent course in the Living Environment and Chemistry. Student should have attained at least a B+ to an A on the exam. Strong math skills are a benefit but are not required. Ability to demonstrate science literacy in essays related to major topics presented during course. International students must be fluent in English. Full year course, two credits.
Physics
Physics is more than mathematics and formulas, it is a world of fascination that facilitates student understanding of basic concepts governing natural law. Curriculum is a “hands-on” application concerning the world of forces constantly at work in the environment. Students should be able to complete approximately 24 labs to demonstrate mastery of basic skills. Prerequisites: Completing and passing one Regents science course. International Students excepted. Successful completion of one high school math course. Must be at Sophomore level or higher. One credit. Two 80 minute lab periods. Six day schedule.
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