Science Department

This course is designed to meet New York State Science standards and to prepare each student for the New York State Living Environment Regents Examination in June. The course will cover the main areas of biology including the compounds of life, cell structure and function, human systems, organization of life, DNA and Genetics, Evolution, Botany, and Ecology.   The course is designed to be advanced in that topics will be examined more deeply than what is required for the Living Environment curriculum.  Current controversial issues such as stem cell research, gene therapy, and global warming are included in detail, and topics in the news are examined.  Class discussions will be accompanied by weekly laboratory investigations.  Emphasis on science inquiry allows students to act as scientists by using the skills necessary to build on previous knowledge, propose hypotheses, carry out procedures, record, analyze, and interpret data in a clear and informative manner. 

Prerequisites: Open to all freshmen.

This course is designed to meet New York State Science standards and to prepare each student for the New York State Living Environment Regents Examination in June. The course will cover the main areas of biology including the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, human systems, organization and classification of life, DNA and Genetics, Evolution, Botany, and Ecology.  The course is designed to be advanced in that topics will be examined more deeply than what is required for the Living Environment curriculum.  Current controversial issues such as stem cell research, gene therapy, GMO’s, and human impact on the environment are included in detail, and peer-reviewed articles are researched.  Class discussions will be accompanied by weekly laboratory investigations. Emphasis on science inquiry allows students to act as scientists by using the skills necessary to build on previous knowledge, propose hypotheses, carry out procedures, record, analyze, and interpret data in a clear and informative manner.

Prerequisites: Placement is based on TACHS scores and student record

This course is designed to meet New York State Science standards and to prepare each student for the New York State Chemistry Regents Examination in June. Students are introduced to the study of the physical world by examining: Matter and Energy, Atoms and Moles, The Periodic Table, Chemical Bonds, and Chemical Equations and Reactions. Other topics include: States of Matter and Intermolecular Forces, Gases, Solutions, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Oxidation, Reduction, and Electrochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, and Organic Compounds. Students will explore these concepts through textbook readings, online assignments, and hands-on laboratory activities.

Prerequisites:  Open to all sophomores.

This course is designed to meet New York State Science standards and to prepare each student for the New York State Chemistry Regents Examination in June.  The course is designed to be advanced in that topics will be examined more deeply than what is required for the Chemistry curriculum. Students are introduced to the study of the physical world by examining: Matter and Energy, Atoms and Moles, The Periodic Table, Chemical Bonds, and Chemical Equations and Reactions. Other topics include: States of Matter and Intermolecular Forces, Gases, Solutions, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Oxidation, Reduction, and Electrochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, and Organic Compounds. Students will explore these concepts through textbook readings, online assignments, and hands-on laboratory activities.

Prerequisites:  Student must meet criteria in both Science and Math classes.

Physics is the science that seeks to answer the most basic questions about the physical universe.  A broad range of physical phenomena are therefore in its domain, including motion, force, heat, energy, electricity, magnetism, atomic structure, wave behavior, and optics.  This course provides students with an opportunity to apply and develop their skills in mathematical and mechanical problem solving.  For students going on to further work in the sciences, the health professions, or engineering, this course is particularly helpful.  The course is based on and at times goes beyond the New York State Learning Standards.  However, students do not take the New York State Regents Examination in this course.  Labs are typically performed during the class period.  

Prerequisites:  Students must have math and science averages above 80 and teacher recommendation.

Honors Physics is the science that seeks to answer the most basic questions about the physical universe.  A broad range of physical phenomena are therefore in its domain, including motion, force, heat, energy, electricity, magnetism, atomic structure, wave behavior, and optics.  This course provides students with an opportunity to apply and develop their skills in mathematical and mechanical problem solving.  The course is designed to be advanced in that topics will be examined more deeply than what is required for the typical Physics course.  Students do not take the New York State Regents Examination in this course.  Labs are typically performed during the class period. 

Prerequisites:  Student must meet criteria in both Science and Math classes, and teacher recommendation.

AP Biology is a college-level course structured around the basic principles controlling the activities of living organisms at the molecular and cellular levels. Evolution will be referenced throughout the entire course, and science as a process will be woven throughout both the investigations and the class activities outside of the investigations. Student will be required to purchase the textbook.

Prerequisites:  Student must meet criteria in both Science and Math classes. In addition, student must meet the criteria for St. John’s credit and have the recommendation of the science teacher.

This course will provide an introduction to the structural organization and functioning of the human body.  The course will cover the study of body orientation and hierarchy, biochemistry, and cellular functioning. It covers human body systems including skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and excretory body systems. There is an emphasis on practical applications of each system, as well as integration of normal physiology. Homeostatic imbalances and hormonal control are explored with each system.

Prerequisites:  Student must meet criteria in both Science and Math classes, and teacher recommendation. In addition, student must meet criteria for St. John’s credit.

Students will learn the fundamentals of a criminal investigation using scientific means and how it is applied in a court of law. The course focuses on the collection, identification, and analysis of crime scene evidence. It is rich in exploration and lab investigation which applies many disciplines of scientific study such as biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics to solving crimes. Laboratory exercises typically include finger printing, handwriting analysis, ballistics, blood typing, hair and fiber examination, DNA extraction and analysis, and a virtual autopsy. Case studies and current events will be explored.

Prerequisites:  Open to all seniors. No pre-requisites.

College Chemistry is a college-level preparatory course for upper-level chemistry courses in college.  In this course, the basic concepts of chemistry are covered with an emphasis on chemical stoichiometry, the relationship between the periodic table and the chemical and physical properties of its compounds, and atomic and molecular structure.  While delving deeper into key concepts central to the science of chemistry such as thermochemistry, reaction kinetics, and organic chemistry, students will improve critical-thinking abilities and problem-solving skills.  Lab concepts are covered within this course.

Prerequisites:  Student must meet criteria in both Science and Math classes. In addition, student must meet the criteria for St. John’s credit and have the recommendation of the science teacher.