Science
Requirements
- Life Science
- Earth and Space Sciences
Electives
- Non-Regents Earth Science
- Natural Resources Conservation/Environmental Science
- Anatomy and Physiology
- General Chemistry: The Physical Setting
- Chemistry: The Physical Setting (Regents)
- Chemistry: The Physical Setting (College Now)
- Physics: The Physical Setting
- AP Biology
- Culinary Chemistry
Sequences
| Sequence 1 Expected | Sequence 2 Accelerated | Sequence 3 2 year Biology plan | Sequence 4 BOCES or NON Regents track student | |
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| 10th |
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| 11th |
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| 12th |
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Course Offerings
Life Science - Biology
1 Credit
The High School Life Science curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts and practices of biology. The curriculum covers a range of topics including Molecules to Organisms, Inheritance and Variation, Matter and Energy in Life, Ecosystems, and Natural Selection and Evolution.
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Molecules to Organisms: In this unit, students will learn about the molecular and cellular biology of living organisms. They will learn about the chemical composition of living organisms, including carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins, and how they interact to perform life functions. They will also learn about cell structure and function, and how cells divide and differentiate.
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Inheritance and Variation: In this unit, students will learn about the principles of inheritance and genetic variation. They will learn about the principles of Mendelian genetics, including the laws of segregation and independent assortment, and how genetic information is passed from parents to offspring. They will also learn about genetic variation and how it is influenced by environmental factors.
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Matter and Energy in Life: In this unit, students will learn about the flow of matter and energy through living systems. They will learn about the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and how they are linked to the cycling of matter and energy in ecosystems. They will also learn about the importance of biodiversity and the role of organisms in the cycling of matter and energy.
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Ecosystems: In this unit, students will learn about the interactions between living organisms and their physical environment. They will learn about the abiotic and biotic factors that influence ecosystems, as well as the different types of interactions between organisms. They will also learn about the concept of ecological succession and the relationships between organisms and their environment.
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Natural Selection and Evolution: In this unit, students will learn about the principles of natural selection and evolution. They will learn about the process of natural selection, how it leads to adaptations, and how it shapes the diversity of life on Earth. They will also learn about the evidence for evolution and the history of life on Earth, including the history of major groups of organisms and the origins of modern organisms.
Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on laboratory activities and investigations to help them develop scientific inquiry and data analysis skills. They will also be encouraged to make connections between the Life Science concepts they are learning and real-world applications. The curriculum also includes opportunities for group discussion, problem-solving and critical thinking, and interactive simulations and visualizations to support learning.
Earth and Space Science
1 Credit
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Earth and Space Science curriculum is designed to give students a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts and practices of this field. The curriculum includes topics such as Space Systems, History of Earth, Earth’s Systems, Weather and Climate, and Human Sustainability. Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on laboratory activities and investigations to help them develop scientific inquiry and data analysis skills. They will also be encouraged to make connections between the Earth and Space Science concepts they are learning and real-world applications. The curriculum also includes opportunities for students to engage in crosscutting concepts, such as patterns, cause and effect, systems and system models, and Science and Engineering practices, such as planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, developing and using models, and engaging in argument from evidence. Students must successfully complete 1200 minutes of laboratory experience to be eligible to take the Regents exam. Please contact Mrs. DelMedico for more information.
Non-Regents Earth Science
1 Credit
Earth Science is a blend of many different sciences, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, mineralogy, and astronomy. Earth science students study and model the processes that change our planet in these different specialties. Students study Earth Science using organized procedures called scientific methods, the same way scientists use models to propose theories today. This course will be run to meet student's needs and there is no requirement in June to take the Earth and Space Science Regents exam. Please contact Mrs. DelMedico for more information.
Chemistry: The Physical Setting (Regents)
1 Credit
Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter; the changes which matter undergoes; and the energy accompanying these changes. Laboratory skills, problem solving techniques, graphing and interpreting graphical data, and mathematical analysis are included. The chemistry core topics include atomic structure; periodic table; moles/stoichiometry; chemical bonding; physical behavior of matter; kinetics/equilibrium; organic chemistry; oxidation/reduction; acids, bases and salts; and nuclear chemistry. This course uses mathematics extensively to explain chemical concepts.
Chemistry: The Physical Setting (College Now)*
1 Credit
Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter; the changes which matter undergoes; and the energy accompanying these changes. Laboratory skills, problem solving techniques, graphing and interpreting graphical data, and mathematical analysis are included. The chemistry core topics include atomic structure; periodic table; moles/stoichiometry; chemical bonding; physical behavior of matter; kinetics/equilibrium; organic chemistry; oxidation/reduction; acids, bases and salts; and nuclear chemistry. This course will cover concepts and topics in more detail than the Regents level course. This course uses mathematics extensively to explain chemical concepts. * College Now credit available
General Chemistry: The Physical Setting
1 Credit
Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter; the changes which matter undergoes; and the energy accompanying these changes. Laboratory skills, problem solving techniques, graphing and interpreting graphical data, and mathematical analysis are included. The chemistry core topics include atomic structure; periodic table; moles/stoichiometry; chemical bonding; physical behavior of matter; kinetics/equilibrium; organic chemistry; oxidation/reduction; acids, bases and salts; and nuclear chemistry. This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of chemistry without extensive mathematical calculations. It should enable students to understand chemicals and processes in their daily lives.
Physics: The Physical Setting
1 Credit
Physics is the study of motion, forces affecting motion, and forms of energy. It is the basic science because it forms the foundation for understanding and studying chemistry, earth science, and biology. Laboratory skills, practice developing experiments to solve problems, and techniques in mathematical problem solving are included. Topics include mechanics (velocity, acceleration, Newtons Laws, conservation of momentum, kinetic and potential energy, power and work), waves (light and sound), electricity and magnetism, and modern physics (atomic energy levels, standard model, leptons and quarks).
AP Biology
1 Credit
AP Biology is a project and self directed based course where students are allowed to generate knowledge about biology to prepare for the demanding Advanced Placement Biology Exam that is given in May. Course is organized around 8 major themes from the AP Biology Curricular Requirements including: Science as a Process, Evolution, Energy Transfer, Continuity and Change, Relationships of Structure to Function, Regulation, Interdependence in Nature, and Science, Technology, and Society.
Culinary Chemistry
1 Credit
This course uses common food preparation techniques to introduce students to scientific principles. Students will find answers to why recipes contain certain ingredients, why eggs solidify when cooked, why foods are prepared certain ways, as well as many other food related science questions. Laboratory experiments performed by cooking common foods in the kitchen will illustrate the impact of physical or chemical changes in a food system on the flavor, texture and appearance of the food. Important concepts and terminology related to the chemistry behind proteins, fats, carbohydrates, beverages and other food products will be developed throughout the course. No science background is necessary to take this course however, it is recommended to have completed High School Chemistry. The course is designed for non-science majors that want to explore science through food. This course is offered as a College Now Course through Herkimer College listed as Science of Cooking.
Anatomy and Physiology
1 Credit
Anatomy and Physiology is an entry college-level science course designed to link your Regents science courses to the subject matter taught at the collegiate level. This course is ideal for students who intend on majoring in any of the natural sciences, especially those hoping to enter the pre-medical, nursing, physical therapy, biomedical research, or medical technician fields. The course is divided into six major units covering all aspects of the bodys physical structures and biochemical processes. A thematic approach will be taken to interconnect the six units under the biological stability of homeostasis.
Natural Resources Conservation
1 Credit
This upperclassman elective course will cover the history and development of this countrys natural resources and includes such topics as mapping (where are natural resources?), energy (how do we use natural resources?), excavation (how do we get at the resources?), and an understanding of the most precious resources of all, water..