Science

This course is designed to meet the criteria of a college level introductory Biology course. It is designed to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing Science of Biology. At the conclusion of this course students take the Advanced Placement Examination in Biology, for which there is a fee. At the conclusion of this course students will be scheduled to take the Advanced Placement Examination.

This course is designed for those students desirous of a more mature and extensive study of Chemical concepts. The content of this course is on the first-year college level and follows the Advanced Placement Program. Students should obtain a depth of understanding, fundamentals, and competence as well as dealing with chemical problems while developing the ability to think clearly and to express ideas both orally and in writing, with clarity and logic. Major emphasis is placed on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of chemistry principles. At the conclusion of this course students will be scheduled to take the Advanced Placement Examination.

The AP Environmental Science is a one (1) year course designed to engage students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships within the natural world. The course requires that students identify and analyze natural and human-made environmental problems, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Environmental science is interdisciplinary, embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography. The AP Environmental Science course is intended to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. The AP Environmental Science course outlined in this framework reflects learning that analyzes environmental concepts and processes to achieve understanding in order to propose and justify solutions to environmental problems. The course teaches students how to apply science to the solutions of important social problems. It also provides opportunities to practice applying scientific methods to practical, real-life problems. The AP Environmental Science course provides students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. The course helps students identify and analyze natural and human-induced environmental problems. It enables them to learn how to assess the risks associated with these problems and evaluate alternative solutions for resolving and preventing them.

The AP Physics 1 course includes topics in college level introductory physics, including kinematics, dynamics, circular motion & universal gravitation, impulse/momentum, work/energy/power, simple harmonic motion, and rotational kinematics & dynamics. Understanding of the basic principles involved and the ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems are major goals of this course. The AP Physics 1 course also includes a hands-on laboratory component comparable to introductory college level physics lab programs. Knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for this course. There is a greater emphasis on written responses to questions using expository writing techniques, rather than traditional mathematical approaches. The final examination will be the New York State Regents Examination in the Physical Setting-Physics, unless previously satisfied.

The AP Physics 2 course includes topics in college level introductory physics, including fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, electrostatics, electric current, magnetism, electromagnetism, advanced wave theory, geometric and physical optics, and topics in modern physics. Understanding of the basic principles involved and the ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems are major goals of this course. The AP Physics 2 course also includes a hands-on laboratory component comparable to introductory college level physics lab programs. Knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for this course, as well as a command of topics learned in AP Physics 1. There is a more rigorous emphasis on written responses to questions using expository writing techniques than there is in the AP Physics 1 course. The final examination will be the New York State Regents Examination in the Physical Setting-Physics, unless previously satisfied.

No lab class Astronomy is the scientific study of the contents of the entire Universe. This course will provide the student with a study of the universe and the conditions, properties, and motions of bodies in space. The content includes, but is not limited to, historical astronomy, astronomical instruments, the celestial sphere, the solar system, the earth as a system in space, the earth/moon system, the sun as a star, and stars.

This course of study represents the modern view of chemistry suitable to students with a wide range of skills and abilities. It emphasizes concepts rather than isolated facts. The course is divided into twelve major areas including: matter and energy, atomic structure, chemical bonding, the periodic table, chemical mathematics, chemical reactions, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, nuclear chemistry, chemical applications, and organic chemistry.

This course of study represents the modern view of chemistry suitable to students with a wide range of skills and abilities. It emphasizes concepts rather than isolated facts. The course is divided into twelve major areas including: matter and energy, atomic structure, chemical bonding, the periodic table, chemical mathematics, chemical reactions, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, nuclear chemistry, chemical applications, and organic chemistry. Laboratory exercises are an integral part of this course and written reports must be satisfactorily completed in order to gain admission to the Regents Examination. The final exam for this course is the New York State Regents Examination in Chemistry. Students should have at least completed Integrated Algebra and be enrolled in Integrated Geometry

This course of study represents the modern view of chemistry suitable to students with a wide range of skills and abilities. It emphasizes concepts rather than isolated facts. The course is divided into twelve major areas including: matter and energy, atomic structure, chemical bonding, the periodic table, chemical mathematics, chemical reactions, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, nuclear chemistry, chemical applications, and organic chemistry. Laboratory exercises are an integral part of this course and written reports must be satisfactorily completed in order to gain admission to the Regents Examination. The final exam for this course is the New York State Regents Examination in Chemistry. Students should have at least completed Integrated Algebra and be enrolled in Integrated Geometry

Conceptual Physics presents the fundamentals of physics from a conceptual rather than a mathematical viewpoint. Students will discover the applications of physics to everyday phenomena and experiences. Learning activities include numerous demonstrations and discovery-based laboratory experiences. Topics include motion, force, energy, properties of matter, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, the atom, and relativity.

The course content includes a study of the Earth’s surface, constructive and destructive forces, history of our planet and its place in the universe. The Earth Science course is concerned with the understanding of the entire earth from the outermost limit of its atmosphere to the innermost depth of its center. Earth Science introduces the student to many aspects of Geology, Oceanography, Astronomy and Meteorology.

The course content includes a study of the Earth’s surface, constructive and destructive forces, history of our planet and its place in the universe. The Earth Science course is concerned with the understanding of the entire earth from the outermost limit of its atmosphere to the innermost depth of its center. Earth Science introduces the student to many aspects of Geology, Oceanography, Astronomy and Meteorology. Laboratory exercises are an integral part of this course and written reports must be satisfactorily completed in order to gain admission to the Regents Examination. The final exam for this course is the New York State Regents Examination in Earth Science.

Students will be able to describe the structures and functions of each human body system in scientific terms, and relate these concepts to common disease processes. Students will explore, in detail, the structures and functions of the human body.

This academic course involves the development of an appreciation for the beauty and organization of life, and for the values of scientific methods. Above all, it is hoped that the student will learn to recognize some of the problems faced by him/her and by all mankind to gain insights into possible solutions. The basic approach is that man is the central theme and plants and other animals are included as they relate to man. The student should learn to appreciate the workings of his/her body to gain an awareness of some of the problems, which face society.

This course includes seven basic core units and six optional areas of study. The basic core units consist of: Unity and Diversity among Living Things, Maintenance in Living Things, Human Physiology, Reproduction and Development, Modern Genetics, and Ecology. The optional areas involve a more extensive study of any two of the following: Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Reproduction and Development, Modern Genetics, and Ecology. It is the intent of this course to provide students with a basic understanding of biological processes and generalizations. Laboratory exercises are an integral part of this course and written reports must be satisfactorily completed in order to gain admission to the Regents Examination. The final exam for this course is the New York State Regents Examination in Living Environment.

This course includes seven basic core units and six optional areas of study. The basic core units consist of: Unity and Diversity among Living Things, Maintenance in Living Things, Human Physiology, Reproduction and Development, Modern Genetics, and Ecology. The optional areas involve a more extensive study of any two of the following: Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Reproduction and Development, Modern Genetics, and Ecology. It is the intent of this course to provide students with a basic understanding of biological processes and generalizations. Laboratory exercises are an integral part of this course and written reports must be satisfactorily completed in order to gain admission to the Regents Examination. The final exam for this course is the New York State Regents Examination in Living Environment.

This is an advanced, lab-oriented course that builds upon the recombinant DNA techniques of the Genetics and Biotechnology course. Utilizing highly advanced research techniques, the students will: create genomic libraries, isolate one gene from an organism’s DNA by Southern Blot Hybridization, perform DNA fingerprinting, and design their own genetic engineering experiments.

A basic high school introductory survey course at an accelerated pace offered to the more advanced science student with strong mathematical skills. Topics covered include vectors, kinematics, dynamics, circular motion, universal gravitation, impulse/momentum, work/energy/power, electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, waves, sound, physical optics, and topics in modern physics. Knowledge of algebra and basic trigonometry is required for this course. New York State Laboratory requirements will be met, and the final examination will be the New York State Regents Examination in the Physical Setting-Physics.

Biology 121-123 is a two-semester, eight-credit course which introduces the students to modern biological concepts primarily through audio tapes, demonstrations, and laboratory work. This course covers the following topics: The Microscope and Measurement; A Visit to the Great Barrier Reef; How to Make Sense Out of the Diversity of Life; Evolution and the Past Diversity of Life; Unity of Life and Adaptation; Microscopy and the Electron Microscope; The Architecture of Cells; How Substances Get In and Out of Cells; Chemicals of Life, Proteins and Enzymes; Origin of Life; Cell Reproduction; Animal Development; Genetics; Energy and Life; Plant Structure and Function; Animal Structure and Function.

Forensic Science is focused upon the application of scientific methods and techniques to crime and law. This course is intended to introduce understanding the science behind crime detection. Scientific methods specifically relevant to crime detection and analysis will be presented with emphasis placed upon the techniques used in evaluating physical evidence. Topics included are blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass compositions and fragmentation, fingerprints, soil comparisons, and arson investigations, among others. Laboratory exercises will include techniques commonly employed in forensic investigations.

This is an elective course in the foundations of science research. This course will teach students some of the basic skills and concepts necessary to do independent scientific investigation. Topics that will be presented are as follows: The scientific method, basic experimental design, measurements and uncertainties, basic statistics, writing lab reports, using internet resources, computer applications, laboratory techniques, development of research projects for laboratory techniques, development of research projects for science competitions such as the LI Science Fair and Siemens and Intel Science competitions. Registration in the course requires teachers’ recommendation and three years commitments through senior year. Students enrolled for a second year in research require course pre-approval from instructor as well as completion of required summer work. Freshmen taking this course require Honors Living Environment as a co-requisite, sophomores taking this course require Honors Chemistry as co-requisite, and juniors taking this course require either A.P. Biology or Physics as a co-requisite for the course.