SCIENCE

The New York State Learning Standards for Science incorporate the following:

Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry, and Design

Students will be able to use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

Standard 2: Information Systems

Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.

Standard 3: Science

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to physical setting and living environment, and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

Standard 4: Interconnectedness: Common Themes

Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology, and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.

Standard 5: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving

Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills in mathematics, science and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

COURSES

Earth Science

The Solar System and the Planet Earth are a result of certain processes that have a history as old as the planet itself. The course will explore these processes, the Earth’s structure, and the Earth’s place in the universe. The subject matter deals with geology, paleontology, meteorology, and space science. Emphasis will be placed on students demonstrating these explanations, exhibiting creative problem-solving, reasoning, and informed decision-making. The course includes 1200 minutes of laboratory periods and corresponding written laboratory reports.

Requirements: Midterm, Regent Examination

Living Environment (Biology)

This course is required for graduation by all students. It stresses the importance of balance in the environment, both that around and that within. The course emphasizes the structure, function, and relationships of living organisms. Strong emphasis will be placed on problem-solving and discovery by scientific methodology. The course includes 1200 minutes of laboratory periods and corresponding written laboratory reports.

Requirements: Midterm, Regent Examination

Psychological Research Seminar

An introduction surveying the major principles derived from research on human and animal behavior. Topics studied include heredity and environment, intelligence, emotions, motivation, learning, personality, the senses, perception, and the form and functions of the nervous system.  Furthermore, developing the capacity for critically evaluating "scientific evidence" that is communicated in academic journals, the popular press, and other outlets such as reports from government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporations.

Chemistry

The course is based on the New York State core curriculum. The emphasis of the course of study is focused on principles of chemical reactions. Also emphasized are experiments in which students discover the basis for principles of chemistry. Our students will question, explore answers, and develop solutions to problems using scientific inquiry. The course includes 1200 minutes of laboratory periods and corresponding written laboratory reports.

Requirements: Midterm, Regent Examination

Prerequisite: Living Environment 

Physics

The course is based on the New York State core curriculum. Students should have a solid foundation in basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in preparation for this course as they explore the study of basic physical principles with emphasis on the relationship of energy to time, space, motion, matter, electricity, light, and radiation. The course includes 1200 minutes of laboratory periods and corresponding written laboratory reports.

Requirements: Midterm, Regent Examination

Prerequisite: Chemistry and Algebra I 

Technology Course Descriptions

Computer Science Discoveries

Computer Science Discoveries is an introductory computer science course. Mapped to CSTA standards, the course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem-solving, programming, physical computing, user-centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems.

Computer Science Principles

Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable curriculum that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing, so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in.

Cybersecurity

Students will learn foundational cybersecurity topics including networking fundamentals, software security, system administration, and the basics of cryptography and programming, all through the CodeHS web-based platform.