Science

Living Environment is the study of biological science and the living world around and inside us. Topics include biochemistry and metabolism, cellular structures, human body systems, reproduction and development, genetics and biotechnology, evolution, ecology and human impact on the environment. In addition to this Regents Biology class, students are required to take a lab component.

This course culminates in the New York State Regents examination in Living Environment.

This course is an in-depth study of the earth and the constructive and destructive forces shaping it, including mountain-building, earthquakes, volcanism, sea-floor spreading, erosion, weathering and rock formation. Other topics include astronomy, oceanography and meteorology. Lab activities include map work, study of landforms, identification of rocks and minerals, meteorology and forces in space. In addition to this Regents Earth Science class, students are required to take a lab component.

The course culminates in the New York State Regents examination in Earth Science.

An in-depth study of the atom, its structure, bonds that link atoms together to form molecules,chemical reactions in natural and manmade processes and the transfer of energy. In lab, the dynamics of chemical reactions will be studied to understand energy relationships. Data collection, analysis and a firm understanding of the scientific process are integral segments of the lab. In addition to this Regents Chemistry class, students are required to take a lab component.

The course culminates in the New York State Regents examination in Chemistry.

This course is an in-depth study of the fundamental concepts of mechanics (forces, dynamics, work and energy, conservation of energy, internal energy and heat); wave phenomena (introduction to waves, common characteristics of periodic waves, periodic wave phenomena, light); electricity (static electricity, electric current, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic radiation, electron beams); and atomic and nuclear physics (the nucleus, nuclear reactions). In the required lab, concepts from the physics class are verified by the students using equipment relative to the scientific process. In addition to the Regents Physics class, students are required to take a lab component.

This course culminates in the New York State Regents examination in Physics.

This course will help prepare students interested in entering a two- or four-year college program majoring in an environmental science-related profession. Students will focus on earth science and biology concepts themed and infused with environmental issues. This course is a study of local and global environmental issues. An analysis of the scientific and societal implications of such environmental issues as pollution, food and people, environment and careers, population dynamics and environmental health will be correlated in the context of current events. This course does not end in a Regents exam. It can be used to meet the Physical Setting Science credit requirement and has a local final exam.

This course is based on the Physical Setting: Chemistry Core curriculum. Students are exposed to introductory concepts of chemistry. The course covers topics in basic atomic structure, acids/bases, formula and equation reading and writing, organic chemistry, metric system, math for chemistry, elements and the periodic table. Lab is included in class activities. The course is designed to assist students in meeting graduation requirements and does not end in a Regents exam. It can be used to meet the physical setting requirement. This course has a local final exam.

Through student-centered classroom activities, participants will develop skills in observation, data collection and documentation, analysis, critical thinking, communication, creative writing and the application of technology as they become detectives who evaluate crime scene evidence. The following topics will be explored: introduction to forensic science, fingerprints, fiber and hair analysis, blood spatter and typing, DNA evidence, toxicology, anthropology, entomology, accelerants and firearm analysis. This course satisfies the NYS third-year science requirement for graduation.

The purpose of this course is to engage cosmetology students in the science content that supports their studies of cosmetology or a related career field. This course will focus on cellular anatomy and physiology and chemical processes with an emphasis on the composition and treatment of human hair, skin, and nails. Students will apply their learning during the hands on laboratory experience integrated in this curriculum. This course has a local final exam.

Nanotechnology has developed extensively and has many applications including sports, food, cosmetics, clothing, medicine, cars, aircraft, light electronic devices, paints, and many more. Developed in collaboration with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, this course introduces students to nanoscience, the study of atoms, molecules, and objects whose size is on the nanometer scale (1-100 nanometers). Based on the introductory concepts of chemistry and physics, students will explore nanoscience, nanotechnology and how this emerging field is critical to innovation in the 21st century. Classroom experiences will be enriched through field trips and/or guest lectures.

This course will help prepare students interested in entering a two- or four-year college program majoring in a health or medical related profession. Whether interested in being a paramedic, pharmacist, nurse or doctor, this course will introduce students to the fast-paced world of medicine and its many branches. Topics include pharmacy, radiology (X-ray, MRI, CT scan and ultrasound), hematology, microbiology, physical therapy, dermatology (wound classification, care, suturing techniques), respiratory therapy, etc. Students learn to read and write using medical terminology. The course includes a mandatory additional lab component; it is lab intensive and designed to simulate a real-life medical environment. This course can be used to meet the third-year science requirement for the Regents or Advanced Regents Diploma. The course ends in a local final examination.

This semester-long course is an exploration of alternative energy sources such as wind, hydro and solar power and their current uses nationally and globally. The course also examines the current use of fossil fuels as a major energy source, how energy is generated, energy efficiencies, as well as environmental impacts and consequences including toxic emissions, greenhouse gasses and resource depletion. Pre-requisites include completion of Living Environment; Earth Science is also recommended.

Paleontology is the study of prehistoric life, covering everything from early bacteria, to dinosaurs, to our most recent ancestors. In this semester-long course, we will be learning the history of life on Earth, through video, research, writing, and hands-on lessons. The beginning of the class will focus on field work and how paleontologists find and excavate samples, followed by how these scientists study modern life in order to understand how life worked in the past. The class grades will be based on short writing assignments, hands-on labs, and larger research projects.  

Pre-requisites include completion of Living Environment; Earth Science is also strongly recommended.

A course of study with a focus in the areas of cytology and cell processes; biochemistry and energetics; molecular genetics and heredity; and selected physiological and ecological systems. Evolution is the unifying concept at all levels of biological organization. Students build skills in explaining biological concepts; analyzing visual representations; building questioning methods; representing, describing, analyzing, and interpreting data; and engaging in argumentation. This course includes an inquiry component with students spending at least 50 percent of their time in the biology lab. AP exam is conducted in the spring. AP exam fee applies; fee waiver or reduction may be available.

This two-year biology course covers molecular and cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and biodiversity, and human physiology during the first year, then nucleic acids, metabolism, plant biology, and animal physiology in the second year with an additional topic (neurobiology and behavior, biotechnology, ecology and conservation, or human physiology) selected by the instructor. This class includes an extra lab period to allow students to go into greater depth for each topic and to experience a great amount of laboratory work, much of which is independent and original. IB students are required to take the IB assessments as well as participate in a collaborative interdisciplinary project from to explore a topic in depth during their final three semesters of this two-year sequence. Exam fees apply. Fee waiver or reduction may be available to eligible students.

AP Environmental Science is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science that includes a laboratory and field investigation component. Emphasis is placed on the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. AP exam is conducted in the spring. AP exam fee applies; fee waiver or reduction may be available.

AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a first-year college general chemistry course. This course presents a rigorous treatment of the following concepts: nuclear and atomic structure; periodicity, covalent bonding and molecules; organic chemistry; predicting reactions, measurement and stoichiometry; thermochemistry, phases; gases, liquids and solids; solutions; kinetics; equilibrium; acids and bases; electrochemistry and thermodynamics. Prerequisites may be waived if high math and science ability are demonstrated. This course may be taken for joint Regents and AP credit. This course has a lab component scheduled with this class. AP exam is conducted in the spring. AP exam fee applies; fee waiver or reduction may be available.

This is an advanced calculus-based course on college level mechanics. Students explore concepts like kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. By confronting complex physical situations or scenarios, the course is designed to enable students to develop the ability to reason about physical phenomena using important science practices such as creating and analyzing representations of physical scenarios, designing experiments, analyzing data and using mathematics to model and to solve problems. This course culminates in a spring AP Physics exam. Exam fees apply. Fee waiver or reduction may be available to eligible students.

The IB Physics Standard Level course is a survey course that presents a view of physics from both a historical and a modern perspective. Emphasis is placed on the use of mathematical analysis and scientific inquiry to investigate the mysteries of natural phenomena. The IB course aims to provide opportunities for scientific study and creativity that will stimulate and challenge students; provide a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology; develop an ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information; encourage an appreciation for the importance of collaboration and communication during scientific activities; and develop and apply students’ information technology skills in the study of science. Exam fees apply. Fee waiver or reduction may be available to eligible students.

Developed in collaboration with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, this is an advanced college preparatory course that explores applications of nanoscale science and engineering. The ability to fabricate, characterize and utilize material structures on the nanometer scale has had and will continue to have a direct impact on developments in physics, chemistry and biology. Practical applications of nanotechnology have revolutionized bioengineering, electronics, manufacturing engineering, medicine, transportation and space exploration. Students will be introduced to basic concepts, techniques and tools that are central to this rapidly developing field. Students should have a thorough understanding of basic physical, chemical and biological laws and principles in order to understand how these concepts behave at the nanoscale level. This course has a mandatory lab component, and students will experience the fabrication labs at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

This science elective is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, physiotherapy and health-related fields. Students begin by mastering the terminology and memorizing a substantial core of basic concepts related to the structure and function of the human body. In the process, they are also provided with a mental framework for organizing new information, the ability to access additional information when needed by referring to relevant print or electronic data sources and the understanding of how to apply their knowledge to solve particular problems. Assessments include tests, practicals, labs, quizzes, homework assignments and a final quarter project or final exam. Student may earn SUNY Potsdam credit. Tuition credit fees apply. Fee waiver or reduction may be available.

The IB Environmental Systems (ESS) and Societies Standard Level course is an interdisciplinary course that encompasses a dual focus on science and individuals and societies. ESS is grounded in both a scientific exploration of environmental systems in their structure and function, and in the exploration of cultural, economic, ethical, political and social interactions of societies with the environment. As a result of studying this course, students will become equipped with the ability to recognize and evaluate the impact of our complex system of societies on the natural world. Exam fees apply. Fee waiver or reduction may be available to eligible students.

In addition to the prerequisites listed above, it is strongly recommended that students have also completed Earth Science (SCI-10-0206) and/or Chemistry (SCI-11-0201).

This course is designed for students who need additional support in preparing for the Regents exam in Living Environment after successfully completing the course. The objective of this course is to utilize and improve literacy skills through the themes of biology. Students will explore the principles of biology, and create connections among these principles. In addition, students will conduct an array of experiments and activities to improve their understandings of these principles.