Science courses that satisfy the physical science graduation requirement (1 credit) are noted with an asterisk(*).
*Physical Science 511
Grades 9 and 10
6 periods per week, 1 credit
The course is for students who can benefit from the opportunity to reinforce their math, communication, and work study skills while learning science. Physical Science 511 consists of four units: one chemistry, two physics, and one earth science. Laboratory investigations and related activities enable the students to be active participants in the learning process. Each student is encouraged to work at his or her own level and evaluation is based on individual progress.
*Earth Science 512
Grades 9 and 10
6 periods per week, 1 credit
The objective of the Earth Science program is to stimulate inquiry into the processes of the natural forces affecting man's adaptation to the planet Earth.
In Earth Science 512, students understand and appreciate man's physical environment. This is accomplished through readings, discussions, laboratory and field work in the areas of astronomy, geology, and meteorology. Related physical and space science laws, physical oceanography, historical geology, and ecological implications are investigated. This course follows the New York State Regents requirements and concludes with a Regents exam.
*Earth Science 513
Grades 9 and 10
6 periods per week, 1 credit
Topics will be the same as those covered in our 512 non-Regents course, but will be presented in greater depth. This course concludes with a Regents exam.
Corequisite: Math 413.
*Earth Science 513U
Grades 11 and 12
6 periods per week, 1 credit
Earth Science is the study of the earth's physical environment and covers such topics as physical and historical geology, meteorology, climatology, the evolution of landscapes and ecological issues. Students work with current data using a computerized meteorological data base and rooftop weather instruments. They also use recent global earthquake and volcanic data to study plate tectonics. Each student will be required to complete a long-term research project. This course concludes with a Regents exam.
Prerequisite: Biology 513 and Chemistry 513.
Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Grades 11 and 12
5 periods perweek, second semester, 1/2 credit
This course deals with the dynamic nature of the earth's crust with special emphasis on earthquakes and volcanoes. Students will study the evidence to support the idea that the land-masses were once joined and have moved apart over time. The topography of the ocean floor and the processes of folding, faulting, and mountain building will be examined in detail. The potential for earthquake activity in Westchester County will also be discussed.
Prerequisite: Biology and a physical science.
Astronomy 522
Grades 11 and 12
5 periods per week, first semester, 1/2 credit
Astronomy is an extension of the Earth Sciences. Material covered will include evolution of stars and galaxies, celestial mechanics (motion and location of celestial bodies), astronomical instruments, observations, and measurements. Students will develop skills in naked eye and telescopic observations along with a knowledge of sky photography.
Prerequisite: Biology and a physical science.
Biology 511
Grades 9 and 10
6 periods per week, 1 credit
This course stresses those major concepts of biology needed by the student to understand the importance of biology in his or her life. Basic ideas are developed through classroom discussions and laboratory investigations which develop observational skills. This course is for the biology student who may not have a strong mathematics background. Biology 511 fully meets the requirement for graduation and the college entrance requirement of a laboratory science. It is not suggested for those planning to pursue science as a major in college.
Biology 512
Grade 10
6 periods per week, 1 credit
In this course students will learn the major biological principles and skills. The organizing framework of the course is the extensive laboratory experiences designed to move students from concrete to abstract reasoning. Students in this course will take a departmental final examination. Students who might major in science in college should take Biology 513.
Biology 513
Grades 9 and 10
6 periods per week, 1 credit
Biology 513 follows the New York State Regents curriculum. The course is a comprehensive overview of the concepts of biology using laboratory experience as a major learning tool. Topics covered include cellular and molecular biology, organismal structure and function, genetics, ecology, and evolution and diversity. Students practice their scientific problem-solving through laboratory investigations. The New York State Regents examination concludes this course.
Current Issues in Science And Technology 511
Grades 11 and 12
5 periods per week, 1 credit
This course focuses on scientific topics of current concern such as environmental pollution and protection, new medical discoveries, and the growth of technology. Students will be encouraged to read and interpret current science articles in daily newspapers and weekly periodicals. Laboratory investigations and activities will provide opportunities for developing a broader understanding of the relevance of science in today's world.
Prerequisite: Biology 511 and Physical Science 511 and/or Earth Science 512.
Forensic Science 522
Grades 11 and 12
5 periods per week, first semester, 1/2 credit
Forensic Science is the application of science to law. In this course the student will be introduced to scientific criminal investigation. This involves the application of biological and chemical techniques to the analysis of physical evidence. Some of the laboratory experiences will be determining physical properties of matter, hair and fiber analysis, and fingerprint classification. Outside guest speakers and/or field trips will be scheduled.
Prerequisite: Biology and a physical science.
Marine Biology 522
Grades 11 and 12
5 periods per week, second semester, 1/2 credit
Marine biology is the scientific study of the organization and dynamics of plants and animals of the sea. This course will include an introduction to oceanography as well as a study of marine plants and animals and the factors affecting their environments. Among the environments to be studied are coral reefs, salt marshes, tide pools, beaches and rocky shores. Field trips will include the collection and identification of plant and animal populations from aquatic samples.
Prerequisite: Biology and a physical science.
Human Anatomy and Physiology 523
Grades 11 and 12
5 periods per week, first semester, 1/2 credit
This course is for those motivated biology students who want an in-depth study of human anatomy and physiology. The curriculum begins with a study of tissues and branches into a study of various organ systems. Laboratory experiments will include work on muscle and nerve physiology, respiratory and circulatory functioning, and analysis of the skeletal and endocrine systems.
Prerequisites: Biology 513 and Chemistry 513 with a grade of "B" in each. (Chemistry 512 with permission of the instructor.)
Biology 525
Grade 12
6 periods per week, 1 credit
This college level course challenges the superior student with a strong interest in biological science, and places marked emphasis on independent study. The overall approach is dynamic and places continual stress on: interaction between organisms and their environment, evolution as a unifying theme, and the interrelatedness of structure, function, adaptation, and behavior.
Prerequisites: Required: Biology 513, Chemistry 513, and Physics 513 or Earth Science 513. This course is open only to seniors.
NOTE: Biology 525, Chemistry 525 and Physics 525 REQUIRE the approval of the science department. Selection criteria include grades in previous science courses AND recommendations of science teachers.
*Chemistry 512 Grades 11 and 12
6 periods per week, 1 credit
Chemistry 512, known as ChemCom, is for the college-bound, nontechnical student who does not plan to major in a pure or applied science. The focus of ChemCom will be four areas: environmental chemistry, consumer chemistry, resources chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Data analyses and decision-making skills will be emphasized. ChemCom students will learn to act on the belief that decisions based on their understanding of chemistry and the community can help improve life on Earth.
Prerequisite: Biology 513, or Biology 512, or Biology 511 with the permission of the instructor.
*Chemistry 513
Grades 10 through 12
6 periods per week, 1 credit
Chemistry 513 follows the New York State chemistry syllabus. Topics covered include the structure of matter, physical, chemical, and nuclear changes of matter, and the energy that accompanies these changes. Laboratory exercises validate concepts learned in class and encourage discovery learning. Quantitative relationships are developed throughout the course, requiring students to have strong mathematical skills. This course concludes with a New York State Regents exam. Prerequisite: Biology 513 Corequisite: Math 434 or Math 433
*Chemistry 525
Grades 11 and 12
6 periods per week, 1 credit
The topics studied are a continuation of Chemistry 513, presented on an advanced level. The emphasis on mathematical analyses requires the students to have strong mathematical skills. Laboratory investigations reinforce classroom discussions.
Application MUST be made by January 29,1999.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 513 and Physics 513.
*Physics 512 (Conceptual Physics)
Grades 11 and 12
5 periods per week, 1 credit
This course surveys the topics of mechanics, heat, waves, sound, light, electricity, and magnetism. Students will participate in group projects which focus on the applications of these topics to the everyday world. Sample projects include building of toothpick towers and bridges, motorized vehicles, transistor radios, and kites. Students who are highly motivated and creative should consider this course an excellent "hands on" approach to physics and engineering without relying heavily on mathematics.
Prerequisites: Biology, Earth Science or Chemistry.
*Physics 513
Grades 10 through 12
6 periods per week, 1 credit
This course consists of four closely connected parts: a general introduction to the fundamental physical notions of time, space, and matter, optics and waves, mechanics, and electricity and atomic structure. At the heart of the course is the laboratory program which presents the student with problems whose results are not known known in advance. The student, rather than merely verifying known conclusions, is involved in a true research experience. The final exam in this course is the New York State Physics Regents Examination.
Prerequisite: Math 433 or Math 434
*Physics 525
Grades 11 and 12
6 periods per week, 1 credit
This is a calculus based course in college level physics. Students who have taken Physics 513 and who enjoy the challenge of studying the mechanical universe will find this course an interesting extension of their physics knowledge.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 513 and Physics 513
Corequisite: Math 454 or Math 455