Sciences

6th grade Science is mixture of Physical Science, Earth Science and  Human Biology. Concepts, include topics such as: Meteorology, Astronomy, Layers of the Earth, Rocks & Minerals, Simple Machines, Energy & Waves, and Human Body Systems. Health topics are also covered in the 6th grade curriculum. 

7^th grade science is a study of life science topics such as: ecology, classification, cells, genetics, life processes, etc.

8th Grade is a study of physical science and earth science topics such as: density, properties of matter, energy, forces, geologic history, earth's systems, meteorology, astronomy

Full Year 1 unit (core) Grades 10-12

Earth science involves the study of astronomy, meteorology, climatology, the geologic history of the earth, and the structural forces that are currently affecting the earth. It is an investigation oriented course whereby students attempt to solve specific problems in the laboratory and, through these solutions, understand the fundamental processes and forces affecting the earth.

Full Year 1 ½ units (core) Grade 10-12

This class is taught by both a content area and special education teacher and offers more individualized instruction. Students are placed in this course based on Special Education recommendation and IEP. Essentials Earth Science meets for a double period daily. Earth science involves the study of astronomy, meteorology, climatology, the geologic history of the earth, and the structural forces that are currently affecting the earth.

Half Year each .5 unit each (standards) Grades 10-12

Prerequisite for Chemistry in Action 1: Successful completion of one unit of Living Environment and one unit Physical Setting science.

Prerequisite for Chemistry in Action 2: Successful completion of Chemistry in Action 1 or enrollment in first semester Regents Chemistry with administrative approval.

Chemistry in Action is the study of the properties and reactions of many different types of matter. It involves less theory and fewer mathematical concepts than the Regents Chemistry course. There are no additional lab periods for either of these half year courses.

Chemistry in Action 1 - will explore the topics of: the study of the scientific method, types of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, and acids and bases.

Chemistry in Action 2 - will explore the topics of: ionic bonding, covalent bonding, chemical equations and reactions, carbon chemistry and nuclear chemistry.

Full Year 1 unit (core) Grades 9-12

Biology is the study of how organisms, from the simple to the complex, conduct the same 8 processes of life and how these processes influence environmental systems. The investigation of life processes includes study of cells, evolution, ecology, genetics, and anatomy and physiology.

Full Year 1 1/2 units (core) Grade 9-12

This class is taught by both a content area and special education teacher and offers more individualized instruction. Students are placed in this course based on Special Education recommendation and IEP. Essentials Living Environment meets for a double period daily. Students will investigate life processes including study of cells, evolution, ecology, genetics and anatomy and physiology.

Half Year each .5 unit each (Standards) Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of one unit of Living Environment, at least one Regents Physical Setting course.

*these two courses are independent of one another and may be taken in any order.

Ecology is the study of various ecosystems, man’s ecological history, areas of economic and ecological significance, and societal issues related to today’s ecological problems. Some of Ecology is learned firsthand through field trips to bogs, streams, ponds, fields, and Canandaigua Lake. Some of Ecology is learned through experimentation in the classroom and some of Ecology is learned through research and writing assignments. Individual and group projects on selected topics are an integral part of Ecology as are laboratory experiences.

There is no lab period component to Ecology but that does not preclude laboratory experiences nor written laboratory reflections.

Ecology 1 - will study the topics of: Fundamentals of Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Water & Our Connections, Waste Reduction, Natural History, Agriculture & the Food Industry and any other topics that are timely relevant.

Ecology 2 - will study the topics of: Fundamentals of Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Water & Our Connections, Waste Reduction, Horticulture, Energy & Its Consequences and any other topics that are timely relevant.

Full Year 1 unit (core) Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Algebra I or Algebra C GeoTrig

Regents Chemistry consists of the study of the composition and properties of matter, the changes matter undergoes, the energy involved in these changes, and the ways in which different types of matter interact. Skills in making observations, analyzing data mathematically, solving problems, and drawing conclusions are an integral part of chemistry. Chemistry is an important course for students planning to pursue any science-related career.

Full Year 1 unit (core) Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Concurrent in Algebra and the successful completion of a Regents science course as evidenced by a grade of a least 85% on the Regents Exam in that course.

This is a Pre-AP/IB course

Honors Chemistry consists of studying the composition and properties of matter, the changes matter undergoes, the energy involved in these changes, and the ways in which different kinds of matter interact. Skills in making observations, analyzing data mathematically, solving problems, and drawing conclusions are an integral part of chemistry. Additional topics and activities included in this accelerated course will facilitate the transition to AP and/or IB courses. Chemistry is an important course for students planning to pursue any science-related career.

Possible 4 college credits
Cost: Approximately $94
Full Year 1 unit (standards) Grades 11-12

Prerequisites: Living Environment, Physical Setting/Chemistry and Algebra II. Pre-Calculus or Calculus and Physics beneficial but not required.

Advanced Placement Chemistry is the study of the structure of matter including bonding, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, solutions, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. This course is designed to be equivalent to the typical first-year college General Chemistry course. Students are expected to take the AP examination that is offered in May. Projects and laboratory work are an integral part of AP Chemistry.

Full Year 1 unit (core) Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 8th grade Earth Science with an average of 85 or higher and an Earth Science Regents exam score of 80 or higher

This is a Pre-AP/IB course

This course is designated as an enriched alternative to the Living Environment course. Students will take the Living Environment Regents Exam in June. Topics of study include cells, evolution, ecology, genetics, and anatomy and physiology. This course is designed to prepare a student for the rigor of the AP and/or IB level science courses.

Possible 8 college credits
Cost: Approximately $94 (AP), IB Subject Fee, $20 (Gemini)
Full Year 1 unit (standards) Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth Science, Living Environment, and
Chemistry. Background knowledge of these disciplines is assumed, and
independent work at an accelerated level will be expected. This course can be
taken concurrently with other science courses (e.g., AP Chemistry, Physics or AP
Biology).
This course meets the requirements for AP Environmental Science, IB
Environmental Systems and Societies, and CON 103 through the Gemini
Program. Students can earn credit in any or all of these courses concurrently,
challenging either or both of the AP and/or IB exams as well as earning college
credits on an FLCC transcript (transferrable to any institution that accepts FLCC
credits). High school credit, of course, also is earned.
AP/IB /Gemini Environmental Science provides students with an opportunity to
more deeply explore issues related to humans and their interactions with their
surrounding environment. The course investigates the normal structures and
functions of environmental systems and their components. A study of the
dynamics of natural and human populations follows. The course then concludes
with a look at the scientific, political, and moral issues that arise as the growing
human population strains the planet’s resources and ability to host us, as well as
considering pathways forward to sustainability.

Possible 8 college credits
Cost: Approximately $94 (AP), IB Subject Fee, $20 (Gemini)
Full Year 1 unit (standards) Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment and Physical Setting/Chemistry, manifested by a final course grade of an 80% or higher in Living Environment.

This course is designed to provide the above average student with a college level course in biology and to fulfill a college science requirement. Both AP and IB Biology offer a challenging, highly structured laboratory curriculum in biology. Students are expected to take the AP and/or IB SL examination in May. This course can be taken for AP, IB, and/or Gemini credit (which would fulfill a SUNY general education requirement). An IB Group 4 project will be completed in the spring. Students will study classical and modern biology concepts, including evolution, genetics, cellular, molecular biology, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and ecology.

Full Year 1 unit (core) Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Algebra II

In Physical Setting/Physics (Regents Physics), you will gain the knowledge and skills to prepare for the Regents Physics Exam in June.  The laboratory work is an integral part of the course.  You will be required to complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work in order to sit for the Exam in June.

Physics studies matter, motion, energy, and the relationship between them. For example, we ask questions about what things are made of (matter), how things move (motion), and what makes things move (energy). Fundamental forces of nature are critical in describing matter, motion, and energy, intimately connecting them all. Therefore, physics attempts to understand the workings of the physical universe and everything within it, and, importantly, uses the language of math to describe our understanding.  Thus, this introductory physics course will provide foundational science knowledge, facilitating pursuits of broader physical sciences, including biological, physiological, medical, material, engineering and environmental sciences.

Half Year .5 unit (Standards) Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of one unit of Living Environment and at least one Regents Physical Setting. Although generally students will take Forensics I before taking Forensics II, that is not necessarily a required sequence.

This course is designed for the student who wishes to experience practical applications in all of the sciences with an emphasis on biology. Collection and analysis of evidence and reasoning skills will be emphasized. Topics covered may include: crime scene processing, DNA evidence, forensic anthropology, forensic entomology, hair and fiber evidence, death and decomposition, tire/castings/soil evidence, and handwriting analysis. Many hands-on activities will supplement classroom presentations.

Possible 4 college credits
Cost: Approximately $91
Full Year 1 unit (standards) Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Regents Chemistry and concurrent registration in Algebra II or higher

This algebra-based introductory physics course is equivalent to a first semester college physics course. Students are assumed to have a strong motivation and proficiency in algebra and trigonometry. Emphasis will be placed on laboratory skills and experimental deign. Units include: measurement, mechanics, waves, and basic electricity. The course will conclude with the AP Physics 1 exam in May for a possible 4 college credits. Students will not be prepared for the Regents exam in June at the conclusion of this course.

Possible 4 or 8 college credits
Cost: IB Subject Fee (& optional AP subject fee)
2 Full Years 2 units (standards) Grades 10 - 11 or 11 - 12

Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Algebra II or higher

This course is for incoming 11th grade (and potential 10th grade) IB Diploma students wishing to fulfill their Group 4 requirement for an HL science. It is taught over 2 years with a lab period each year. A group 4 project is required for the 1st year and, at the end of the 2nd year, the IB diploma students will take both the IB exam and the NYS Regents Physics exam.

The class is co-seated with AP Physics 1/2; consequently, at the end of each year, students can take the AP1 and AP2 exam respectively and earn up to 4 college credits for each exam.

Students will extensively develop critical thinking, problem solving and experimental skills associated with physics concepts, principles & phenomena. Also stressed is an awareness of the limitations of physics, societal impacts, and responsibilities of scientists.

Units include: measurement, mechanics, fluid & thermal physics, waves, electricity & magnetism, atomic & nuclear physics, and climate change.

Possible 4 college credits
Cost: Approximately $94
Full Year 1 unit (standards) Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Regents Physics or AP Physics 1 and concurrent registration in Pre-Calculus or higher.

This algebra-based introductory physics course is equivalent to a second semester college physics course. Students are assumed to have a strong motivation and proficiency in algebra and trigonometry. Emphasis will be placed on laboratory skills and experimental deign. Units include: electricity and magnetism, optics, fluids, thermodynamics, and modern physics. The course will conclude with the AP Physics 2 exam in May for a possible 4 college credits and the Regents Physics exam in June for those students who haven’t taken it previously.

Half Year .5 unit (Standards) Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of one unit of Living Environment and at least one Regents Physical Setting. Although generally students will take Forensics I before taking Forensics II, that is not necessarily a required sequence.

This course is designed for the student who wishes to experience practical applications in all of the sciences with an emphasis on biology. Collection and analysis of evidence and reasoning skills will be emphasized. Topics covered may include: blood spatter analysis, ballistics, fingerprint evidence, forensic botany, toxicology, glass and tool mark evidence, and careers in Forensics. Many hands-on activities will supplement classroom presentations.

Possible 4 or 8 college credits (4 credits for 1 year or 8 credits for 2 years)

2 Full Years 2 units (Standards) Grades 11-12

Cost: IB Subject Fee

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Regents Chemistry with an overall average of 80 or higher.

Scientific inquiry conducted over many decades, has accumulated a vast amount of information across a range of sub-disciplines that contribute to our understanding of health and human performance in relation to sports and exercise. The IB Diploma Programme course in sports, exercise and health science involves the study of the science that underpins physical performance and provides the opportunity to apply these principles.

The course explores the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and nutrition, which are studied in the context of sport, exercise and health. Students will carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This will provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyze human performance. Where relevant, the course will address issues of international dimension and ethics by considering sport, exercise and health relative to the individual and in a global context.

Students can take just the first year of the course for SL credit, but would need to complete both years for HL credit.