Science

Full Year
1 Credit
Grades 10-12

In Earth and Space Sciences, students explore the origins and structure of the universe, Earth’s place in space, and the processes shaping our planet over time. They study systems like plate tectonics, weather, climate, and the cycling of water and carbon, using data and models to explain natural phenomena. The course also emphasizes human impacts on Earth’s systems and sustainability, encouraging students to think critically about environmental challenges.

This course includes a separate lab period. As this is a Regents Course, students will be required to complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work, including three required state investigations (labs).

LIFE SCIENCE: BIOLOGY

Full Year
1 Credit
Grades 9-12

This high school Regents Life Science: Biology course, aligned with the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS), provides students with a rigorous and engaging exploration of the core principles of biology. Through inquiry-based learning and hands-on investigations, students will deepen their understanding of the natural world and develop essential scientific skills. Students will take the Life Science: Biology Regents Exam in June.

This course includes a separate lab period. As this is a Regents Course, students will be required to complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work, including three required state investigations (labs).

HONORS LIFE SCIENCE: BIOLOGY

Full Year
1 Credit
Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the 8th grade Earth and Space Sciences course with an average of 85 or higher, and successful completion of the Earth and Space Sciences Regents exam. OR Teacher recommendation with successful completion of the 8th grade Physical Science course with an average of 95 or higher, and successful completion of the NYS Intermedial Level Science Grade 8 exam. This is a Pre-AP/IB course.

This course is designated as an enriched alternative to the Life Science: Biology course. This high school Regents Life Science: Biology course, aligned with the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS), provides students with a rigorous and engaging exploration of the core principles of biology. Through inquiry-based learning and hands-on investigations, students will deepen their understanding of the natural world and develop essential scientific skills. Students will take the Life Science: Biology Regents Exam in June.This course is designed to prepare a student for the rigor of the AP and/or IB level science courses.

This course includes a separate lab period. As this is a Regents Course, students will be required to complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work, including three required state investigations (labs).

AP/COLLEGE BIOLOGY (FLCC BIO 121 & BIO 122)

Full Year
1 Credit
Grades 11-12

Possible 8 college credits
Cost: Approximately $99
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Life Science: Biology and Physical Science: Chemistry, manifested by a final course grade of an 80% or higher in Life Science: Biology.

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

This course includes a separate lab period.

CHEMISTRY IN ACTION I & II

Half Year Each
.5 Credit
Grades 10-12

Prerequisite for Chemistry in Action 1: Successful completion of one credit of Algebra.
Prerequisite for Chemistry in Action 2: Successful completion of Chemistry in Action 1 or enrollment in first semester Physical Science: 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 potentially 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.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE: CHEMISTRY

Full Year
1 Credit
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.

This course includes a separate lab period. As this is a Regents Course, students will be required to complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work, including three required state investigations (labs).

HONORS PHYSICAL SCIENCE: CHEMISTRY

Full Year
1 Credit
Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Concurrent in Algebra and the successful completion of a Regents science 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.

This course includes a separate lab period. As this is a Regents Course, students will be required to complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work, including three required state investigations (labs).

AP CHEMISTRY

Full Year
1 Credit
Grades 11-12

Possible 4 college credits
Cost: Approximately $99
Prerequisites: Life Science: Biology, Physical Science: Chemistry, and Algebra II. Additionally, Pre-Calculus or Calculus and Physics are 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.

This course includes a separate lab period.

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS

Full Year
1 Credit
Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one Regents science course.

Conceptual physics is an elective course for juniors and seniors who are looking to complete their science requirements or for those wishing to continue with their science education out of interest and curiosity. It is a one year course that meets each day, and with no separate lab period.

As the name of the course implies, the major emphasis is on physics concepts and explanation of natural phenomena. While there is some math and problem solving involved, students will primarily focus on understanding relationships between various factors and applying them to a multitude of everyday events. Topics include laws of motion, gravity, energy, waves, light, electricity, and magnetism.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE: PHYSICS

Full Year
1 Credit
Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Algebra II

In Physical Science: 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.

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.

This course includes a separate lab period. As this is a Regents Course, students will be required to complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work, including three required state investigations (labs).

AP PHYSICS 1 (CO-SEATED W/ IB HL PHYSICS)

Full Year
1 Credit
Grades 10-12

Possible 4 college credits
Cost: Approximately $99
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 design. Units include: measurement, mechanics, fluids, 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.

This course includes a separate lab period.

IB PHYSICS HL YEARS 1 & 2 (CO-SEATED W/ AP PHYSICS 1 & 2)

Two Full Years
2 Credits
Grades 11-12

Possible 4 or 8 college credits
Cost: IB Subject Fee $124 (& optional AP subject fee $99)
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Algebra II or higher

This course is for incoming 11th gradeIB 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 the IB 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.

AP PHYSICS 2 (CO-SEATED W/ IB PHYSICS YEAR 2)

Full Year
1 Credit
Grades 11-12

Possible 4 college credits
Cost: Approximately $99
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 design. Units include: electricity and magnetism, optics, thermodynamics, and modern physics. The course will conclude with the AP Physics 2 exam in May for a possible 4 college credits.

This course includes a separate lab period.

AP/IB/COLLEGE ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS (FLCC CON 103)

Full Year
1 Credit
Grads 11-12

Possible 3 or 8 college credits
Cost: Approximately $99, IB Subject Fee $124
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth and Space Sciences, Life Science: Biology, and Physical Science: 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.

This course includes a separate lab period.

IB SPORTS, HEALTH AND EXERCISE SCIENCE YEAR 1 & 2 (SL or HL)

Two Full Years
2 Credits
Grades 11-12

Possible 4 or 8 college credits (4 credits for 1 year or 8 credits for 2 years)
Cost: IB Subject Fee $124
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Life Science: Biology and successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Physical Science: Chemistry both with overall averages 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.

This course includes a separate lab period.

FORENSICS I & II

Half Year Each
.5 Credit
Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of one credit of Life Science:Biology. 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.

In Forensics II topics covered may include: blood spatter analysis, ballistics, fingerprint evidence, forensics botany, toxicology, glass and tool mark evidence, and careers in Forensics.

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

ECOLOGY I & II

Half Year Each
.5 Credit
Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of one credit of Life Science: Biology and at least one other Regents science 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 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.