Science

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite: Pass Earth Science Honors Regents 80%+ or Science 8 with a 90, plus teacher recommendation
• Living Environment Honors is an enriched Life Science: Biology Regents course open to honors-level students. The topics covered are presented from a more theoretical point of view, and greater emphasis is placed on reasoning and problem solving. The classroom and mid-year examinations are different from those in the Regents classes. The final examination is the New York State Life Science:Biology Regents. Laboratory: The Regents examination contains a specific area in which the student must demonstrate fundamental laboratory skills pertaining to measurement. The State mandates a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory experience with mandatory written laboratory reports. (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1 Credit
• Regents Life Science: Biology  provides the student with an awareness of the natural world, basic scientific concepts, and an understanding of biological processes and generalizations. The course covers the topics found in the New York State Regents Life Science: Biology Syllabus: Scientific Method, Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Reproduction and Development, Modern Genetics, Ecology, Evolution. Laboratory: There are 16 specific laboratory skills which must be mastered, and will be evaluated at the end of the course. The Regents examination has a specific area on laboratory related questions. The State mandates a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory experience with mandatory written laboratory reports. (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1 Credit
   
• Prerequisite: Life Science: Biology Honors and exam with an 80% or Life Science: Biology Regents exam with a 90% and teacher Recommendation
   
• Earth & Space Science Honors is an enriched course open to honors-level students. This is a demanding course requiring good math skills. This course covers the topics found in the New York State Regents Earth and Space Science Syllabus:
  • The Planet Earth
  • The Lithosphere
  • The Atmosphere and the Hydrosphere
  • Earth’s Crust Earth History (Geologic Time)
  • The Universe, Solar System
  • Sustainability and Green Technologies
• Students develop as innovators by designing original field and lab investigations that connect Regents content to real‑world problems such as climate impacts and resource management. Emphasis on critical thinking guides learners to analyze data, evaluate models, and construct evidence‑based scientific explanations.
• Through collaborative projects, presentations, and formal written lab reports, students become effective communicators able to translate complex geoscience ideas for diverse audiences. Global citizenship is integrated throughout the course as students examine human–environment interactions across cultures and scales, consider ethical implications of scientific decisions, and propose balanced, sustainable solutions. Reflective practice is embedded in coursework so students regularly assess their thinking, set growth goals, and connect classroom learning to civic and career pathways. By course end, students will be independent, responsible thinkers prepared to contribute thoughtfully and creatively to local and global scientific challenges.
• Laboratory: The Regents examination requires demonstration of fundamental laboratory skills related to measurement. The State mandates a minimum of 1,200 minutes of laboratory experience with mandatory written laboratory reports; in this honors course, labs emphasize quantitative reasoning, experimental design, and reflective analysis to build academic preparedness for advanced STEM study.
• (NCAA approved)

• 1 Credit
   
• Prerequisite: Life Science: Biology course and Regents exam, pass Algebra 1 course and Regents exam
• Earth and Space Science Regents is a course for college-bound students. This course requires basic math skills and covers the topics in the New York State Regents Earth and Space Science syllabus, including:
  • The Planet Earth
  • The Lithosphere and Surface Processes
  • The Atmosphere and Meteorology
  • Climate Studies and Human Impact
  • Earth’s Crust & Earth History (Geologic Time)
  • The Universe and the Solar System
  • Sustainability and Green Technologies

Students develop as innovators by designing original field and lab investigations that connect Regents content to real‑world problems such as climate impacts and resource management. Emphasis on critical thinking guides learners to analyze data, evaluate models, and construct evidence‑based scientific explanations.

Through collaborative projects, presentations, and formal written lab reports, students become effective communicators able to translate complex geoscience ideas for diverse audiences. Global citizenship is integrated throughout the course as students examine human–environment interactions across cultures and scales, consider ethical implications of scientific decisions, and propose balanced, sustainable solutions.

Laboratory: The Regents examination requires demonstration of fundamental laboratory skills related to measurement. The State mandates a minimum of 1,200 minutes of laboratory experience with mandatory written laboratory reports; in this honors course, labs emphasize quantitative reasoning, experimental design, and reflective analysis to build academic preparedness for advanced STEM study.

Reflective practice is embedded in coursework so students regularly assess their thinking, set growth goals, and connect classroom learning to civic and career pathways. By course end, students will be independent, responsible thinkers prepared to contribute thoughtfully and creatively to local and global scientific challenges. (NCAA approved)
 

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite: Pass Life Science: Biology Course
• Earth Science A supports students who have previously struggled in science and math by providing an enriched, accessible pathway to meet the physical science graduation requirement. This course builds confidence and skills while developing the following graduate‑ready attributes: innovator, critical thinker, effective communicator, global citizen, academically prepared, and reflective.
  Course content includes:
  • Planet and star astronomy
  • Weather variables and trends
  • Climate studies
  • Plate tectonics
  • Natural disaster preparedness
  • Latitude and longitude coordinates
  • Additional Earth science topics as time allows

Students learn to be innovators through hands‑on projects and scaffolded investigations that apply Earth science concepts to real‑world problems. Emphasis on critical thinking helps learners analyze data, identify patterns, and evaluate sources of evidence at an appropriate pace for learners building foundational skills.

Through frequent presentations, written explanations, and collaborative activities, students become effective communicators who can convey scientific ideas clearly to peers and community audiences. Global citizenship is central: learners examine human–environment interactions, consider ethical and cultural perspectives, and explore sustainable responses to local and global challenges.

Academic preparedness is developed via targeted practice in quantitative reasoning and scientific literacy, with supports to strengthen math and measurement skills needed for lab work and real‑world problem solving. The course includes laboratory and field experiences appropriate to meet graduation standards.

Reflective practice is embedded throughout: students set goals, monitor progress, and reflect on learning strategies to build resilience and independence. By the end of the course, students will have strengthened content knowledge and the transferable skills to succeed in future coursework and civic life. (NCAA approved)

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite: Pass Life Science: Biology AND Earth & Space Science Regents course and regents exam with 80%+
• Co-requisite: Algebra 2
• Chemistry Honors is an enriched program designed for students who seek to become Empowered Learners and Critical Thinkers. This course approaches the New York State Regents syllabus from a deep theoretical and mathematical perspective, emphasizing complex reasoning and sophisticated problem-solving. As Adaptable Problem Solvers, students will navigate advanced classroom and mid-year examinations tailored to honors-level rigor. To fulfill the role of a Collaborative Partner, students must complete 1,200 minutes of state-mandated laboratory work, documented through professional-grade written reports. The course culminates in the New York State Chemistry Regents examination. 
  Matter and Measurements
  Physical Behavior of Matter
  The Atom
  Periodic Table of Elements
  Chemical Bonding
  Chemical Formulas and Reactions
  Solution Chemistry
  Acids and Bases
  Organic Chemistry
  Chemical Kinetics
  Chemical Equilibrium
  Electrochemistry
  Nuclear Chemistry
   (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite: Pass Life Science: Biology and Earth & Space Science course & Regents Exam
• This course offers a modern view of science, preparing students to be College and Career Ready. Students will develop into Inquisitive Researchers by exploring fundamental topics including Atomic Structure, Stoichiometry, Kinetics, and Organic Chemistry. By investigating Electrochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry, students gain the perspective of a Global Citizen, understanding the scientific forces that shape our world. To develop as Effective Communicators, students are required to complete 1,200 minutes of laboratory experience, translating their hands-on findings into formal written reports. 
• Matter and Measurements
• Physical Behavior of Matter
• The Atom
• Periodic Table of Elements
• Chemical Bonding
• Chemical Formulas and Reactions
• Solution Chemistry
• Acids and Bases
• Organic Chemistry
• Chemical Kinetics
• Chemical Equilibrium
• Electrochemistry
• Nuclear Chemistry
  (This course is NCAA Approved.)
   

• 1 Credit
   
• Prerequisite: Successfully complete Regents Life Science: Biology and Regents Earth & Space Science
   

Designed for students who prefer a practical, real-world application of science, this course focuses on becoming a Literate and Socially Responsible Citizen. Rather than purely theoretical study, students will act as Ethical Decision Makers by exploring Chemistry in the Home, Water and Air Pollution, and the impact of Modern Materials. The curriculum encourages students to be Innovative Thinkers through the study of chemical analysis and the properties of organic compounds. Students will engage in laboratory experiences that emphasize hands-on learning and the practical application of the New York State Chemistry Syllabus. 
Topics:

• The nature of science
• Intro to matter
• Atomic Theory
• Moles & Stoichiometry
• Periodic Table
• Bonding
• Heat
• Gases
• Solutions
• Kinetics and Equilibrium
• Organic Chem
• Acids and Bases
• Electrochemistry
• Nuclear Chemistry

 (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1 Credit
   
• Prerequisite:  Pass Life Science: Biology AND Earth & Space Science Regents, Algebra 2 regents level course.
• Recommended: Strongly recommend students complete Regents Chemistry prior to taking this course.
   
• Regents Physics is a year‑long, college‑preparatory course that develops students’ understanding of motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics and geometric optics through inquiry, quantitative reasoning, and laboratory investigation. Emphasis is placed on building rigorous problem‑solving skills, using evidence to construct explanations, and applying mathematical models to real‑world phenomena. Students will master core physics concepts and mathematical techniques, design and carry out investigations, and use evidence to support claims—preparing them for success in college science and STEM careers. Learners analyze data, test hypotheses, evaluate competing explanations, and reason quantitatively—developing habits of skepticism, logical reasoning, and evidence‑based decision making.  Physics concepts in this class will connect to societal and environmental contexts (energy choices, technology, climate impacts), fostering ethical awareness, sustainability thinking, and appreciation of science’s role in a global community. The course builds transferable skills—data literacy, computational modeling, engineering design—that position students for college, careers, and lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world.
• The fundamental relationships in each area and their mathematical relationships are studied through lectures, teacher demonstration and student laboratory work. A sound foundation in mathematics is required. Laboratory: The state mandates a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory experience with mandatory written laboratory reports. Questions based on lab exercises will be included on the Regents exam. Satisfactory laboratory reports are also mandated. (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1 Credit
• Pre-Requisite:  Pass Living Environment AND Earth Science Regents. Pass Algebra 1 Regents.

Physics is a non-regents based course designed for students to learn about Physics in the world around us.  The class will use less extensive mathematics and expose students to various topics of physics while performing and carrying out experiments.

• 1/2 Credit each
• Prerequisite: 1 Unit H.S. Science
• Environmental Science is designed to give the student an awareness of the environment, its cyclic nature and human impact on these cycles. Field studies are an integral and required part of the course, involving students intimately with the science. Students should also plan to participate in class and to work on several major projects per year. Some of the discussion will center around current environmental problems such as: air and water pollution, population growth, pesticides, energy, zoning, land use,and ethics. This course covers the material found in the New York State Environmental Science Syllabus. (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1/2 Credit
• Prerequisite: Must pass Earth Science
• This course will provide students with a solid overview of the importance of our world’s oceans and how the physical properties of these bodies of water affect the earth’s biological, atmospheric, and geographical systems. (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1/2 Credit
• Prerequisite: Passing grade in Earth Science
• his course is a scientific exploration of the human place in the universe. Students study the origin and history of the Universe and the formation of the Earth and the solar system. Students compare the Earth’s properties with those of the other planets and explore how the heavens have influenced human thought and action. This course includes study of the properties of light and matter and the tools astronomers use to measure radiation from celestial sources. The course also covers exciting contemporary topics such as black holes, the expansion of the universe and the search for extraterrestrial life, human exploration of space and space travel. The course will require the use of junior level mathematics. Astronomy covers the following topics:
  
  - Astronomical measurements and instruments
  - Archaeoastronomy
  - The Earth and Moon
  - The Sun
  - The Planets and their moons
  - Asteroids and Comets
  - The Stars
  - Galaxies
  - The Universe and its history
  - Space Flight
  - Moon Landings
  - Unmanned space probes
  - The influences and impact of Astronomy on cultures and societies throughout history and the present


• (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite:  Pass Chemistry Honors course 80%+ OR Chemistry Regents course 90%+
• Pass Algebra 2 CC Regents course with 80%+, and teacher recommendation.
• AP Chemistry is designed to provide high school students with a lab course equivalent to first year college chemistry offerings. Course content, methods, challenge, and expectations are college level. AP Chemistry is mathematically rigorous and at times abstract. Students should be intrinsically motivated, interested in the exploration of chemistry, skilled in mathematics, and devoted to study. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry Examination. Many colleges and universities grant credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination, and/or exemption from first year chemistry lab class. There is a fee to the students for the AP exam. (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite: Living Environment R/H & Chemistry H 80%+ or Chemistry R 90%+, and teacher recommendation.
• The textbook and laboratory exercises are of college caliber. The course terminates with the required Advanced Placement Biology Examination. Some colleges and universities grant credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination. There is a fee to the students for the AP exam. (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite: Pass Earth Science and Living Environment. Chemistry H 80%+ or Chemistry R 90%+, and teacher recommendation.
• Advanced Placement Environmental Science will provide students with a knowledge of the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships that exist in the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. The laboratory component exposes students to required field studies equivalent to an introductory field science course at the college level. The course terminates with the required Advanced Placement Environmental Science Examination. Some colleges and universities grant credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination. There is a fee to the students for the AP exam. This is an elective course intended for students in grades 11-12. (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite:  Pass Chemistry H with an 85+ or Chemistry R with a 90+ AND Algebra 2 Course and Regents exam 85+
• Corequisite: Precalculus

AP Physics 1 and 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course.  Students cultivate their understanding of physics by developing models of physical phenomena through inquiry-based investigations. 
Students build their understanding of physical models as they explore and solve problems in these content areas:

• Kinematics
• Forces and Translational Dynamics
• Work, Energy, and Power
• LInear Momentum
• Torque and Rotational Dynamics
• Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
• Oscillations
• Fluids
• Thermodynamics
• Electric Force, Field, and Potential
• Electric Circuits
• Magnetism and Electromagnetism
• Geometric Optics
• Waves, Sounds and Physical Optics
• Modern Physics
   

• 1 Credit per year
• Prerequisites:
  Science Research 1: Pass 1 unit H.S. science, should be a sophomore
  Science Research 2: Pass Science Research 1 with 85% & teacher recommendation
  Science Research 3: Pass Science Research 2 with 85% & teacher recommendation
   
• This program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to conduct original research on a topic that interests them. The course is an outreach program of the State University of New York at Albany, aimed to benefit high school students in the New York region and throughout the country. The course begins in the student’s sophomore year. Students entering this program should plan to participate for the remainder of high school (sophomore, junior, and senior years). During their three years, students will work with professional scientists who act as mentors during their research. The students’ research will be presented at the symposium in June of their senior year and, where appropriate, entered into competitions. After the first year, students may also choose to take the course for college credit through the State University of New York at Albany. Students opting for college credit will need to comply with the university requirements and pay the going fee for undergraduate credits. This course is not designed to replace any existing science requirements.

• 1/2 Credit
• Prerequisite: None
• New York State mandates one half year of Health be taught in grades 9-12. Each course consists of a combination of topics found within the following sub-groups: Physical Health, Mental and Emotional Health, Social Health, and Environmental and Community Health. Some specific topics are: Nutrition and Fitness, Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Mental Illnesses and Diseases, Relationships, Sexual Reproduction, Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer.

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite: Open to 10th-12th grade students. 9th-grade students must have successfully completed Living Environment Honors and Teacher Recommendation
• In the introductory course of the PLTW (Project Lead The Way) Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems. (This course is NCAA Approved.)

• 1 Credit
• Prerequisite: Principles of Biomedical Sciences
• Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.

• 1 Credit
• Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.