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The Science Department
General Studies |
The offerings of the Department of Science are built on the requirement to study three laboratory courses of high school science in order to qualify for graduation. A number of options are available to the students so that they may complete their science requirements. In addition, a select number of qualified students can participate in the Science Institute at YUHSG. This is a highly innovative program designed to give qualified students the opportunity to concentrate their high school studies on scientific knowledge, science literacy, and research methodology. Those select students invited to join the Science Institute participate in a sophisticated combination of courses (including SAT II and AP level classes, and an English Honors/Science Literacy course), attend off-site lectures, and do research work that will prepare them for participation in national science competitions. Grade Nine: Biology (“Living Environment”) In this course, students acquire an appreciation for all living things, their interaction with each other, and their relationship with the environment. Laboratory experiments related to the topics of study and detailed laboratory notebooks are maintained as a required part of the course. In addition, students maintain a scrapbook of “Science Current Events” to enable them to understand the relevance of science to everyday life. Topics of study in biology include the following: Unity and Diversity Among Living Things, Maintenance in Living Things, Human Physiology, Reproduction and Development, Genetics, the Theory of Evolution, and Ecology. In addition to the regular course in biology, which culminates in a New York State Regents examination, there is also an Honors Biology section, which enriches the regular program and prepares students for the SAT II examination (Achievement Test) administered by the College Board. Grade Ten: Chemistry This course introduces the student to the fundamental building blocks of nature and their relationship to one another. General topics include matter, energy, atomic structure, solutions, mathematical chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Weekly laboratory experiments are a required component of the course. Topics in chemistry include the following: Measuring and Calculating, Matter (classification, properties and change), Particle Masses, Compounds, Atomic Structure, the Periodic Table, Bonding, Molecular Structure, Solids, Liquids, Gases, Energy, Reactions, Chemical Equilibrium, Electrochemistry and Organic Chemistry. This course culminates in a New York State Regents examination. Grades Eleven and Twelve: Additional Science Options (for the third or fourth year of science) Forensic Science This is a lab-based course dealing with the study of physical evidence left at the scene of a crime. Forensic science utilizes the principles, facts, and lab techniques from the fields of chemistry, biology, physics and earth science to process crime scene evidence. This course will focus on crime scene evidence, lab analysis techniques, (such as chromatography, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and fiber analysis), and recording and presenting data. Mock crime scenes will be investigated and real case studies analyzed. Physics The physics course is an algebra-based, college preparatory course which presents many of the fundamental concepts in physics. It is comparable to the New York State Regents syllabus. The course deals with the relationship between matter and energy. The basic topics covered include Mechanics, Energy, Electricity and Magnetism, Wave Phenomena, Atomic and Nuclear Physics. The students perform many hands on experiments integrated into the classroom recitation. These activities not only reinforce the textbook material, but enhance the skills needed by the students to become proficient in laboratory and inquiry based learning. The classroom work enhances the students’ problem solving skills, relates science and society, and uses relevant modern technology. Students are encouraged to think creatively and to investigate open-ended questions. The New York State Regents examination is optional for this class. Physiology Human physiology is an elective offering for students who wish to further pursue their study of biology at a more advanced level without the pressure of an Advanced Placement examination. The course includes an in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body with an emphasis placed on health issues. Topics include: the Chemistry of Life, Maintenance of the Body, Integration and Coordination in Humans, Human Reproduction, Human Genetics and Human Evolution, and Ecology. The students’ study in a laboratory-assisted atmosphere in order to gain first-hand knowledge of the systems they are studying. Laboratory work includes microscopy as well as dissections (frog, mouse and fetal pig). Experiments are designed to increase the student’s appreciation for the sanctity of the human body. Earth Science One of the goals of this course is for the students to use their power of observation to reach intelligent conclusions or inferences. The topics covered include: the Changing Environment, Earth Motions, Energy and Earth Processes, Energy Exchanges in the Atmosphere, Erosion, Rock Formation, the Earth’s Crust and Man’s Place in the Environment. Class recitation is accompanied by laboratory work, fulfilling the requirements of the New York State Board of Regents. Advanced Placement Biology The advanced biology course is designed to investigate sophisticated topics in biology. Students wishing to take this course must demonstrate honors level work in biology and chemistry and a firm interest in college level science. Students who do honors work in advanced biology may take the Advanced Placement examination in May. Those students who qualify on this exam are given credit for a year’s work in college biology. Topics of study in Advanced Placement Biology include the following: Molecules, Cells, Genetics, Evolution, Organisms and Populations. Advanced Placement Chemistry This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course taken during the first college year. Topics such as the Structure of Matter, Kinetic Theory of Gases, Chemical Equilibriums, Chemical Kinetics and basic concepts of Thermodynamics are presented in considerable depth. All classroom work is accompanied by weekly laboratory experience. The students are prepared to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May, and may earn college credit through the College Board of Examiners. Advanced Placement Psychology This course is a college-level introduction to the principles and practices of psychology. Students will become familiar with all the major areas of psychology, including differing perspectives, research designs and behavioral disorders. Class work will include demonstrations and experiments. An Advanced Placement examination is administered at the end of the course which can yield up to three college credits. Course requirements include a term paper, which will be presented in class. Please note that this course does not fulfill the laboratory science requirement. Health and Nutrition This course introduces the three elements of health: physical, mental/emotional, and social. The course discusses influences on health, such as heredity, environment, attitude, behavior, media and technology. Students will learn how to take responsibility for their own health and make correct choices and necessary changes in their lifestyle. Topics include Personal Care and Body Systems, Physical Activity and Nutrition, Growth and Development, Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs, Diseases and Disorders, and Injury Prevention.
Open to Juniors and Seniors
Open to Juniors and Seniors
Open to Juniors and Seniors
This course is not offered every year
Open to Juniors and Seniors who have demonstrated high achievement in both the basic
biology and chemistry courses.
Open to Juniors and Seniors who have demonstrated high achievement in chemistry and
mathematics.
Open to Juniors and Seniors
Additional requirement for all seniors
