Science Offerings

Earth Science 

This course is designed to build awareness of the planet Earth, including its formation, position in the solar system, and the dynamic processes that act upon it to change its features. There are lab requirements. Students take the Earth Science Regents Exam at the end of the course. Successful completion of this course satisfies the New York state science credit requirement for a Regents Diploma and may also satisfy the second science credit requirement for an Advanced Regents Diploma.

1 credit/NCAA Approval

 

Living Environment

This course involves extensive laboratory activities that explore the make-up and function of living organisms with emphasis placed on cell division, reproduction, development, and genetics. Upon successful completion of the laboratory requirements, students are eligible to take the Living Environment Regents Exam. Successful completion of this course satisfies the New York state science credit requirement for a Regents Diploma and is also required for an Advanced Regents Diploma. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

Forensic Science

Do you like to solve crimes? Interested in learning what happens to a body after death? Ever wonder what those “gadgets” are on crime scene television shows? If you have a desire to learn about things no one else wants to talk about, Forensic Science is the place to be. This full year course covers a variety of topics from autopsy to crime scene investigation. Students will engage in labs covering Forensic Entomology, Forensic Anthropology, Hair Analysis, Fingerprint Analysis, Blood Spatter Analysis and Ballistics. At the end of the year, students will become Crime Scene Investigators, using their knowledge to solve a murder. Students will also watch CSI episodes to learn about forensic techniques and how to critique “Hollywood” Crime Scene Investigations. This course is open to juniors and seniors who successfully completed Living Environment and will satisfy the New York state science credit requirement for graduation. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

Concepts of Chemistry

This is a one year course designed to introduce students to the
general concepts of chemistry. Topics will include the language of chemistry, the behavior of matter, scientific method and measurement, the work of a chemist, and the practical application of chemical concepts in everyday life. This course is open to juniors and seniors who successfully complete the Living Environment. 

1 credit/NCAA approved

Chemistry 

This Regents course presents a modern view of chemistry. Participants study the theory of atomic structure, chemical unions, organic compounds, and inorganic compounds, as well as the effects of these principles in our lives. Students complete laboratory requirements and take the Chemistry Regents Exam at the end of the course. Successful completion of this course satisfies the New York state science requirement for a Regents Diploma and may also satisfy the second science credit requirement for an Advanced Regents Diploma. 

1 credit/NCAA approved

Physics

This course gives students the opportunity to explore the physical world around them. A modern perspective is given to the fundamental principles of force and energy. Upon completion of the laboratory requirements, students take the Physics Regents Exam. Successful completion of this course satisfies the New York state science credit requirement for a Regents Diploma and may also satisfy the second science credit requirement for an Advanced Regents Diploma. 

1 credit / NCAA approved

 

Conceptual Physics 

This is a non-Regents physics class. Students will be immersed in the concepts of physics through hands-on experiences. Conceptual Physics will de-emphasize mathematics, but not eliminate it. The course will provide studies in the following areas: motion and its causes, conservation laws, periodic motion, thermodynamics and heat theory, electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetic radiation, light and optics, and modern physics including fundamental particles. The laboratory section of this course is designed to develop investigative skills as well as problem solving and independent critical thinking. The laboratory section of this course is designed to develop investigative skills as well as problem solving and independent critical thinking.

Prerequisites: Juniors and seniors who have satisfied their science requirements only.

1 credit
NCAA Approved

 

Wellness 

This is a physical health science course. The focus of the course is to develop in students a positive personal attitude and the skills that lead to living a healthy life. Topics include physical fitness, health choices and behavior, mental, social and emotional health, nutrition, drug use and abuse, disease prevention, the life cycle, first aid and safety, and global issues/current events. Every Friday is “Fitness Friday” in which students walk the track, take part in guided meditation, or do yoga. Multiple guest speakers join the class on Fridays to share their physical fitness routines. Completing projects is a large part of each quarter. Some examples of projects include writing a food diary, researching a career, or researching a mental illness. Typically, a movie is shown each unit that relates to the current material; students are expected to fill in a question/summary sheet. The course is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors who have previously earned a passing score on the Living Environment Regents Examination. 

1 credit

 

Youth Empowerment and Sustainability Skills – YESS

New Class

This class will help students feel empowered to create change and make a difference in their communities and world. Through hands on experiences, project based learning, field trips and guest speakers, students will be exposed to a variety of  topics, including but not limited to, gardening with pollinators, animal science, sustainable living, growing and preparing healthy foods, teaching community gardening, as well as working with school administrators and/or local politicians to make changes. Students will have an opportunity to choose a topic of interest and focus on how to implement programs that will benefit others, whether the focus is on a specific group of people (i.e. homeless families) animals, or the environment.  This class is meant to be life changing for all students that participate.  This course is open to all students who have successfully completed the Living Environment.

1 credit

 

Anatomy and Physiology for College Credit

Human Anatomy and Physiology is a full year lecture and laboratory based course that investigates the structure and function of the human body. Topics covered will include the basic organization of the body and major body systems along with the impact of diseases on certain systems. Students will engage in many topics and competencies related to understanding the structure and function of the human body. Students will acquire knowledge of basic anatomical terminology and detailed understandings of each of the major systems of the body.  Students will also learn healthcare specific skills including First Aid, CPR, and AED utilization.  Students will have the opportunity to learn about and utilize some medical technology.  Learning will be facilitated through reading, video lessons, case studies, discussion, collaborative group work, labs and interactions will healthcare professionals. Dissection of a fetal pig and other appropriate organs will complement the course work.  One of the goals of this course is to prepare students with the skills necessary to be successful in future science classes in college and healthcare fields.  Living Environment and Chemistry are prerequisites to this class.

(Subject to enrollment and teacher availability.)

Prerequisites: Living Environment, Chemistry
4 SUNY Sullivan College Credit
1 credit

 

College Anatomy and Physiology 2

This course is the second part of a two-semester course in the study of the structures of the human body and their functions. Students examine specific and nonspecific defense mechanisms; fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance; and human development and inheritance as well as the anatomy and physiology of the following body systems in detail: cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. This course has no designated lab period. Labs are embedded into the classroom experience. 

Prerequisites: College Anatomy and Physiology 2 and Physics (or special permission from the instructor).

1 credit
SUNY Sullivan- SCI 2126 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4 credits
NCAA Approved

 

College Biology  1 and 2 w/lab

This course provides an intensive study of the fundamental principles of biology, emphasizing structure, function, processes and interaction. Topics include: chemical relationships, cell biology, reproduction, respiration,
molecular and classical genetics, and evolution. Laboratory exercises are designed to exemplify aspects of lecture topics. These include examination of cells, tissue types, mitotic and meiotic stages, measurement of photosynthesis and respiration, the nature of plant and animal systems, ecological principles, and behavioral ecology. and other topics. This course is designed both for students who intend to specialize in science and for those who want to obtain a
thorough knowledge of biology as part of their general education. It is intended for students who successfully completed high school Regents Biology.

Prerequisite: High School Regents Biology
Up to 8 SUNY Sullivan College Credits
1 Credit

 

Marine Biology and Oceanography

This class introduces students to the marine environment and its indigenous
organisms. It develops an understanding of man’s effect on the marine environment as well as an awareness of the career possibilities available to students in this area. Students will study the principles, concepts and facts to understand and appreciate the nature of the sea and its inhabitants, to understand the interrelationships of plants and animals and the environment within the sea, to develop an understanding of man’s effect on the balance of nature in the marine environment, o explore the wise and effective use of the natural resources of the sea as a food source, to investigate the non-nutritional exploitation of marine life, to acquaint students with the characteristics used to identify and classify marine plants and animals, to acquaint students with the adaptations of the marine organisms which aid in their survival, and to develop an awareness of the practical applications of the study of Marine Biology as it may affect the students in their career choices. Extensive use of laboratory experimentation, demonstrations and other hands-on activities are an integral part of the course.

1 credit

 

College Meteorology/Astronomy

This course will provide an in-depth understanding of celestial objects as well as man’s place in the cosmos and various cosmological theories. Students will be encouraged to form their own opinions as well as learning will take place both inside and outside of the classroom.

A successful completion of Earth Science is required for enrollment.

1 credit/NCAA approved; offered in 22-23 school year