Science

The Science Department is committed to expanding students’ understanding and appreciation of the natural world around them and providing hands-on laboratory experiences that connect theory and the real world.  All science courses are full-year courses and include laboratory experiences.  All students must complete three years of Science and pass a Regents examination.

Sample Science Sequencing

Regents Courses
All Regents science courses – which are described below -- culminate in a Regents examination; students enrolled in Regents courses must take the examination. According to the State Education Department regulations, all students must successfully complete the laboratory component of the course in order to be admitted to the examination. In order to satisfy this requirement each student must:

• Complete at least 30 full laboratory periods (1200 minutes).
• Complete and have on file a satisfactory written report for each laboratory experience.
• Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory skills.

Students must satisfactorily complete and submit a report for a minimum of 15 full laboratory periods (600 minutes) per term to receive credit for a Regents course.

The Living Environment: Biology - In this required course, the following topics will be covered: measurement, scientific method, research design, microscopy, organization and classification, molecular biology, animal and plant maintenance, homeostasis, disease and immunity, genetic inheritance, mitosis and meiosis, protein synthesis, genetic engineering, human reproductive systems, evolution, and ecology. In addition, there will be several special field and research reports.

Chemistry - The following topics will be covered: the interaction between matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, periodic trends, stoichiometry, solutions, kinetics and equilibrium, organic chemistry, nuclear energy, acid-base chemistry, and redox reactions.

Environmental Science - This course combines the chemistry of abiotic factors with the requirements and effects of various populations. Upon completion of integration of the sciences, students will research current environmental challenges and develop group solutions. Special field research opportunities with The New York Conservancy and other New York City venues are included in the laboratory component. This course does not culminate in a Regents examination. This course meets five periods per week.

Epidemiology