Science Course Descriptions

REGENTS SCIENCE COURSES

Regents science is taught as either a 20 week or 40 week course. Students taking the 40 week science course will also complete an MST project which must be completed in order to get a second credit. ALL STUDENTS MUST SUCCESSFULLY PASS ONE SCIENCE REGENTS EXAMINATION AND MUST TAKE ONE PHYSICAL SETTING COURSE AND ONE LIVING ENVIRONMENT COURSE. All students must also complete a third science elective which need not be connected to a laboratory requirement or Regents exam. For example, some agricultural courses may satisfy the elective requirement for a third science credit. The MST project may also be used as the third credit of science.

Science Course Descriptions

MATH/SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY (MST) PROJECT:
Offered as a 40 week course integrated with a science course, or as an individual 20 week course geared around various technologies. This course encompasses skills in experimental design and data collection and culminates in a project presented before the class. The project is a requirement for graduation.

SCI110/115
PHYSICAL SETTING (EARTH SCIENCE)
1 CREDIT
Earth Science is a highly laboratory-oriented course that will increase students’ knowledge of their environment. Major emphasis is placed on developing the student’s ability to take class notes, do homework and write laboratory reports. Grades are based on quizzes, tests, laboratory work, laboratory notebooks, class notebooks and homework. All students will take the New York State Regents Examination in Earth Science upon completion of the laboratory program. A review book purchase is recommended. A calculator, class notebook, lab notebook and an MST binder are required for this course.

SCI210/215
THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT (BIOLOGY)
1 CREDIT
The intent of this course is two-fold: (1) Concepts and principles of the living environment applicable to all life are presented to emphasize that all living systems are similar and related. Chemical aspects of this similarity are of major emphasis. (2) The laboratory work is designed to show first-hand the application of class discussion topics and to teach the student to reason deductively in a problem-solving situation. Grades are based on reading quizzes, vocabulary quizzes, worksheets, class notebooks, laboratory write-ups, and major examination. If eligible upon lab completion, all students will take the New York State Regents Examination in the Living Environment.

SCI310/315
PHYSICAL SETTING (CHEMISTRY)
1 CREDIT
Chemistry is the study of matter in its smallest possible detail. Emphasis is placed on the laboratory work. The student learns laboratory safety procedures. Laboratory experiments with subsequent write-ups and calculations are strongly emphasized. Class work consists primarily of lecture-demonstrations, quizzes, homework questions and problems, and tests. Grades are based on short quizzes, laboratory work, notebooks, laboratory tests and class tests. All students who successfully complete the lab program will take the New York State Regents Examination in Chemistry. A review book is recommended.

SCI410/415
PHYSICAL SETTING (PHYSICS)
1 CREDIT
If you ever wanted to know how things work, then Physics is the class for you. Physics is the study of energy and matter. From the smallest sub atomic particles to the largest galaxies, we explore the inner working of the universe. What do photocopiers and lightning bolts have in common? How do CDROMs work, or why do cars have airbags? No matter what your goals are in life you will be better at what you do if you understand the physics behind it all.

SCI520
COLLEGE BIOLOGY
1 CREDIT (6 GCC Credits)
College Biology is an in-depth study of the biological and chemical aspects of all living systems. It allows for a student to pursue a college-level course while still in secondary school. Students will be graded on class participation, exams, quizzes and lab work. By registering with GCC, students who achieve a 70 or higher in the course can receive three college credits for Principles of Biology and three college credits for Human Biology.

APCBIO
ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY
1 CREDIT (20 weeks)
AP Biology is a rigorous, college-level course designed for highly motivated students who have a strong interest in science and wish to pursue a career in the science field. The content and setup of the course is very similar to a first year college Biology course for science majors. Students will study the following areas: organic chemistry, cell structure and functions, life functions of plants and animals, heredity, molecular genetics, ecology, diversity of organisms, evolution, human anatomy and physiology. All topics will be studied in great detail providing the solid background knowledge for many of the upper level college courses that any science major will encounter. Students will be graded on daily assignments, quizzes, exams, and lab work. The students MUST take the AP Exam in May. Students scoring a 3 or higher on the AP exam can earn college credit, if accepted. College admissions counselors look highly at AP courses on student transcripts because of the rigor and upper level thinking skills that are required in the courses. AP Biology is open to any student who has passed the Living Environment Regents or who has instructor approval. Chemistry is not a prerequisite, but is recommended.

APCCHE
ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY
2 CREDITS (40 weeks)
AP Chemistry is a rigorous, college-level course designed for highly motivated students who have a strong interest in science and wish to pursue a career in the science field. The content and setup of the course is very similar to a first year college Chemistry course for science majors. Students will be graded on daily assignments, quizzes, exams, and lab work. The students MUST take the AP Exam in May. Students scoring a 3 or higher on the AP exam can earn college credit. College admissions counselors look highly at AP courses on student transcripts because of the rigor and upper level thinking skills that are required in the courses. High School Chemistry is strongly recommended prior to taking this course. (WILL BE OFFERED DURING THE 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR)

APCPHY
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS
2 CREDITS (40 weeks)
AP Physics is a rigorous, college-level course designed for highly motivated students who have a strong interest in science and wish to pursue a career in the science field. The course revolves around the concepts of motion, electricity and magnetism and working energy. The students MUST take the AP Exam in May. Students scoring a 3 or higher on the AP exam can earn college credit. College admissions counselors look highly at AP courses on student transcripts because of the rigor and upper level thinking skills that are required in the courses. AP Physics is open to any student who has previously passed the Physics Regents or who has instructor approval.

STE220
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
1 CREDIT
This course will address the multi-level of modern day agri-science. This class will broaden the principles of LIFE through the study of new applications of science, technology, math agriculture, natural resources and the environment.

STE320
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
1 CREDIT
This course is designed to introduce students to the environment they live in. Students will participate in a number of indoor and outdoor activities that emphasize environmental problems and management techniques to prevent and solve these problems. This course will expose students to careers and educational opportunities related to the environment. Some of the topics that will be covered in this class will be terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, recycling, pollution, conservation practices, forestry and wildlife. (This class will be offered during the 2009-2010 school year)

STE520
VETERINARIAN SCIENCE
1 CREDIT
Interested in being a Veterinarian, Vet Tech or just really care about animals? Then this is the class for you. In this class students will learn animal care, health, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, genetics and advancements in animal science.

STE620
MECHANICAL SCIENCE
1 CREDIT
This course is designed to introduce students to the world of mechanics and how they work. In this class the students will learn the science of pneumatics, welding of metals on small engines. Other topics included will be structures, electricity, plumbing, and general construction. (This course will be offered during the 2009-2010 school year)

STE630
FORENSIC SCIENCE
1 CREDIT
This class is designed for those students who have an interest in criminal investigation. Students will use higher level thinking skills and laboratory skills to piece together the written data collected to form a logical conclusion in a criminal investigation.

STE630
FOOD SCIENCE
1 CREDIT
In this class students will learn the science of food and its preparation. The students will learn the dietary guidelines to promote their own wellness. Students will evaluate a wide variety of foods to understand the food makeup and composition. Students will also learn how to prepare foods and then serve them correctly. (This course will be offered during the 2009-2010 school year)

 

 

 

 


Albion Central School District Office, 324 East Avenue, Albion, New York 14411
Tel: 585 589 2050, Fax: 585 589 2059
E-mail: info@albionk12.org