The science department strives to promote critical thinking skills using observation & scientific analysis. Students increase scientific literacy through technology studies and hands-on experimentation. Our goal is to promote an understanding of the natural world through investigation and measurement. Students should understand the scientific connection between mind, body, community & universe. Through inter-disciplinary studies and co-operative learning, students will learn to make intelligent decisions about the effects of human activity in the natural world.

Students are required to complete six credits in Science and pass the required NYS exam. Students who entered 9th grade prior to September 1999 can fulfill this requirement by passing the Science RCT. Those students who entered 9th grade in September 1999 or after must pass a minimum of one Science Regents.

Physical Setting: Earth Science (Liz rm 202)
Physical Setting - Astronomy SEAY
Physical Setting - Geology SEGY
Physical Setting - Meteorology SEMY

These three courses compose the REGENTS Physical Setting series. They are designed to help students pass the Physical Setting: Earth Science Regents exam by providing you with the necessary laboratory activities and inquiry methods that are mandated by the State Education Standards. In addition, the class curriculum is aligned with the State Standards and addresses all of the major themes.

http://teachers.altschools.org/ebascome/

Please see above webpage & a complete discusson of the course at the general information page link; as well as links to online notes, required vocabulary, Exam prep sites, math help sites, search engines, and coming soon, online grades... Lzzz

Investigations in Science

Basic skills in science course, designed to help students grasp fundamentals of scientific method and inquiry, through observation and analysis. Students will conduct experiments and research into a myriad of topics including environmental concerns, health & nutrition, and alternative medicine. Emphasis will be placed on improving investigative skills through integrated studies and measurement using the S.I. system.

Living Environment I & II (Daniel R.)

These two courses are designed to help students pass the Living Environment Regents exam by providing them with the necessary laboratory activities and inquiry methods that are mandated by the State Education Standards. In addition, the class curriculum is aligned with the State Standards and addresses all the major themes: evolution, ecology, homeostasis, endocrine system, etc.

As part of the class requirements, students will be obligated to complete class projects, use the Internet as a research tool, make visits to a local museum, use the local park as a research center and also use the school's and other local libraries.

Problems in Science (Mike)

- Addresses what science is, how scientists solve problems, and the scientific method.
- Includes General Science curriculum covering these topics: Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, Scientific Method.
- Includes preparation for the RCT Science

Electives

Advanced Human Anatomy & Physiology (Shobita)

College preparatory course designed to motivate students into independent research and study. It will be assumed that each student in this class has a strong understanding of the fundamentals of scientific method and inquiry. Readings will be detailed with a strong emphasis on building scientific vocabulary. Connections between human behavior and subsequent physiological response will be developed. Anatomical studies will be couples with mammalian dissection following laboratory procedure.

Bioethics

Future Technologies (Jeff)
A presentation driven class exploring the world as our students will see in the year 2020, when they are in their mid 30's. We will project, based on current technology and the related scientific principles and developing science, the future worlds of work, school, transportation, housing, medicine, and entertainment. The class is part science and part science fiction.

Transportation Technology (Jeff)
A project driven class to design and produce a fuel efficient, low pollution, three wheeled vehicle for future production. Scientific principles will be studied. (Artists, model makers, desktop publishers, web designers, writers, spokespeople, and researchers needed).