Science 5
Grade 5 science incorporates a variety of different sciences. We look at how scientists work, the engineering process, body systems, matter, light and sound, as well as forces and motion.
Science 6
This earth science course is designed to give all students an overview of common strands in earth science including, but not limited to: geology, water systems, meteorology, and a brief tour of astronomy. With the use of hands-on and interactive learning, students are able to increase their understanding of this introductory course. Topics covered include geology (rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and erosion), water systems (ocean and freshwater), meteorology (weather systems, patterns, and fronts), and a brief tour of astronomy.
Life Science 7
Life Science is an introductory level course designed to help students to explore basic biological concepts in a real world setting. Students are exposed to scientific principles with regards to discovery, analysis and critical thinking and then move on to biological concepts shared by all living things. These ideas include cell structure and function, biochemical make up and inheritance. In the second semester, honors students will discuss current areas of research such as biotechnology and genetics while the non-honors track will investigate human systems. The year concludes with a look at diversity of living systems.
Exit Topics:
- Scientific Method
- Genetics / Heredity
- Structure of a Cell
- Characteristics of Life
- Energy Use
- Ecology
- Biotechnology
Physical Science 8
Physical Science is a two semester course. The first half of the year is spent discussing properties of matter, composition and the energy associated with those changes. The second half of the year is spent exploring Newtonian Mechanics; including motion, simple machines, energy conservation, waves and sound. Students use cross-curricular skills to explore real world problems.
Exit Topics:
- Atomic Structure
- Simple Machines
- Bonding/Chemical Reactions/Kinematics
- Balancing Equations
- Conservation Laws
- Phase Changes and Energy
- Waves and Sound
- Trends in the Periodic Table
Earth Science Honors and Earth Science Regents – (Honors Science 8)
Earth Science is a laboratory science course that explores origins and the connections between the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the earth system. Students experience the content of Earth Science through inquiry-based laboratory investigations and focus on topics associated with matter, energy, crystal dynamics, cosmic evolution and structure, cycles, geochemical processes, and the expanded time scales needed to understand events in the earth system. Earth Science provides the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind needed for problem solving and ethical decision making about scientific and technological issues. Embedded standards for inquiry and technology & engineering are taught in the context of the content standards for the universe, energy in the earth system, cycles in the earth system, and geologic history. Students will take the NYS Earth Science Regents exam at the end of the course.
In addition to the course description above the Earth Science Honors course will include the following:
- Reading and writing assignments that will encourage and require a greater depth of understanding of Earth Science concepts and require students to proficiently communicate their ideas. Some of these assignments may require additional research into a particular area of Earth Science.
- Honors lab activities and extensions that will require more sophisticated math and geometry, trigonometry, and algebra to help convey scientific information. These lab activities will require higher level analytical skills and the ability to work independently.
- Mandatory projects involving (quizzes, tests, etc,) that will reflect the depth of understanding expected of Honors students.
Students will take the NYS Earth Science Regents exam at the end of the course.
Living Environment (Biology) Honors or Living Environment (Biology) Regents – (Honors Science 8)
Instruction focuses on the eight basic topics from the State Syllabus, ranging from the activities of living things to identifying and defining interrelationships among organisms. Themes describing unity and diversity of organisms are further developed into the structure and function of anatomy and the transmission of traits from generation to generation. Evolution and ecology describe patterns of the origins of organisms as well as their interdependencies. As part of this course, the students must complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work and must have a complete file of their satisfactory written reports for each lab. This class will prepare students for the NYS Regents exam which will be taken in June at the conclusion of the school year.
The Honors course is designed for the science-oriented student who may be considering a career in science. The Honors curriculum covers concepts in greater depth and detail. The course involves advanced readings in order to strengthen reading and comprehension across the curriculum and to better prepare students for future AP course and the SAT exam. Areas of concentration include: research skills, scientific inquiry, biochemical aspects of modern biology, cells genetics, evolution, ecology, human anatomy and physiology.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Earth Science and/or teacher recommendation.