Science

(All Regents Science courses have a NYS laboratory requirement)

Living Environment

1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of General Science 8

This course follows the New York State Regents Standards. The theme of this course is the environment of living things, both internally and externally. Topics include: cellular biology, human maintenance, reproduction and development, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Coursework consists of a blend of laboratory work, lecture-discussions, textbook readings, small projects, and current event issues in biology. Many assignments are long-term. Classes meet for double periods and single periods on alternating days throughout the week. NCAA approved course.

Evaluation: Regents Examination

Physical Setting/ Regents Earth Science

1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of General Science 8

This course follows the New York State Regents Standards. Students are expected to learn to use standard measuring apparatus, to collect and organize data, construct and interpret graphs, and relate information from laboratory experiences to practical applications. In addition, students will be required to use basic math skills to calculate problems using formulas from the Earth Science Reference Table. Major areas of study include: Topographic Maps and the Shape of the Earth, Rocks and Minerals, Weathering, Erosion and Landscapes, Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics, Geologic History, Meteorology and Climate, Water Cycle, Astronomy and Seasons. Classes meet for a double period and single period on alternating days throughout the week. NCAA approved course.

Evaluation: Regents and Lab Performance Examination

Physical Setting/ Regents Earth Science – Honors

1 credit
Prerequisite: Passed Living Environment class with at least an 85%, passed Living Environment Regents with at least an 80%, and teacher recommendation.

This course follows the New York State Regents Standards. Students are expected to learn to use standard measuring apparatus, to collect and organize data, construct and interpret graphs, and relate information from laboratory experiences to practical applications. In addition, students will be required to use basic math skills to calculate problems using formulas from the Earth Science Reference Table. Major areas of study include: Topographic Maps and the Shape of the Earth, Rocks and Minerals, Weathering, Erosion and Landscapes, Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics, Geologic History, Meteorology and Climate, Water Cycle, Astronomy and Seasons. Students in RES-H will also complete research into a specific field in the earth Sciences. NCAA approved course.

Evaluation: Regents and Lab Performance Examination

Physical Setting/ Regents Chemistry

1 credit
Prerequisite: Successfully passed Algebra 1 and enrolled in Geometry or above

This course follows the New York State Regents Standards. Chemistry involves the study of the structure of matter, changes in matter, and relationships between matter and energy. The course is designed to make students aware of both the technological impact of chemistry and the total effect of the application of chemical principles in our lives. Major topics studied include atomic structure, bonding, periodic table, chemical mathematics, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry. Classes meet for double periods and single period on alternating days throughout the week. NCAA approved course.

Evaluation: Regents Examination

Physical Setting/ Regents Physics

1 credit
Prerequisite: Passed Geometry, Enrolled in Algebra 2

This course follows the New York State Regents Standards. This is an introduction to a contemporary view of the physical world and the laws that govern energy, matter, space, and time. Topics covered in theoretical as well as experimental modes include: force, motion, and energy, structure of matter, wave motion, electricity, electromagnetism, Quantum theory, and nuclear physics. Students will be required to develop extensive lab procedures and reports throughout the year based on these topics. It is designed to prepare students to adapt an independent approach to learning while still driving toward the Regents goal. Successful completion of Chemistry prior to Physics is preferred as well as a strong mathematical background will prove beneficial to the student. The student will be evaluated on tests, lab reports, homework and research based projects throughout the year. Classes meet for double periods and single period on alternating days throughout the week. NCAA approved course.

Evaluation: Regents Examination

Environmental Science

1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of two years of science and two years of math

This course follows both the College Board topic outline for Environmental Science and the New York State Standards for the Living Environment. The environmental science course is designed to present to the student an overview of how the concepts in earth science, biology, chemistry and physics are used to develop our understanding of the natural environment and how the impacts of human behavior affect it. The course takes a rigorous approach and the student should have good study skills and be able to work independently to complete assignments. It is offered to students who may fall into one of the following three categories: 1. Those students who have a strong interest in environmental issues and may be pursuing further studies in this area in college, 2. Those who need a third science course to meet the Regents diploma requirement of three years of commencement level of study in science, but prefer not to take Regents Chemistry and 3. Those who have already met the Regents requirement but choose to take this course instead of Physics. The course is a survey of six major areas of study including: I. Interdependence of Earth’s systems: Fundamental Principles and Concepts II. Human Population Dynamics III. Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources: Distribution, Ownership, Use, Degradation IV. Environmental Quality V. Global Changes and Their Consequences VI. Environment and Society: Trade-Offs and Decision Making. The student’s performance in this course will be evaluated by tests, quizzes, laboratory performance, homework and both long-term and short term research projects. Classes meet for a double period and single period on alternating days throughout the week. NCAA approved course.

Evaluation: Departmental Examination

Science Research

1 credit per year
Prerequisite: The candidate has to be a self-motivated, hard worker.
Corequisite: Students must still enroll in core Regents courses.

The research course is a three-year elective in which students choose a topic and carry out an original research project on that topic. The student does ALL of what professional researchers do, from journal readings to finding a mentor, planning a project, and carrying it out to an appropriate research conclusion. As the work progresses, the student writes research papers, creates posters, and presents research findings at available competitions and symposia as determined by the instructor. During the student’s junior and senior years, he or she may elect to take the course for college credit for a total of up to twelve credits at the State University of New York. Also during the junior and senior years, each student is required to enter available venues for competition as determined by the instructor. All students are welcome to apply regardless of past academic history. NCAA approved course.

Evaluation: Departmental Examination

Science Electives

Explorations in STEM

1 credit
Prerequisite: Two years of science study; passed Algebra

Explorations in STEM is a course designed to expose students to concepts of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) through problem solving and hands-on activities. This project based course will employ Physics, engineering, mathematical and scientific concepts in order to research and design solutions to engineering design problems. Students will also be exposed to the research process, which incorporates reading, writing and presenting scientifically. Topics include motion, simple/complex machines, statics, dynamics, energy, material science, electricity and wave nature. This course does not meet NCAA eligibility core requirements.

Evaluation: Departmental Exam

Anatomy and Physiology

½ credit
Prerequisite: At least one credit of Regents science

Designed to explore one of the most amazing machines ever assembled, of course we are talking about the human body! We won’t be using cadavers, but we do have an abundance of support, learning tools, and technology at our disposal. During the course of study, we will investigate the following topics and systems: Organization of the Body, Histology, Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Nervous, Senses, Endocrine, Circulatory, and Digestive Systems. We are going to approach this class from an introductory perspective. Anatomy and physiology can be quite a challenging discipline on many levels. The intention of this course is to cover the essential information of each unit. Those students interested in health professions are introduced to the concepts which will provide them a foundation for further studies. NCAA approved course.

Forensics

½ credit
Prerequisite: At least 1 credit of Regents science

Fingerprints. Blood spatter. DNA analysis. The world of law enforcement is increasingly making use of techniques and knowledge from the sciences to better understand the crimes that are committed and to catch those individuals responsible for crimes. Forensic science applies scientific knowledge to the criminal justice system. This course focuses on some of the techniques and practices used by forensic scientists during a crime scene investigation (CSI). NCAA approved course.

Agricultural Science

Food Science

1 credit

Discover the science behind your favorite foods and create a new food product of our own design. These activities and more will be explored as you investigate principles of food processing and food science. Topics to be covered include food safety and regulations, processing and preservation, product development, and nutritional content of various foods. The course places emphasis on hands-on lab activities and discussion.

Intro to Agriculture

1 credit

Students participating in the Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources course will experience hands-on activities, projects, and problems. Student experiences will involve the study of communication, the science behind agriculture, plants, animals, natural resources, and agricultural mechanics. While surveying the opportunities available in agriculture and natural resources, students will learn to solve problems, conduct research, analyze data and work in teams.

Animal Science

1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Regents Living Environment or Intro to Agriculture

This course engages students in hands-on laboratories and activities to explore the world of animal agriculture. Student experiences will involve the study of animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, health, selection, and marketing. For example, students will acquire skills in meeting the nutritional needs of animals while developing balanced, economical rations. Throughout the course, students will consider the perceptions and preferences of individuals within local, regional, and world markets.

Plant Science

1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Regents Living Environment or Intro to Agriculture

This course teaches students the form and function of plant systems. Students experience various plant science concepts through inquiry-based exercises filled with activities, projects, and problems utilizing laboratory and practical experiences. Student experiences will include the study of plant anatomy and physiology, classification, and the fundamentals of production and harvesting. Students will learn how to apply scientific knowledge and skills to use plants effectively for agricultural and horticultural production. Students will discover the value of plant production and its impact on the individual, the local, and the global economy.

Advanced Electives

Advanced Biology
(option to challenge the AP Exam)

1 credit
Prerequisites: Regents Living Environment, Regents Chemistry, passed Algebra 2, Pre- calculus recommended

The College Biology course is designed to offer seniors at Hudson Falls the opportunity to take a college-level general biology class that provides the foundation for them to challenge the College Board AP Biology Exam, potentially resulting in transferable credits to ACC or to any institution of higher education. The course will be suitable for science majors and non-majors alike, and shall prepare all students for upper level classes in the biological sciences. Major topics will include both the historical and modern study of plants and animals including their evolution, classification, anatomy and physiology, life history, behavior and ecology. Rather than approaching the material from an ecological perspective, the ACC-Biology at Hudson Falls class will build on the emphasis already placed on genetics and biochemistry in Regents–level science, and seek to further understand biodiversity and phylogenetic relationships from a molecular genetics standpoint. Laboratory work will be primarily inquiry-based, and will complement the lecture material. Emphasizing science as a process, it aims to provide students with the analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. NCAA approved course.

Evaluation: Departmental Final Examination, AP Exam option, Research Paper and presentation