Science
"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean."
-Isaac Newton
- assists students in building knowledge and acquiring skills to progress towards College and Career Readiness consistent with the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- captures the imagination and curiosity of all students, producing scientifically literate, life-long learners;
- encourages critical thinking skills, positive science attitudes, and problem solving skills through cooperative, hands-on inquiry centered activity;
- further incorporates the use of mathematics and technology in a comprehensives science program
Suggested science sequences would be as follows:
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Sequence 1
Accelerated Chemistry
(must have scored at least an 80
on both the Living Environment
and Algebra Regents in 8th grade)
Honors
Physics
IB Biology
IB Physics
IB Biology
IB Physics
Engineering
AP Env. Science
Sequence 2
Living Environment
Chemistry
Earth Science
Physics
Marine Science
Forensics
Marine Science
Forensics
The Living Environment SLS21/SLS22
The Living Environment SLS21/SLS22
Credits: 2
Grade Level: 9
This two term laboratory science course places a comprehensive emphasis on the unifying concepts of Biology that demonstrate biological interconnections. Curriculum follows the Next Generation Science Standards (https://www.nextgenscience.org/) This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the Living Environment Regents Exam. All students taking The Living Environment are required to take the Regents Exam in June. In this course, students will learn scientific inquiry, cell structure/function, basic biochemistry, nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, protein synthesis, evolution, classification, plants, animals, systems of the body, ecology, and human impacts on the environment. Emphasis is placed on small group activities and multimedia educational technologies are used throughout the course as tools for learning. The course includes a 1200 minute laboratory component.
Honors Living Environment SLS21H/SLS22H
Credits: 2
Grade Level: 9
This is a weighted laboratory course designed for students who are considering a science related career and who have shown a high aptitude in science and a proficiency in math. The program goals introduce students to basic concepts Living Environment and address the Next Generation Science Standards. An increased use of activities in this course will help students assume a greater responsibility in their understanding. Students will be expected to use critical thinking, problem solving and ethical analysis in the study of unifying themes and multimedia educational technologies are used throughout the course as tools for learning. The course topics are similar to that of the Regents Living Environment, but are more rigorous in their depth of study.
Regents Chemistry SCS21/SCS22
Regents Chemistry SCS21/SCS22
Credits: 2
Grade Level: 10
The Physical Setting Chemistry is a two term course of study intended to provide the student with an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry and the ability to handle equipment and chemicals safely. This course is intended for average and above average students with a history of successfully completing Regents level Science courses. The topics in chemistry include: matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, mathematics of chemistry, kinetics and equilibrium acids and bases, redox and electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry. The course includes a 1200 minute laboratory component. All students taking Chemistry are required to take the Regents Examination in June. Curriculum follows the Next Generation Science Standards (https://www.nextgenscience.org/)
Honors Chemistry SCS21H/SCS22H
Credits: 2
Gradel Level 10, 11, 12
Chemistry Honors is intended for the student who wants to pursue a more intensive study of Chemistry and/or wants to continue in a scientific career. The course topics are similar to that of the Regents Chemistry, but are more rigorous in their depth of study and the use of mathematical concepts. There is an additional emphasis on student participation in developing proper laboratory skills and time management practices. This course can be followed by International Baccalaureate Physics or Biology for accreditation at participating colleges and universities. Student enrollment is predicated on previous grades and teacher recommendation. There is an increased weighting factor for the grades in this course. Curriculum follows the Next Generation Science Standards (https://www.nextgenscience.org/)
Earth Science SES21/SES22
Earth Science SES21/SES22
Credits: 2
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
The Physical Setting/Regents Earth Science course of study is designed to encourage students to understand the processes of change in earth and space through first-hand observation and inference. Curriculum follows the Next Generation Science Standards (https://www.nextgenscience.org/) Throughout the various units, including Rocks and Minerals, Earthquakes, Landscapes, Geological History, Meteorology and Astronomy, emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry an analysis of data relevant to the NYS Learning Standards. Students will be taught to formulate questions that relate to their experiences, and to use their acquired skills to investigate these questions. Throughout the year, timely environmental issues such as global warming and environmental pollution will be explored, with an emphasis on how we interact with the planet Earth, and our responsibility to understand and value our natural environment. The course includes a 1200 minute laboratory component. All students taking Earth Science are required to take the Regents Examination in June. Students have the opportunity to learn through classroom simulations and exploration with geological tools.
Regents Physics SPS21/SPS22
Regents Physics SPS21/SPS22
Credits: 2
Grade Level 10, 11, 12
This course of study for The Physical Setting/Physics presents a modern view of physics with emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects. The five core areas studied are mechanics, energy, electricity and magnetism, wave phenomena and atomic and nuclear physics. The course includes a 1200 minute laboratory component. All students taking Physics are required to take the Regents Examination in June.
Marine Science SWS21/SWS22
Marine Science SWS21/SWS22
Credits: 2
Grade Level: 11, 12
This two term course is designed for students with an interest in marine biology and oceanography. This course provides a background for students who are interested in further study of the oceans and the organisms that inhabit it. Major concepts include the study of: the interrelationship of marine and terrestrial environments, the geology of the oceans, marine organisms, and the ecology of coral reefs.
AP Environmental Science SQS21X, SQS22X
AP Environmental Science SQS21X, SQS22X
Credits 2
Grade Level 11, 12
A rigorous, lab-based environmental course for students with an interest in our natural world. Environmental Science will cover the interrelationships of the natural world as outlined in the AP Environmental Science course description from The College Board. Environmental problems and alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them will be examined. Advanced Placement Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary experience: it embraces a wide variety of topics from different areas of study. Field trips are planned for environmental experiences. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May.
Aeronautical Engineering SQS21QAE/SQS22QAE
Aeronautical Engineering SQS21QAE/SQS22QAE
Credits: 2
Science Elective open to all students at Curtis that focuses on engineering different types of flight. There are seven units in this course: Kites, Hot Air Balloons, Gliders, Tinkercad, Propulsion, Airfoils and Flight Controls. Within each unit students are given a challenge to engineer and build a specific type of aircraft. The engineering aspect of this course will take place through software such as tinkercad which allows for 3D printing and laser cutting wood. There will also be a significant amount of time engineering models using balsa wood.
You may be especially interested in signing up for this course if
- You find airplanes and flight interesting
- You enjoy hands on engineering projects
- You have a strong interest in science and want to pursue a STEM career
- You enjoy working on a project over several months
IB SCIENCES
May be taken as part of the full IB Diploma Program, IB CP Program or as an Individual Certificate Course.
IB Biology SL…SBS421B/SBS42B/SBS43B/SBS44B
Credits: 4
Grade Level: 11, 12
IB Biology SL is a college level study of biology that explores four themes: structure and function; universality versus diversity; equilibrium within systems; and evolution. Students are expected to integrate new details into their existing content knowledge by studying functioning within living systems through experimentation and evaluation of scientific explanations. This course is intended for self-motivated students, for it requires lengthy daily assignments and independent study. Some assignments are prepared for both internal and external assessment and are completed for a portion of the IB score. All students are required to participate in the Group Four project and to take the IB Biology SL exam in May of their senior year.
IB Physics, SL: SPS41B/SPS42B/SPS43B/SPS44B
Credits: 4
Grade Level: 11, 12
IB Physics SL, in combination with the laboratory experience, is designed to develop the students’ understanding of the concepts and theories of physics. The students will develop critical thinking skills, become aware of the interactions within the environment, gain valuable knowledge on international science and the use of the scientific method for self-discovery. In physics, there are three connected domains of knowledge and skills: 1) Laws of physics, 2) Experimental skills, 3) Social and historical. Students should be highly motivated since the course demands both independent work and group work. Some assignments are prepare for both internal and external assessment and are completed for a portion of the IB score. Students are required to participate in the Group Four project and are required to take the IB Physics SL exam in May of their senior year.
IB Sports, exercise and health science SL: SBS41BES, SBS42BES, SBS43BES, SBS44BES:
Credits: 4
Grade Level 11, 12
This two year IB Diploma Programme course in sports, exercise and health science involves the study of the science that underpins physical performance and provides the opportunity to apply these principles. The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, bio-mechanics, psychology and nutrition, which are studied in the context of sport, exercise and health. Students will cover a range of core and option topics and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This will provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and critically analyze human performance. Where relevant, the course will address issues of internationalism and ethics by considering sport, exercise and health relative to the individual and in a global context.