Science
DOVER UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
New York State
Learning Standards
Science
Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry, and Design
Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering designs, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
Standard 2: Information Systems
Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.
Standard 3: Mathematics
Students will understand mathematics and become mathematically confident by communicating and reasoning mathematically, by applying mathematics in real-world settings, and by solving problems through the integrated study of number systems, geometry, algebra, data analysis, probability, and trigonometry.
Standard 4: Science
Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principals, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.
Standard 5: Technology
Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.
Standard 6: Interconnectedness: Common Themes
Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.
Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving
Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.
SCIENCE EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTION
I. The Physical Setting – Regents Earth Science
Regents Exam No Weighting
45 minutes per day for one year One Credit
II. Course Description
The focus of this course is student-centered discovery in the study of the composition of the Earth, its materials, the physical processes that occur within, and the systems that interact with it, including weather and space.
III. Grade Requirement
None
IV. Mandatory Prerequisite
Successful completion of 8th grade science and Math 8. Reading skills up to grade level.
V. Suggested Prerequisite
None
VI. Comments
Critical to understanding science concepts is the use of scientific inquiry to develop explanations of natural phenomena. Therefore, as a prerequisite for admission to the Regents examination in the Earth Science, students must have successfully completed 1200 minutes of laboratory experience with satisfactory written reports for each laboratory investigation.
It is expected that laboratory experiences will provide the opportunity for students to develop the scientific inquiry techniques in Standard 1, the use of information systems as outlined in Standard 2, the interconnectedness of content and skills and the problem-solving approaches in Standards 6 and 7, and the skills identified on the laboratory skills checklist found in Appendix.
SCIENCE EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTION
I. Living Environment
Regents Exam No Weighting
45 minutes per day for one year One Credit
II. Course Description
This course includes the study of all aspects of biological life including cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular genetics, evolution, ecology, reproduction and other life processes. “Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principals, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.” This Core Curriculum is an elaboration of the science content of the mathematics, science, and technology learning standards document and its Key Ideas and Performance Indicators. Key Ideas are broad, unifying, general statements of what students need to know.
III. Grade Requirement
None
IV. Mandatory Prerequisite
Successful completion of 8th grade science curriculum.
V. Suggested Prerequisite
None
VI. Comments
Lab Requirement – Critical to understanding science concepts is the use of scientific inquiry to develop explanations of natural phenomena. Therefore, as a prerequisite for admission to the Regents examination in the Living Environment, students must have successfully completed 1200 minutes of laboratory experience with satisfactory written reports for each laboratory investigation.
It is expected that laboratory experiences will provide the opportunity for students to develop the scientific inquiry techniques in Standard 1, the use of information systems as outlined in Standard 2, the interconnectedness of content and skills and the problem-solving approaches in Standards 6 and 7, and the skills identified on the laboratory skills checklist found in Appendix.
SCIENCE EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTION
I. The Physical Setting – Regents Chemistry
Regents Exam No Weighting
45 minutes per day for one year One Credit
II. Course Description
This course will cover the fundamental laws and principals of chemical structure and reactivity. Specific areas of focus are equilibrium, acids and bases, chemical kinetics, and electrochemistry and introductory organic chemistry.
III. Grade Requirement
High School (generally grades 10-12)
IV. Mandatory Prerequisite
Successful completion of Integrated Algebra Part 2 or Integrated Algebra. Successful completion of either Earth Science or Living Environment with the lab component. Reading skills at grade level.
V. Suggested Prerequisite
None
VI. Comments
Students are required to complete 1200 minutes of laboratory time and must submit laboratory reports (passing grades) for all experiments. They must take the New York State Physical Setting Chemistry Exam.
SCIENCE EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTION
I. The Physical Setting – Regents Physics
Regents Exam No Weighting
45 minutes per day for one year One Credit
II. Course Description
This course will cover kinematics, Newtonian dynamics, energy, rotational motion, fluids, heat and thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, electric circuits, waves and optics, and elementary topics in atomic and nuclear physics.
III. Grade Requirement
High School (generally grades 11-12)
IV. Mandatory Prerequisite
Successful completion of Integrated Algebra Part 2 or Integrated Algebra. Successful students will possess strong logical and mathematical problem solving skills. Reading skills at or above grade level.
V. Suggested Prerequisite
None
VI. Comments
Students are required to complete 1200 minutes of laboratory time and must submit laboratory reports (passing grades) for all experiments. They must take the New York State Physical Setting - Physics Exam.
SCIENCE EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTION
I. Advanced Placement (AP) Biology
AP Exam Laboratory Class 1.25 Weighting
45 minutes per day full year One Credit
II. Course Description
AP Biology could be the last general biology course your child will ever take. It’s a comprehensive survey of college level general biology that includes biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular genetics and heredity, biotechnology, diversity, structure and function of organisms, and ecology and evolution. Evolution is a theme that runs through all the other topics.
III. Grade Requirement
Grade 12
IV. Mandatory Prerequisite
None
V. Suggested Prerequisite
Outstanding participation in the student’s previous science course.
VI. Comments
Descriptive and experimental lab exercises are a vital part of this experience. There are 12 recommended lab topics that require a minimum of 48 class hours to complete – that’s one-fourth of the typical school year!
All students enrolled in AP Biology are required to take the AP Examination.
SCIENCE EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTION
I. Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry
AP Exam Laboratory Class 1.25 Weighting
45 minutes per day full year One Credit
II. Course Description
Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of a first year, general chemistry, college level course. This course is intended for students who have taken Regents Chemistry as the concepts learned in Regents Chemistry will serve as the foundation of the concepts learned in AP Chemistry. Topics of study will include: structure of matter, states of matter, reaction types, descriptive chemistry and laboratory work.
III. Grade Requirement
Grade 11/12
IV. Mandatory Prerequisite
Regents Chemistry
V. Suggested Prerequisite
Outstanding performance in all previous science and math courses, including
Algebra 2/Trigonometry
VI. Comments
The AP Chemistry Exam includes some questions based on experiences and skills students acquire in the laboratory: making observations of chemical reactions and substances; recording data; calculating and interpreting results based on the quantitative data obtained; and communicating effectively the results of experimental work. In order to prepare for this material a variety of laboratory investigations will be conducted; the results of which will be documented in a lab notebook.
All students enrolled in AP Chemistry are required to take the AP Examination.
SCIENCE EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTION
I. Environmental Science
Local Final Exam No Weighting
45 minutes per day for oneyear One Credit
II. Course Description
Environmental Science is the study of humans and their interactions with their environment. Students enrolled in this class will have opportunity to observe these interactions by participating in field trip activities. Environmental aspects discussed in this course include basic ecology, biomes, endangered species, sources of energy (traditional and alternative), stream studies, and studies of the Hudson River. Students will also study current environmental issues. This is a research/project-based course including many individual and group presentations.
III. Grade Requirement
High School juniors and seniors
IV. Mandatory Prerequisite
Successful completion of the Living Environment Regents course
V. Suggested Prerequisite
At least one other science course in addition to Living Environment
VI. Comments
None
SCIENCE EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTION
SCIENCE EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTION
I. Applied Chemistry
Local Exam No Weighting
45 minutes per day for one year One Credit
II. Course Description
The course will introduce students to the concepts and practical applications of chemistry . The course is designed to be an introduction to Regents Chemistry . This course will allow students interested in Regents Chemistry to be exposed to the rigor of the course without the risk of a Regents exam at the conclusion of the course.
The course will focus on class lectures, laboratory experiments and project assignments. The laboratory experiments and projects will require significant effort to develop finished products, i.e., either formal lab reports or project presentations.
Topics covered include, but are not limited to: Measurement, Atomic Structure, Periodic Table, Bonding, Moles/Stoichiometry, Matter and Energy, Kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Oxidation and Reduction, and Organic Chemistry.
III. Grade Requirement
Grade 11 and 12
IV. Mandatory Prerequisite
At least one other science course in addition to Living Environment
V. Suggested Prerequisite
None
VI. Comments
None
SCIENCE EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTION
I. Forensic Science
Final Exam No Weighting
45 minutes per day for one year One Credit
II. Course Description
Forensic Science is how science pertains to the law. Through a hands-on survey of forensic science, this course illustrates the fundamentals of scientific inquiry while teaching basic concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics. Through intensive, interactive learning, students will learn about the history of forensic science, hair and fiber analysis, serology, and DNA typing. Students will be involved in the collection of physical evidence from simulated crime scenes. Students will use standard scientific procedures, as well as, current techniques for analysis. Experts in various fields of forensics will visit the classroom. A field trip to a forensic facility may be scheduled. There are many individual projects requiring research and presentation.
III. Grade Requirement
Senior elective
IV. Mandatory Prerequisite
Successful completion of Chemistry or Physics, or permission from the Science Department.
V. Suggested Prerequisite
None
VI. Comments
None
