Introduction
The Shaker High School Science Department is dedicated to helping all students apply and effectively communicate scientific concepts and literacy to real-world phenomena through the use of independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These qualities will be modeled and fostered through the development of relevant curricula and the encouragement of appropriate collaboration in a safe, positive, and supportive environment.
Course Titles and Descriptions
315 Applied Biology 1R (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 8th grade science.
This course will address the same curriculum topics as Biology R with a concentration on the first half of the Biology R curriculum. Applied Biology 1R, when combined with Applied Biology 2R in the following year, culminates in the Living Environment Regents Exam. This course requires the completion of all laboratory investigations and a final examination.
316 Applied Biology 2R (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Applied Biology 1R and all laboratories associated with Applied Biology 1R.
This course will address the same curriculum topics that students in Biology R study concentrating on the second half of the Biology R curriculum. Applied Biology 2R, combined with Applied Biology 1R in the previous year, culminates in the Living Environment Regents Exam. This course requires the completion of laboratory investigations and the New York State Living Environment Regents Examination.
322 Biology R (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Recommendation of 8th grade science teacher.
This course applies scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the living environment. Major topics include: cellular structures and processes, genetics, human body systems, ecology, and evolution. This course requires the completion of laboratory investigations, and the New York State Regents Examination in Living Environment.
321 Biology H (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Achievement of FSM of 87 in Algebra 1 and FSM of 87 in Earth Science OR a FSM of “A” in Science 8 and “A” in Math 8. Students in Math and Science 8 must also be recommended by their teacher.
Recommendation: FSM of 90 in Algebra 1 and a FSM of 90 in Earth Science R.
This course has been designed to parallel the basic content of Biology R while providing further exploration into the science of living things. The course stresses greater detail of the human body systems and a deeper understanding of the biochemistry that underlies observable biological phenomena. This course requires the completion of laboratory investigations, and the New York State Regents Examination in Living Environment. Students are also required to complete written reports based on scientific articles and complete various projects throughout the year.
312 Unified Biology 1
NCAA Approved Course for .5 credit only
Full Year – 1 Unit
The Unified Biology 1 course is the first year of a two-year program and focuses on topics found in the first half of the Biology-R curriculum, yet is a modified version of the Applied Biology 1 course. Support and assessments are designed to measure instructional objectives and to allow for the special needs of each student. This program, in conjunction with the Unified Biology 2 course the following year, culminates in the NYS Living Environment Regents Exam. This course requires the completion of laboratory investigations, and a final examination.
313 Unified Biology 2 (P)
NCAA Approved Course for .5 credit only
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Unified Biology 1 and all laboratories associated with Unified Biology 1.
The Unified Biology 2 course is the second year of a two-year program and focuses on topics found in the second half of the Biology-R curriculum, yet is a modified version of the Applied Biology 2 course. Support and assessments are designed to measure instructional objectives and to allow for the special needs of each student. This program, in conjunction with the Unified Biology 1 course the previous year, culminates in the NYS Living Environment Regents Exam. This course requires the completion of laboratory investigations and the New York State Living Environment Regents Examination.
334 Earth Science (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: FSM of 65 or better in Biology R or FSM of 75 or better in Applied Biology 2.
This course presents a broad array of the Earth science content. Topics in geology, meteorology and astronomy will be examined through hands-on laboratory experiences. This course requires the completion of laboratory investigations (prior to any portion of the NYS Regents Exam) and the New York State Regents Examination in Earth Science.
342 Chemistry R (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: SM of 75 or better in Common Core Geometry (222). FSM of 75 or better in Earth Science R and passing grade on the respective Regents Exams.
Recommendation: FSM of 80 or better in Geometry (222). FSM of 80 or better in Earth Science R.
This course is the study of matter and energy, including the structure, composition, properties, and changes of matter. Applications of chemical principles and mathematical problems are integrated into each unit. This course requires the completion of laboratory investigations, and the NYS Regents Examination in Chemistry.
341 Chemistry H (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: FSM of 93 in Earth Science R and Biology R (or 90 in the honors levels respectively). FSM of 93 in Common Core Geometry R (or a 90 in Geometry H). Teacher recommendation or permission of department supervisor.
In addition to an enriched version of the Chemistry R curriculum, this course will include an extensive focus on selected topics covered at a more rigorous pace. Increased emphasis will be placed on explanations and thought processes, as well as advanced mathematical applications. Students will complete additional honors assignments that will include concepts that encourage abstract thinking. This course requires the completion of laboratory investigations, and the NYS Regents Examination in Chemistry.
343 Chemistry E (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1 or equivalent.
This course presents a background in chemistry and develops an appreciation for the process of scientific investigation and the role of the chemist. Topics are derived from the Regents level chemistry course, however, depth and pace have been adjusted to accommodate a wide variety of learners. A portion of class time will be devoted to laboratory work, including hands-on lab activities and written lab reports. This course is open to students in grades 11-12.
332 Physics R (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: FSM of 75 in Chemistry R, FSM of 75 in Common Core Algebra 2 (232), concurrent enrollment in Math Precalculus (245).
Physics is a consideration of energy as the unifying factor in the study areas of Mechanics, both Static and Dynamic, Wave Mechanics, Optics, Electricity, Magnetism and Modern Physics. The approach taken is a quantitative one with an emphasis on the conceptual aspects of physics common to the areas under study. This course requires the completion of laboratory investigations, and the NYS Regents Examination in Physics. Students will be exposed to right triangle trigonometry in this course and may not have learned that topic in their respective math class yet.
331 Physics H (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: FSM of 93 in Common Core Algebra 2 (232), or 90 in H (231) and FSM of 93 in Chemistry R (342) or 90 in Chem H (341) or permission of Department Supervisor.
This course is designed to allow for more in-depth study of the curriculum in Physics R. This course requires the completion of laboratory investigations, and the NYS Regents Examination in Physics. Students will be exposed to right triangle trigonometry in this course and may not have learned that topic in their respective math class yet.
335 Environmental Science (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: FSM of 75 in Regents Biology and a FSM of 75 in Regents Chemistry. Successful completion of the Regents exam in Biology and Chemistry.
In this course, special attention will be given to the basic concepts needed to understand the many environmental and technical concerns facing humankind today. Such topics as the study of ecosystem cycles and population, energy, and pollution will be discussed. It will be necessary for students to have acquired fundamental mathematical skills in order to understand and appreciate various topics under investigation. Also it will be necessary for students to have acquired a certain proficiency in reading, writing and interpreting newspaper and or magazine articles/papers in order to be able to evaluate the latest environmental issues. After the basic concepts and theories have been presented and learned, they will be applied in the study of such issues as alternative energy sources, nuclear energy, air/water pollution and solid waste disposal. Laboratory sessions will be incorporated into regular class periods.
340 Forensics (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Students enrolled in this course must be in 12th grade and have successfully completed at least 3 years of science as well as passed at least 1 Regents Exam in science. Successful completion of Chemistry R is recommended.
Forensics is designed to be an overview of various concepts relating to forensic science and crime scene investigation. This course is inquiry-based and investigative in nature, placing a heavy emphasis on analysis and problem-solving skills. Topics include Fingerprint Analysis, Hair Analysis, Blood Analysis, DNA Analysis, Forensic Pathology, Forensic Anthropology, Toxicology and Document Analysis. Class size is limited. This course is subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry. Qualified students denied entry based on the lottery may select another science course, as long as space allows in that particular course.
340SU University Project Advance (SUPA) Forensics (P)
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: FSM of 75 in Regents Chemistry. In addition, students enrolled in this course must be in 12th grade and have successfully completed at least 3 years of science as well as passed at least 1 Regents Exam in science. Sections will be limited.
Description contains excerpts from SUPA:
Chemistry 113 (Forensics): This course is intended to provide an introduction to understanding the science behind crime detection. Scientific methods specifically relevant to crime detection and analysis will be presented, with emphasis placed upon the techniques used in evaluating physical evidence. Topics included are blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass compositions and fragmentation, fingerprints, soil comparisons, and arson investigations, among others. Laboratory exercises will include learning techniques commonly employed in forensic investigations.
Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course at the time of their request must fill out a “Request for Prerequisite Waiver” form found on the NCCS Science Learning Community webpage. In addition, this course is subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry. Qualified students denied entry based on the lottery may select another science course, as long as space allows in that particular course.
355 Food Science (P)
Half Year – ½ Unit
Prerequisite: Available to seniors as a fourth unit of science who have completed all science-based graduation requirements.
This course is designed as an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the science of food and cooking. Science topics will include Food Chemistry (matter, energy, reaction kinetics), and Food Microbiology (nutrition, metabolism, food safety and preservation), Sensory and Consumer Science (biochemistry, molecule analysis), and Food Engineering (food production, processing and sustainability). This course will involve working with food and food preparation as part of the curriculum.
356 Astronomy and Severe Weather
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Semester 1 begins with a discussion about the universe and works inward toward our star (sun) and planet Earth. Semester 2 is focused on Earth, and discusses in detail how severe weather works on the surface of the Earth. Each of these semesters are based on a single Earth Science unit, but contain much more detail that is not covered in the regents Earth Science curriculum. Therefore, this course is open to students in grades 11 and 12 who have completed their life science credit(s) even if they have formerly taken Earth Science.
344 Advanced Placement Biology (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1½ Units (double period)
Prerequisite: FSM of 93 in Regents Biology (or 90 in honors Biology), 90 in Regents Chemistry (87 in honors Chemistry) and a 75 in Regents or Honors Physics.
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The AP Biology course is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of Biology R, Chemistry R and Physics R. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The course consists of three major areas: Molecules and Cells; Heredity and Evolution; and Organisms and Populations. Students are required to complete the laboratory portion of the course which will address the thirteen labs required by the College Board. The Advanced Placement Examination is required of all students enrolled in the course. A fee is charged by the College Board and must be paid or the student may be placed in another science course.
Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course at the time of their request must fill out a “Request for Prerequisite Waiver” form found on the NCCS Science Learning Community webpage. In addition, this course is subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry. Qualified students denied entry based on the lottery may select another science course, as long as space allows in that particular course.
345 Advanced Placement Chemistry (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1½ Units
Prerequisite: FSM of 93 in Regents Chemistry (or 90 in Chemistry H), an FSM of 75 in Regents or Honors Physics, and enrolled in Precalculus Honors or above.
This college-level course is designed to be the equivalent of General Chemistry I and II taken by chemistry and biology majors during their first year of college. This is a demanding, time-consuming course that builds on the Regents chemistry curriculum, but differs from it in depth of presentation, the amount and level of inquiry in the laboratory work required, and its emphasis on the mathematical formulation of principles. The AP board requires the successful completion of 16 labs, 6 of which must be inquiry based. The Advanced Placement Examination is required of all students taking this course. A fee is charged by the College Board and must be paid or the student may be placed in another course.
Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course at the time of their request must fill out a “Request for Prerequisite Waiver” form found on the NCCS Science Learning Community webpage. In addition, this course is subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry. Qualified students denied entry based on the lottery may select another science course, as long as space allows in that particular course.
349 University in the High School Physics (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: FSM of 93 in Regents Chemistry (or 93 in Chemistry H), FSM of 93 in Common Core Algebra 2 (or 90 in H).
The UHS Physics program includes topics in both classical and modern physics. Knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is required for the course. The basic ideas of calculus may be introduced in connection with physical concepts, such as acceleration and work. Understanding of the principles involved, and the ability to apply these principles to solve problems are major goals of the course. Laboratory work is required and will be an integral part of the course as discovery learning is the major methodology employed throughout the year. The NYS Regents examination is required of all students taking this course. Students in this course will have the opportunity to enroll in the University in the High School program and can earn up to eight (8) Siena credits upon successful completion (4 credits available per semester). Students electing to enroll in the program will be charged a fee from Siena college.
Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course at the time of their request must fill out a “Request for Prerequisite Waiver” form found on the NCCS Science Learning Community webpage. In addition, this course is subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry. Qualified students denied entry based on the lottery may select another science course, as long as space allows in that particular course.
348 Advancement Placement Physics (C-Level Mechanics & Electricity and Magnetism) (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: FSM of 90 in UHS Physics, (or a 93 in Physics H, or Physics R), enrollment in or completion of A/B or B/C Calculus.
The course in Advanced Placement Physics (C level) is intended to be representative of courses commonly offered in colleges and universities. It is designed to provide a more rigorous calculus investigation of topics previously studied in Physics. The subject matter of the course is Mechanics. Laboratory work will be an integral part of the course since certain areas of physics are much more meaningful when presented through the laboratory. This course is designed for any student continuing in a math/engineering field and is seeking college physics credit in that field. The Advanced Placement Examination is required of all students taking this course. A fee is charged by the College Board and must be paid or the student may be placed in another course.
Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course at the time of their request must fill out a “Request for Prerequisite Waiver” form found on the NCCS Science Learning Community webpage. In addition, this course is subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry. Qualified students denied entry based on the lottery may select another science course, as long as space allows in that particular course.
347 Advanced Placement Environmental Science (P)
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: FSM of 85 in Regents Biology and an 85 in Regents Chemistry.
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. This course is intended to enable students to undertake, as first-year college students, a more advanced study of topics in environmental science. The course will address the following themes: Science is a process; Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes, the Earth itself is one interconnected system, Humans alter natural systems, Environmental problems have a cultural and social context, and Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. The course includes a strong laboratory and field investigation component. The goal of this component is to complement the classroom portion of the course by allowing students to learn about the environment through first-hand observation. The Advanced Placement Examination is required of all students taking this course. A fee is charged by the College Board and must be paid or the student may be placed in another course.
Students requesting this course are considered applicants to the program. Therefore, students will be reviewed by the Science Supervisor, in conjunction with teachers, and may be subject to removal based on student academic credentials, overall effort, and continued success in their current courses. Any student who wishes to enroll in this program and does NOT meet all prerequisites for this course at the time of their request must fill out a “Request for Prerequisite Waiver” form found on the NCCS Science Learning Community webpage. In addition, this course is subject to enrollment limitations. If the number of qualified students exceeds the maximum enrollment for the program, a random lottery will be run to determine final student entry. Qualified students denied entry based on the lottery may select another science course, as long as space allows in that particular course.
350 Science Research 10H (P) | 351 Science Research 11H | 352 Science Research 12H
NCAA Approved Course
Full Year – 1 Unit
Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Science Research Program is by application only and recommendation of a Science Teacher. Students will be considered based upon:
- Completion of grade 9 and desire to supplement their science education through Science Research.
- Willingness to commit to the three year program.
- Problem solving and analytical abilities.
- Work habits and career plans.
- Writing skills.
- Completion of a rigorous application with a strict deadline.
The Science Research Class is a unique program that allows the student the opportunity to conduct scientific research, at the college level, through the establishment of a mentorship with a professional researcher. Students will continue their research over their summer vacations. Students will be assessed through bi-weekly conferences with their instructor. Students will be required to document, in a laboratory notebook, a minimum of 3.5 hours per week of research, outside of the classroom setting. Ultimately the student will conduct a research investigation, write a paper on their findings, prepare a PowerPoint, scientific poster and present their findings to several local science competitions. Students in this course will have the opportunity to enroll in the University in the High School program and can earn up to twelve (12) State University of New York credits upon successful completion. (2 credits per summer semester x2) (4 credits per full year semester x 2).
Academic Intervention Services
No Credit
This remediation period is provided to assist students in meeting the graduation requirements in science. The State Education Department mandates this remediation for students who score below the state performance level on the 8th grade science assessment or the Living Environment Regents Exam.