Regents and Honors Science Courses
REGENTS-LEVEL SCIENCE COURSES
Earth and Space Sciences
1 Credit
This Regents-level course is based upon the New York State Science Learning Standards. Studies include the universe and its stars, the solar system, history of the Earth, Earth systems, weather and climate, and human sustainability. Through hands-on activities and investigations, students will explore the dynamic processes and concepts that have shaped Earth and continue to influence our environment. Emphasis will be placed on applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges by working with classmates to design investigations, analyze results, and share findings clearly and confidently. The course culminates in a Regents examination.
Life Science: Biology
1 Credit
This Regents-level course is based upon the New York State Science Learning Standards. Studies include the structure and function of living things, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, inheritance of genetic traits, and mechanisms of biological evolution. Students will leave this course equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage with the complexities of life, understand the interconnectedness of our planet, and make informed decisions as responsible global citizens. The course culminates in a Regents examination.
Physical Science: Chemistry
1 Credit
This Regents-level course, based on New York State Science Learning Standards, focuses on the structure and properties of matter, energy transformations, chemical reactions, and the flow of matter and energy in systems. Students will explore these concepts and their practical applications through laboratory investigations and scientific inquiry.
Emphasis is placed on developing analytical and problem-solving skills while applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges. The course culminates in a Regents examination assessing students' mastery of science practices and core chemistry concepts.
PREREQUISITE:
Successful completion of at least two Regents and/or honors-level science courses, one of which must be a life science course, with a minimum GPA of 75. Enrollment is subject to department and administration approval.
Physical Science: Physics
1 Credit
This Regents-level course, aligned with New York State Science Learning Standards, introduces fundamental physics concepts through the study of forces, energy transformations, wave behavior, and nuclear physics. Students will explore topics such as wave applications in communication technologies, space systems, and processes like fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
Hands-on experiments, data analysis, and scientific inquiry are integral to the course, fostering a deeper understanding of how physics principles shape the natural and technological world. The course culminates in a Regents examination assessing students' mastery of physics concepts and their ability to apply them to solve real-world problems.
PREREQUISITE:
Successful completion of at least two Regents and/or honors-level science courses, one of which must be a life science course, with a minimum GPA of 75. Enrollment is subject to department and administration approval.
Science Academic Intervention Services (AIS)
This course is mandated for students who have not demonstrated competency in completing the New York State Education Department graduation requirements and assessments for Science. The emphasis of this course is to help students to prepare for Science Regents examinations. This alternate-day semester course may also be taken for the full-year on an alternate-day basis.
HONORS-LEVEL SCIENCE COURSES
Life Science: Biology Honors
1 Credit
This honors-level Regents course is based upon the New York State Science Learning Standards as described in the Regents-level Life Science: Biology program. In addition, the course provides supplemental material and extrapolations of concepts to enhance both the exploration and collaboration portions of the course. This course culminates in a Regents examination. In addition to the Regents examination, a special project will comprise a percentage of the final examination grade.
PREREQUISITE:
Successful completion of Earth Science H with a minimum GPA of 85. Students may also request Biology H upon successful completion of Earth Science R with a minimum GPA of 93, and permission of the department and administration. Honors grade requirements must be maintained.
Earth and Space Sciences Honors
1 Credit
This honors-level Regents course is based upon the New York State Science Learning Standards as described in the Earth and Space Sciences Regents-level program. In addition, the course provides supplemental material and extrapolations of concepts to enhance both the exploration and collaboration portions of the course. This course culminates in a Regents examination. In addition to the Regents examination, a special project will comprise a percentage of the final examination grade.
PREREQUISITE:
Admission to the Earth and Space Sciences Honors program is contingent upon successful completion of our Middle School Life Science: Biology course with a minimum GPA of 93, and permission of the department and administration. Honors grade requirements must be maintained.
Physical Science: Chemistry Honors
1 Credit
This honors-level course, based on New York State Science Learning Standards, provides an accelerated and in-depth study of chemistry. Students explore core topics such as the structure and properties of matter, energy transformations, chemical reactions, and the flow of matter and energy in systems, along with advanced applications in scientific contexts.
Honors students engage in rigorous laboratory investigations, extended research projects, and higher-level problem-solving to deepen their understanding and analytical skills. Designed to prepare students for advanced science courses, this course emphasizes critical analysis and scientific inquiry. The course culminates in a Regents examination assessing mastery of chemistry concepts and science practices.
PREREQUISITE:
Successful completion of at least two Regents and/or honors-level science courses, one of which must be a life science course. A minimum GPA of 85 in any prior honors-level science course(s) and/or a minimum GPA of 93 in any prior Regents-level science course(s) is required. Additionally, students must have a minimum GPA of 85 in all prior mathematics courses. Honors grade requirements must be maintained. Enrollment is subject to department and administration approval.
Physical Science: Physics Honors
1 Credit
This honors-level course, aligned with New York State Science Learning Standards, offers an accelerated and rigorous study of physics. Students explore advanced topics in forces and interactions, energy transformations, wave behavior, space systems, and nuclear physics, including fission, fusion, and radioactive decay, with an emphasis on their applications and societal implications.
Honors students engage in complex problem-solving, independent research, and in-depth laboratory investigations to deepen their understanding of physical phenomena. The course’s enhanced rigor and faster pace prepare students for advanced science studies. It culminates in a Regents examination assessing mastery of physics concepts and their application to real-world challenges.
PREREQUISITE:
Successful completion of at least two Regents and/or honors-level science courses, one of which must be a life science course. A minimum GPA of 85 in any prior honors-level science course(s) and/or a minimum GPA of 93 in any prior Regents-level science course(s) is required. Additionally, students must have a minimum GPA of 85 in all prior mathematics courses. Honors grade requirements must be maintained. Enrollment is subject to department and administration approval.