SCIENCE Mr. William Moss, Chairperson of Math and Science In conjunction with the National Science Education Standards, New York State Learning Standards and Core Curriculum, and the New York State Learning Next Generation Science Standards, the Science Department of Lawrence High School has established as a goal that all students should achieve scientific literacy. All of us have a stake in this because: An understanding of science makes it possible for all to share in the richness and excitement of comprehending the natural world. Scientific literacy enables us to use scientific principles and processes in making personal decisions and to participate in discussions of scientific issues that affect society. A sound grounding in science strengthens many of the skills that we use every day: solving problems creatively, thinking critically, working cooperatively in teams, using technology effectively, and valuing life-long learning. The economic productivity of our society is tightly linked to the scientific and technological skills of our work force. In light of this, our course offerings are designed to address the interests and needs of all students. Most of our science courses have double lab periods. To be eligible for taking a science Regents exam, each student must prepare satisfactorily written reports of these lab experiences. Please review the Science Lab Policy regarding the satisfaction of the New York State lab requirements for all Honors/Regents science courses. The graduation requirements for science are as follows: Regents Diploma - 3 Regents science credits and one passing Regents exam grade (Regents diploma) 3 Regents science credits and two passing Regents exam grades (Advanced Regents diploma) We offer a comprehensive science program for all students, complete with a well developed, correlated lab program, which provides hands-on learning experiences and applications. Coursework in The Physical Setting: Earth Science and The Living Environment (Biology) is available for students at the Honors and Regents levels. Honors, Regents and non-regents levels are available in The Physical Setting: Chemistry as well as Regents and non-regents levels in The Physical Setting: Physics. Students may select from the following electives based on interest and ability level: Advanced Placement Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology (college level courses for college credit); Marine Biology, Oceanography, Forensic Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Science and TLP Science. Evaluation of student laboratory work is an essential part of all science coursework. We are proud of our Student Science Research Program, a program that has received national recognition resulting in both Westinghouse/Intel finalists and many semi-finalists. This program involves project development for our 9th grade students, often based upon their work as middle school science researchers in our mentor Quest program. They continue with this as 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, ultimately leading to their participation in the Intel Science Talent Search as a 12th grader. Under the guidance of their Project Advisor, these students will have the opportunity to enter their projects in the Lawrence High School Science Expo, Long Island and New York State
Science Congresses, Intel Science Talent Search, Siemens Westinghouse Competition, and many other Science competitions sponsored by national, state and local science associations. In addition, students in many of our science classes participate in a myriad of Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics competitions, contests and activities for curriculum enrichment and enhancement. We continue our involvement with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories to provide opportunities for qualified students and teachers to increase their understanding about the most current DNA research techniques. NOTE: The following science electives: Marine Biology, Oceanography, Forensic Science, and Anatomy/Physiology may be taken for the third year requirement in science. Students may take these courses only as free electives. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SCIENCE HONORS AND AP COURSES PROCEDURE FOR STUDENT SELECTION 1. Science teachers identify students in their present classes with a 92 test average or better for the 1st two marking periods. Provided these students meet the necessary co-requisites or prerequisites, Honors/AP recommendations are made on the Alpha sheets for each student by their Science teacher and then submitted to the science department. 2. Math grades are correlated for the first two marking periods. Provided they are 92 or higher (90 or better for Honors courses), they are then forwarded to Guidance for the course recommended so that letters of invitation may be mailed. 3. Students whose test grades in Science and Math approach 90 are given the following opportunity: the transcript of each of these students is reviewed, indicating all their science and math grades since 9th grade. If they average 90 or better, they receive a departmental recommendation. In cases where there is still doubt, a review will take place with the Honors or AP teacher looking at the strengths of the student so that a fair recommendation for placement can be made. *Math grades are correlated with the science grades since previous experience has shown that students with high correlations between their math and science grades have proven successful in their Honors/AP Science coursework. Courses will run only if they meet enrollment and graduation requirements.
SCIENCE LAB POLICY As stated in the New York State Science Core Curricula and syllabi, and in accordance with Section 8.2 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, laboratory experience is required in each of the Honors/Regents science courses: The Physical Setting: Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics and The Living Environment: Biology. Students must be engaged in laboratory activities representing a minimum of 1,200 minutes of hands-on lab work as certified by the principal. The student must prepare satisfactory written reports of these laboratory experiences. Only those persons who have satisfactorily met the laboratory requirements will be admitted to the Regents science examination. To help each Honors/Regents science student at Lawrence High School meet this state lab requirement, the following policy is in effect: 1. All lab reports completed and submitted to the Science teacher will be graded and counted in the quarterly average. 2. A minimum of 20% of each quarter grade is determined by lab work. 3. It is expressly noted that lab reports representing 1,200 minutes of hands-on lab work are the minimum requirements for admission to take the science Regents examination. The Lawrence High School Honors/Regents Science student should anticipate completing a significant number of labs beyond the minimum state requirement. The lab average contributing toward each quarter grade reflects the lab reports for all labs conducted during that respective marking period. 4. The completed lab report is to be submitted as determined and assigned by the science teacher. All lab reports submitted after the due date are averaged as a zero. If a student is absent on the day the lab is performed, the student must request to make up the lab and get a new due date for the lab report. Since special lab equipment and materials must be provided for a make up lab, it is at the discretion of the teacher if a lab can be made up. A teacher may excuse a student from making up a lab if the teacher decides the student does not need to make it up. If a student is excused from a lab activity, he/she will not be penalized. 5. Lab reports that are submitted late, but are determined by the teacher to be satisfactorily completed, will be accepted for Regents credit only. It is up to the discretion of the teacher whether a zero will remain as a grade for the lab or will be changed to a passing grade. Previous quarter grades will not be recalculated. 6. All lab reports must be submitted, during the marking period that they are done, to the science teacher who will determine if they satisfy the state lab requirement. All students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 70% of the laboratory reports for each marking period to receive a passing grade for that marking period. Any student who has not met the state lab requirement will be ineligible to take the June Science Regents exam.
SEQUENCE OF COURSES GRADE REGENTS LEVEL HONORS LEVEL 8th Living Environment (Honors) (Middle School) 9th Earth Science R Earth Science H 10th Living Environment R Chemistry H Living Environment H 11th Chemistry R AP Physics I AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science Anatomy and Physiology Syracuse Forensics Forensic Science 12th Physics R AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Physics I AP Environmental Science Syracuse Forensics Forensic Science The following courses can be used as the third year requirement for science: Chemistry, Physics, any AP course except AP Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology, Marine Biology/Oceanography, and Forensic Science 1* and 2* and Syracuse Forensics. The following courses are electives that cannot be used as the third year requirement for Science: Science Projects 1H, Science Projects 2H, AP Psychology and Introduction to Automotive Engineering
301 THE PHYSICAL SETTING: EARTH SCIENCE REGENTS 1 year-1 credit Prerequisite: Grade 8 Science This course will follow the guidelines of the New York State Core Curriculum in Earth Science. The principal areas covered are physical geology, oceanography, astronomy, meteorology and climatology. This activity-oriented course is investigatory in approach and interdisciplinary in content. The course will teach an understanding of concepts rather than memorization of facts, the utilization of mathematics as a scientific tool, and logic in the scientific method. Emphasis will be placed on developing students' abilities to read charts, manipulate data, and use appropriate science equipment, materials and techniques. This course terminates with the Regents Examination in Earth Science. 302 THE PHYSICAL SETTING: EARTH SCIENCE HONORS 1 year-1 credit Prerequisite: Departmental Approval Teacher recommendation and 8 th grade Science average 90 or above This course will follow the guidelines of the New York State Core Curriculum in Earth Science with enrichment in the following areas: astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography. Emphasis will be placed on developing students' abilities to: read charts, manipulate data, and use appropriate science equipment, materials and techniques. As a result of this program, students will have the opportunity to achieve Honors Earth Science credit. This course terminates with the Regents exam in Earth Science. 304 THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT (BIOLOGY) REGENTS 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Grade 8 Science This course will follow the guidelines of the New York State Core Curriculum in Biology. This course focuses on the "Study of Life" and emphasizes the unifying principles and concepts applicable to all life forms. It examines their structure, function, evolution, development and relationship to the environment. This course terminates with the New York State Regents examination in Living Environment. 305 THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT (BIOLOGY) HONORS 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Honors or Regents Earth Science and Department Approval This course will follow the guidelines of the New York State Core Curriculum in Biology with enrichment in each unit of study. This fast paced course is designed to challenge and stimulate student interest to pursue further study in science. Much time will be devoted to numerous sophisticated open-ended experiments. This course terminates with the New York State Regents examination in The Living Environment. This course also serves as a foundation for AP Biology, and students will also be provided with the opportunity to prepare for the SAT II exam in Biology.
307 THE PHYSICAL SETTING: CHEMISTRY REGENTS 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Regents Earth Science and Regents Living Environment This course presents an overview of symbols, formulas, equation writing, atomic structure, the Periodic Table, solutions and ionization. Through the use of various theoretical, mathematical, and lab processes, students will be able to develop an understanding of the concepts, principles, and complexities of chemistry and its application to their everyday lives. This course terminates in the Regents examination in Chemistry. 308 THE PHYSICAL SETTING: CHEMISTRY HONORS 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Honors or Regents Living Environment and Departmental Approval. Passing grade in Geometry In addition to following the New York State Syllabus for Regents Chemistry, Honors Chemistry prepares the student for the SAT II exam in Chemistry and serves as the foundation for college level AP Chemistry. This course terminates with the New York State Regents examination in Chemistry. 309 APPLIED CHEMISTRY 1 year-1 credit Prerequisites: Earth Science, Living Environment, Integrated Algebra This course will teach basic concepts of chemistry from the perspective of the human consumer. In this course, students will study consumer products such as food, food supplements, over-the-counter drugs, soaps and detergents, and cosmetics. Students will be exposed to the chemistry laboratory, and will use their critical thinking skills in determining the value of information gained through the discovery process. This course terminates with a final examination. 310 THE PHYSICAL SETTING: PHYSICS REGENTS 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Two years of Regents Science, Geometry or Integrated Algebra. Students must have successfully completed these prerequisite courses, with passing grades on the Regents exams. This course is designed for the student who has a strong math background in algebra and trigonometry. It presents an introduction to motion and energy, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism and modern physics. It terminates with the New York State Regents Physics examination. Students will participate in Physics Day at Great Adventure as one of the culminating activities.
311 THE PHYSICAL SETTING: PHYSICS HONORS (PHYSICS FIRST) 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Algebra I (Common Core) includes ½ lab Physics First is an enrichment program that teaches regents level physics to ninth grade students, instead of the earth science course that students would have normally taken. This course is a special opportunity to students who have demonstrated success in pre-algebra and Algebra I. The tangible nature of Physics First lends itself well to an inquiry-based science education where students are encouraged to prove the workings of the world in which they live. Students enrolled in the Physics First program may follow a track of study that will lead to secure preparation for advanced placement courses in Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Students will be using a TI84 calculator for this course and will be automatically enrolled in the math and science research program at Lawrence High School. 313 MARINE BIOLOGY 1/2 year - 1/2 credit Prerequisite: Earth Science or Living Environment This course is designed to focus on the plant and animal life in our ocean community. Our local environment will provide the laboratory setting. Students will study representative animals and plants, life zones in the ocean, and different oceanic life styles. Local field trips are an integral part of this course. 314 OCEANOGRAPHY 1/2 year - 1/2 credit Prerequisite: Earth Science or Living Environment This course is designed to make students aware of the many serious problems affecting humans and the solutions that the oceans may hold. Our local environment will provide the laboratory setting for this course. There will be many local field trips into the wetlands, and specimens will be collected from the local areas. Areas such as physical oceanography, marine meteorology, marine geology, and marine pollution will be explored. 316 PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1 year - 1 credit For students who need a 3rd year of Science This course would integrate the physical sciences Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics. Topics of study include: laboratory safety and equipment, density, constructing/ interpreting graphs, scientific method, matter, phase changes, atoms, bonding, physical and chemical properties, periodic table, chemical reactions, rocks and minerals, tectonic plates, forces, work and energy, electricity, waves, sound and light. This course would incorporate a laboratory component.
318 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Earth Science and Living Environment, Departmental Approval In this course, students will study the body as a whole, the integumentary system, the moving body, integration and control, maintenance, reproduction, the urinary system and fluid and electrolyte balance. Students will receive Honors credit for this course. This course terminates with a final exam in anatomy and physiology jointly approved by each university and the Lawrence Public Schools. As a result of our partnership with New York Institute of Technology and Adelphi University, students can earn up to 8 credits provided they: 1) Satisfactorily complete the Lawrence High School Anatomy & Physiology course of study, 2) Pay the required university fees for the two semester equivalent courses approved by NYIT/Adelphi and the Lawrence Public Schools. 3) NYIT: 8 credits, $145.00 per credit ($1,160 total). Payment must be made in full in September. Adelphi: 8 credits. $420.00 due in October, $420.00 due in February. 319 ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Earth Science, Living Environment, Chemistry, Departmental Approval. It is strongly recommended that students complete Physics prior to taking any AP science course. This course covers advanced topics appropriate to college level biology. Students enrolled in this course must take the AP examination in May. A student may be excused from introductory biology in college as a result of superior performance on the advanced placement examination. 320 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Living Environment, Chemistry, and Geometry Departmental Approval must be given. It is strongly recommended that students complete Physics prior to taking any AP science course. Advanced topics appropriate to college level chemistry are covered. Students enrolled in this course must take the AP examination in May. A student may be excused from introductory chemistry in college as a result of superior performance on the advanced placement examination. 321 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS I 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Chemistry Honors, Departmental Approval, and Algebra 2/Trigonometry Physics I is an introductory survey of physics equivalent to the non-majors physics course at most universities. Topics include: mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism and modern physics. Advanced mathematical techniques are introduced as needed. Students will learn to solve complicated problems independently and write detailed laboratory reports. This course will culminate with the Advanced Placement Physics I examination as well as
the New York State Physics Regents examination. STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THIS COURSE ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE BOTH EXAMS. 323 SCIENCE PROJECTS 1H 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation, Departmental Approval In this course students will develop independent study and research techniques in Science. Laboratory and library research skills will be emphasized. Students will be encouraged to inquire into current scientific research, will be given assigned readings in college texts and scientific journals, and will be encouraged to correspond with and visit research scientists working in their field of interest. The course will require that the student develop an experimental design for which the student will proceed under the guidance of a science teacher. The project will be evaluated, and will culminate in a final written report. The student will keep a log of all work and meetings with the teacher. Students will receive honors credit. Cooperative skills will be developed through the preparation of team projects submitted to the Toshiba Exploravision competition. 324 SCIENCE PROJECTS 2H 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Science Projects 1 and Teacher recommendation, Departmental Approval In this course the students will continue to develop and expand their research started in Projects 1. Laboratory and library research skills will be emphasized. Students will be encouraged to inquire into current scientific research, will be given assigned readings in college texts and scientific journals, and will be encouraged to correspond with and visit research scientists working in their field of interest. The course will require that the student develop an experimental design beyond that of Science Projects 1 for which materials will be ordered and from which the student will proceed under the guidance of a science teacher. The project will be evaluated, and a research paper will be prepared. The student will keep a log of all work and meetings with the teacher. Students will receive honors credit. Mentors for students completing their sophomore/junior year will be sought so that research can be conducted over the summer months and continue into the senior year science competitions. 325 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Three years of high school laboratory science, Integrated Algebra (If Chemistry is not completed, department approval is required) This course will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies necessary to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Additionally, students will learn how to identify and analyze environmental issues, both natural and man-made. The course will focus on the real science behind environmental issues and will include both laboratory and field studies. Students enrolled in this course must take the AP examination in May. 331 FORENSIC SCIENCE (SYRACUSE PROJECT ADVANCE) 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Earth Science, Living Environment, and Chemistry
This is a college level course with credit being granted through Syracuse University s Project Advance program. This course is designed to introduce students to modern forensic techniques and foster an understanding of, and appreciation for, the method of science behind crime detection. Topics will include, but are not limited to: DNA, fingerprints, glass composition and shard composition, blood analysis, microscopic investigations of hair and fibers, drug chemistry, and arson. In this course, students will also examine historical as well as modern day crimes. There is a required fee of $110 per credit ($440 total fee) made payable to Syracuse University Project Advance. No admissions to this course will be made past the third week of school. 333 FORENSIC SCIENCE Open to 11th and 12th graders 1 year 1 credit Prerequisite: Earth Science and Living Environment This course will enable the student to bridge the gap between scientific theory and its application to criminology. They will provide the Lawrence High School student with a "hands-on science" complement to the current LHS Law course. Students will process crime scene evidence, learn modern forensic techniques, review contemporary and classical forensic case studies, and participate in the analysis and solution of a staged crime scene. 335 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY 1 year - 1 credit Prerequisite: Earth Science, Living Environment, Chemistry This is a social science elective. The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavioral and mental processes of humans and other animals. Students will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles and phenomena of each of the major subfields within psychology. They will also learn about the ethics and methods that psychologists use in their science and practice. Students enrolled in this course must take the AP examination in May. 338 ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY ½ year ½ credit Adolescent Psychology focuses on the scientific study of the biological, psychological, cognitive, emotional, personality, and social changes that occur during adolescence; includes the effects of heredity and culture, major theories, moral development, gender role issues, sexuality, and family relationship issues. 339 INTRODUCTION TO AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING ½ year ½ Credit Prerequisite: None In this course students will learn how an internal combustion engine works and how to tear down and rebuild both 2 cycle and 4 cycle engine. Course topics include how chemical energy is converted to mechanical energy, how to make mechanical energy do useful work, the loss of energy at each step of the combustion engine process in terms of the 2 nd Law of Thermodynamics, friction, how to increase efficiency and torque. In addition, students will learn how to troubleshoot and diagnose engine problems as well as design and repair engines to a working state.