Students must complete three credits of science courses, which include one each from the living and physical sciences in order to earn their high school diploma.
Half credit/half year courses are denoted. Courses without parenthesis after them are full credit/full year courses.
Sequence of Study
8th grade courses
- Earth Science Honors
9th grade courses
- Earth Science
- Living Environment
- Science Topics
- Introduction to Agricultural Science I (1/2 credit) ***
- Introduction to Agricultural Science II (1/2 credit) ***
10th grade courses
- Astronomy
- Chemistry / Honors *
- General Chemistry
- General Physics
- Living Environment
- Agricultural Issues (1/2 credit) ***
- Animal Science (1/2 credit) ***
- Equine Science (1/2 credit) ***
- Floral Design (1/2 credit)
- Introduction to Agricultural Science I (1/2 credit) ***
- Introduction to Agricultural Science II (1/2 credit) ***
- Landscape Principles and Design (1/2 credit)
- Small Animal Care (1/2 credit) ***
11th grade courses
- AP Biology *
- AP Chemistry *
- Astronomy
- Chemistry / Honors *
- Current Issues in Biology
- Forensics
- General Cehmistry
- General Physics
- Physics
- Pre-Veterinary Science
- Agricultural Issues (1/2 credit) ***
- Animal Science (1/2 credit) ***
- Equine Science (1/2 credit) ***
- Floral Design (1/2 credit)
- Introduction to Agricultural Science I (1/2 credit) ***
- Introduction to Agricultural Science II (1/2 credit) ***
- Landscape Principles and Design (1/2 credit)
- Small Animal Care (1/2 credit) ***
- Wildlife and Resource Management (1/2 credit) ***
12th grade courses
- AP Biology *
- AP Chemistry *
- Astronomy
- Chemistry
- Current Issues in Biology
- Forensics
- General Chemistry
- General Physics
- Physics
- Pre-Veterinary Science
- Agricultural Issues (1/2 credit) ***
- Animal Science (1/2 credit) ***
- Equine Science (1/2 credit) ***
- Floral Design (1/2 credit)
- Introduction to Agricultural Science I (1/2 credit) ***
- Introduction to Agricultural Science II (1/2 credit) ***
- Landscape Principles and Design (1/2 credit)
- Small Animal Care (1/2 credit) ***
- Wildlife Resources and Management (1/2 credit) ***
* Prerequisites listed in the course descriptions.
*** One credit of Agricultural Science courses may be used for one of the required credits of science.
Course descriptions
Advanced Placement (AP) Biology (Life Science)
Grades: 11-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam, AP exam (May)
Prerequisite: Final average of 85 in Living Environment, successful completion of Chemistry and a passing grade on the Chemistry Regents exam and teacher recommendation strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.
College Credit: Course has a fee for the AP exam. Students may earn college credit based on the AP exam grade and individual college policies for earning college credits.
AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. Students will focus on the conceptual framework, knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal with the changing science of biology. Students who choose to take an AP science course will be expected to complete a significant amount of work independently the summer preceding the course. Independent additional study time of a minimum of 5-7 hours per week will be expected throughout the course.
Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry (Physical Science)
Grades: 11 -12 Exam: Benchmarks, a final exam, AP exam in (May)
Prerequisite: Final average of 85 in Chemistry/Honors, grade of 85 on the Chemistry Regents, currently enrolled in Pre-Calculus and teacher recommendation strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.
College Credit: Course has a fee for the AP exam. Students may earn college credit based on the AP exam grade and individual college policies for earning college credits.
AP Chemistry is a first year college level course. Students will continue learning the fundamentals of chemical principles and theories. The course focuses on chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles through lectures and additional laboratory study.
Agricultural Issues
Grades: 10-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
This course will bring you beyond the basics and delve into the current events and issues surrounding agriculture and food production. Topics such as GMO’s, animal welfare, product labeling, new technologies, business choices, political issues and current events will be researched, discussed and shared; all with the goal of developing informed citizens or the next generation of agricultural leadership.
Animal Science (Life Science)
Grades: 10-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
This course covers the basics of Animal Science. Units on the large animal industry, dairy science, poultry science, equine science, aquaculture and the animal industry lead into the study of animal welfare, genetics, selection, reproduction and behavior. Various activities are used to strengthen the concepts students learn, including examining the parts of a poultry egg, parasite investigation, meat product evaluation and making soft cheese. Several guest speakers will work with the class and there are numerous opportunities for field trips. Course offered in the spring.
Astronomy (Physical Science)
Grades: 10-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisites: Completion of Algebra, Earth Science and Living Environment strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.
This course will cover the history of the space program, including beginning rocketry, the US/Russian space race, lunar landings, geology and the International Space Station. Students will study the stars, identification of constellations, planets, and comets in the night sky.
Chemistry (Physical Science)
Grades: 10-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam, Chemistry Regents exam (June)
Prerequisite: Earth Science Regents exam grade of 70 or higher; Living Environment Regents exam grade of 75 or higher; Algebra Regents exam grade of 65 or higher and currently enrolled in either Geometry or Algebra II are strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.
This course of study presents a modern view of chemistry suitable for college bound students with a wide range of skills and abilities. The course emphasizes chemical principles such as atomic structure, bonding, chemical kinetics, redox; organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry. The laboratory section of this course is an important hands-on application of material covered in class and required for the Regents exam.
Chemistry Honors (Physical Science)
Grades: 10 -11 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam, Chemistry Regents exam (June)
Prerequisite: Final average of 85 in Earth Science and an 85 on the Regents exam and a final average of 85 in Living Environment and an 85 on the Regents exam are strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.
This course of study presents a modern view of chemistry suitable for college bound students with a wide range of skills and abilities. The course emphasizes chemical principles such as atomic structure; bonding; chemical kinetics; redox; organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry. There will also be some advanced chemistry concepts covered in an AP Chemistry or freshmen college chemistry class. The laboratory section of this course is an important hands-on application of material covered in class and required for the Regents exam.
Current Issues in Biology (Life Science)
Grades: 10-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisite: Completion of Living Environment
This course will investigate the latest scientific findings. Students will discuss the impact these discoveries will have on society and the advancement of science. The course will involve debate and discussion of the moral and ethical implications of the scientific research. Students will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the findings from this research. Court rulings involving scientific research, policies, and procedures will also be investigated.
Earth Science (Physical Science)
Grades: 8-9 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam and Earth Science Regents (June)
Prerequisite: 8th grade Physical Science or final average of 90 in 7th grade Science and teacher recommendation are strongly encouraged to help ensure student success in this class.
This course will focus on the study of Earth and space. The primary emphasis of study will require students to use basic scientific concepts and principles to learn about processes that occur on the Earth as well as in space. Students will study the main topics: mapping, composition of the Earth, surface processes on the Earth, atmosphere and oceans, plate tectonics, geologic time, environmental resources and the basic study of space. The laboratory section of this course is an important hands-on application of material covered in class and required for the Regents exam.
Equine Science (Life Science)
Grades: 10-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
This course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of equine anatomy, care, housing and the equine industry. This course will not require students to participate in hands-on activities with horses; however, students will take field trips to various locations involved with the equine industry where they may have contact with horses. Topics that will be covered include safely working with horses, nutrition, equine genetics, grooming and general care.
Floral Design
Grades: 10-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Explore the floriculture industry from the basic design principles to marketing and management of your own business. The use of color, shape and texture will be incorporated into designing several arrangements. Topics will include the care and storage of flowers, the identification of commonly used flowers in the floral industry, floral shop management and operation, merchandise displaying and developing floral arrangements for special occasions. This is a “hands-on” course where students will gain experience in designing with fresh, silk and dried flowers.
Forensic Science (Physical Science)
Grades: 11-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisite: Final grade of 85 on the Living Environment Regents and successful completion of Regents Chemistry strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.
Forensic science is an exciting field that applies many branches of science and social science to eliminate what is irrelevant, and to correctly interpret what is relevant to criminal investigations. This course will develop the students’ problem-solving skills by using the tools and techniques of the modern forensic scientist on various mock crime scenes in the classroom. Students will be challenged with topics such as fingerprinting, DNA analysis, blood typing and spattering, trajectories, ballistics, comparative anatomy, chemical analysis of poisons, and microscopic analysis of trace evidence.
General Chemistry (Physical Science)
Grades: 10-11 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
This course will enhance science literacy by emphasizing chemistry’s impact on society using lab work to guide the study of the many topics covered. Students will be exposed to the important role that chemistry will play in their personal and professional lives; use chemistry knowledge to think through and to make informed decisions about issues involving science and technology; and develop a lifelong awareness of both the potential and the limitations of society and technology.
General Physics (Physical Science)
Grades: 10-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisite: Completion of a Regents science course and Algebra strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.
This is an applied physics course for those who plan on a career as technicians or who just want to keep pace with advances in technology. The focus will be on force, work, rate, resistance, energy and power. Each unit uses a systems concept to explain its application to mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal systems. Students will acquire a firm foundation for understanding the technology that surrounds them today, and some insights into future technological expectations. Students will be able to practically apply the math skills studied in other courses.
Introduction to Agricultural Science I (Physical Science)
Grades: 9-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Get started on a journey into the wide ranging field of Agriculture! Agricultural foods, animals, plants, conservation and wildlife management along with agricultural careers and job opportunities will be studied. In general, the concept of “Where does my food come from?” and how is it produced, processed and marketed will be investigated.
Introduction to Agriculture Science II (Physical Science)
Grades: 9-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
This course is a follow up to Introduction to Agriculture I and will take many topics to a deeper level. Concepts of sustainability, conservation and wildlife management will be investigated more in depth. Field landscape layouts and management practices will be studied; as well as agricultural building design focused on production and efficiency. Basic governmental guidelines for agriculture business and sources of money and loans are discussed.
Landscape Principles & Design
Grades: 10-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
This course will cover the basic principles of landscape design, layout and the drafting of a landscaping project area. Key topics include: plant anatomy and physiology, plant propagation, plant identification, the aesthetic uses of plants in the landscape, landscape business operation, equipment use and maintenance. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the installation, construction and maintenance of outdoor projects as well as propagate plants in the greenhouse. The culmination of the course will be a landscape project designed by the student.
Living Environment (Life Science)
Grades: 9-10 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam, Living Environment Regents exam (June)
Prerequisite: Earth Science
This course focuses on the study of living things. Students will study key ideas and major understandings in the New York State Living Environment core curriculum. Topics that will be explored include: scientific inquiry and skills, laboratory skills, unity and diversity among living things, homeostasis in organisms, genetic continuity, reproduction and development, evolution, ecology, human impact on ecosystems, and the human body. The laboratory section of this course is an important hands-on application of material covered in class and required for the Regents exam.
Physics (Physical Science)
Grades: 11-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam, Physics Regents (June)
Prerequisite: Passed Regents exam in Chemistry, passed Regents exam in Geometry and currently enrolled in Algebra II/Trig strongly encouraged to help ensure student success.
This course of study gives the college bound student a basic understanding of some of the principle rules of physics. It covers five major topic areas: mechanics; energy; waves; electricity; and nuclear physics. This course is specifically designed to give the student general background information necessary to go on in careers in science, math, and/or engineering. The laboratory section of this course is an important hands-on application of material covered in class and required for the Regents exam.
Pre-Veterinary Science (Life Science)
Grades: 11-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisite: Living Environment or permission of instructor
This course serves as an introduction to Veterinary Sciences. Students will become familiar with the various aspects of veterinary medicine such as anatomy, clinic practice, disease, and health records. Students will learn skills that will enable them to be employed as a Veterinary Assistant or go on to technician or veterinary school. They will learn anatomy and physiology of common animals as well as diseases and parasites of those animals. Veterinary terminology and basic veterinary office procedures are covered. Successful course completion results in either agriculture or science credit.
Small Animal Care (Life Science)
Grades: 10-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
Prerequisite: Animal Science I
This course covers the basics of the small industry. Students will become familiar with the different breeds of small animals, including exotic animals. They will learn proper care of these animals including nutrition and feeding, handling, common diseases, and grooming. Students will gain hands-on experience in caring for small animals. Several guest speakers will work with the class and there are numerous opportunities for field trip experiences.
Science Topics (Life / Physical Science)
Grades: 9 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
This is a course for students struggling to comprehend science concepts in their middle school science courses.
Students will be selected by a committee of science teachers to participate in the course. The course will focus on earth, life, and physical science topics relevant to everyday life. Students will investigate science concepts at a slower pace or promote deeper comprehension of material. Science Topics is designed to build skills that will ensure success in future courses and boost confidence in students’ science capabilities.
Wildlife & Natural Resource Management
Grades: 10-12 Exam: Benchmarks, final exam
This course covers the basics in conservation and natural resource management. Topics will include: the history of wildlife management in the US, conservation and natural resources, administration of wildlife management, human impact on wildlife, US sport hunting and tracking, wildlife identification, tree identification, wildlife rehabilitation and wilderness survival and navigation. Careers in wildlife and natural resource management will also be covered will the course. Several guest speakers will work with the class and there are numerous opportunities for field trips.