Earth and Space Sciences

The Earth and Space Sciences course allows students the opportunity to explore Earth as a dynamic system with physical features, an atmosphere, oceans, and as a planet within our solar system using the scientific method, data analysis, and critical thinking. Topics include; geology, meteorology, astronomy, space exploration, and oceanography.

Scope & Sequence

 

Life Science: Biology

The Life Science: Biology course allows students the opportunity to study life through the exploration of the scientific principles and research methodologies associated with biological phenomena. Topics include; the fundamental mechanisms of life at all levels, cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

Scope & Sequence

 

Chemistry

This course allows the student to acquire an understanding of the concepts and models of modern chemistry, develop laboratory skills, record and analyze data, and gain an awareness of the role of chemistry in our society.  Topics include atomic structure, energy and matter, bonding, the periodic table, and organic chemistry.

Scope & Sequence

 

Chemistry Advanced Topics

This class is designed to enrich the student’s learning experience.  It offers material that is not mandated by the State of New York and is not tested on the Physical Setting Chemistry Regents exam.  Topics are in-depth extensions of the material taught in Regents chemistry such as Van Der Waals Forces and the nature of light and complex Stoichiometry.   

Scope & Sequence

 

Science Repeater Classes

Science repeater classes are required, half-year courses for students who passed the course but did not pass the Regents exam, or who passed the Regents exam but not the course.  All students are required to sit for the January Regents. These fast-paced courses focus on the essential skills and learning needed to pass the Regents examination.

 

Science Support Classes

The purpose of a support class is to supplement and support the work of the classroom teacher.  The support teacher reviews concepts taught, homework, and classroom tests, reinforces old topics as background for new concepts, and provides a more individualized support system when needed.  
 

Physics

The student acquires an understanding of the concepts and models of physics principles, develops laboratory skills, records and analyzes data, and gains an awareness of the role of physics in our society.  This course follows the New York State syllabus and covers the topics of mechanics, energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, and modern physics including the standard model of the atom. 

 

Scope & Sequence

 

Astronomy

This course is designed to provide the student with a fundamental knowledge of our solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, and the galaxies beyond.  New advances in astronomy will be investigated and discussed. All students will be required to sit for a final examination. 

 

Anatomy and Physiology

Study of the basics of human anatomy and physiology, including anatomical terminology, basic biochemistry, cells and tissues, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Introduction to common human disease processes.  

 

Forensic Science

This course allows students to apply scientific principles to the investigation of physical evidence left at a crime scene.  Students will solve simulated crimes by analyzing physical evidence, such as fibers, hairs, simulated blood, and tool marks.  All students will sit for a final examination. 

Long Island Natural Resources

This course is designed for students interested in the unique natural history and resources of the Long Island region.  Topics include geological history, conservation of water and marine resources, as well as the impact of commercial and residential development on the Long Island environment. All students will be expected to take an active part in field trips, discussions, and activities.   
 

Marine Biology

This course will provide students with an appreciation of the marine sciences, as well as the complexities related to the conservation of resources.  The focus of the course is the identification and understanding of physiological, behavioral, and evolutionary relationships among species in the ocean environment.  All students must take the final examination.  

 

Science Research Level 1

Science Research Level 1 is the first course in a three course sequence that students are meant to take throughout their high school career. This course is designed to introduce students to basic research methodologies. Students will learn many lab skills while getting the chance to do independent projects with multiple live organisms. Students will be required to read and analyze research journals, and design and conduct experiments. Students will compose research reports that can be submitted to various local, state, or national research competitions. 

Research methodologies ~ 7 days 

Laboratory skills ~ 12 days 

Independent projects ~ 12 days 

Independent projects with live organisms ~ 7 days 

Reading and analyzing scientific research journals ~ 25 days 

Designing and conducting experiments ~ 25 days 

Scientific research reports ~ 25 days 

Local, State, or National research competitions ~ 25 days

Science Research Level 2

Science Research Level 2 is the second course in the three course science research sequence. This course is meant to build upon the lab skills students developed in Level 1 with a focus on molecular biology and social science research. Students will learn techniques such as micro pipetting, DNA and RNA isolation, agarose gel electrophoresis, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), etc. Students will be required to read and analyze research journals, and design and conduct experiments. Students will compose research reports that can be submitted to various local, state, or national research competitions.

Research methodologies ~ 7 days 

Laboratory skills molecular biology ~ 12 days 

Laboratory skills social science research ~ 12 days 

Laboratory skills micro-pipetting ~ 5 days 

Laboratory skills DNA and RNA isolation ~ 7 days 

Laboratory skills gel electrophoresis ~ 5 days 

Laboratory skills Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) ~ 7 days 

Independent projects ~ 25 days 

Reading and analyzing scientific research journals ~ 25 days 

Designing and conducting experiments ~ 25 days 

Scientific research reports ~ 25 days 

Local, State, or National research competitions ~ 25 days

Science Research Level 3

Science Research Level 3 is the last course in the science research sequence. Students are eligible to enroll in this course for two consecutive years. Students engage in complex research projects that they develop using the skills they refined through Science Research Level 1 and 2. This course emphasizes independent inquiry and empowers students to conceive and execute original projects. With a focus on advanced research methodologies and professional development, this course prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community and embark on successful research careers. Students’ completed projects will be submitted to major research competitions, one of which is Regeneron Science Talent Search. There is a high level of independent work and commitment required. 

Advanced Research methodologies ~ 25 days 

Independent projects ~ 45 days 

Reading and analyzing scientific research journals ~ 25 days 

Designing and conducting experiments ~ 35 days 

Scientific research reports ~ 35 days 

Local, State, or National research competitions including Regeneron Science Talent Search ~ 35 days 

 

Science Research-Regeneron

This course is designed for students who wish to continue to meet the goals of Research Level II and prepare a serious, independent research project for submission to the Intel Science Talent Search and other national competitions. If a student does not ultimately submit an Intel project, weighting will be removed.  

 

IB Biology-Year 1

This course is the first in a two-year sequence that prepares students for the International Baccalaureate test in Biology.  Topics include biochemistry, cellular biology, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis.

Scope & Sequence

 

IB Biology HL-Year 2

This course is the second in a two-year sequence to prepare for the International Baccalaureate test in Biology.  Topics covered include molecular genetics, human anatomy and physiology, Mendelian genetics, plant anatomy and physiology, reproduction and development, evolution and ecology. 

Scope & Sequence

 

IB Chemistry-Year 1

TThis course is the first in a two-year sequence that prepares students for the International Baccalaureate assessments in Chemistry.  Course topics include stoichiometry, thermo-chemistry, atomic structure, and bonding.  A required group project will also be completed.

 

Scope & Sequence

 

IB Chemistry HL Second Year 

This course is the second in a two-year sequence to prepare for the International Baccalaureate assessments in Chemistry.  Course topics include Chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, redox processes, organic chemistry, and measurement and data processing and analysis.  Optional topics include materials, biochemistry, energy, and medicinal chemistry.  A major emphasis in this course is laboratory work. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the International Baccalaureate Chemistry exam in May.

Scope & Sequence

 

 

 

IB Physics Standard Level

Physics SL is a college-level course taken by students in their junior year.  A strong foundation in algebra is essential.  Topics in the IB required core include measurement, mechanics, thermal physics, properties of matter, waves, electricity and magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics.  Optional topics include Sight and wave phenomena, Quantum and nuclear physics, Digital technology, Relativity and particle physics, astrophysics, Communications, and Electromagnetic waves.

Scope & Sequence

 

IB Physics HL

The topics of the HL course are similar to those of the SL course, though they will be studied in considerably deeper detail.  Additional topics at the Higher Level include Measurement and uncertainties, Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Wave phenomena, Electromagnetism, Quantum physics, and nuclear physics.  Optional topics at the higher level include Relativity, Medical physics, Particle physics, Astrophysics, Communications, and Electromagnetic waves.

Scope & Sequence

 

IB Environmental Systems and Societies

The IB Environmental Course is designed to enable students to develop a scientific understanding of the environment that will enable them to adopt an informed and responsible stance on the many pressing environmental issues that exist.  The course will examine the structure and functioning of natural systems, and how they have been impacted by human activity.  Issues of both local and global nature will be examined, including pollution, ozone depletion, global warming, acid rain, and population growth.

Scope & Sequence

 

Laboratory Requirements

In order to pass any Science class with a laboratory requirement, including all regents and IB classes, the laboratory requirement for that course must be completed prior to the final examination. If a student fails to complete the net required lab hours they risk being barred from the regents’ examination.

COMPUTATIONAL ENGINEERING 

 This course provides an introduction to algorithms, programming, and numerical methods essential for engineering problem-solving. Students will engage in hands-on learning experiences using high-level software packages like Excel and MATLAB, applying computational thinking to solve engineering problems. Students have the opportunity to earn Microsoft Excel Certification, develop basic programming skills in MATLAB, and enhance mathematical problem-solving abilities. The course is designed to foster both mathematical and programming skills, preparing students for further studies in engineering. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to earn three credits from Hofstra University, and will also have the opportunity to visit Hofstra’s Science & Innovation Center various times in the school year.

Algorithms ~ ? days

Programs and computers ~ ? days

Numerical methods essential for engineering problem-solving ~ ? days

Logic ~ ? days

Flowcharting and programming of solutions to engineering problems ~ ? days

Introduction to the programming of numerical methods  ~ days

Exercises utilizing analytical high-level software packages  ~ ? days

 

Gaetano Accardi, Director of Math, Science & Technology gaccardi@rvcschools.org

 

Teachers

Joseph Saccone (Department Facilitator)

Andrew Christensen

Chris D’Ambrosio

Gerry D’Angelo

Christine Falciano

Bob Frampton

Maddy Getty

Thomas Hessel

Marisa McLeod

Margaret Rhee

Todd Russo

Frances Scannapieco

John Segelke

Adam Sisak

Jennifer Sullivan

Jason Van Eron