PHYSICS - Regents

Who Should Take Physics Regents?

Regents Physics is the standard high school physics course designed for those students who are following a college preparatory science sequence. Consider enrolling if you have successfully passed Regents level courses in Earth Science or Biology and have passed or are currently enrolled and doing satisfactory work in Regents Chemistry.

What Will We Be Studying In Physics Regents?

Regents Physics will take you through the basic science concepts of matter and energy, electricity and magnetism, light, sound, and heat.

What Will Be Expected Of Me?

You will be expected to regularly take notes, perform lab investigations, write lab reports, and work mathematical problems in physics. To adequately complete homework and lab assignments, students will need to spend a minimum of two hours of preparation per week outside of the classroom.

How Is The Course Taught? 

The course is taught through a combination of lecture format and laboratory work.

What Are The Completion Requirements?

Students may be required to take the NYS Regents Examination in Physics in June. Students must complete 1200 minutes of laboratory requirements and master State-specified laboratory skills in order to qualify.
1 unit of credit Prerequisite: Regents Chemistry and regents Biology; students should be in the twelfth grade and be recommended by their science teacher.

AP PHYSICS - 1

Who Should Take Advanced Placement Physics-1?

Advanced Placement Physics-1 is a college level course designed for those students willing and able to engage in a demanding mathematical treatment of the basic principles of physics. Consider enrolling if you earned a grade of “A” in both Regents Chemistry and Algebra II-Trigonometry, and if you are willing to devote the time necessary to master an array of sophisticated physics problems.

What Will We Be Studying In Advanced Placement Physics-1? 

This course follows the Advanced Placement Physics-1 syllabus. This introductory treatment to physics is the equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); work, energy, and power; electrostatics and magnetism, and mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce electric circuits.

What Will Be Expected Of Me?

Major emphasis will be placed upon problem solving involving steps in a chain of reasoning. Complex manipulation of mathematical principles is a focus. Students will be expected to apply the principles of physics learned in class to problems they have never seen before. Emphasis will also be placed upon qualitative reasoning and the ability to apply principles of physics to verbal explanations of everyday phenomena. To adequately complete homework and lab assignments students will need to spend a minimum of four to seven hours of preparation per week outside of the classroom.

How Is The Course Taught?

Lecture and laboratory formats are used. Additionally, students will spend a considerable amount of class time working on physics problems in groups.

What Are The Completion Requirements?

Students will be required to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement examination in Physics-1 in May, and typically the NYS Physics Regents examination in June. Students must complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work, which must be submitted, graded, recorded, and stored at school in order to sit for the Regents examination.
1 unit of credit Prerequisite: Chemistry Regents, Biology Regents, Algebra II Trigonometry or equivalent. Department recommendation is required.
Those not receiving the department recommendation will be required to meet with counselor, department head, and parents to ensure full awareness of the high level of commitment and skill required to succeed in AP Physics -1.

PHYSICS C - Advanced Placement

Who Should Take A. P. Physics C? 

The AP course in Physics C is a college level course that will be extremely helpful for students planning to major in the physical sciences or engineering. Consider enrolling if you identify with both of the following predictors of success: solid A grades in Physics and in Pre-calculus. A co-requirement for the course is AP Calculus, preferably the BC level.

What Will We Be Studying In A. P. Physics?

The AP Physics C course is designed to be the equivalent of a college physics course that utilizes calculus. The first half of the year is devoted to mechanics. The use of Calculus in problem solving and in derivations increases as the course progresses. In the second half of the year, the primary emphasis is on classical electricity and magnetism. Calculus is used freely in formulating principles and in solving problems. Fewer topics are covered in Physics C than in the first-year physics course, but they are covered in greater depth and with greater analytical and mathematical sophistication.

What Will Be Expected Of Me?

A major emphasis will be placed on acquiring competence in dealing with physical problems. You will be expected to apply physical principles to solve a variety of physical situations. This is a rigorous and demanding course that requires that you do a considerable amount of work in the classroom. It is very difficult to learn this material from the textbook alone, and therefore, active participation and complete concentration are extremely important if you are to succeed. Grading is based upon mastery of the AP curriculum.

How Is The Course Taught?

In this class, both lecture and problem solving sessions will be used. The class is designed to enable you to learn from both the teacher and from other students in the class. In turn, you will be expected to master the material to the extent that you can help teach other students.

What Are The Completion Requirements?

Students will be required to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement examination in Physics C in May.
1 unit of credit Prerequisites: Biology Regents, Chemistry Regents, Physics Regents, AP Calculus (concurrent enrollment), and Department recommendation.
Those not receiving the department recommendation will be required to meet with counselor, department head, and parents to ensure full awareness of the high level of commitment and skill required to succeed in AP Physics C.

CHEMISTRY - Advanced Placement

Who Should Take A. P. Chemistry?

The A. P. course in Chemistry is a college level course designed for those students (10th,11th or 12th grade) who have firm mastery of the concepts of chemistry, and have demonstrated ability in critical thinking, and in mathematical and laboratory skills. It will be extremely helpful for students planning to major in the biological sciences or in pre-med. Consider enrolling if you identify with all of the following predictors of success: grades of "A" in Regents Chemistry, in the other Regents sciences, and in Mathematics; "B's" or better in other core academic studies; above grade level (12th grade) reading and writing skills, and ease in working individually and independently in laboratory investigations.

What Will We Be Studying In A. P. Chemistry?

The A.P. Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the introductory chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. The college textbook used emphasizes chemical calculations, mathematical formulations of chemical principles, and in-depth laboratory investigations.

What Will Be Expected Of Me?

A major emphasis will be placed on acquiring competence in dealing with chemical problems. Students will be required to perform pre-laboratory readings and laboratory investigations, and to submit extensive written lab reports. You must be prepared to complete a minimum of five to seven hours of preparation per week outside of the classroom to adequately complete the assignments. Grading is based upon mastery of the A.P. curriculum.

How Is The Course Taught?

In this fast-paced class, lecture and laboratory formats will be used. Lecture will require listening and note taking skills and the ability to conceptualize and solve mathematical chemical problems. Laboratory investigations will require that each student individually set up equipment and record data.

What Are The Completion Requirements?

Students will be required to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement examination in Chemistry in May and the Chemistry regents in June if they are taking the course as a sophomore. Students must complete 1200 minutes of laboratory work, which must be submitted, graded, recorded, and stored at school in order to sit for the Regents examination.
1 unit of credit Prerequisites: Physics - 9/Biology Regents, Chemistry Regents, Department recommendation.
Those not receiving department recommendation will be required to meet with counselor, department head, and parents to ensure full awareness of the high level of commitment and skill required to succeed in AP Chemistry.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - Advanced Placement

Who Should Take A.P. Environmental Science?

The AP Environmental Science course is a college level course designed for seniors who have a firm mastery of the factual information and concepts of high school biology and chemistry and who have demonstrated ability in critical thinking, mathematics, and laboratory skills. Consider enrolling if you identify with all of the following predictors of success: grades of “A” in the Regents sciences, a “B” or better in other core academic courses, above grade level reading and writing skills, and ease in working both individually and in groups in the laboratory setting.

What Will We Be Studying In A.P. Environmental Science?

The course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Topics studied include environmental issues, both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, ecology, weather and climate, population dynamics, geology and geological processes, and pollution. Laboratory work is in the form of field studies and other experimental and analytical studies. Assigned readings include current articles and excerpts from books.

What Will Be Expected Of Me?

Major emphasis will be providing students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. You will be expected to spend time outside of school to adequately complete the reading and writing assignments. This is a vocabulary heavy course. Grading is based upon mastery of the A.P. curriculum.

How Is The Course Taught?

Both lecture and laboratory formats are used. Lecture will require attentiveness and focus, so that the concepts can be fully understood and the connections successfully applied. Laboratory exercises will require initiative and independence, as well as creativity and organization.
 

What Are The Completion Requirements?

Students will be required to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement examination in Environmental Science in May.
1 unit of credit Prerequisites: Regents Biology and Regents Chemistry,
Department recommendation.
Those not receiving department recommendation will be required to meet with counselor, department head and parents to ensure full awareness of the high level of commitment and skill required to succeed in AP Environmental Science.

ELECTIVES

SCIENCE 12 

This is a non-laboratory elective course which deals with issues of current concern to society. These include, but are not limited to: environmental issues, drug and alcohol abuse, human physiology and disease, and nutrition. Students will be expected to take notes using their iPads, complete projects both in groups and independently, perform independent research, complete class assignments, and prepare for and take traditional tests and quizzes. Students will also be required to read and report on current events pertaining to class material.

1 unit of credit Prerequisite: Regents Biology
  

RESEARCH PROJECT - Seminar 9

Research Project Seminar 9 is devoted entirely to teaching 9th grade students basic research skills. In teams, students will design and implement a psychology project by way of learning how to properly control scientific experiments, how to keep a detailed experimental notebook, how to search the professional literature, how to statistically analyze data,
and how to present findings to the public in the forms of a scientific paper, a Power Point talk, and a poster board display. All students compete as teams at the end of the year in the “Great Neck North Freshmen World Cup”. Additionally, students will conduct several other investigations that exemplify various laboratory techniques and methods of statistical analysis. Incoming freshman from North Middle School will be invited to apply to Research Project Seminar 9.

1 unit of credit Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

RESEARCH PROJECT SEMINAR

Who Should Take Research Project Seminar?

Research Project Seminar is a mentorship program designed for those students in 10th and 11th grade who wish to do independent and original research in science, engineering, and one of the social sciences such as psychology or economics. This course is also appropriate for students who wish to enter various science and engineering competitions at the state and national level. Students interested in taking this course must apply through the science department and will receive admission after being accepted by both the science department chairperson and the science research director. Selection is also based upon a student’s grades in math and science classes, recommendations from the student’s science teachers, and the quality of any research work completed by the student. Students must reapply for each subsequent year of science research.

What Will We Be Studying In Research Project Seminar?

Research Project Seminar will outline the process of developing an idea for science and/or engineering research, and will emphasize a stepwise approach by which that idea is brought to fruition in a completed project. Beyond this, you will be studying in depth the topics most directly concerned with your particular area of research.

What Will Be Expected Of Me?

You will be expected to meet in small groups with other students and the Research Coordinator on a daily basis. You will be expected to complete specific assignments given by the Research Coordinator. Although you will be highly encouraged to enter a science competition during the year, the minimum expectation is to produce (and display) a significant science and/or engineering project during the year. You will be expected to do most of the work for the Research Project Seminar independently. Students will also be required to present four unique PowerPoint presentations to their peers, complete a professional level scientific paper about their research, create a poster board for display, and present their research to the school during the in-house science competition.

How Is The Course Taught?

Students meet in small groups with the Research Coordinator to discuss their ongoing work and to discuss the process of developing and executing a research project. Group problem solving and brainstorming exercises are common.

What Are The Completion Requirements? 

To complete the course, a student must submit and display two significant research project in science and/or engineering and meet all other course requirements.

1 unit of credit Prerequisite: Department permission required.
Enrollment is limited.

RESEARCH FOR SENIORS

Who Should Take Senior Research? 

Qualified science students who have completed a significant science research project by September 1st of their senior year should register for this class.

What Will Be Expected Of Me?

You will be expected to meet a series of deadlines leading to the completion of The Regeneron Science Talent Search and Siemens research paper and application. In addition, you will be expected to enter your paper in several other science competitions including the Long Island Science & Engineering Fair and the WAC Lighting Invitational Science Fair.

How Is The Course Taught?

Students meet independently with the instructor to discuss their work.

What Are The Completion Requirements?

Students must complete the Siemens and Regeneron Science Talent Search applications, if qualified, as well as a formal research paper, by established deadlines. Additionally, students will submit their paper to other competitions as appropriate. Students are also required to create a PowerPoint presentation for their project, which will be presented at the Senior Science Symposium.

1 unit of credit Prerequisite: Department permission required.

Astronomy

Who Should Take Human Astronomy?

Any student who has completed Living Environment 10/Regents Biology can be recommended for this course.  

What Will We Be Studying In Astronomy?

This is a single period, elective course.  This course provides an introduction to the study of the physical principles involved in Astronomy.  The class includes investigation of the universe as a whole, our solar system, other galaxies and cosmology, and stars and stellar evolution.  

What Will Be Expected Of Me?

Students will be expected to engage in a variety of learning experiences.  Teacher directed instruction, creation and execution of laboratory activities, various levels of group work, projects and presentations, and discovery based learning are the norm.  The course is investigative in nature and students are often expected to work in groups.  Students will also be expected to take notes and participate in class discussions.  Students may be required to read and report on current events pertaining to class material.  Students are required to have a fully charged iPad and other required materials. Students should expect to prepare for class every day.

How Is The Course Taught?

A variety of methods will be employed, including direct instruction, the use of demonstrations, model making, videos, graphical analysis, investigations, and a great deal of hands-on laboratory and group work.  Students will also participate in flipped classroom activities which move the introduction of the content to structured videos, watched outside of class, leaving room for hands-on activities and modeling with the teacher in class.

What Are The Completion Requirements?

Students must successfully complete the required coursework for Astronomy.  

1 unit of credit: Prerequisite:  Living Environment10/Biology Regents and Department recommendation.

Human Impact and Environmental Relationships

Who Should Take Human Impact and Environmental Relationships?

Any student who has completed Living Environment 10/Regents Biology can be recommended for this course.  

What Will We Be Studying In Human Impact and Environmental Relationships?

This is a single period, elective course.  The curriculum is structured around learning relevant environmental studies as well as the effects of humans on changes in the environment.  Environmental justice, ecology, ecosystems, global climate and biomes, biodiversity, population dynamics, systems and resource use, consumption, pollution, climate change, and sustainability will all be covered.  

What Will Be Expected Of Me?

Students will be expected to engage in a variety of learning experiences.  Teacher directed instruction, creation and execution of laboratory activities, various levels of group work, projects and presentations, and discovery based learning are the norm.  The course is investigative in nature and students are often expected to work in groups.  Students will also be expected to take notes and participate in class discussions.  Students may be required to read and report on current events pertaining to class material.  Students are required to have a fully charged iPad and other required materials. Students should expect to prepare for class every day.

How Is The Course Taught?

A variety of methods will be employed, including direct instruction, the use of demonstrations, model making, videos, graphical analysis, investigations, and a great deal of hands-on laboratory and group work.  Students will also participate in flipped classroom activities which move the introduction of the content to structured videos, watched outside of class, leaving room for hands-on activities and modeling with the teacher in class.

What Are The Completion Requirements?

Students must successfully complete the required coursework for Human Impact and Environmental Relationships.  

1 unit of credit: Prerequisite:  Living Environment10/Biology Regents and Department recommendation.

Science in Our World

Who Should Take Science in Our World?

Any student who has completed Living Environment 10/Regents Biology can be recommended for this course.  

What Will We Be Studying In Science in Our World?

This is a non-laboratory elective course which deals with issues of current concern to society. Topics discussed in class are based on student interest as well as current issues.  While there are prepared topics to share with students, students are also encouraged to bring articles and other materials to support and guide the discussion. This course is an extension of current events and a good deal of the activities in this class will be based on current issues that are impacting our society.

What Will Be Expected Of Me?

Students will be expected to engage in a variety of learning experiences.  Teacher directed instruction, engineering challenges, creation and execution of laboratory activities, various levels of group work, and discovery based learning are the norm.  The course is investigative in nature and students are often expected to work in groups.  Students will also be expected to take notes and participate in class discussions.  Students will also be required to read and report on current events pertaining to class material.  Students are required to have a fully charged iPad and other required materials. Students should expect to prepare for class every day.

How Is The Course Taught?

A variety of methods will be employed, including direct instruction, the use of demonstrations, model making, videos, graphical analysis, investigations, and a great deal of hands-on laboratory and group work.  Students will also participate in flipped classroom activities which move the introduction of the content to structured videos, watched outside of class, leaving room for hands-on activities and modeling with the teacher in class.

What Are The Completion Requirements?

Students must successfully complete the required coursework for Science in Our World.  

1 unit of credit: Prerequisite:  Living Environment10/Biology Regents and Department recommendation.