Science

Science

As lifelong learners, we all use the scientific method to reach rational conclusions about the world around us. In the Science Department, we offer a level of scientific investigation that is relevant, enjoyable and rewarding in today’s society. At Christ the King, science is taught to encourage students to become both inquisitive and critical thinkers.

BIOLOGY 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: None

Offered to grade 9

The Biology course is a modernized, standards-aligned program focusing on inquiry, lab skills, and systems thinking. The new Regents exam reflects this shift with cluster-based, phenomenon-rich questions. Topics include Biochemistry (matter & energy in organisms), Cell biology, plant & animal systems, Human physiology, reproduction & development, Genetics, biotechnology & inheritance, Evolution & natural selection, and Scientific methods, modeling & data interpretation. Students are required to participate in laboratory activities, complete lab reports and take the NYS Biology Regents Exam. This course satisfies the grade requirement.

BIOLOGY HONORS 1 YEAR – 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: TACHS score

Offered to Grade 9

Honors Biology helps students develop skills needed to answer content-based questions dealing with all the major biological topics, confidence and proficiency when doing laboratory analysis, an interest in advanced and current issues in biology, well-developed analytical and current issues in biology, as well as an awareness of the limits of our current knowledge in the fields of biological science. Students are required to participate in laboratory activities, complete lab reports and take the NYS Biology Regents Exam. This course satisfies the grade requirement.

EARTH & SPACE SCIENCES 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: Passing Grade in Biology

Offered to Grade 10

The Earth & Space Sciences course represents a bold move toward inquiry-driven, lab-rich science education. With integrated investigations and phenomenon-based learning, it aligns with modern science literacy goals. Its corresponding Regents exam also reflects this shift—placing stronger emphasis on reasoning, data analysis, and real-world phenomena. Topics include Space Systems, History of Earth, Earth’s Systems, Weather & Climate ,Human Sustainability, Engineering Design.

Students are required to participate in laboratory activities, complete lab reports and take the NYS Earth & Space Sciences Regents Exam.

CHEMISTRY 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: 85% in Living Environment, Earth Science, and Algebra And departmental approval

Offered to Grades 10/11

This Regents preparatory course is offered to students who want to study the physical setting of our earth. Students will explore material dealing with change and interaction of the structure properties and classification of matter and energy. Students are required to participate in laboratory activities, complete lab reports and take the NYS Chemistry Regents Exam. This course satisfies the grade requirement.

CHEMISTRY HONORS 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: 90% in Living Environment Honors, and Algebra Honors And Departmental approval

Offered to grades 10/11

Students enrolled in Chemistry Honors will explore, at an advanced level, change and interaction of the structure and properties and classification of matter and energy. The course introduces students to chemical principles and helps them develop their own problem solving skills. Students will increase their ability to think critically and apply their knowledge. Upon completion of this course, students will take the NYS Chemistry Regents Exam. This course satisfies the grade requirement.

PHYSICS 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: Chemistry

Offered to Grades 11/12

This is a non - Regents preparatory course offered to juniors wishing to earn additional credit in science. The course emphasizes an in depth understanding of major concepts rather than memorization of science facts. Key Ideas covered include: Mechanics, Energy, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves, and Modern Physics. Historical content, uncertainty in measurement, significant figures and SI units are included in the introduction of the core. The course culminates with a Regents exam. This course satisfies the grade requirement.

PHYSICS HONORS 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: Chemistry Honors

Offered to Grades 11/12

This Regents preparatory course is offered to juniors wishing to earn additional credit in science. Students enrolled in Physics will obtain a thorough understanding of the physical nature of matter and the relationship between matter and energy. Use of scientific reasoning skills will be stressed throughout the course. Students will develop the ability to think critically, be able to apply mathematical principles by manipulating equations, resolve vectors with trigonometry and report data, using appropriate tables and graphs. Upon completion of this course, students will take the NYS Physics Regents Exam. This course satisfies the grade requirement. STUDENTS IN THIS CLASS MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR FIVE COLLEGE CREDITS FROM SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

FORENSIC SCIENCE 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: 2 years of Science with Lab Component

Offered to Grades 11/12

Forensic Science is the application of science (chemistry, physics, and biology) to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. It includes the investigation of fingerprinting, fiber analysis, ballistics, arson, trace evidence analysis, poisons, drugs, blood splatters, and laboratory analysis of various samples.

This course is designed to give students hands-on experience to reinforce lecture material through the incorporation of z-space technology (www.zspace.com) and real life crime scene simulation.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: 80% Biology and Chemistry Honor courses; 85% Biology and Chemistry courses

Offered to Grades 11/12

Anatomy and Physiology is a course that will enable students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the human body. Students will also learn mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within the human body and study ways to prevent the development of some of these diseases and disorders. This course will involve laboratory activities, projects, virtual dissections, models, diagrams through the implementation of z-space technology (www.zspace.com).

Students will identify some equipment used in health care, and practice the skills of taking some clinical measurements such as temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure. Other skills

enhanced include problem solving, communication, socialization, and Internet research.

COLLEGE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: 85% Living Environment Honors / Chemistry Honors; 90% Living Environment and Chemistry courses ; Students in the Medical Gateways Program require director approval.

Offered to Grades 12

A college level course that will enable students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the human body. It covers the anatomy and physiology of the cell, tissues, integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. Topics include structure and function of the body, and the connection between the two, homeostasis, the body’s natural tendency to maintain a stable internal environment, levels of organization, the major levels of organization in the human organism from the chemical and cellular levels to the tissues, organs and organ systems, integration of systems, concerning which systems are subsets of larger systems, and how they function together in harmony and conflict. Developed with best practices in applied learning theory, this course offers an active learning experience in the form of laboratory activities, projects, virtual dissections, models, diagrams, 3D interactive images through the implementation of z-space technology (www.zspace.com, and other special tools and applications that will increase your comprehension of anatomy and physiology. This course will involve journal writings, and clinical studies. Understanding of the material offered in this course will provide a solid foundation to explore careers in the health and fitness industries. STUDENTS IN THIS CLASS MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR SIX COLLEGE CREDITS FROM ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: 90% Living Environment/chemistry Honors and Departmental approval

Offered to Grades 11/ 12

The Advanced Placement Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course taken by biology majors during the first year. Advanced Placement Biology includes those topics regularly covered in a college biography course. The college course in biology differs significantly from the usual high school course in biology with respect to the range and depth of the topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required of the students. This course is designed to be taken by students after successful completion of Living Environment and Chemistry. Summer reading is required. Students are required to take the AP Exam in May in order to fulfill the course requirement and to receive credit for the course. Any student who fails to take the exam will not be granted credit for the course and will be required to retake the course in summer school. STUDENTS IN THIS CLASS MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THREE COLLEGE CREDITS FROM SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

ADVANCED RESEARCH (Grade 10)

ADVANCED RESEARCH (Grade 11) 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: Application and interview process

Offered to Grades 10/11

Advanced Research is designed to introduce students to the rigorous scientific processes of independent research. The application and interview process will begin in the spring of the student’s sophomore/junior year. Students will conduct a thorough background search of scientific journals; be exposed to proper laboratory techniques; design and implement their own experiment; and present the results of those experiments. This is a very demanding course with a heavy emphasis on individual work while promoting cooperative learning and teamwork. Students will master writing, public speaking and time-management skills.

ADVANCED RESEARCH - GRADE 12 1 YEAR - 1 CREDIT

Prerequisite: Advanced research 439

Offered to Grades 11/12

Application and interview process

Advanced Research is for students who have a complete working knowledge of independent research. Seniors who excel will qualify to participate in forums that highlight their work, including symposia and local, regional and national competitions. Students will have opportunities to work with researchers in their field of interest. Lab work will be conducted at Cold Spring Harbor, Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Lab on scheduled weekends.