Skip To Main Content

Science & Engineering Department

 


The Science and Engineering Department offers a variety of courses that challenge and support our students. These courses help students meet New York State and local requirements and prepare students for study beyond high school. All science courses require students to take the Regents Exam (if applicable) at the end of the course as well as a departmental final exam.


Grades that are indicated in the course descriptions are to be used as guides. Grades do not impede a student from taking a course. Please speak with your school counselor about the appropriate course for your academic success.

SCIENCE

LIFE SCIENCE: BIOLOGY: Full year - 1 credit, Grades 9-12
This course provides a sound introduction to biological concepts. It follows the New York State Science Learning Standards, and students are expected to engage in the three dimensions of science (disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and cross-cutting concepts) throughout the course and assessments. Primary foundational concepts include Structure and Function; Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems; Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems; Inheritance and Variation in Traits; Natural Selection and Evolution; and Earth's Systems. Lab work is an essential and integral part of the course, and students must complete the laboratory requirement to sit for the Regents Exam in June. The final exam is locally developed. Regents and Honors levels are offered for this course. All students are required to take both the final exam and the Regents exam, which is a graduation requirement for all students.


AP BIOLOGY: Full year - 1 credit, Grades 11, 12
This Advanced Placement course is an opportunity for highly motivated students with a strong background in Biology to further their understanding of big biology ideas like: evolution, biological systems use of energy, information processing, and interacting biological systems. The course follows the College Board Biology AP Curriculum, and the topics included range from biochemistry, genetics, evolution and energy in biological systems. Laboratory work is an important and extensive part of the course, and written lab reports are required for all of the AP laboratories. Students are expected to take the Biology Advanced Placement Exam. Students could potentially earn college credit in science. Prerequisites: Biology or Living Environment (B+ or better) and Regents Chemistry (B+ or better). Honors Biology and Chemistry are highly recommended for success in this course.


ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY HONORS: Full year - 1 credit, Grades 11, 12
This is an intensive, rigorous course that introduces students to the in-depth study of the human body. The skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems will be comprehensively addressed. The cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory and immune systems will be introduced. Lab work is an integral part of the course and lab practical assessments will be a substantial part of the course grade. Hands-on dissection is a course expectation. This course is appropriate for students intending to enter the health profession and should be considered an introduction to college level work in this area. Prerequisites: Biology (80 or better) and Regents Chemistry (75 or better) and one other regents level science course.


EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE: Full year - 1 credit, Grades 10-12
This course introduces students to many aspects of Space Systems, History of the Earth, Earth's Systems, Weather and Climate and Human Sustainability and the ability to apply these principles to everyday experiences. The content follows the New York State Science Learning Standards. Lab work is a required and integral part of the course and students must complete the NYSED required laboratory investigations in order to sit for the Regents Exam in June. The final exam is locally developed. All students are required to take both the final exam and the Regents exam. Prerequisite: Biology


CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY: Full year - 1 credit, Grades 10-12
This course stresses application of chemical theory to our technological society. Students explore chemical content through hands-on pro-jects, activities and lab experiments. Although the course is consistent with the Regents Core Curriculum in Chemistry, this course is not designed to prepare students to take the Regents Exam in Chemistry. Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra


CHEMISTRY: Full year - 1 credit, Grades 10-12
This course provides a rigorous presentation of the principles of chemistry. Topics include Structure and Properties of Matter, Chemical Reactions, Energy, Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation, Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems. The course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards in Chemistry and requires abstract reasoning skills and a considerable amount of problem-solving. Lab work is a required and integral part of the course and students must complete the NYSED required laboratory investigations in order to sit for the Regents Exam in June. The final exam is locally developed. All students are required to take both the final exam and the Regents exam. Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra 1.


AP CHEMISTRY: Full year - 1 credit, Grades 11, 12
(Offered every other year: running 2026-2027)
This Advanced Placement course follows the College Board curriculum. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, the periodic table of the elements, chemical formulas, equations, thermodynamics, gas laws, chemical bonds, liquids and solids, solutions, chemical equilibrium, electrochemical cells, nuclear reactions, and organic chemistry. All students must complete a final project. Students are expected to take the Chemistry Advanced Placement Exam. Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry (80 or better) and Algebra 2 Trig (80 or better)


ACTION PHYSICS: Full year - 1 credit, Grades 10-12
This course has two basic aims—to introduce students to the fundamental principles of physics and to show students how physics is applied in their lives and to society. Action Physics combines activities, projects, theory, applications, and the impact of physical concepts on everyday life. This course brings physics to life, developing concepts and demonstrating their relevance. Main topics include linear motion, Newton’s laws, momentum, work, machines, forces, and waves. This course ends in a final examination and project. Although the course is consistent with the Regents Core Curriculum in Physics, this course is not specifically designed to prepare students to take the Regents Exam in Physics. Prerequisites: Living Environment or Biology and Geometry or Geometry Applications.


PHYSICS: Full year - 1 credit, Grades 10-12
This course is a carefully coordinated study of Structure and Properties of Matter, Forces and Interactions, Energy, Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation, and Space Systems. Emphasis is placed on student inquiry, experimentation, and discovery of the fundamental concepts involved. This course follows the New York State Science Learning Standards. Lab work is a required and integral part of the course and students must complete the NYSED required laboratory investigations in order to sit for the Regents Exam in June. All students are required to take both the final exam and the Regents exam. Both Regents and Honors levels are offered for this course. Prerequisites: Biology and Geometry. (Physics Honors require students to have completed Algebra 2 Trig with a 75 or greater.)


AP PHYSICS C: Full year - 1 credit, Grade 12
This course is an introductory calculus-based course suitable for students who have taken Physics Honors. The program consists of a thorough and extended treatment of mechanics, electricity, and magnetism. The course of study is the College Board Physics Advanced Placement Program. All students must complete a final project. All students are expected to take the Physics Advanced Placement Exam.
Prerequisites: Physics Honors (80 or better) and Pre-Calculus Honors (70 or better).


AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Full year - 1 credit, Grades 11, 12
This course is a rigorous laboratory course for students with a strong background in science and the ability and motivation to work at the college level. It is an interdisciplinary curriculum that draws from both Life and Physical Sciences, allowing the teacher and students to approach the material in a variety of ways. The course provides a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in true inquiry learning through field investigations and lab work in a context that can earn them college credit. This course follows the College Board Curriculum for Environmental Science Advanced Placement. All students must complete a final project. All students are expected to take the Environ-mental Science Advanced Placement Exam. Prerequisites: Living Environment or Biology and Regents Chemistry


BILINGUAL SCIENCE LITERACY: Full year - 1 credit, Grades 9, 10
This course is for Spanish-speaking students who have had limited or interrupted formal science education in previous years. It provides the building blocks of science practices and skills while exploring foundational content to prepare students to succeed in Bilingual or ENL Biology in future years. The course ends with a final exam. This course is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NYSSLS) and is designed to encourage scientific thinking through exploration, inquiry, and problem-solving. Students will develop skills to formulate researchable questions, plan and conduct research, analyze and interpret data, construct evidence-based explanations, and communicate their findings effectively.
Throughout the course, scientific practices and cross-cutting concepts will be integrated through collaborative activities, discussions, laboratories, and the use of models. Active learning, teamwork, and the connection between science and real-world phenomena will be empha-sized.

SCIENCE ELECTIVE COURSES


WEATHER/CLIMATE & NATIONAL HAZARDS Full year - 1 credit Grades 10-12
Over the course of Earth's history, the climate has shifted from colder to warmer and back to colder many times. What might the current climate shift mean for the human species? What are the obligations of individuals, governments, and businesses in addressing the social, environmental, and economic implications of climate change? In this course, students will develop a deep understanding of Earth’s weather and climate, analyze climatic data, evaluate the role that human activity has played in observable climate shifts, and develop global, national, and local solutions. The course is structured so that students will explore real weather and climate event case studies through the eyes of citizens and policymakers as they work toward a more sustainable future. One case study involves analyzing life on the Gulf Coast, an area that is both dependent on the fossil fuel industry and susceptible to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and coastal erosion. Additional case studies will focus on the Fort McMurray wildfire, drought in the American Southwest, the Paris Agreement, and the Amazon Rainforest. Through project-based learning and interdisciplinary discussion, students will learn to become citizen-scientists who can analyze, critique, defend, and communicate about issues related to climate change in order to prepare them for living and working in the 21st century. Prerequisites: Living Environment or Biology


FORENSIC SCIENCE Full year - 1 credit, Grade 12
This is an introduction to scientific criminal investigation. There will be practical applications of skills learned in previous science courses. Analysis of physical evidence (hair, blood, prints, and chemicals) will be studied and closely correlated to classroom lectures. The course ends with a final project. Prerequisites: Biology and an additional Science Regents credit. Due to the nature of the subject matter in this course, only seniors can register for this course.


SUPA FORENSICS Full year – 1 credit, Grade 12
This is a dual enrollment course between White Plains High School and Syracuse University. Forensic Science is focused upon the application of scientific methods and techniques to crime and law. Recent advances in scientific methods and principles have had an enormous impact upon law enforcement and the entire criminal justice system. This course is intended to introduce students to the science behind crime detection. Scientific methods specifically relevant to crime detection and analysis will be presented with emphasis placed upon the techniques used in evaluating physical evidence. Topics include blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass compositions and fragmentation, fingerprints, soil comparisons, and arson investigations. Lab work is an essential and integral part of the course, and there is a separate lab period required on alternate days. Laboratory exercises will include techniques commonly employed in forensic investigations. Students who pay the discounted fee to SU will receive a Syracuse University transcript. This course receives Honors weighting. Prerequisite: Regents Chemistry (80 or better). Due to the nature of the subject matter in this course, only seniors can register for this course.


SCIENCE RESEARCH 1 Full year - 1 credit, Grade 10
Prerequisite: Interview and Application
SCIENCE RESEARCH 2 Full year - 1 credit, Grade 11
Prerequisite: Science Research 1
SCIENCE RESEARCH 3 Full year - 1 credit, Grade 12
Prerequisite: Science Research 2
These are dual enrollment courses offered in collaboration with SUNY Albany. These honors-level courses are designed to provide students with an understanding of research methods in the sciences. The sequence is directed to self-motivated students who have a keen interest in science and would like to pursue excellence and progress into areas of original research. For further information, see Special Courses in this catalog. These courses receive Honors weighting.


HUMAN ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION Full year - 1 credit, Grades 10-12
As discoveries about human evolution become known, scientists are unlocking some wild facts about human evolution. For example, are hiccups leftover from when we were aquatic species? In other words, who are we and how are we unique? Class discussions will revolve around technology, artificial intelligence, religion, and the gene pool, while we examine anatomical, behavioral, and genetic similarities and differences among living primates, learn the basic mechanisms of the evolutionary process, and trace a pathway of human evolution as reconstructed from the fossil record. Students will build understanding with debates, projects, hands-on and virtual lab investigations, and field trips. Prerequisites: Living Environment or Biology and one other regents level science course.


MARINE SCIENCE Full year - 1 credit, Grades 10-12
The Marine Science course is a full-year science elective which builds on students’ fundamental understandings of both physical science and biology. Throughout the year, the science of oceanography (the chemistry of seawater, the relationship between the oceans and the atmosphere, how seawater circulation works, and how the tides and coastal activities influence our lives) will be integrated with the biology of the oceans. Students will learn about the plant life, invertebrate life, vertebrate life and the myriad of ecosystems that relay on the oceans for survival, as well as how human activity has influenced the current state of our oceans. Students will be required to approach these topics with a discerning eye and challenge their own understanding both socially and ethically. Students will build understanding with lab investigations and field trips. The course does not include a separate lab period in the schedule. Prerequisites: Living Environment or Biology and one other regents level science course.


ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND HUMAN IMPACT Full year – 1 credit, Grades 10-12
This course is designed to bring awareness to students about global climate changes, dynamic changes within Earth’s many ecosystems, and how human impact has played a significant role in our current global climate shift. Throughout this course, students will engage in case studies and defense of policies, debate and Socratic discussions. Students will also participate in student-lead research projects, hands-on laboratory activities, and supplemental experiences designed to provide them with a greater understanding of how our environment is currently shifting. While hands-on laboratory activities will be an integral part of the course, there is no separate lab period in the schedule. The first semester of this course will focus on human population growth, carrying capacities of different regions of the Earth, our utilization of natural resources, and the dynamics of our local ecosystem. The second semester will focus on specific ways in which humans have impacted our environment. This semester will include topics such as air, water, and soil pollution as well as less commonly known human impacts such as sound and light pollution. Prerequisites: Living Environment or Biology and one other regents level science course.


INTRODUCTION TO HORTICULTURE Full year - 1 credit, Grades 10-12
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles and practices in the development, production and use of horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, greenhouse, turf, nursery, floral and landscape). The course will include the study of classification, structure, growth and development of plants, plant propagation, environmental influences on horticultural plants, horticultural technology, and an introduction to the horticultural industries. Students will examine fundamental concepts integral to all aspects of production and management such as climate, soil, culture, pest management, harvesting and storage. Additionally, the class will identify emerging issues in horticulture and encourage robust discussion. Students will apply their knowledge and skills by designing and maintaining the school garden and other plantings around the school grounds. Prerequisites: Living Environment or Biology and one other regents level science course.


THE GEOLOGY OF THE NATIONAL PARKS Full year - 1 credit, Grades 10-12
Do you ever wish you could travel to Yellowstone National Park or the Grand Canyon? Do you ever wonder how the National Parks started and what makes something a national park or national monument? Are you curious about the culture, the history, the economic livelihood, the careers, and the geology that makes up the national parks in the United States as well as on other continents? This course discusses the geologic phenomena that shapes our national parks. Students will build an understanding of geology through virtual field trips, projects, hands-on lab investigations, and actual field trips. Prerequisite: Living Environment or Biology and one other regents level science course.


MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY (DUAL-LANGUAGE) Full year - 1 credit, Grades 11, 12
This course will introduce students to common medical terms used in health related areas in both Spanish and English. Prefixes, suffixes, and word roots will be stressed. The anatomy of the human body, disease process, and surgical and diagnostic procedures will be presented along with the medical terminology. The course will help to prepare students for courses needed to become a medical translator or work in health-related fields. Prerequisites: Living Environment or Biology and one other regents level science course.

ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL ARTS


Engineering education provides an opportunity for students to study and learn about the processes and knowledge related to technologies that are needed to solve problems and extend human capabilities. Students will be able to use, manage, understand, and assess technologies. It uses concepts of science, mathematics, social science, and language arts in a hands-on, systems-based approach to problem-solving that guides students in the understanding, design and development of systems, devices, and products to improve our lives.


ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING COMMERCIAL: Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12
Students will design a commercial building and produce all the drawings required for construction. Using these plans, they will create a final scale model for their design. Most drawings will be completed by hand, with some supported by computer-aided design (CAD) software. Throughout the project, students will apply their drawing and model-building skills to meet design specifications. In addition, they will investigate career opportunities within the fields of architecture.


ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING RESIDENTIAL: Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12
Students will design a model home and create all the drawings required for construction. Using their plans, they will then build a final physical model. Most drawings will be completed by hand, with some supported by computer-aided design (CAD) software. Throughout the project, students will apply both drawing and model-building skills to meet design requirements. Additionally, they will explore potential career paths related to architecture and construction.


INDUSTRIAL DESIGN: Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12
This course uses a hands-on approach for learning and applying the Creative Problem-Solving Process. Students will learn fundamental skills in measuring, drawing, and materials processing practices. Emphasis will be on Project Based Learning, safe operation with a variety of tools, and working with different materials. Topics will include measurement, technical drawing, reading project plans, refining projects using the design process, and materials processing.


ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND FABRICATION: Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12
This course is a continuation and expansion of the materials processing concepts introduced in the Industrial Design course. Students will build more complex projects, modify plans to incorporate custom fabrications, and create project portfolios. Students will learn to use wood and CNC lathes, the CNC mill, 3D printer and vacuum former, and will be introduced to acrylic resin and mold-making. Prerequisite: Industrial Design

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY – PATHWAYS TO ENGINEERING


INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN: Full year – 1 credit, Grades 9-12
This is a dual enrollment course offered in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). This course is the first in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Pathways to Engineering Program but may be taken on its own to meet graduation elective credit requirements. In this course, students use the design process and industry standard 3D modeling software to design solutions to solve proposed problems. Students engage in hands-on, project-based activities while learning the fundamentals of engineering. This course prepares students to move to the PLTW electives such as Aerospace Engineering and Biotechnical Engineering. Students have the option to pay the discounted fee for RIT credit to receive a Rochester Institute of Technology transcript. Please note that Introduction to Engineering Design is a prerequisite for many other Project Lead the Way courses. Students with a desire to pursue engineering should keep this in mind when choosing electives. This PLTW course receives Honors weighting.


AEROSPACE ENGINEERING: Full year – 1 credit, Grades 10-12
This course is a specialization course in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Pathways to Engineering Program. Through activities, projects and problems, students explore the evolution of flight, flight fundamentals, navigation and control, aerospace materials, propulsion, space travel, orbital mechanics, ergonomics, remotely operated systems and related careers. Students engage in hands-on, project-based activities while learning the fundamental of aerospace engineering. Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design


CIVIL ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE: Full year – 1 credit, Grades 9-12
This is a dual enrollment course offered in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). This course is a specialization course in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Pathways to Engineering Program. Students are introduced to key aspects of building and site design and development as they learn to use computer-assisted architectural design and modeling software. Throughout the course, students move from structured activities to open-ended projects, completing both residential and commercial designs. Students apply the engineering design cycle to all problems while applying math and science concepts and developing professional skills such as planning, documentation, communication and presentation of solutions. Major projects include the design of a small, affordable home; the renovation of a commercial facility; and the design of a small commercial facility that meets a specific community need. Students must pay the discounted fee for RIT credit to receive a Rochester Institute of Technology transcript. This PLTW course receives Honors weighting. Prerequisite: Algebra


PLTW ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING: Full year—1 credit, Grades 10-12
PLTW Environmental Engineering is a specialization course in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Pathways to Engineering Program. In ES, students investigate and design solutions to solve real-world challenges related to clean drinking water, a stable food supply, and renewable energy. Students are introduced to environmental issues and use the engineering design process to research and design potential solutions. Utilizing the activity, project, problem-based (APB) teaching and learning pedagogy, students transition from completing structured activities to solving open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills. Prerequisite: Living Environment or Biology. NOTE: Students cannot receive credit for both this course and the science elective course Environmental Sustainability. This PLTW course receives Honors weighting.


PLTW ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: Full year - 1 credit Grades 10-12
This course explores the interconnectedness of human society and environmental systems. Students investigate and design solutions in response to real-world challenges such as clean and abundant water, healthy air and soil, and renewable energy. They use the engineering design process and their understanding of environmental science to find solutions that balance the needs of society with the health of the planet. Prerequisite: Living Environment or Biology and Introduction to Engineering Design. NOTE: Students cannot receive credit for both this course and the science elective course Environmental Sustainability. This PLTW course receives Honors weighting.


PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING HONORS: Full year – 1 credit, Grades 11, 12
This is a dual enrollment course offered in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). This course is a foundation course in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Pathways to Engineering Program. In it, students are exposed to major concepts like mechanisms, energy, statics, materials, and kinematics. All students must have taken, or be taking, Regents or Honors Physics at the same time as this course. Students must pay the discounted fee for RIT credit to receive a Rochester Institute of Technology transcript. This PLTW course receives Honors weighting. Prerequisites: Introduction to Engineering Design (80 or better); Algebra 2 Trigonometry (B or better) or co-requisite Regents Physics


ENGINEERING DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT HONORS: Full year – 1 credit, Grade 12
This is the capstone course in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Pathways to Engineering Program. In it, students identify an issue and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solution to a panel of engineers. Students apply the professional skills they have developed to document a design process to standards. This course ends in a required project presentation to professional engineers and school administration. This PLTW course receives Honors weighting. Prerequisite: Principles of Engineering


Please Note: Computer Science Principles can also be used as a specialization course in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Pathways to Engineering Program.