Sciences, Technology and Engineering

Students may also engage in authentic research through our Science Research class. Courses in the Environmental Science.

Contemporary Issues in Science and Principles of Engineering present the opportunity for students to apply scientific principles in real world situations. New to our Somers High School science program are the International Baccalaureate courses in Environmental Science, and Physics, and Project Lead the Way Principles of Biomedical Science and Human Body Systems. Laboratory investigation is an integral component of instruction in our science classes. All science courses utilize a laboratory component, with Regents, AP, and IB courses requiring additional laboratory time. Student lab reports verifying fulfillment of the requirement must be in the teacher’s possession in order for the student to be allowed entry to the Regents exam. Students who have not completed the lab requirement will not be eligible to take the course in summer school. 

Research is another aspect of science instruction. Research activities and projects are required in some science classes. These projects make extensive use of our library and its computer research facility. Students will make use of online information resources, periodical databases as well as the vast resources of the Internet.

The science faculty is committed to integrating the use of computers and graphing calculators into the science curriculum. The computer will be used by students for data collection and analysis. Simulated labs may be used to demonstrate labs students would otherwise be unable to perform. Internet resources are being used in the classroom to enrich the curriculum and bring real-time radar and satellite images into the classroom. Teachers also make use of smartboard, video technology, and student PLD’s to enhance the curriculum. 

NOTE: All students must pass at least one Regents exam in science to graduate from high school, and earn a minimum of three credits in science, although four are strongly recommended. At least one course must be from the physical sciences and one course must be from the life sciences. The third required credit can be either a life or physical science. 

All our science courses involve scientific exploration, either in the form of laboratory investigations, research, or both. All Regents, AP, and IB courses require certain amounts of laboratory time. For Regents courses, student lab reports verifying fulfillment of the requirement must be in the teacher’s possession in order for the student to be allowed entry to the Regents exam. Students who have not completed the lab requirement will not be eligible to take the course in summer school. 

SCHEDULING NOTE FOR GRADE 9:  Students are encouraged to create a plan for their first two years of science study in HS. Students planning to take Chemistry in grade 10 must consider if they will have the math skills and academic habits necessary for success. For many students, more time is needed to develop the math skills and academic habits necessary for success in Chemistry.

NCAA Grades 9-12 • 1 Credit

Earth Science is an investigatory approach to the study of meteorology, geology and astronomy. The course uses earth science as a means for learning how to interpret observations, reason from observation, and apply the concepts learned. Much of the class time is devoted to laboratory investigations and interpretations. The Earth Science Regents is given as the final examination. This course has scheduled lab periods.

NCAA Grades 9-12 • 1 Credit

Biology is the study of living things from the cellular level to the biosphere. This course considers the value of biodiversity and the interrelationships of all living things. Laboratory experiences are designed to reinforce concepts as well as to practice basic scientific inquiry and the scientific method. Throughout the year, students will be expected to write clearly in the science content area. This course is designed to be an enriched science course covering the NYS living environment curriculum with additional content including: Scientific inquiry, graphing and analysis, laboratory skills and equipment, biochemistry, cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, human anatomy and physiology. The Biology Regents exam will be taken in June after students complete the required laboratory work. This course meets nine periods during a six-day cycle. After completion of this course students will have the skills and knowledge to continue onto another regents, honors or AP level science. Recommendation: Successful completion of Regents Earth Science.

NCAA Grades 9-12 • 1 Credit

This is an excellent course for students with a passion for biological science and is ideal for students interested in the medical field. This course is a hands-on, work intensive class where students are given the opportunity to master background knowledge and then apply it in innovative ways to solve case-based problems. It is a challenging course and will require homework and study hours outside of the classroom. Students seeking careers in the medical field find the rigor and knowledge gained to be very rewarding. Students with a wide range of abilities who are self motivated and demonstrate effective academic habits can find success in this course. PLTW: Principals of Biomedical Science (PBS) follows a national curriculum. In PBS, students explore concepts of biology and medicine by conducting medical investigations, practicing key clinical skills, investigating outbreaks and emergencies, and exploring innovative advancements in the health care field. The activities and projects allow students to master basic biology, as well as provide a strong foundation in human physiology, medicine and research processes. Additionally, students problem solve by designing models and experiments individually and in small groups. The course concludes with a standardized PLTW End of Year Assessment (EOC), and the Biology Regents Exam. College credit can be earned with a course average of 85% or better, and a requisite EoC score. This course has scheduled lab periods.

NCAA Grades 10-12 • 1 Credit

This course follows the Embedded Honors model, allowing students to pursue chemistry at the Regents or Honors level within the same course. In order to earn Honors designation students must complete at least 75% of the units at the honors level, including the honors level final exam. Students must complete at least three units at the honors level during the first two quarters. For all students, the course approaches the study of chemistry from a mathematical and theoretical framework. Topics covered are matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, periodic trends, equilibrium, acid-base theories, redox, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. Every student is expected to become proficient in the safe use of lab equipment. This course will develop students’ scientific reasoning and independent problem-solving skills. Honors level material explores content in greater depth and has a heavier reliance on the application of mathematics within the course material. This Chemistry Regents Exam is not course requirement, but students may elect to sit for the exam. For any students who choose to sit for the exam, the result will be posted to the transcript, but not factored into the course average. A local final exam will be administered to all students. Students should note that Chemistry is a required course for all future studies in science-based fields and is typically a requirement for admission to related programs at the college level. Recommendation: Students should have taken and passed either the Earth Science and/or Biology RE, and be concurrently enrolled in Geometry or higher.

NCAA Grades 11-12 • 1 Credit

This course explores the concepts of the physical world while limiting the mathematical basis of physics instructions. Though math is still used regularly, the course is designed to focus on developing student understanding of concepts. Topics include motion, forces, circular motion, gravitation, energy, momentum, electrical circuits, and waves. Instruction includes laboratory investigations. Recommendation: Successful completion of Chemistry, Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2/Trig or higher.

NCAA Grades 11-12 • 1 Credit

This course provides a means for students to understand the concepts of physics while teaching them how the physical universe can be examined mathematically. This course is designed to help prepare students for college level physics. Though this course is not as rigorous or intensive as an AP course, some of the units are studied at or near the level of AP Physics courses. Instruction includes laboratory investigations.

Recommendation: Strong achievement in previous science and math classes. Strong math skills as evidenced by concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus, Pre-Calculus H or higher is recommended. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2/Trig H can be sufficient for students who have demonstrated high achievement in previous science and math courses.  

NCAA COLLEGE CREDIT Grades 9-12 • 1 Credit

Advanced Placement Biology is the equivalent of an introductory college biology course. The curriculum emcompasses 4 “Big Ideas”: Evolution, Cellular Processes, Genetic and Information Transfer and Interactions. Content will be covered in more depth and greater expectations will be placed on interpretation and analysis of information, as well as scientific and analytical thinking. In addition, statistical analysis of data and modeling of concepts will be expected. Descriptive and experimental laboratory exercises will be assigned which provide opportunities for the students to learn a variety of skills and reinforce those facts, principles, and concepts covered in lecture, reading, and discussion. Students must take the College Board Advanced Placement national exam in May, and, depending on their score, may receive college credit.

Recommendation: A science average of 90 or higher is strongly recommended. A summer assignment is required.

NCAA COLLEGE CREDIT Grades 11-12 • 1 Credit

This course is equivalent to a first year college chemistry course with a strong laboratory component. The following topics will be stressed: the nature of matter and measurements, atomic structure and theory, behavior of gases, periodic table, bonding, molecular structure, thermodynamics, equilibria, reaction rates, redox reactions, and acid and bases. Laboratory experiences will use both quantitative and qualitative analysis, spectroscopy, potentiometry, and chromatography. Students will attain the ability to deal with chemical problems, think in a clear logical manner and express their ideas orally and in writing. Students must take the College Board Advanced Placement national exam in May, and, depending on their score, may receive college credit.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of courses in Biology and Chemistry.

Recommended: Achievement in Biology and Chemistry at mastery level(85% or higher) and strong analytical skills as evidenced by concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus H or higher.

NCAA COLLEGE CREDIT Grade 12 • 1 Credit

This fast-paced, calculus-based course represents the most challenging Physics course available to students at Somers. The topics covered in AP Physics C are: Kinematics, Forces, Energy, Momentum, Center of Mass, Rotational Motion, Oscillations, Gravitation, Electrostatics, Circuits, and Electromagnetic Induction. This course culminates in two AP exams in May, the Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics and Advanced Placement Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exams, and students must take both exams.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Physics or AP Physics 1 and concurrent enrollment in Calculus, AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC

NCAA COLLEGE CREDIT Grades 10-12 • 1 Credit

This course begins a three-year sequence of study, which will focus on an understanding of research methodology in the natural, physical and social sciences. The course is directed to those students who wish to pursue independent and original research. Students will be instructed in the process of online data research and have access to scientific databases. It is divided into two distinct courses, Science Research 10, and Science Research DE. Those students who complete the three-year sequence will present their research at scientific conferences and will apply to the Regeneron Science Talent Search and participate in the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair and the Westchester/Rockland Junior Science and Humanities Symposia. Students must commit themselves to a long-term research project with a mentor from a university or independent research facility thus demonstrating initiative, perseverance and creativity. Students who do not identify a mentor by the end of the first quarter of junior year will be required to drop out of the program. Students who have not identified a mentor and wish to replace this course must make a change prior to the course add deadline in September.

This course will not satisfy the three science credits required for graduation. College credit may be obtained through the State University at Albany. Independent summer work will be required.

NCAA COLLEGE CREDIT Grades 10-12 • 1 Credit

Human Body Systems (HBS) is the second course offered in the PLTW: Biomedical Science Program. In HBS students build a strong foundation in human anatomy and physiology. The main project in HBS is to build a Maniken, one body system at a time as we learn about them throughout the year; the Maniken is a yearlong project. Additionally, there will be many hands-on activities and projects to explore both healthy and failing human body systems and the physiology behind each. The activities and projects allow students to master basic biology, as well as provide a strong foundation in human anatomy & physiology, medicine and research processes. Students will problem solve by designing models and experiments individually and in small groups. Similar to PLTW PBS, HBS follows a national curriculum. This is an excellent course for students with a passion for biological science and is ideal for students interested in the medical field. This course is a hands-on, work intensive class where students are given the opportunity to master background knowledge and then apply it in innovative ways to solve case-based problems. It is a challenging course and will require homework and study hours outside of the classroom. Students must be highly motivated, taking responsibility and ownership over their own learning to get the most out of this class. The course concludes with a standardized PLTW end of the year assessment (EOC). College credit can be earned with a course average of 85% or better, and a requisite EoC score.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and/or PLTW PBS

Recommendation: Mastery achievement (85% or higher) in previous science classes. Students with a wide range of abilities who are self motivated and demonstrate effective academic habits can find success in this course. 

NCAA COLLEGE CREDIT  Grades 11-12 • 1 Credit

Environmental systems and societies (ESS) is an interdisciplinary course offered only at standard level (SL). This course can fulfill either the individuals and societies or the sciences requirement. Alternatively, this course enables students to satisfy requirements of both subjects groups simultaneously while studying one course. During the year, each student will participate in an internal assessment in which he/she will design and conduct an individual science research project. Students will also sit for two papers during exams in May.

NCAA COLLEGE CREDIT Grades 11-12 • 1 Credit

This course is for highly motivated students who have not taken a physics course before, and for those who took Physics and want to study the subject at a higher, more math-intensive level. This course is fast-paced, requires strong effort, involves significant homework, and is academically challenging. This course has a similar level of difficulty as AP Physics 1, but the topics of study are significantly different. In IB Physics SL, topics include measurement, motion, forces, circular motion, gravitation, energy, momentum, thermal physics, waves, electricity, magnetism, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, the structure of matter, sources of energy generation, and astrophysics. Mathematics is extensively used for modeling and predicting physical relationships. This is a freshman collegelevel algebra and trigonometry-based physics course and as such requires college-level laboratory reports. A unique student designed ten-hour internal assessment is completed at end of the course. This course will be offered every other year; as such, it WILL be offered in the upcoming ‘24 - ‘25 school year, and it will NOT be offered in the following year.

NCAA COLLEGE CREDIT 1 Credit and PE ½ Credit

The IB SEHS class is a one-year course that will meet every day with an additional period as a lab that meets every other day. All students enrolled in SEHS will be scheduled for their PE class in the period opposite the lab, during which time they will participate in their regular PE activities. The PE class will, at times, be the platform for students to collect data about their own physical activity, which will then be analyzed in the SEHS class. The goal of this schedule is to combine a science and a physical education experience so that students can study the science of their own activity. According to IB, the SEHS course “incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, bio-mechanics, psychology and nutrition. Students cover a range of topics and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings.” Topics of study include anatomy, exercise physiology, energy systems, movement analysis, skill in sport, and measurement and evaluation of human performance. It will be coplanned by a member of the science department and a member of the physical education department. This course satisfies the IB Group 4 requirement for Diploma Candidates, or it may be taken as a certificate course.

NCAA  Grades 10-12 • ½ Credit

This course is intended as an exploration of various topics from all areas of science. The focus will be on topics related to current events and that have associated effects with medical, legal, financial and ethical issues. Each topic will culminate in a presentation or project. Possible topics include biotechnology, forensics, alternative energy, and bioethics. This course addresses NYS Learning Standards in the Physical Sciences.

NCAA Grades 10-12 • ½ Credit

In this course, students will discover some of the ways in which humans have altered natural systems through habitat destruction and pollution. Topics of study include biodiversity, global warming, solid waste, air pollution and water pollution. This course is designed for students who enjoy science and have a general interest in the world around them. It will engage students in research and case studies of past and current environmental problems. This course addresses NYS Learning Standards in the Life Sciences.

Have you ever wondered about the food you eat? This course is an examination of food, from a science perspective. Students will conduct cooking experiments that explore food chemistry, and explore the connections between food, nutrition, and health. Students will also examine food in society, including farms and food production systems. Coursework will focus on skills related to research and discussion. Students will formulate individual research questions grounded in areas of personal interest for project-based exploration. This course utilizes Evidence Based Grading and addresses NYS Learning Standards in Life Sciences.

Science in Pop Culture is a skill-based science elective that focuses on STEAM strategies (art students can use their creativity in a scientific context). The class focuses on current events in pop culture (private space companies, wildfires in the west, climate change related news, the World Cup and the Olympics, as well as social media trends, movies, and TV shows). Assignments include experiments, essays, demos, and responses, as well as larger group projects that are rolled out over a number of days and commence in a PowerPoint, lab report, etc. Much of the learning is hands on and research based. This course addresses the NYS Learning Standards in the Physical Sciences.

NCAA Grades 10-12 • ½ Credit Forensic Science offers an opportunity to explore the basics of how and why forensic science is used around the world. Students will learn to observe, collect, analyze, interpret, and evaluate evidence associated with criminal cases while understanding the limitations of the laboratory and the significance of various types of evidence. Through case studies and simulated scenarios, students will investigate evidence collection, fingerprinting, blood spatter, forensic anthropology, entomology, trace evidence, ballistics, and arson. Through partnerships with local law enforcement, students will engage with guest speakers and demonstrations to see the real-world application of forensic science. This course addresses NYS Learning Standards in the Life Sciences.

NCAA Grades 10-12 • ½ Credit

Can you escape a black hole? Is there life beyond planet Earth? What will happen when Andromeda and the Milky Way collide? In this course we will focus on the student’s natural curiosity of the stars, planets, and vast universe that surrounds us. Students will investigate their unique questions regarding topics such as the history of astronomy, the solar system, the universe, deep space, stellar evolution, nebulae, and galaxies. This course includes current topics in this quickly changing field such as space exploration, the future of space travel, Space X, the Hubble Telescope and more! This course addresses NYS Learning Standards in the Physical Sciences.