Chemistry
SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH THE INTEGRATED SCIENCES
(1 unit) This course examines how Earth’s systems of matter and energy interact and how human choices influence those systems. Students will study concepts from Earth Science, Physics, and Chemistry through the lens of sustainability, exploring both natural processes and human-designed systems. Hands-on labs and design challenges allow students to investigate energy flow, motion, and chemical reactions in real-world contexts. The course emphasizes systems thinking, modeling, and problem solving inspired by nature’s own solutions. Students will also complete individual research in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable food systems, or climate innovation, connecting science to the challenges of building a more sustainable future.
CHEMISTRY
(1 unit) Emphasis will be placed on experimental evidence from which some fundamental laws of chemistry are derived. The course involves a study of chemical and physical change in matter and the energy change that accompany these processes. Students will take a final exam at the end of the course and must complete the NYS mandated 1200 minutes of lab time.
Prerequisite: The student must have passed Biology and Algebra 1 classes and corresponding Regents exams.
Corequisite: Geometry (or prior completion)
Suggested Guidelines: Students successfully completed Earth Science, Biology, and Algebra 1.
CHEMISTRY H
(1 unit) Designed for students who intend to study science, engineering or pre-medicine in college and who have demonstrated a high level of mastery in both math and science. Chemistry Honors will prepare students to be successful on the New York State Chemistry Regents Examination. The course includes topics from the Physical Setting/Chemistry core curriculum as well as advanced topics and concepts including equilibrium constants, ideal gas law, standard reduction potentials, limiting reagents, Hess’s law, and predicting reactions.
Prerequisite: The student must have passed Biology, Algebra 1, and Geometry classes and corresponding Regents exams.
Suggested Guidelines: Students who are successful in Chemistry Honors were previously highly successful in Earth Science, Biology, Algebra 1, and Geometry along with a teacher recommendation.
SUPA FORENSICS
(1 unit; 4 college credits available through Syracuse University Project Advance) Chemistry 113: 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 provide an introduction to understanding 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 may include blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA analysis, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass compositions and fragmentation, fingerprints, soil comparisons, and arson investigations, among others. Laboratory exercises will involve techniques commonly employed in forensic investigations.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology and Chemistry
AP CHEMISTRY
(1 unit) This is a college level, general chemistry course. Topics include chemical bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, principles of thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry. The course culminates with a demanding final exam and students are strongly encouraged to take the AP Chemistry test in May.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chemistry and Algebra 2
Suggested Guidelines: Score of 75+ on Chemistry Regents exam and 75+ in Algebra 2.