Science

Science Department

List of 1 items.

Philosophy

The Xaverian Science Department strives to promote within our students the development of sound scientific reasoning, tempered and enriched by the Christian ideals perpetuated by our entire school community. We believe that a mastery of the fundamental insights revealed by the scientific community, both past and present, is necessary for an adequate understanding and appreciation of our material universe. In addition, students are encouraged to develop an understanding of, and skills in, the process of science investigation.

Science Department Goals

List of 3 items.

Develop Students' Natural Curiosity

Develop students’ natural curiosity about the world around them, inspiring students to view the world through a scientific lens.
Reinforce Critical Thinking Skills

Help students understand the importance of science and how the skills learned in science reasoning can help them in the real world by reinforcing critical thinking skills in and out of the classroom.
Use Integrated Process Skills

To offer opportunities for students to use integrated process skills, thus assisting the students in developing intellectual processes of inquiry by which scientific problems and phenomena are explained, predicted and/or controlled.

High School Courses

List of 16 items.

Life Science: Biology

Life Science (Biology) introduces students to the study of living organisms and the processes that sustain life. This course explores the fundamental principles of biology, including the structure and function of cells, genetics and heredity, evolution, ecology, and human body systems. Students will investigate how organisms interact with their environment, how life is organized from molecules to ecosystems, and how scientific inquiry helps explain the natural world. Through hands-on labs, experiments, and collaborative projects, students will develop skills in observation, data collection, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Emphasis is placed on making connections between biological concepts and real-world applications in health, the environment, and biotechnology.
Life Science: Biology Honors

Life Science (Biology) introduces students to the study of living organisms and the processes that sustain life. This course explores the fundamental principles of biology, including the structure and function of cells, genetics and heredity, evolution, ecology, and human body systems. Students will investigate how organisms interact with their environment, how life is organized from molecules to ecosystems, and how scientific inquiry helps explain the natural world. Through hands-on labs, experiments, and collaborative projects, students will develop skills in observation, data collection, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Emphasis is placed on making connections between biological concepts and real-world applications in health, the environment, and biotechnology.
Earth and Space Science

This course is designed to introduce students to the study of Earth’s systems and its location in the universe. The concepts presented in this course will increase student knowledge of the physical world we live in and the processes going on around us. This course includes all Earth Science topics as required by the New York State learning standards for science.

Course topics can be divided into three major areas of study:
1. Geology: The study of the solid Earth.
2. Meteorology/Weather & Climate: A study of the changing conditions of the atmosphere over short and long periods of time.
3. Astronomy: The study of the motions of objects in space and Earth’s position in the universe.
Chemistry

This course is an introductory chemistry course that provides the student with an excellent foundation for future courses of a related nature. The subject matter of the course is that of the New York State Regents Syllabus and includes atomic structure, bonding, acid-base theory, radioactivity, quantum chemistry, inorganic and organic chemistry. Principles, laws, and concepts are studied and experimentation and problem-solving are used to verify them. At the conclusion of this course, students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting of chemistry and recognize the historical development of ideas in science. In consultation with the classroom teacher, select students will be invited to take the Regents Exam in June based upon overall class performance.

Prerequisites: 1. A score of 65% or above on the Life Science: Biology Regents exam. 2. Approval of the student’s previous science teacher and the Science Department chairperson.
Chemistry Honors

This course is an introductory chemistry course that provides the student with an excellent foundation for future courses of a related nature. The subject matter of the course is that of the New York State Regents Syllabus and includes atomic structure, bonding, acid-base theory, radioactivity, quantum chemistry, inorganic and organic chemistry. Principles, laws, and concepts are studied and experimentation and problem-solving are used to verify them. At the conclusion of this course, students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting of chemistry and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

Prerequisites: 1. A score of 85% or above on the Life Science: Biology Regents exam. 2. Approval of the student’s previous science teacher and the Science Department chairperson.
Physics

The New York State Regents requires the study of the following topics: kinematics, mechanics, optics, light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. The objectives of this course extend to an appreciation of the methods of science, the habit of critical thinking, and the ability to carefully examine experimental evidence. At the conclusion of this course, students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting of physics and recognize the historical development of ideas in science. The required NYS lab component is included in this curriculum. In consultation with the classroom teacher, select students will be invited to take the Regents Exam in June based upon overall class performance.

Prerequisites: 1. A score of 65% or above on the Chemistry Regents and the Algebra Regents; 2. A 70% or above average in Chemistry and Algebra courses.
Physics Honors

The following topics will be covered in this physics course: kinematics, mechanics, optics, light, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. The objectives of this course extend to an appreciation of the methods of science, the habit of critical thinking, and the ability to carefully examine experimental evidence. At the conclusion of this course, students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting of physics and recognize the historical development of ideas in science. The required NYS lab component is included in this curriculum.

Prerequisites: 1. A score of 85% or above on the Chemistry Regents and the Algebra Regents; 2. 85% average in Chemistry and Algebra courses.
AP Physics I

This one year course focuses on the NYS Regents curriculum, which will be covered at an advanced level, and also the College Board Advanced Placement curriculum. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible to enroll in the Advanced Placement Physics II course in their senior year. Students will explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. During the course, a strong emphasis is placed on lab work which will allow students to develop experimental and investigative skills. Students will also develop a sense of the limitations of the experimental sciences.
All students enrolled in this course are expected to sit for the AP Physics I exam. Exam fees will be applied to your SmartTuition payment in the winter preceding your exam.

Prerequisites: 1. A score of 90% or above in #7622 Chemistry Honors (students in #7625 Chemistry require approval from their Science teacher); 2. An 85% or above on the Algebra Regents and on the Chemistry Regents
Physical Science

The chemistry portion of this course will be one half of a semester and the physics portion the other half. Students will explore many different topics pertaining to physics and chemistry including effects of forces, transformations of energy, structure of matter, behavior of matter, and the properties pertaining to the changes in matter. This course will also have a laboratory component where students will examine the concepts taught in class. There is no regents exam for this course.
AP Chemistry 12

This is a one year course designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students are expected to attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The major topics fall into the categories of structures of matter, states of matter, reactions, descriptive chemistry, and laboratory procedures. Students must participate in a laboratory program involving experimental observations and data analysis. The requirements for this course are 85% in chemistry, passing the chemistry regent exam, and 85% in the student’s current math course.

All students enrolled in this course are expected to sit for the AP Chemistry exam. Exam fees will be applied to your SmartTuition payment in the winter preceding your exam.

Prerequisites: 1. An 85% average in #7622 Chemistry (H); 2. A score of 70% or higher on the Chemistry Regents exam; 3. An 85% average in the student’s current math course; 4. The approval of the student’s science teacher and the Science Department chairperson.
AP Physics II

This college-level elective is open to seniors in the Honors Program. The main objective of the course is to introduce students to the key principles of Physics in the topics of fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. The emphasis is on the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry. This is a one year course including a laboratory component. It provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre-medicine, and various applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science.

All students enrolled in this course are expected to sit for the AP Physics 2 exam. Exam fees will be applied to your SmartTuition payment in the winter preceding your exam.

Prerequisites: Completion of the Advanced Placement Physics 1 course and approval from the course instructor.
St. John's University Human Biology / Anatomy and Physiology Honors

This is a college-elective 3 credit course geared toward the student who hopes to pursue a career in the biological sciences. The topics include an in-depth study of human body systems, concluding with the molecular and clinical mechanisms of HIV and AIDS. Laboratory activities include a detailed study of tissues, the mammalian heart, skull and skeletal models, and organ systems of the albino rat and domestic cat. Students are required to present current research on medical advances using PowerPoint in a seminar forum. Adhering to the lab schedule and textbook assignment deadlines is essential for success in this rigorous course.

*Students successfully passing this course will be eligible to receive up to 3 college credits through St. John’s University. Students will be responsible for all additional fees charged by St. John’s as well as completing any required applications for acceptance to the College Advantage Program.

Prerequisites: 1. A 85% or higher on the Life Science: Biology Regents AND in the Life Science: Biology course; 2. An 65% or higher on the Chemistry Regents AND the Chemistry course; 3. Approval of the Science Department Chair
AP Biology

This college-level elective is open to qualifying Honors or Academy seniors who have successfully completed the Living Environment and Chemistry courses. The three main objectives of the course are to help students develop (1) a conceptual framework for modern biology, (2) analytical skills to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology, and (3) an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing knowledge explosion in biology makes these objectives even more challenging.

The AP Biology Exam, taken in May, seeks to be representative of the topics covered by the syllabus. Accordingly, goals have been set for percentage coverage of three general areas:

I. Molecules and Cells, 25%
II. Heredity and Evolution, 25%
III. Organisms and Populations, 50%

All students enrolled in this course are expected to sit for the AP Biology exam. Exam fees will be applied to your SmartTuition payment in the winter preceding your exam.

Prerequisites: 1. Successful AP Potential Predictor (based on SAT scores); 2. 90% or higher in the Life Science: Biology AND Chemistry classes; 3. 85% or higher on the Life Science: Biology Regents exam; 4. 70% or higher on the Chemistry Regents exam; 5. Approval from the Science Department chairperson.
Marine Biology
The Marine Science course is offered as an elective to senior students. Emphasis is given to marine geology, plate tectonics, classification of marine organisms, characteristics and adaptations, physical and chemical properties of seawater, factors that affect waves, tides, and currents, principles of marine ecology, and human interaction on the marine environment.
- - Throughout the year students will delve into these topics with a particular focus being given to our immediate surrounding body of water here in the Narrows and as they apply to the mid-Atlantic and our global oceans.
  - Students will also apply the principles of living environment and chemistry to the marine setting. In doing so, students will be classifying marine organisms according to phylogenetic groups.
  - They’ll be examining the ecology of the marine ecosystem, and students will be able to explain which specific characteristics allow these organize to survive in even some of the most extreme environmental conditions.
  - Students will develop a complete understanding of marine and freshwater food webs; from energy producing green algae to top predatory fish and mammals like sharks and whales.
In addition to digital media resources from the Oceanography iBook, students will partake in various hands-on activities identifying major structures on various bony finned fishes. Students will examine internal anatomy of fishes, mollusks and aquatic invertebrates through dissection labs. These hands on experiments will be implemented within the course as well as offsite including field trips to local beaches, estuaries and aquariums. The course will include a specific midterm and final exam upon completion.
Kinesiology and Nutritional Science

This course takes an in-depth examination of the effects of exercise on the body. As a foundation course, students learn basic information related to physical activity, the bio-sciences, fitness and health, psycho-social domains of kinesiology and sport management. The study of nutrition and human behavior will also be integrated into the course to enhance the students’ comprehension of this multifaceted subject.
Introduction to Pharmacology

This course is designed to enable students to become more knowledgeable about the field of pharmacology. Students will learn to apply chemical and biological content to a variety of real-world problems. Using both written and oral forms, students will be able to display an analytical understanding of chemical engineering as it applies to the real world. In addition, students will learn about the field of pharmacology and the careers they could pursue in the future.

Middle School Courses

List of 3 items.

Science 6

6th-grade Science is a year-long General Science course that will cover basic middle school scientific concepts with a concentration in Biology and Earth Science.
Science 7

In this course, students will explore the fundamental principles of life and matter. They will investigate the building blocks of the universe, from the structure of atoms to the complex systems within the human body. Their journey will involve hands-on activities, projects, and discussions that will help us gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Science 8

Life Science (Biology) introduces students to the study of living organisms and the processes that sustain life. This course explores the fundamental principles of biology, including the structure and function of cells, genetics and heredity, evolution, ecology, and human body systems. Students will investigate how organisms interact with their environment, how life is organized from molecules to ecosystems, and how scientific inquiry helps explain the natural world. Through hands-on labs, experiments, and collaborative projects, students will develop skills in observation, data collection, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Emphasis is placed on making connections between biological concepts and real-world applications in health, the environment, and biotechnology.

Specialized Studies Courses

List of 6 items.

Living Environment

This course has a strong emphasis on four major topics: Ecology and Evolution, Genetics and Mutation, Cellular Respiration, and Homeostasis. Emphasis will also be given in the following topics to prepare students for the NYS Regents: Cytology, Biochemistry, and Scientific-Method of Design. All students will be expected to complete lab experiments, helping them develop laboratory skills while also helping them improve reading and writing skills in the content area.
Life Science

Students taking this course will be prepared for the Living Environment Regents at the end of their sophomore year. At the conclusion of this course, students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.
Chemistry

This course is an introductory chemistry course that provides the student with an excellent foundation for future courses of a related nature. The subject matter of the course is that of the New York State Regents Syllabus and includes atomic structure, bonding, acid-base theory, radioactivity, quantum chemistry, inorganic and organic chemistry. Principles, laws, and concepts are studied and experimentation and problem-solving are used to verify them. At the conclusion of this course, students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting of chemistry and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.
Physics

This course will include information in compliance with the New York Performance Standards (GPS)/ Common Core. Students will analyze the relationships between force, mass, gravity, and the motion of objects. Students will evaluate the significance of energy in understanding the structure of matter and the universe. Students will evaluate the forms and transformations of energy, analyze the properties and applications of waves, and evaluate relationships between electrical and magnetic forces. Students will be able to describe the corrections to Newtonian physics given by quantum mechanics and relativity when matter is very small, moving fast compared to the speed of light, or very large.
Marine Biology
The Marine Science course is offered as an elective to senior students. Emphasis is given to marine geology, plate tectonics, classification of marine organisms, characteristics and adaptations, physical and chemical properties of seawater, factors that affect waves, tides, and currents, principles of marine ecology, and human interaction on the marine environment.
- Throughout the year, students will delve into these topics with a particular focus being given to our immediate surrounding body of water here in the Narrows and as they apply to the mid-Atlantic and our global oceans.
  Students will also apply the principles of living environment and chemistry to the marine setting. In doing so, students will be classifying marine organisms according to phylogenetic groups.
  They’ll be examining the ecology of the marine ecosystem, and students will be able to explain which specific characteristics allow these organize to survive in even some of the most extreme environmental conditions.
  Students will develop a complete understanding of marine and freshwater food webs, from energy-producing green algae to top predatory fish and mammals like sharks and whales.
In addition to digital media resources from the Oceanography iBook, students will partake in various hands-on activities identifying major structures on various bony-finned fishes. Students will examine the internal anatomy of fishes, mollusks, and aquatic invertebrates through dissection labs. These hands-on experiments will be implemented within the course as well as offsite, including field trips to local beaches, estuaries, and aquariums. The course will include a specific midterm and final exam upon completion.
Forensic Science

This is an interdisciplinary study of science and law. Students will examine investigative techniques and scientific methodology in determining evidentiary clues. Topics to be covered include impression evidence (footwear and tire tracks), firearm and tool marks, explosives, trace evidence (hairs, fibers, glass, and chemical microscopy). Demonstrations and hands-on participation offer unique opportunities.