Science and Agriculture Department

For an Advanced Regents Diploma:
3 credits of science | Exams: 2 science NYS regents exams

For a Regents Diploma:
3 credits of science | Exams: 1 science NYS regents exam

Science Course Offerings

7th Grade Physical Science – 1 Credit (Middle School Science Credit)

Prerequisite: 6th Grade Earth and Space Science

Science 7 is an introductory course based on the New York State Science Learning Standards which pertain to the sciences of Chemistry and Physics. Students will participate in activities that challenge them to investigate problems and find a solution supported by data and evidence as well as interpret and communicate scientific information. This class is one portion of a multi-year course that will culminate with the 8th Grade Intermediate Level Science Test.

7x Science – 1 Credit (Middle School Science Credit)

Prerequisite: Recommendation from 6th grade teacher or test into the course; Must maintain an average of 85% or better on tests and overall

7x Science is a one year course designed to prepare students for an accelerated science pathway, meaning that students learn content that is normally covered over two years in 7th Grade Physical Science and 8th Grade Life Science. This and other accelerated science pathways provide unique challenges to students and open up options for them to take extra science (or other classes) later in their high school career. One semester covers physics and chemistry, while the other semester covers life science, starting with biochemistry and cells before working up to body systems and ecology. To enroll, students must be recommended for the course by their 6th grade teacher or test into the program. After enrolling in the course, students are expected to maintain an average of an 85% or better (mastery) on tests and overall, or they will be transferred to 7th Grade Physical Science so that they can strengthen their scientific foundation before entering high school.

8th Grade Life Science – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: 7th Grade Physical Science

Grade 8 Life Science is an intermediate level science course that focuses on introducing students to the study of living organisms, starting at the cellular level and working all the way up to the complex interactions between organisms at a global scale. Along the way, students will work to improve upon the skills they learned in 7th Grade Physical Science, as they use the scientific method to explore each topic we learn, and ultimately the world around them. This course is the second portion of a two year course that will culminate with the 8th Grade Intermediate Level Science Test. The performance (lab practical) section of the test will be held at the end of May, and the written portion of the test will be given during the first week of June.

Regents Living Environment w/ Lab – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the 8th grade Intermediate Level Science Test or teacher recommendation. Meets first of 2 required Regents Science Credits

Living Environment is the scientific study of exploration of the diverse world of living organisms. Some of the topics studied throughout the year include: scientific method, biochemistry, cells, cellular transport and energetics, heredity, evolution, ecology, human impacts on the environment and some of the human body systems. Biology studies some of the most important topics that affect human life and the environment we live in. During this class we will gain knowledge about ourselves, the millions of other organisms we share planet earth with, and the effects we have on each other. Students are required to successfully complete 20 hours of laboratory experiences with satisfactory written reports in order to sit for the Regents exam.

Regents Earth Science w/ Lab – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Living Environment

Earth Science explores the physical, historical and theoretical components responsible for our world as it exists today, and in the future. Astronomy, geology, geography, oceanography, paleontology and meteorology are studied in the course. Social issues such as air and water pollution and natural resources are highlighted. Students are required to perform 1,200 minutes of laboratory experience and supply sufficient documentation pertaining to the lab. The New York State Regents in Earth Science is given as a culminating assessment. A lab practical will also be administered in class during the 2 week window leading up to the Regents.

Regents Chemistry w/ Lab – 1 Credit

Prerequisites:

1. successful completion of both the Algebra & Geometry Regents
2. currently taking Algebra 2/Trigonometry
3. successful completion of both Living Environment & Earth Science Regents

Sometimes called ‘the central science’, chemistry bridges the physical and life sciences. Chemistry is the study of matter, energy, and the interactions between them. Chemistry focuses on the properties of substances and includes the following topics: atomic structure, periodic law, bonding and reactions, acid base and kinetic molecular theory, as well as organic and nuclear chemistry. Mathematics is an essential tool for the study of chemistry.

Applied Living Environment w/ Lab – 1 Credit

This course effectively enhances and streamlines the traditional Living Environment curriculum with a more focused approach to the core concepts of biology. This will develop the students’ scientific skills and knowledge to better prepare them for the NYS Living Environment regents exam administered in June. As a prerequisite for taking the exam, students will successfully complete 1200 laboratory minutes (including the four (4) NYS mandated laboratory experiences). Students are selected for participation in this class by their eighth grade science teacher and their school counselor.

Regents Physics w/ Lab – 1 Credit

Regents Science credit
Prerequisites: Students should have already completed Algebra 2/Trigonometry, and should be currently enrolled in Pre-Calculus or Calculus. Exceptions can be made with permission from the instructor for accelerated students with strong math skills who have not yet been able to take the required math courses.

The primary focus of Regents Physics at Cambridge Central School is problem solving. We will spend a large amount of time at the beginning of the year reviewing the requisite skills that you have learned in other classes, not only in science, but also in math, art, technology, and English (don’t worry, we’ll review history and foreign languages too!). For the remainder of the year, you will apply these skills to solve many types of problems in all areas of physics, from classical mechanics to modern physics.

AP and/or UHS Biology w/ Lab – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Completion of Living Environment and Chemistry Regents with 85% or higher, or permission from the instructor.

Successful completion of this course can provide 4-8 college credit hours.

This course is equivalent to an introductory biology course, typically taken during freshman year of college. The course curriculum integrates topics such as ecology, biochemistry, cells, bioenergetics, genetics, biotechnology and evolution to enhance understanding of how living systems interact, function and change through time. Science practices (through extensive lab experience) are heavily emphasized. Interested students should realize that this course is rigorous and requires attention to details. Students have several options when taking this course:

1. Sign up for the course as Bio 111, (General Biology I) at SUNY Adirondack. Students who receive a C or better receive 4 hours of college credit at SUNY Adirondack.
2. Sign up for the course as AP Biology and take the exam in May. AP students receive 1.1 x grade applicable to class rank at CCS. Depending on a student’s AP Exam score and the college they will be attending, they may receive up to 8 credits (the equivalent of a full year of Biology).
3. Sign up for both UHS and AP Biology simultaneously so that students are guaranteed the grade you receive in the class through SUNY Adirondack’s UHS program, and if you do well on the AP exam, you could receive additional credits.

UHS Environmental Science w/ Lab – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology, Earth Science and Chemistry.

The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methods required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. The following themes provide a foundation for the structure of the UHS Environmental Science course: science is a process, energy conversions underlie all ecological processes, the Earth itself is one interconnected system, humans alter natural systems, environmental problems have a cultural and social context, and human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systems. This course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory science college course in environmental science. Students may also choose the option to receive 4 academic college credits for successful completion of the course which is accredited by SUNY Adirondack.

Forensics – 1 Credit

Forensics is a course that provides students with a foundation in the application of scientific techniques used in connection with criminal studies of the law. Laboratory experiences help to provide the students with a basis for problem-solving techniques used in the investigation of crime scenes. Forensic science is a course that encompasses many scientific disciplines such as biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science. Topics covered in the Forensics curriculum include crime scene investigation, evidence collection, fingerprinting, hair analysis, fiber analysis, blood analysis, serology, DNA analysis, document analysis, forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, forensic toxicology, forensic entomology, and forensic psychology.

Agriculture Course Offerings

Agriculture 7

This course is an introductory course designed to expose middle school students to farm to table learning. Students will gain knowledge in ag in the past, plant science, natural resources, FFA/Leadership, and food science. All 5 of these topics will be covered within a 10-week period, allowing for 2 weeks of material in each topic. Students will “grow” their own food during this course, take care of it for 10 weeks, and enjoy their garden grown food during the last week of class.

Agriculture 8

This course is an introductory course designed to expose middle school students to agriculture. Students will gain knowledge in FFA/Leadership, Animal Science, Ag Engineering, Ag Business, and Ag in my future. All 5 of these topics will be covered within a 10-week period, allowing for 2 weeks of material in each topic. This course will wrap up the middle school curriculum and students will have a better knowledge of all areas of agriculture by the end of this course.

Intro to Agriculture – 1 Credit

Introduction to Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) introduces students to the range of agricultural opportunities and the pathways of study they may pursue. Students use this course’s introductory skills and knowledge throughout the curriculum. While surveying the opportunities available in agriculture and natural resources, students learn to solve problems, research, analyze data, work in teams, and take responsibility for their work, actions, and learning. Students investigate, experiment, and learn about documenting a project, solving problems, and communicating their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.

Horticulture – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Agriculture

Students will experience various Horticulture concepts through exciting “hand-on” activities, projects, and problems. Student experiences will include the study of Vegetable Production, Landscape Design, Floriculture, Greenhouse management, Fruit Production, Nursery Production, etc. Students will discover the value of plant production and its impact on the individual, the local, and the global economy. Students will work on major projects and problems similar to those that plant science specialists, such as horticulturalists, agronomists, greenhouse and nursery managers, and plant research specialists, face in their respective careers. This class is for second year Ag students only.

Animal Science – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Agriculture

The course exposes students to agriculture, animal science, and related career options. Students participating in this course will have experiences in various animal science concepts with exciting hands-on activities, projects, and problems. Students’ experiences will involve the study of animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, health, selection, and marketing. This class is for second year Ag students only. Intro to Ag must be taken before this class.

Ag Leadership/SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) – 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Science.
*Can be doubled up with either Horticulture or Animal Science with instructor approval.

Students are introduced to leadership skills and the role of the FFA in developing active citizens in the agriculture industry. Students explore the wide variety of career options in agriculture and identify the knowledge, skills, education, and training necessary for success within these fields. Students will each participate in SAE scholarships, grants and awards during this class. This class is designed for students who are heavily involved in FFA.