GENERAL STUDIES CURRICULUM:
Science
The primary objective of the science curriculum is to provide varied experiences for the talmid so that he may have a more complete understanding and awareness of the phenomenon of the world around him, his relationship to it, and his place in it. In addition, the program tries to identify talmidim with special aptitudes and interests in science and to provide them with opportunities to pursue their interests.
Talmidim are required to take at least three years of Regents-level science courses and are encouraged to take four years of science.
Global History and Geography I
The goals of this college level course are to gain knowledge of basic chronology and of major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present, and also to gain understanding of some of the principle themes in modern European history. If you do well on the AP exam you will earn 3 college credits.
Biology
This course affords talmidim a working knowledge of biological processes and principles; an appreciation of life cycles and ecology; an understanding of the scientific method and its application to modern experimentation; and hands-on laboratory experience. Talmidim study cell theory in plants and animals, both "in vivo" and as prepared specimens, organic compounds and the chemistry of life, the digestive, respiratory, nervous, reproductive endocrine and excretory systems; and concepts in genetics from Mendel to recombinant DNA and gene-splitting.
Chemistry
Through in-class and laboratory experiences, this Regents level course exposes talmidim to concepts in matter and energy; bonding; molecular structure; atomic structure; the periodic table; solids, liquids and gases; kinetics and equilibrium; electrochemistry; Organic chemistry and the application of principles of reaction. The laboratory program is used to demonstrate physical properties and introduces talmidim to quantitative chemical measurements. The course emphasizes scientific reasoning and its exploratory processes.
Courses in the 11th and 12th grade include Physics, Earth Science, Advanced Placement Computer Science, Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Placement Chemistry and Advanced Placement Psychology.
Immunology / Physiology
This elective course focuses mainly on issues concerning the Human Immune System. The range of topics covered in this course includes, but is not limited to, HIV and AIDS, Parasitology, Sexually Transmitted Infections., Drugs and their effect on the body, Diet and Nutrition. The central goal of this course is to provide detailed physiological reasons and explanations for a selected group of important health issues plaguing today’s society. This course involves some independent research, current events in health, research papers and long-range projects. Daily attendance is mandatory and class participation plays a definite role in the students’ grades.
AP Biology
This course is the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. It is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology and one in high school chemistry. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. You need a 90 average in ninth grade biology and tenth grade chemistry. This course is the equivalent of a full year (two semesters) of college biology.
AP Chemistry
This course is designed to investigate advanced topics in chemistry. Talmidim wishing to take this course must demonstrate honor-level work in biology and chemistry. Talmidim who do honor-level work in the course may take the Advanced Placement examination in May. Specific topics include: classification of matter; chemical reactions; thermochemistry; atomic structure; periodic property of elements; chemical thermodynamics and others.
AP Physics
A typical College Freshman Physics, this course will involve at least one lab period per week. Students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement Examination in Physics.
AP Psychology
This course will be a semester introductory course in college psychology offered in a full school year. Major areas of study will include methods, approaches and history; biological bases of behavior; developmental psychology; personality; abnormal psychology; treatment of psychological disorders; and social psychology. Students may take this course for AP credit, college credit or high school credit. (AP examination often yields 3 credits depending on the college.)
The science program also offers interested talmidim assistance in developing science research projects for competitions such as the Long Island Science Congress and Intel (Siemens- Westinghouse). For more information see Special Programs.