The science department of Cardinal O'Hara High School strives to “bring science to life” for our students. We are required by New York State to incorporate 1200 minutes of hands-on lab instruction into our Regents courses, but often there are classroom activities that demonstrate the concepts being taught. Field trips are invaluable learning tools that we provide for our students and the Science Club exists to keep the excitement alive. We have been to these places on field trips: the Niagara River Gorge, D’Youville College Gross Anatomy Lab, Buffalo Museum of Science, Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Maize, University at Buffalo, sleepover at the Buffalo Zoo.
Department Goals:
- All students will pass the Regents exams in Living Environment and Earth Science.
- All students will pass 3 years of science course work.
- Students will incorporate science concepts into their everyday lives.
- Students will have the opportunity to explore scientific concepts more deeply through independent, student-designed projects completed with the guidance of their teachers.
- Struggling students will be supported through after-school remediation.
Science Department Faculty and Course Descriptions:
NYS Regents Courses offered every year:
Living Environment – Biology is the study of living things and their interactions. This course is designed to help students apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting as well as the living environment. Students also learn to recognize the historical development of ideas in science. Along with the class material, students are also required to complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory time to be eligible to take the NYS Regents exam. Failure to complete ALL lab minutes results in an inability to take the final exam.
Earth Science – This course of study covers the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. The lab requirement is in effect for this course as well.
Chemistry – This course is a rigorous study of matter and the changes it undergoes. It involves many hands-on investigations involving familiar materials and concepts that can be applied to everyday life. This course is encouraged for students interested in science-related careers such as medicine and technology. The lab requirement is in effect for this course as well.
Physics – Physics is a comprehensive course dealing with real world phenomena at the macroscopic, subatomic, and cosmic levels. This course is encouraged for all students planning to study science in college. The lab requirement is in effect for this course as well.
Electives offered for 2010-2011:
Survey of Anatomy & Physiology (ECC BI149) –This is a rigorous course designed to strengthen the background of students seeking careers in the medical field or students interested in earning transferable college credit. It is a study of all body systems and has a heavy vocabulary component. Local credit is awarded for the completion of this course, with an option to earn 3 college credits through Erie Community College in addition. There will be a meeting in May to go over the college credit details.
Environmental Science – This course is designed to make students aware of the physical world around them, and the impact humans have on this world. We will explore the current state of the world’s environment, the impact of society’s decisions on the environment, the impact of our personal decisions on the environment, and what the future holds for our environment. Topics will include resource management, climate change, conservation, pollution, and alternative energy.
Introduction to Chemistry – This course of study covers basic chemistry concepts using a hands-on, real-life approach. This course is designed for students who do not plan to major in a science-related area in college. Topics will include classification of matter, atomic structure, chemical compounds, chemical reactions, solutions, acids and bases and organic chemistry. Local credit is earned for successful course completion.
Faculty Resource Pages (for students and parents):
Mrs. Marley Smith
Mrs. Erica Doktor
