Science Courses

The Science Department at Edward R. Murrow High School is proud to offer our students a wide range of disciplines in the study of STREAM courses. (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). Students have the opportunity to learn these disciplines in the best settings possible; Murrow houses a state of the art planetarium, a modernized greenhouse- that houses aquaponics and hydroponics systems, - a marine science lab, an engineering/robotics lab and a level 1 biohazard student research laboratory.

This is addition to Regents' level Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, Biology and Physics laboratories. We pride ourselves in offering a variety of unique courses and electives. These are designed to integrate our unique facilities with a wide range of students' interests.

Course Selection

Every student must successfully complete a minimum of three units of study for a high school diploma.

One unit of study must include: Biology
A second unit must consist of one of the Physical Setting courses- Chemistry, Earth & Space Science or Physics.
The third may be another Physical Setting course or a science elective.

Students interested in Murrow Med Certification should take a science class every semester of their education at Murrow. In some cases, you may need to double up on science in order to get a certification.

Course Descriptions

Except for selected students, all students entering Murrow will follow the Regents sequence of Science courses. Although most entering students will take Regents Biology, alternatives include Regents Chemistry for strong math students or Regents Earth & Space Science. Regents Physics is recommended as a culminating course.

Regents Level Courses

Biology	SLS21/2	2 Semesters
A one-year, standards based course where students study how organisms carry on basic life processes, evolve, reproduce and interact with one another and their environment. Students complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory instruction, as mandated by the New York State Education Department. This course culminates in a Regents exam. Students enrolled in this class will take the New York State Regents Examination upon completion of its sequence. This course is also offered in Chinese and Spanish. Integrated Co-teaching classes (ICT) are also offered.

Physical Settings: Earth &Space Science	SES21/2	2 Semesters
A one-year, standards- based course where students study the history of the Earth and dynamic processes that formed and changed our planet, including plate tectonics, weather and astronomy. Students complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory instruction, as mandated by the New York State Education Department. Students enrolled in this class will take the New York State Regents Examination upon completion of its sequence. This course is also offered in Chinese and Spanish. ICT classes are also offered. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology, Algebra and their respective Regents exams.

Physical Settings: Chemistry	SCS21/2	2 Semesters
A one-year, standards-based course where students study the structure of matter, physical and chemical changes, acid- base chemistry, oxidation and reduction, radioactivity and organic chemistry. Students complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory instruction, as mandated by the New York State Education Department. Students enrolled in this class will take the New York State Regents Examination upon completion of its sequence. ICT classes are also offered. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology and/or Earth & Space Science and Algebra, with a 75+ on Regents exams.

Physical Settings: Physics	SPS21/2	2 Semesters
A one- year, standards-based course where students study motion, forces, energy, light and electricity. Students complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory instruction, as mandated by the New York State Education Department. Students enrolled in this class will take the New York State Regents Examination upon completion of its sequence. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology, Earth & Space Science and/or Chemistry and Geometry with a 75+ on Regents exams.

Third Year Non-Regents Courses

Astronomy	SRS21/2	2 Semesters
Students will explore the cosmos in the Hubble Planetarium and in the classroom, discovering the worlds of the solar system, the stars of the Milky Way, and the origin and evolution of the universe. Students complete laboratory work once a week in the planetarium. Requirements: Successful completion of Earth & Space Science and Algebra

Controlled Environment Agriculture	SGS11/2	2 Semesters
Is any form of agriculture where the environment is highly controlled by the farmer. This includes greenhouse, hydroponics, and aquaponics. Our hands-on hydroponic CTE certification program/elective curriculum will provide students with the seed-to-harvest technical skills for growing food in an indoor hydroponic farm setting.

Engineering the Future	SKS41/2	2 Semesters
Students will explore cutting edge concepts of energy and matter, systems and systems models, structure and function. Students learn and practice like engineers. They will invent and improve products, processes and systems, They work to understand how technology affects society and the environment. They discover the complementary relationships among science, mathematics, technology and engineering. ICT courses are also offered. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra

Environmental Science	SQS21/2 QE	2 Semesters
Students will examine topics related to living ecology, energy and technology, environmental pollution and environmental analysis. Extensive laboratory activities. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology, Earth & Science and Algebra

Forensic Science	SFS21/2	2 Semesters
Students will investigate scientific methodologies to solve crime, including DNA analysis, handwriting and fingerprinting analysis, blood splatter studies and crime scene recreation. Extensive laboratory activities. ICT classes are also offered. *Requirements:* Successful completion of Biology and Algebra

Introduction to Coding (Python)	SKS21QP/2	2 Semesters
A general elective offered to all grade levels. This course provides a solid foundation in object- oriented programming and prepares students for AP Computer Science Principles. Students will code in text- based Python. The course also provides career focus, where at the end of units, students meet (via videos) individuals from different industries who work in coding ( medical, music, etc.) This course is part of Amazon's Future Engineer Program. Requirements: Algebra 1 prerequisite or concurrent enrollment

Marine Science	SWS21/2 QB	2 Semesters
Students will be studying marine biology and oceanography, exploring how the physical and biological characteristics of the ocean interact with each other to affect marine life. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology.

Project -Based Physics (Non-Regents Physics)	SPS21QN/2	2 Semesters
This course is a fully hands- on/inquiry- based approach to learning physics. Students are provided with lab materials to conceptualize and formulate different strategies to apply physical concepts in investigating the answers to real world issues. Students will present and discuss their findings to their classmates. The responsibility of learning is placed on students. They must explain to their classmates what they have learned in a such a way that ensures all classmates fully understand the material. ICT courses are forthcoming Requirements: Successful completion of Earth & Space Science and/or Chemistry and Geometry with a 75+ on Regents exams. This is a lab- based approach to Physics. All labs are performed during class time.

Robotics	SKS43/4	2 Semesters
The robotics and engineering program at Edward R. Murrow High Schools seeks to provide all levels of students an introduction to engineering ideas, design innovations, and hands-on problem solving. The program is intended to expose students to the framework within which engineers typically operate. Students will work in teams and design and build projects that are cost efficient. Students will be introduced to problems where multiple solutions are possible. Although the programs is "field independent," it does introduce students to problems and ideas from specific engineering disciplines. The goal of the program is to provide students with working knowledge of contemporary engineering practices, the problem -solving process, and the tools and technologies engineers employ, as well as an understanding of the design process including competition, cost, quality, scheduling and manufacturability considerations and the opportunity to compete and practice in an actual design projects- building a robot (NY FIRST Robotics and US NAVY Sea Perch Competitions).

Sustainability	SWS21/2 Q/TM	2 Semesters
How can we live our lives to the fullest without using up all of Earth's natural resources, so nothing is left for our children? This survey course will introduce students to the rapidly emerging field of environmental sustainability. Students will explore how human beings can continue to improve international standards of living without causing irreversible damage to the Earth's limited natural resources. While this course is grounded in science and technology, it also will incorporate sociology, economics, politics, ethics and philosophy. At the end of the semester students will design a sustainable project for their community. The project will include a description of the community issue based on the three pillars of sustainability (environment, equity, economics), data analysis, current estimated ecological footprint, detailed description of the community/issues of equity, the sustainable technologies to be utilized, projected outcomes, projected new ecological footprint, estimated environmental/social/economic impacts.

Advanced Electives


Anatomy and Physiology	SWS11QA	1 Semester
Students will examine the essential principles of human anatomy and physiology, including basic chemistry, cell and tissue studies, and an overview of all the body systems. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra

Food Science	SQS21QF	1 Semester
Students will discuss the processing, production, evaluation and use of food, covering the chemistry, biology and physics of nutrition. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra

Genetics	SWS11QE	1 Semester
Students will study genetic laws and principles as they relate to modern theories. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology and Algebra

Science of Emotions	SBS11	1 Semester
This applied course takes an interdisciplinary approach to explore the interactions of human thoughts, feelings, behaviors and experiences. Students will examine the social and biological contributions to depression, anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as their diagnosis and treatments. In addition to academic study, students will actively participate in modalities such as Mindfulness practices and Restorative Circles to develop a comprehensive understanding of personal and community mental health Requirements: None

Organic Chemistry	SDS11QC	1 Semester
Students will analyze the science behind hydrocarbons, alcohols, aromatics, synthesis and mechanism Requirements: Successful completion of Chemistry and Geometry

Special Programs

Murrow Med

This is a honors science certificate given to those students who have excelled in science and are interested in careers related to medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, psychiatry, veterinary medicine, engineering or research. For more information please explore this link

M.S.T.A.R. Program:

(Mathematics Science Technology and Research) - This program is designed for students who are interested in the Murrow Med Program but would like to major in Science Research. Students who are part of the MSTAR program will complete the full Murrow Med program but take Science Research as their concentration of electives. Each student in the MSTAR program will be provided with the opportunity to do independent work at a research lab in the New York metropolitan area. Students will be expected to enter their projects in the school wide science fair, as well as other competitions such as the Intel Science Talen Search, Otto Bergdorf Competition, ACT- SO and the NEW York City Science and Engineering Fair.

Students must remain in the program for at least two (2) years and maintain an 85 average in order to remain in the program.

MSTAR Courses

Research Biology: First Year research students: SLS21QJ

Research Chemistry (Level 1): First year research students who successfully completed Biology in the 8th grade: SCS21QJF

Research Chemistry (Level 2): Second year research students: SCS21QJ

Research Physics: Second and third year students: SPS21QJ

Note: Second and third year research students will combine their Honors Regents course with SQS21X- Please see AP courses below for more information.

MSTAR courses are extensive in lab activities, oral presentations, reading and writing.

Requirements: Approval of the Science Department A.P. and MSTAR Coordinator. Successful completion of subject area requirements with a G and 80+ on Regents exams.

Intel Science Seminar	SQS11	2 Semesters
Juniors and Seniors who have already completed a science project will be provided with guidance and assistance in preparing the application and report for the Intel Science Talent Search. Students will be assisted with statistical analysis of their data. Extensive Lab activities, reading and writing involved. Requirements: Approval of the Science Department A.P. and MSTAR Coordinator. Successful completion of subject area requirements with G and 85+ on Regents exams.

Advanced Placement Courses

The Advanced Placement in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are rigorous, college level, laboratory- based courses. Students meet for a double band each week and cover a comprehensive curriculum. Students are required to attend an information session, make a full year commitment and successfully complete a summer assignment. All students who complete our AP courses are eligible to apply for and take an advanced placement examination which may earn them college credit.

In addition we offer Advanced Placement courses in Environmental Science, and Computer Science. We also offer college level research classes for our MSTAR students. All of these courses provide students with the eligibility of college credits.

Advanced Placement Biology	SBS21/2 X	2 Semesters
Extensive lab activities, reading and writing involved. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Geometry with a G and 85+ on Regents exams.

Advanced Placement Chemistry	SCS21/2 X	2 Semesters
Extensive lab activities, reading and writing involved. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry and Geometry with G and 85+ on Regents exam.

Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles	SKS21/2 X	2 Semesters
This course is for anyone who wants to create (not just use) technology. We will learn the rules and instructions that are used to construct apps and computer programs. Why does pressing a "button" on a touch screen make something happen? We will then apply those instructions into creating our own apps with a partner. Along the way we will learn about how data is used, how the internet works, and how computers were first made. Extensive reading and writing involved. Requirements: There are no specific prerequisites (officially), but a student should have mastered algebraic concepts (as evidenced by a passing Algebra Regents score). Juniors and Seniors only.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science	SQS21/2X	2 Semesters
AP Environmental Science is an up-to-date introduction to the most important concepts in the environment. The approach is interdisciplinary in nature and integrates the natural science with environmental ethics, economics, law, impact and planning. Extensive lab activities, reading and writing involved. Requirements: Successful completion of Biology, Earth & Space Science and Geometry with a G and 85+ on Regents exams.

Advanced Placement Physics	SPS21/2 X	2 Semesters
Extensive lab activities, reading and writing involved. Requirements: Successful completion of Regents Physics and Geometry (may take it at the same time) with a G and 85+ on Regents exams.

For more information, please contact:

	Mr. Carlos Reyes A.P. Science Department 718-258-9283 Ext. 3850 [email protected]
Ms. Raywattie Chan MSTAR Coordinator 718-258-9283 Ext. 4800 [email protected]		Ms. Virginia Gee- Sullivan Greenhouse Coordinator (Aquaponics/ Hydroponics) 718-258-9283 Ext. 3810 [email protected]
	Mr. Marc Horowitz Planetarium Coordinator 718-258-9283 Ext. 4920 [email protected]