Science

At Shen, our science curriculum is based on the the New York State Standards.

NYS Assessments

NYS assessments for science are given in grade 5 and 8.

There are four science Regents Exams: Earth Science & Space Science (typically taken in gr. 9), Life Science: Biology (typically taken in Gr. 10), Physical Science: Chemistry (typically taken in grade 11), Physical Science: Physics (typically taken in grade 12).

For a Regents Diploma, students must achieve a minimum score of 65 on any Regents Science Exam. For an Advanced Regents Diploma, students must achieve a minimum score of 65 on the Living Environment Regents Exam and one other Science Regents Exam.

Elementary School Science

At Shen, science is integrated into the daily classroom schedule by the classroom teacher at the elementary level. The elementary science curriculum is focused on the development of science process skills. The application of these skills allows students to investigate important issues in the world around them.

Students who demonstrate higher abilities in science may be challenged through the science component to QUEST where students solve problems through inquiry based projects. For enrichment, students grades K-5 are also encouraged to participate in Shen Inventors. In this PTA-sponsored program, students develop an invention following the engineering design process. There are also enrichment opportunities provided through SAGE Saturday Scholars program.

Middle School Science

Beginning in gr. 6, students participate in daily science courses. Instruction is focused on understanding important relationships, processes, mechanisms, and applications of concepts. Students play a central role in the discovery process. The curriculum is a student-centered, problem-solving approach to intermediate science.

Students demonstrating a high ability in science are challenged through a wide range of acceleration options beginning in grade 8.

For learners struggling in science, the district uses a Response-to-Intervention process that matches instructional interventions to students’ specific skill deficits. Progress is closely monitored and changes in instruction are based on data collected from on-going assessment. Academic Intervention Services (AIS) are provided to any student who is falling behind in meeting the state standards. Students are identified for AIS in science at the middle school based on their performance on the gr. 4 state exams.

High School Science

In high school students take science classes with a laboratory component. Shenendehowa High School offers a variety of courses and sequences for science to challenge students within their abilities. We provide a strong foundation in science for students so they are well prepared for college and/or a career.

At the high school, students are challenged in science through a wide range of honors, acceleration and Advanced Placement courses.

For learners struggling in science, extra help is available. Students should work with their teacher to develop strategies for success. Information for tutoring services is available in the Counseling Center.

Graduation Requirements in Science

In order to graduate with a Regents/Advanced Regents Diploma, students must take 3 units in science.

For a Regents Diploma, students must achieve a minimum score of 65 on any Regents Science Exam. For an Advanced Regents Diploma, students must achieve a minimum score of 65 on the Life Science: Biology Regents Exam and one other Science Regents Exam.

High School Lab Policy

According to the New York State Education Department, students enrolled in a Regents Science course must satisfactorily complete a Laboratory Requirement in order to be eligible to sit for the Regents Examination in that Science.

This policy requires that students complete hands-on laboratory activities accompanied by acceptable laboratory reports. Consequently, students must participate in and complete acceptable written reports for the laboratory activities assigned by their science teacher.