Some 8th grade students are enrolled in the NYS Physical Setting-Earth Science course and take the Earth Science Regents Examination in June of 8th grade. These one-credit high school science courses are built around a laboratory-based curriculum, requiring participation in laboratory activities and the successful completion of laboratory reports. The major units of study include:
- Measuring Earth
- Earth in Space
- Minerals and Rocks
- Surface Processes
- The Dynamic Crust
- Geologic History
- Meteorology
- Climate
All other 8th grade students are enrolled in the commencement-level NYS Living Environment course, and take the Living Environment Regents Examination in June of 8th grade. This one-credit high school science course is also a laboratory-based curriculum, requiring participation in laboratory activities and the successful completion of laboratory reports. The major units of study include:
- The Cellular Nature of Life
- Reproduction and Development
- Genetic Continuity
- Change and Evolution
- Dynamic Equilibrium: Homeostasis
- Adaptations for Maintenance: an Evolutionary Perspective
- Ecology and Human Impact on the Planet Earth