Science Elective Courses – Kellenberg Memorial

The senior schedule allows for a wide selection of courses for the mandatory fourth (third for rising juniors) year of science chosen from the following: Astronomy, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Forensics, Geology, Health Science, and Sports Medicine. Each rising senior (and rising junior currently taking Physics) MUST choose from one of these courses. During the week of February 24, junior (and sophomore who are currently taking Physics) students will log on to the PowerSchool student portal in order to solidify course choices for next year. Please review the course descriptions below to consider the choices.

Astronomy

This course is an inquiry oriented, descriptive astronomy course applying the basic concepts of the physical sciences to the study of the solar system, galaxy, and universe. Topics include the movements of the sun and moon, stars of the night sky, the celestial sphere, constellations with Greek mythology, and modern constellations. Students will develop a detailed understanding of planets, spectra, star classification, galaxies, deep sky objects, cosmology, and the search for extraterrestrial life. They will identify the main constellations visible in the northern hemisphere as well as analyze the motions of the sun, moon, and planets in the planetarium and outdoors during night labs at the observatory. Dual college credit is available for this course.

Engineering

This STEM course, taught by either Mr. Campbell or Mr. Sorkin, offers junior and senior students an opportunity to explore authentic engineering challenges using professional tools and techniques. Students will gain hands-on experience with MATLAB, a leading software program widely used in the engineering field, to solve real-world problems. The course also incorporates Arduino projects, where students progressively enhance their coding and circuit-building skills through engaging, practical applications. As a project-based course, students work independently on assignments that integrate engineering principles, physical science concepts, and technical communication, culminating in product design presentations. This course mirrors the freshman engineering curriculum at Hofstra University and aligns with the first-year requirements of many engineering programs, emphasizing MATLAB as a computational tool. Dual college credit is available, providing students with a head start on their engineering education.

Environmental Studies

This course will explore the environmental problems that the world is facing with respect to population, global warming, energy consumption, demand and resources, recycling and waste from a scientific approach. The course will use a hands-on approach when possible to explore the concepts. Students will learn the interconnectedness of life, energy flow and the effect of the human impact on the environment while learning science skills such as data analysis, graphing and the use of technology. The class also covers the history of the environmental movement, sustainable food production practices, water and water pollution, soil and soil pollution and waste management. Dual college credit is available for this course.

Forensics

In forensics science, students will get an introduction to the history of, and varied science disciplines involved in, forensics. Emphasis will be placed on the application of science to investigate evidence in a variety of forms. They will learn the difference between forensic science and crime scene investigation. Laboratory work will center on applying principles and techniques of various sciences to the examination and comparison of biological evidence, trace evidence, impression evidence, and ballistics. Students will develop a strong foundation in physical and natural sciences as they relate to the relevant aspects of the legal system.

Geology

Geology is the core discipline of the earth sciences and encompasses many different phenomena, including plate tectonics and mountain building, volcanoes and earthquakes, and the long-term evolution of Earth’s atmosphere, surface and life. Because of the ever-increasing demand for resources, the growing exposure to natural hazards, and the changing climate, geology is of considerable societal relevance. Through a combination of lectures and labs, we will address topics ranging from mineral and rock identification to the origin of the continents, from geologic mapping to plate tectonics, and from erosion by rivers and glaciers to the history of life. Dual college credit is available for this course.

Health Sciences

Health Science is a course taken by students who are interested in entering an undergraduate Allied Health-related program. Students will be exposed to Anatomy and Physiology of the human body systems along with an introduction to Kinesiology, Microbiology, Pathology and Forensic Science. As these topics are vital prerequisites for any Allied Health-related field, this course is aimed at early exposure to such materials before the student enters a college undergraduate program.

Sports Medicine

This course is a full academic year course designed for students who are interested in fields such as athletic training, physical therapy, and other sports medicine related fields. This class will provide students with a general overview of athletic training, sports medicine, and its history. This class will include introductory information about the athletic trainer’s scope of practice: injury prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, emergency injury management and administrative functions. It is offered as a classroom and lab course to provide students with an avenue through which to explore these fields of study. This course focuses on the basic information and skills important in the recognition of, care, prevention, and preliminary rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Dual college credit is available for this course.