Science / Living Environment

Course Name: Regents Living Environment

Course Description:

          The Living Environment Core Curriculum is based on Standard 4 of the Commencement level New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology; building on the concepts covered in the elementary and intermediate levels. It incorporates scientific inquiry from Standard 1, the use of information systems in Standard 2, the interconnectedness of content and skills and the problem-solving approaches in Standards 6 and 7.

Course Content:

          The course emphasizes an in depth understanding of major concepts rather than memorization of science facts. Key topics covered include: Characteristics of Living Systems, Human Structure and Function, Genetics and Mechanism of Inheritance, Genetic Engineering, Variation Adaptation Evolution, Reproduction and Development, Energy Pathways, Disease and Homeostasis, Interdependence, Biotic and Abiotic Interactions, and Technology and the Environment.

Course Requirements:

          The course culminates with a Regents exam. Students must successfully complete 1,200 minutes of NY State mandated hands-on laboratory exercises in order to be eligible to sit for the exam. The laboratory time is in addition to the normal instructional time compared to the other core courses. A satisfactory laboratory write-up is the criteria for successful completion of the lab exercise. There are four NYS recommended labs that are assessed on Part D of the Regents Exam.

Credit Requirements:

A grade of at least 65 on the exam is required for Regents credit.

A passing grade of 65 or above in the course earns in 1 credit toward the RCSD and NY State graduation requirements for science. The RCSD use the Regents exam as the final exam for the course.

The Rochester City School District does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status or political affiliation, and additionally does not discriminate against students on the basis of weight, gender identity, gender expression, and religious practices or any other basis prohibited by New York State and/or federal non-discrimination laws in employment or its programs and activities. The District provides equal access to community and youth organizations. NYS CR Part #154 requires the District to provide communications to ELL families in the home language that they best understand. In order to request interpretation or translation services, employees may visit www.rcsdk12.org/translationservices. For emergencies or immediate communication needs, please use the Language Line at 1-866-874-3972. School secretaries in each school or program can provide the access code for this service.