Science

The science program is activity and laboratory-based to enable students to learn from experiencing the effects of their manipulations on the world. Students learn to identify and solve problems, to recognize and use scientific methods, to be observant and make models to replicate an analogy, idea, or structure. They develop and improve skills essential in science, pursue research, record work appropriately and relate science to the world in which they live. Students learn to work efficiently on their own and in teams with peers. Our science curriculum currently includes Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science and Physics.

Science Students Earn College Credit

PHYSICAL GEOLOGY ROCKS AT STEVENSON

Advanced Physical Geology is a college-level laboratory course which is taught at the first year undergraduate level. Students can receive three college credits and an official transcript through SUNY Oneonta’s Earth Sciences Outreach Program (ESOP), in addition to fulfilling a Stevenson science requirement. The course is sponsored by a National Science Foundation grant. 

The course enhances and sharpens critical thinking and problem solving skills related to geologic processes and how they impact individuals, communities and societies.

Subjects covered this year include: Rocks and Minerals, Plate Tectonics (earthquakes, volcanos, mountain building and plate motion), Destructive Forces (weathering, erosion, and deposition), and Geologic Time (including relative and absolute dating and significant events that have occurred during the geologic eras- with a focus on those that have occurred in New York).

According to the American Chemical Society and the Bureau of Labor Statistics there is a shortage of geoscientists.¹ “I am eager to bring this course into our science curriculum,” said Julius Kahn science teacher. “We are giving Stevenson students an introduction to a field that has an immense demand for professionals.”     

The course is popular with students. Some of the feedback about the course includes:

“I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity to earn three college credits while still in high school.”

 

“I don’t really want to pursue a career in geoscience, however maybe this class will change my mind.”

 

“I love the idea of being given the opportunity to get a ‘leg up’ on my future education.”

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¹ Gonzales, L. M. & Keane, C. M. (2010). Who Will Fill the Geoscience Workforce Supply Gap?. Environmental Science & Technology, 44(2), 550-555. Retrieved from: http://www.atmos.washington.edu/~dargan/geojobs.pdf

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