HSTAT Academics

(Must have taken and passed Living Environment) ZQSBX

The AP Biology course primarily concentrates on cellular biology and biochemistry, which are both important topics for those pursuing medical and scientific careers to comprehend and apply. Genetics, photosynthesis, cellular metabolic functions, evolution, and ecology are also studied at a depth far surpassing a Living Environment course. You will regularly work in student teams to develop advanced reasoning and inquiry skills, as you independently design experiments, collect and analyze data using statistics, and interpret data to write up conclusions. Students should be prepared to ask many questions, to draw biological models and phenomena, and to work with live organisms or insects regularly for scientific experiments.

(Must have completed Alg 1, Alg 2, Geometry) MCS21X

Explore the key concepts, methods, and applications of single-variable calculus including functions, graphs, and limits, derivatives, integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Become familiar with concepts, results, and problems expressed in multiple ways including graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. Use technology to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results, and support your conclusions.

(Must have passed the Algebra and Chemistry) ZQSCX

Learn about the fundamental concepts of chemistry such as structure and states of matter, intermolecular forces, reactions, and how to use chemical calculations to solve problems. Develop your ability to think clearly and express your ideas with clarity and logic, both orally and in writing. Work with classmates to conduct meaningful laboratory investigations that let you observe chemical reactions and substances, interpret your findings, and communicate your results.

(Juniors only) EES85X

AP English Language and Composition course is a study of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts that follow the historical and literary movements in American Literature from Native American Literature to Contemporary Literature and nonfiction. Students will develop the skills to independently analyze nuanced themes, write complex arguments and papers of literary analysis, and make connections across disciplines. Through reading and writing, students will study the interactions among a writer’s purpose and content and reader expectations, as well as genre conventions and language use. This course will support you in developing your writing in order to be college-ready and an informed citizen.

(Seniors only) EES87X

The AP Literature and Composition course invites you to explore literary works from several different genres and periods. Through close reading, students will deepen their understanding of how writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. Learn to read and think critically as you experience great literary works, interpret those texts, and evaluate their quality and artistic achievement. Students will also consider the social and historical values the literature reflects and embodies. Considering the context, language use, and criticisms of works of literary merit will support you in developing your discussion and writing skills for college and beyond.

(Must have passed the Physics and Algebra) ZQSPX

Develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills through inquiry based learning. Explore topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits.

(Must have completed Alg 1, Alg 2, Geometry) MSS21X

The big question of the AP statistics course is: How can we use information from a sample to make predictions about a population. For example: before an election, give a survey to 500 Brooklyn residents asking who they plan to vote for, and use this to predict voting percentages for all Brooklyn residents. Along the way, we look at what patterns we can use (linear models, exponential models, normal curve, etc) to help us make predictions, and explore how we can adjust our work to make our predictions more accurate.

(Seniors only) HGS21X

Focus on the development of historical thinking skills, not just the collection and memorization of information and events. Explore key themes of history, including interaction with economic systems and socials structures, from approximately 8,000 BC to present.

TYS21X

(CSP) introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, AP CSP prepares students for college and career.

(Juniors only) HUS21X

This course is divided into two semesters: United States History from European Exploration through Reconstruction (1491-1877) and The Gilded Age through the Present.
THIS COURSE IS INSTRUCTED AT A COLLEGE LEVEL. Advanced Placement is offered as a way for you to potentially receive college credit for United States History with a REQUIRED culminating College Board exam in May, which means there is a rigorous level of reading, writing, analysis, discussion, and depth of content in this course. Students will be expected to consistently analyze, synthesize, and evaluate primary and secondary historical sources at a rigorous level and pace, in addition to a high level of application, comprehension, and memorization.

(English and History) ZJBHP1

BHP delivers a big picture look at the world, and helps students develop a framework to organize what they’re learning both in and out of school. After you leave this class, you will have a better understanding of how we got here, where we’re going, and how you fit in. It’s a class that was 13.8 billion years in the making.

(Elective SS Credit) HBS11UCJ

This course endeavors to provide students with an overview of crime in America and the three elements of the criminal justice system: the police, the courts, and corrections. Questions to be investigated include: What environmental, psychological and biological factors contribute to the making of the criminal mind? Should the police be allowed to break the rules in order to catch criminals? To what extent do class and race affect the quality of justice?

(Art and English Credit) ZJEOUH

This course introduces students to outstanding literature, art, film and music from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. By exploring the way these subjects are related, students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of modern American culture and the individuals who influenced the humanities.

(Social Studies Credit) HBS11UQS

The Behavioral and Social Sciences are stepping stones to understanding general truths about human social behaviors. This course will use an historical and interrelated review of contemporary issues, such as work, authority and violence, to help students gain a greater appreciation of the behavioral and social forces that influence their world, both globally and locally.

(Math Credit) MSS11U

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the rudiments of statistics and probability. Particular attention is paid to practical real-life applications and statistics.

(English and History) ZJBHP1

BHP delivers a big picture look at the world, and helps students develop a framework to organize what they’re learning both in and out of school. After you leave this class, you will have a better understanding of how we got here, where we’re going, and how you fit in. It’s a class that was 13.8 billion years in the making.

(Tech) TYS21X

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, AP CSP prepares students for college and career.

(Tech) TYS21XJ

*ONLY OPEN TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED SEP 9, 10, AND 11.

This course uses Java to understand object-oriented programming. It includes data structures and abstraction, and emphasizes problem solving and algorithm development. The course is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester course in computer science.

(Art Credit)

In this class, you will learn how to create and perform music on a variety of instruments, including xylophones, keyboards, drums, and guitars. You’ll learn the basics of rhythm, different musical styles, and how to perform as a group ensemble. You may also create compositions through programs like Garage Band. Students may have the opportunity to perform in school-wide events as well. Beginner musicians welcome!

(English and Art Credit) ZJQML

This class is designed to provide students the opportunity to discuss, write about, and analyze thematic albums and lyrics by musicians such as Bob Dylan, Kendrick Lamar, and others. Students’ analysis and interpretations of the albums will be focused heavily on the lyrics. The class will treat the lyrics at the same level as literature. Students will have the opportunity to analyze literary elements, research background information, and bring in outside knowledge and supplemental materials into their approach to the classwork. If you love music and digging deep to find deeper meaning in lyrics, this is the class for you.

(Art Credit) ANS11

Studio Art is an introductory art course designed to introduce students to visual arts and make interdisciplinary connections to other disciplines. The goal of this course is to introduce students to a variety of art media and through hands on art projects, students explore art as a form of self expression, and social commentary. This course provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the elements of art and principles of design in order to analyze, interpret, and participate in the visual arts community and culture in our world. Students will also gain practice and knowledge of the basic skills and techniques artists use to articulate ideas. Students will reflect and write artists statements that will lead to a final design project to be presented in the annual Art Show.

(Art Credit) ALS11

Advanced Art is a course designed for students that would like to build an art portfolio and pursue further studies or a career in the arts. Students should already have knowledge of the elements of art and principles of design, most commonly acquired through a previous art class, before enrolling in this course. This course allows students to investigate their own personal style and interests while responding to issues, building self-expression, and discovering personal interests. Students will advance their knowledge of specific techniques and skills, build awareness of current art practice, critical writing and reflection, and problem-solving. The main objective of this course is to develop an extensive, personal, and quality body of work that qualifies for college admission as well as guide students to become independent creative thinkers and makers.

(English and Art Credit) ZJYRBK

*SENIORS ONLY.
Students in this course will be designing and creating Polaris, the HSTAT yearbook. Students will write, take photographs, and sell and design advertisements. Each student will be responsible for a specific page or pages of the yearbook, so responsibility is a must for this class.

(Elective Social Studies Credit) HBS11QPS

This course provides students insight into human emotions, behavior and motives by examining the role of biology, parenting, personality and therapeutic theories. Students delve deep into the human psyche and uncover the mysteries of mood and personality disorders, neuroses, and mental illness. Take Psychology and answer some of your nagging questions!

(Elective Social Studies Credit) HGS21QUN

*THIS CLASS MEETS AFTER SCHOOL 1 DAY PER WEEK FROM 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
The primary aim of the course is to offer students a unique opportunity to learn about international relations while role-playing United Nations delegates. Students will participate in two to three conferences with delegations from high schools throughout the world at Hofstra University, Columbia University, and at the National High School Model United Nations Conference in New York City. Each delegation will attempt to accurately represent their country’s point of view as it is represented in the United Nations in New York City. Additionally, we will study the history of the UN and discuss the role of the United Nations as it works on varied issues including human rights, preservation of peace, and international politics.

(Life Science Credit) SWS11

Planting Seeds of the Future- Sustainability in an Urban Setting: This course will tackle the problems of living in an urban environment in a series of hands-on practical lessons and field trips. Learn about hydroponic systems (NFT, EAF, Dutch Bucket, aquaponics); plant growth requirements, growing structures (greenhouses), and plant nutrient requirements. Grow, harvest, and eat plants; troubleshoot problems as they arise, and gain a foundation in hydroponics suitable for working in newly emerging jobs such a hydroponic farming and green roof design and maintenance.

(Elective Social Studies Credit) HSS11QAA

How have Arab-Americans lives been shaped in Brooklyn? What does it mean to be Arab-American in the age of Trump? In this class, we will explore these questions and more! We will begin with the Arab-American experience in Brooklyn then widen our view to look at how the lives of Arab-American individuals throughout the United States are shaped by factors such as education, immigration, language, gender, family and religion, the election of Trump, the Yemeni bodega strikes, and the election of the first Palestinian-American woman to congress. We will conclude the course by asking “How are Arab-Americans shaping America today?”

(Art and SS Credit) ZJDPHOTO

We live in a visual world. In this class, we will explore how photographs have been used in different time periods and places to raise awareness of certain issues. Possible subjects of study will include war photography, Jacob Riis’ How the Other Half Lives, and Facebook phoneme, Humans of New York.  We will also try our hand at our own photo essays by documenting a social issue of personal importance.

(Science Credit) SFS11

The objective of Forensic Science is to give upper-class students a very basic understanding of forensic science and how it is used in criminal cases, by using published works and case examples. The class is designed around authentic performance assessments with students working in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge and reasoning. It involves all areas of science including biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, and earth science with an emphasis in complex reasoning and critical thinking. In addition, students must incorporate the use of technology, communication skills, language arts, art family and consumer science, mathematics and social studies.

(Math Credit) MQS11QF

Financial Math is a practical one-semester course that focuses on money skills, personal finance, money management, and economic fundamentals.

(Math Credit) MSS11

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to rudiments of statistics and probability. Particular attention is paid to practical real-life applications and statistics. This is the same curriculum as the College Now course. You cannot get credit for both this course and College Now Statistics.

(Science & English Credit) ZJSCIFI

Could Jurassic Park actually happen? Could another version of you exist in a parallel universe? Could you clone Sammy, your pet hamster? Do we have the technology to build a robot with intelligence and emotions? These are some of the questions we will explore in this class by reading works of science fiction, watching sci-fi films, completing hands-on labs and researching up-to-date developments in science and technology.

(Science and Technology Credit) ZJTSE

Learn about the fundamental concepts of computer programming through the block-based language Scratch and the text-based language Python.

(Physical Education credit) PPS11

Physical Education classes are designed to use sports to engage students in exercises to increase their overall fitness, core strength, speed, and flexibility.

(Physical Education credit) PGS11

Want to get in shape? In Weight Training, students learn how to use calisthenics, free weights and weight machines to work out safely. 

(Art and Physical Education credit) ZJDANCE

This class is a study in many genres of dance, including jazz, tap, and hip hop, and will incorporate techniques ranging from classical ballet to modern. Students can also expect to dance history, dance criticism and viewing, as well as improvisation and choreography. This course culminates in a mandatory performance.

(Physical Education credit) PFS11

This course is designed for students who are interested in CHALLENGING THEMSELVES physically. Participants will develop their agility, speed, skill strength and endurance through training and conditioning related to sports and fitness areas.