IB World School
Annandale High School
4700 Medford Drive
Annandale VA 22003
Office: 703-642-4100
Fax: 703-642-4197
Science Department Homepage
Science Courses
| Biology Courses | Chemistry Courses | Physics Courses | Geosystems Courses | ESOL Science Courses |
Biology Courses
- Biology I Grades: 9-10 Credit: One Biology is a laboratory-oriented course designed to give students a background in biological concepts as well as experience in using the methods of scientific inquiry. The course focuses on the life processes that occur within the cell, the anatomy and physiology of complex multicellular organisms, and the ways by which life forms reproduce, develop, and adapt to conditions in their environment. The course includes a unit on human life eduction that addresses the topics of human reproduction and human development. Parents have the option of withdrawing their children from any or all topics included in the state-mandated Family Life Education portion. Students opting-out will be provided with alternative biology lessons.
- Biology I Honors Grades: 9-10 Credit: One Biology (Honors) utilizes a molecular approach to the study of biology. This lab-centered course stresses cell processes and the anatomy and physiology of multicellular organisms. Biology (Honors) includes a unit on human life education that addressees the topics of human reproduction and human development. Parents have the option of withdrawing thier children from any or all topics included in the state-mandated Family Life Education portion. Students opting-out will be provided with alternative biology lessons. Students will be involved in doing experimental/research projects, either independently or in teams.
- IB Biology I Grade: 11 Credit: One Prerequisite: IB Chemistry I or Chemistry I IB Biology I is the first year of a two-year sequence wherein students study biology in depth. Students study all of standard level topics in addition to beginning the higher level topics on the cell; nucleic acids and proteins; cell respiration and photosynthesis; genetics; human reproduction; defense against infectious disease; classification and diversity; nerves, muscles, and movement; and plant science. Students are required to complete an interdisciplinary science (Group 4) project. IB Biology I together with IB Biology II will prepare students for the higher level exam.
- IB Biology SL Grades: 11-12 Credit: One Prerequisite: IB Chemistry I or Chemistry I The core standard level topics are addressed including biochemistry, cell biology, theoretical and applied genetics, human health and physiology, diversity, evolution and natural selection, plant science, and ecology. The course is research oriented and students demonstrate skills of data collection and analysis. Students keep a laboratory notebook that is graded by IB standards according to the six areas of research: planning, observation, communication, manipulation, interpretation and attitude. Thus on all exams the student must demonstrate a knowledge of the biology content as well as an ability to analyze data. Students are required to complete an interdisciplinary science (Group 4) project. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the IB Biology standard level exam.
- IB Biology II HL Grade: 12 Credit: One Prerequisite: IB Biology I IB Biology II is the second year of a two-year sequence wherein students study Biology in depth. Students continue the higher level topics on the cell; nucleic acids and proteins; cell respiration and photosynthesis; genetics; human reproduction; defense against infectious disease; classification and diversity; nerves, muscles, and movement; and plant science. In addition, students study higher level options including evolution, neurobiology and behavior, applied plant and animal science, ecology and conservation, and human physiology. If dissections are part of the laboratory experience, alternatives are available. Students are required to take the IB Biology higher level exam.
- Human Anatomy And Physiology: An Introduction To The Medical Sciences Grades: 11-12 Credit: One Human Anatomy and Physiology provides students with an in-depth understanding and working knowledge of the human body. It covers the ten systems of the human body with emphasis on the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis. Lab activities cover both the physiological as well as the anatomical aspects of human biology. Careers in the medical sciences are explored and an independent project is required. If dissections are a part of the laboratory experience, alternatives are available. This course does not count as one of the science credits for the standard diploma. It can be used as the fourth science credit for an advanced studies diploma, if the student has already taken three science courses from three different disciplines.
Chemistry Courses
- Chemistry I: Grades: 10-11 Credit: One Prerequisites: one laboratory science and Algebra I credit Chemistry is designed to enable all students to acquire an understanding of how chemical theory is developed and how a chemist thinks and works. Students investigate the composition, properties, and reactions of matter. The approach is inductive and mathematical, as well as conceptual. Laboratory experiments and subsequent classroom analysis are integral components of the course.
- Chemistry I Honors: Grades: 10-12 Credit: One Prerequisites: One laboratory science course Corequisite: Algebra II or Advanced Algebra (Honors) Chemistry (Honors) utilizes an inductive approach to the teaching of chemistry. By performing a carefully planned sequence of laboratory experiments, students obtain evidence to support the development of the major concepts of modern chemistry. The history and philosophy of science are also stressed throughout the course. Students will be involved in doing experimental/research projects, either independently or in teams.
- IB Chemistry I: Grades:10-12 Credit: One Prerequisite: Biology I and Algebra I Corequisite: Recommended: Algebra II or Advanced Algebra II This course provides a general introduction to chemistry. The topics of study include atomic structure, ionic and covalent compounds, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, and acids and bases. The history and philosophy of science are included throughout the course. Students learn to design experiments, to collect data, and to analyze data using graphical and statistical methods. They design and conduct experimental research projects. IB Chemistry I meets the course requirements of Chemistry I or Honors.
- IB Chemistry II SL: Grades: 11-12 Credit: One Prerequisite: IB Chemistry I This college level course provides students with hands-on labratory experiences and a comprehensive study of introductory chemistry. Students study atomic theory, structure and bonding, energetics, equilibrium kinetics, periodicity, and carbon chemistry. A more thorough study is made of topics in organic chemistry than is traditionally done in high school chemistry. Students are required to take the IB Chemistry standard level exam.
Physics Courses
- Active Physics: Grades: 10-12 Credit: One Prerequisite: One year of a laboratory science. Active Physics is a physical science for special population students preparing for technical careers. This course has a strong emphasis on experimentation using computers and probeware. The five units of study include the physics of: sports, medicine, transportation, home and predictions. The physics content is presented in a problem solving manner to strengthen science and math content knowledge and skills.
- Physics I: Grades: 11-12 Credit: One Prerequisites: Two laboratory sciences Recommended Corequisite: Trigonometry and Math Analysis or Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry (Honors) Physics introduces the central concepts of physics, including the dual wave-particle nature of light, the conservation laws (mass, energy, and momentum), and atomic theory. This laboratory-centered course utilizes an approach that is inductive and mathematical as well as conceptual.
- Physics I Honors: Grades: 11-12 Credit: One Prerequisite: Two laboratory science courses Corequisite: Trigonometry and Math Analysis or Precalculus with Trigonometry Physics I Honors introduces the most central concepts of physics, including the dual wave-particle nature of light, the conservation laws (mass, energy, and momentum), and atomic theory. This course is laboratory-centered and employs the methods of scientific inquiry. Students will be involved in doing experimental/research projects, either independently or in teams.
- IB Physics I: Grades: 10-11 Credit: One Prerequisite: IB Biology I or Biology I Corequisite: Algebra II or higher math IB Physics I topics include mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves, thermodynamics, atomic physics, and the history of physics. Participation in an interdisciplinary science research (Group 4) project is required. Laboratory investigation forms a major component of the course and all students must maintain a portfolio of laboratory work that is presented to the IB examiners. At the end of the first year, students may choose to continue with either standard or higher level IB physics studies, according to the student's and the local school's offerings. This course is the first in a two-year sequence designed to prepare students for either the IB standard level or higher level examination in physics. Students design and conduct experimental research projects. IB Physics I meets the course requirement of Physics I GT or Honors.
- IB Physics II SL: Grades: 11-12 Credit: One Prerequisite: IB Physics I Corequisite: Precalculus or IB Mathematics The topics--mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, thermodynamics, and atomic physics--addressed in IB Physics I are revisited in more depth and breadth. Additionally, students study optics, astrophysics, relativity, biomedical physics, and historical physics. Students are required to complete an interdisciplinary science project. Students are required to take the IB Physics standard level exam.
Geosystems Courses
- Geosystems: Grades: 11-12 Credit: One Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry I Geosystems integrates content from geology, astronomy, oceanography and meteorology with various forms of technology, social and environmental issues, and hands-on experiments. Students will explore concepts using computers, telecommunications equipment, graphing calculators, probeware, CD-ROMs, and image processing software.
- Oceanography Science Elective: Grades: 11-12 Credit: Counts as a science elective but is not considered a lab science; can be an elective fourth science for an advanced diploma Who should consider this course: Students with an interest in marine systems; a willingness to work; a desire to learn new concepts and apply their knowledge to a highly dynamic and complex system. Seniors who have completed science requirements for graduation and want to take the course as a science elective or as a fourth science for an advanced diploma. Prerequisites: Minimum of two lab sciences (Biology and Chemistry with Algebra I preferred; helpful to have Geosystems but not required) Oceanography is broadly interdisciplinary; students will investigate the origin of the Earth and the oceans, ocean exploration, plate tectonics and marine geology, marine chemistry, ocean-atmosphere interaction, ocean circulation, marine biology, ecology, human-ocean interactions, and political economics of the sea.
- IB Environmental Systems SL: Grades: 11-12 Credit: One Prerequisite: Biology I and Chemistry I The purpose of this course is to provide students with a coherent perspective on the environment that is essentially scientific and above all enables them to adopt an informed and responsible stance on a wide range of pressing environmental issues they will inevitably face. The course focuses on the fundamental structure and functioning of natural systems and the broad impacts on human activities. Students examine systems and models, the ecosystem, global cycles and physical systems, and human population and carrying capacity. They further examine optional topics analyzing a specific ecosystem as well as the impacts of resource exploitation, conservation and biodiversity, and pollution. Students are required to complete an interdisciplinary science (Group 4) project. Students are required to take the IB Environmental Systems standard level exam.
- IB Design Technology As you walk through the classroom door you will be entering the exciting world of invention, innovation, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Students will learn how to develop an invention or innovation from the idea stage through the prototype stage. Each student will learn how to: 1. conduct literature searches on ideas 2. conduct patent searches 3. find clients and customers willing to help develop the idea 4. use a decision matrix <http://www.intuitor.com/student/decisionMatrix.htm> to evaluate alternatives. 5. run simulations of basic concepts using programs such as Interactive Physics 6. develop time line plans (Gantt charts <http://www.intuitor.com/student/GanttChart.htm>) using Excel. 7. make a materials cost estimate <http://www.intuitor.com/student/materials%20list.htm> using Excel 8. make detailed and 3D drawings using CAD 9. build prototypes 10. assemble a final report which will sell the idea to potential investors. Students will also focus on the IB design methods and gain a knowledge of how ideas can be scaled up all the way into manufacturing and commercialization. They will gain a deeper understanding of how technologies are developed and of how engineers interact in the process. Since materials science has traditionally been a major road block to successful commercialization of inventions, a significant part of the class will focus on strength of materials and materials science. Finally, students will learn a number of design and prototyping skills including soldering, use of basic hand and power tools and work together building prototypes.
ESOL Science Courses
- Concepts Science I Credit: One-half (ESOL) This course is designed for A level ESOL students. The course provides the students with background information, key vocabulary, and the basic concepts and skills in preparation for taking mainstream courses. The content includes units in physical science and biology. This course must be taken with Concepts Science II.
- Concepts Science II Credit: One-half (ESOL) This course is designed for A Level ESOL students. The major emphasis of Concepts Science II is the ecology of planet earth introduction to living things, tools for science, plants, animals, and ecology. As an enhancement, several specially adapted Elementary Science Study (ESS) science kits are incorporated in the lab work. This course fulfills one science graduation requirement for the 2-credit diploma when taken with Concepts Science II.
Created by: Brendan Richardson
Created: May 2007
Curator: Rebecca.Bartelt@fcps.edu
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