Science

Biology




Biology 1 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 education 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.
Students are required to take the Biology Standards of Learning test.

Honors Biology

Biology 1 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 1 Honors includes a unit on human life education 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. Students will be involved in doing experimental/research projects, either independently or in teams.
Students are required to take the Biology Standards of Learning test.

AP Biology

.The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam for which college credit and/or placement may be granted by an approving institution for a qualifying score. Advanced Placement Biology is a second-level biology course that utilizes laboratory research activities to acquaint students with the means by which biological information is collected and interpreted. The course is designed for students who have completed the core science curriculum and are now prepared to pursue more advanced and specialized studies.
Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam.

Senior Science Investigations

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam for which college credit and/or placement may be granted by an approving institution for a qualifying score. Advanced Placement Biology is a second-level biology course that utilizes laboratory research activities to acquaint students with the means by which biological information is collected and interpreted. The course is designed for students who have completed the core science curriculum and are now prepared to pursue more advanced and specialized studies.
Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam.

Anatomy and Physiology:
Intro of Medical Science

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 internship is required.
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








Chemistry 1 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.
Students are required to take the Chemistry Standards of Learning test.

Honors Chemistry

Chemistry 1 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.
Students are required to take the Chemistry Standards of Learning test

AP Chemistry

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved. Advanced Placement Chemistry is a second-level, laboratory-centered course that provides an opportunity for students to undertake a more comprehensive investigation of some aspects of chemistry than is normally possible in the first-year chemistry course. It is designed for students who have completed a core science curriculum and are now ready to pursue more advanced and specialized studies.
Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam.

Physics

Physics 1 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.

Honors Physics

Physics 1 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.

Active Physics

Active Physics is a physical science for students with weak math skills. This course has a strong emphasis on experimentation using computers and probeware. The six units of study include the physics of: sports, medicine, transportation, home, communication and predictions. The physics content is presented in a problem solving manner to strengthen science and math content knowledge and skills.

Physics of Technology

Physics of Technology is for students who are interested in science, engineering, and technology but whose mathematics study is limited to Algebra 1. The course addresses all of the physics standards through specific engineering and physics concepts as well as process skills such as research, experimental design, and communication. The course emphasizes a systems approach utilized in our technological society and mathematical rigor in gaining understanding of engineering and physics concepts. This single-period laboratory course emphasizes the process of inquiry and discovery through laboratory investigation and hands-on activities. For more information, contact the Marshall or Chantilly Academy web sites at:
http://www.fcps.edu/MarshallAcademy/, or
http://www.fcps.edu/ChantillyAcademy/. Note: Counts as one science credit for either the standard or advanced diploma.

Engineering Physics

This course is most appropriate for students anticipating employment or further studies in the sciences, engineering, or technology fields. This course is designed to provide a technology-based approach to learning engineering and physics concepts. As a laboratory-based course, students will learn how to measure forces, work, rates, resistance, energy, power, and momentum in mechanical, electronic, fluid, and thermal systems. Additionally, students will investigate light, sound, radiation, and other wave phenomena. Emphasis will be placed upon various instrumental and computer measurements and data analysis. This laboratory-based physics course is designed to enrich the knowledge and skill of students who have a strong background in math and science. This course is available to all students countywide and is offered at the Chantilly and Marshall Academies in FY2002-2003. For more information, contact the Marshall or Chantilly Academy web sites at:
http://www.fcps.edu/MarshallAcademy/, or
http://www.fcps.edu/ChantillyAcademy/. Note: Counts as one science credit for either the standard or advanced diploma.

AP Physics

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Physics C examination, for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is achieved. Advanced Placement Physics is a second-level course which surveys a broad selection of physics topics at a level above Physics 1. It is designed for students who have completed a core science curriculum and are now ready to pursue more advanced and specialized studies. AP Physics C serves as the foundation in physics for students who wish to pursue physical science or engineering degrees.
Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Physics C exam.

Geosystems

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-ROM’s, and image processing software.
Students are required to take the Earth Science Standards of Learning test.

Concepts Science

This course may be offered only with the approval of the Office of High School Instruction and K-12 Curriculum Services. Contact Mary Hall, ESOL Specialist, 208-7708.

This course taught by science teachers is designed for ESOL LA and A students. The course provides the students with background information, key vocabulary, and the basic concepts and skills in preparation for taking Biology. This course can be offered on a semester basis for a half credit.
This course may be repeated for elective credit.
Concepts Science is an elective and does not satisfy the state science graduation requirements. This course can be repeated for elective credit.