Science Courses, News, and Information
see also: Science faculty
Course Offerings
| Course Descriptions | • Biology • Chemistry |
• Physics • Geosystems |
• Electives |
Biology
Biology I
Grades: 9-12 Credit: one
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. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.)
Pre-IB Biology
Grades: 9 -10 Credit: One
This lab-centered course utilizes a molecular approach to the study of biology. The students will study cell processes and the anatomy and physiology of multicellular organisms. Pre-IB Biology 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 are provided with alternative biology lessons. Students conduct experimentally designed investigations and are required to conduct experimental research individually or as a team member. Pre-IB Biology meets the course requirements of Biology 1 GT. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.)
IB Biology I
Grade: 11 Credit: One (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Biology 1 and IB Chemistry I or Chemistry 1 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; classification and diversity; and plant science. Students are required to complete a science fair project. IB Biology I together with IB Biology II will prepare students for the higher level exam.
IB Biology II
Grade: 12 Credit: One (weighted +.5)
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; genetics; human reproduction; defense against infectious disease; and nerves, muscles and movement. In addition, students study higher level options including selection from evolution, neurobiology and behavior, applied plant and animal science, ecology and conservation, and further human physiology. Students are required to take the higher level exam and to complete an interdisciplinary science (Group 4) project.
Chemical Technology
Grades: 10-12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: One year of a laboratory science, Algebra I
Chemical Technology is a science course for students preparing for some technical careers. The Chemistry Standards of Learning are addressed. With strong emphasis on laboratory experimentation. The chemistry content is presented in a problem-solving manner using strategies designed to strengthen competencies and skills in chemistry, mathematics, and technology. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.)
Chemistry I
Grades: 10-12 Credit: one
Prerequisites: One laboratory science course, Algebra 1
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. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.)
IB Chemistry I
Grades: 10-12 Credit: One
Prerequisite: Biology
Co-requisite: Algebra 2
This course provides a general introduction to Chemistry. The topics which students will study include atomic structure, ionic and covalent compounds, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, acids and bases. The history and philosophy of science are also included throughout the courses. Students learn to design experiments and to collect and analyze data using graphical and statistical methods. They design and conduct experimental research projects. IB Chemistry I meets the course requirements of Chemistry 1 GT. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.)
IB Chemistry II
Grade: 12 Credit: One (weighted +.5)
Prerequisite: IB Chemistry I or Chemistry 1
This college level course provides students with hands-on laboratory 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 AP Chemistry. Students are required to complete an interdisciplinary science project. Students are required to take the IB standard level or higher level exam.
All courses below provide one Science credit toward the Standard or Advanced Diploma.
Active Physics
Grades: 10-12 Credit: One
Prerequisite: One year of laboratory science.
Co-requisite: Enrollment in Algebra 1
Active Physics is a physical science for special population students with weak math skills. This course has a strong emphasis on experimentation. The six units of study include the physics of: sports, medicine, transportation, home, medicine 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
Prerequisite: Algebra I and two years of laboratory science
Physics 1 is the school's standard concept-based, one-year Physics course. It is an inductive, algebra-based study of the central tenets of classical mechanics, heat and calorimetry, waves (including sound and light), electricity and magnetism, and atomic theory. The curriculum includes regular practice in concept development and mathematically-based problem solving. Completion of sixteen experiments carried out with modern equipment in a computer-based laboratory provides practical understanding of the concepts studied. The course concludes with a standards-based final examination.
IB Physics I
Grades: 10-11 Credit: One
Prerequisite: Pre-IB Biology 1
Co-requisite: Algebra 2/Trigonometry or higher math
IB Physics I is the first year of a two-year sequence in the school's International Baccalaureate program of study. The world-wide curriculum includes mathematically rigorous study of topics in mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves, thermodynamics, atomic physics, and the history of physics. Procedurally rigorous laboratory investigation forms a major component of the course. All students design and conduct experimental research projects, and maintain a laboratory portfolio that is subject to review by an international team of IB examiners. To gain presentational experience for the interdisciplinary Group 4 science research project, each IB I student must enter an exhibit in the annual Science Fair. Upon completion of IB I, students elect either a Standard-Level or Higher-Level IB Physics II course of study.
IB Physics II
Grades: 11-12 Credit: One (weighted 1.5)
Prerequisite: IB Physics I
Co-requisite: Precalculus or Math Methods I
IB Physics II is the second year of the school's two-year International Baccalaureate Physics program of study, and may be taken as a Standard-Level (SL) or Higher-Level (HL) course. All IB I topics (mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves, thermodynamics, and atomic physics) are studied in greater depth and breadth. Additionally, students study optics, astrophysics, relativity, biomedical physics, and historical physics as appropriate for the SL or HL level. All students are required to complete the Group 4 interdisciplinary science research project. SL students must complete a two-year total of 40 hours of laboratory experimentation; HL students must complete a two-year laboratory experimentation total of 60 hours. The laboratory portfolios of selected students are submitted for review by an international team of IB examiners. To complete the course sequence, all students are required to take an IB Standard-Level or Higher-Level end-of-course
Physics of Technology
Grades: 10-12 Credit: One
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and one year of laboratory science
Physics of Technology (PT) is the first year of a two-year Physics sequence for students drawn from area schools who have an applications-oriented interest in the physical sciences, engineering, and technology. Students who desire to take Physics before Chemistry may take PT. The curriculum unifies the subfields of Physics, is algebra-based, stresses inquiry and experimentation, and includes participation in competitions requiring design and construction of operational system models. Unified curriculum topics include universal concepts, inquiry processes, forcing functions, movement functions, time-dependence functions, resistance functions, energy functions, transforming functions, unifying forces, unifying laws, and space-time extremes. Students complete a one-year, in-class total of 40 hours of active inquiry and project time. The course concludes with a standards-based final examination. PT may be taken in lieu of Physics 1. The Marshall Academy web site provides additional course details, and describes the system model competition projects.
Engineering Physics
Grades: 11-12 Credit: One
Prerequisite: One year of algebra-based Physics (Active Physics does not qualify)
Co-requisite: Algebra 2/Trigonometry or higher math (algebra-based option) or Calculus (calculus-based option)
Engineering Physics offers a second-year of Physics for students drawn from area schools who have an interest in careers in the physical sciences, engineering, technology, medicine, or other disciplines requiring research and experimentation. Students choose between calculus-based and algebra-based options; engage in a heavily laboratory-based, system-oriented curriculum; and participate in competition-oriented prototype development projects. Curriculum topics include universal concepts, inquiry processes, fundamental constants, special relativity, rotational dynamics, waves and vibrations, energy conversion, transducers, electromagnetic radiation, optical measurements, and exponential behavior. Students complete a one-year, in-class total of 50 hours of laboratory experimentation and prototype development. The course concludes with a project-based final examination. The Marshall Academy web site provides additional course details, and describes the prototype projects.
Geosystems
Grades 11-12 Credit: one
Prerequisites: Two years of a laboratory science
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, CD-ROM’s, and image processing software. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.)
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Grades: 11-12 Credit: one
Prerequisite: Two years of laboratory science (Biology and Chemistry)
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. Human Anatomy and Physiology is an elective and does not satisfy the FCPS science graduation requirement.
Concepts Science I & II
Grades 9-11 Credit: one-half
Concepts Science is an elective and does not satisfy the state science graduation requirements. This one-semester, one-half credit course taught by science teachers is designed for English as a Second Language (ESL) LA and A 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 biological science and earth science.