Grade 9 (transfer students in grades 10-12 may enroll in this course)

Full Year

1 credit

This course is for students in the ninth grade. Algebra I forms the basis of the mathematical concepts of this course, but opportunities are presented to apply more advanced mathematics. Students cover the topics of waves and sound, optics, classical mechanics, energy, electricity, and magnetism. This course emphasizes a conceptual understanding of the material and introduces algebra-based problem solving, as appropriate. This course employs regular laboratory exploration, emphasizing basic laboratory skills of measurement, data collection and analysis, and includes computer-based data collection.

Grades 10-11

Full Year

1 credit

Prerequisite: Physics

Students will be placed in the appropriate chemistry course based on their performance in physics,and their math level. The topics in the levels are similar, though the order and emphasis may differ. Students successfully completing chemistry gain an understanding of and proficiency in basic chemical properties, chemical reactions, and major chemical concepts, principles, and theories. Laboratory work is closely coordinated with regular class work. The chemistry program includes both quantitative and qualitative applications. There is an emphasis on developing problem-solving and higher-level thinking skills. Laboratory reports focus on data organization and analysis. This course provides a solid foundation for students who take Biology in their junior year.

Note: Honors Chemistry examines topics in more depth, at a faster pace, and, with more advanced mathematical applications. To be considered, students must achieve the qualifying grades in physics and receive department approval.

Grades 10-11

Full Year

1 credit

Prerequisite: Physics

Students will be placed in the appropriate chemistry course based on their performance in physics,and their math level. The topics in the levels are similar, though the order and emphasis may differ. Students successfully completing chemistry gain an understanding of and proficiency in basic chemical properties, chemical reactions, and major chemical concepts, principles, and theories. Laboratory work is closely coordinated with regular class work. The chemistry program includes both quantitative and qualitative applications. There is an emphasis on developing problem-solving and higher-level thinking skills. Laboratory reports focus on data organization and analysis. This course provides a solid foundation for students who take Biology in their junior year.

Note: Honors Chemistry examines topics in more depth, at a faster pace, and, with more advanced mathematical applications. To be considered, students must achieve the qualifying grades in physics and receive department approval.

Grades 10-11

Full Year

1 credit

Prerequisite: Physics

Students will be placed in the appropriate chemistry course based on their performance in physics,and their math level. The topics in the levels are similar, though the order and emphasis may differ. Students successfully completing chemistry gain an understanding of and proficiency in basic chemical properties, chemical reactions, and major chemical concepts, principles, and theories. Laboratory work is closely coordinated with regular class work. The chemistry program includes both quantitative and qualitative applications. There is an emphasis on developing problem-solving and higher-level thinking skills. Laboratory reports focus on data organization and analysis. This course provides a solid foundation for students who take Biology in their junior year.

Note: Honors Chemistry examines topics in more depth, at a faster pace, and, with more advanced mathematical applications. To be considered, students must achieve the qualifying grades in physics and receive department approval.

Full Year

1 credit

Prerequisites: A grade of B+ or better in Biology and Chemistry or departmental approval 

This course is the equivalent of two semesters of an introductory college biology course taken by biology majors. It is designed to provide the student with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytic skills necessary to deal with the rapidly changing science of biology. The curriculum pushes students to really “get” the big ideas, and to demonstrate their understanding by making predictions, justifying phenomena or using mathematical processes to explain concepts. Topics include molecular biology, genetics, evolutionary biology, biodiversity, and ecological systems. In addition to preparing students for the AP examination, there is a strong emphasis on independent work, developing research and experimentation skills, practicing effective writing, discussing important unanswered questions, and independent critical analysis. Throughout this course, the student gains a better appreciation and understanding of the variety and complexity of life around us.

Full Year

1 credit

Prerequisites: One year of Chemistry 440 with a grade of B or better or departmental approval

This course covers many of the topics in the regular course in more depth, and presents additional work to prepare the student for the AP exam. This course requires students to read chapters from a college-level text, answer questions on the material, and work numerous problems. There is a strong emphasis on independent work, developing experimentation skills, and practicing effective writing on theoretical topics.

Full Year

1 credit

Prerequisites: One year of Physics, Pre-Calculus, or concurrent enrollment; or departmental approval

This course prepares students to take the AP Physics-1 exam, and corresponds to a typical first semester of introductory college physics. Students explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. This course is based on six big ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries, and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. There is a strong emphasis on experimental work. Additional topics including thermodynamics and twentieth century physics may be covered.

Full Year

1 credit

Prerequisites: One year of Physics, Calculus, or concurrent enrollment; or departmental approval

This course prepares students to take the AP Physics level C exams (Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism). Primarily for those planning college level study in physics, engineering, or other sciences, this course is designed both to deepen existing understanding of the physical world, and to introduce mathematical applications of the material at a college level. The use of calculus increases as the course progresses.

Full Year

1 credit

Prerequisites: A grade of B or better in Chemistry, a grade of B or better or concurrent enrollment in Biology, or departmental approval 

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in environmental science, but is offered as a full-year course on the high school level. Students study the principles that govern ecosystem function, and apply these principles to various environmental problems, both natural and human-made. The relative risks associated with these environmental problems are evaluated and alternative solutions are examined. Topics include human population growth, deforestation, biodiversity, climate change, air and water pollution, and renewable and nonrenewable energy resources. This course includes laboratory and fieldwork in addition to extensive reading.

Course 473

Grade 12

Full Year

1 credit

Prerequisite: Biology and a grade of B or better in previous science courses

This course is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in Psychology. Students are introduced to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals in context. The course of study focuses on topics from the major schools of psychology including psychobiology, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, personality, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. Students learn about major figures in psychology, perspectives, terminology, research findings, and associated psychological phenomenon. Ethics and research methods used in psychological science and practice are emphasized in demonstrations and through the use of articles on historical psychological experiments. This course includes laboratory activities and demonstrations as well as extensive reading.

One Semester

½ credit

Prerequisite: Biology or concurrent

Enrollment limited to 10 students and preference is therefore given to seniors.

Through observation and identification processes, students learn about the characteristic flora and fauna and their interrelationships in the various wetland communities found between the Atlantic Ocean and the Virginia Piedmont. This field-oriented course involves off-campus trips to local wetlands along with one all-day trip to a salt marsh. Classwork includes required readings from a variety of texts and journals, and discussions of the methods used to do field research.

Grades 11-12

One Semester

½ credit

Oceanography is a semester-long interdisciplinary science course which investigates the fundamental concepts of ocean processes and their interrelationships. The course emphasizes the seven essential principles of ocean literacy, and incorporates the fields of geography, geology, chemistry, physics, and biology. Topics covered include ocean exploration, plate tectonics, sea water chemistry, air-sea interactions, waves and tides, ocean circulation, diversity of marine ecosystems, and human impact on ocean systems. Whenever possible, the course will make connections with outside experts in the many fields of oceanography.

Grades 10-12

One Semester

½ credit

Prerequisite: One year of Physics

This course is a general introduction to astronomy with a specific focus on our solar system. Students learn about the planets and other significant objects orbiting our sun. They study the night sky and the motions of Earth, and learn how the planets were formed and how they have changed over time. Students also look at how Earth became such a hospitable planet and why it is probably the only one in our solar system where complex life can survive. They learn about the possibility that some form of life either existed or still exists on worlds besides Earth, such as Mars, Europa, Enceladus, and Titan, and also look at planets orbiting around other stars, discussing the possibility of intelligent life existing elsewhere in the universe. This course emphasizes how scientists come to know about the solar system, and students use many techniques that are employed by professional astronomers. Students will visit a planetarium to spend a night viewing the stars and planets through telescopes. Students complete lab work, write research papers, and craft short stories incorporating their knowledge. This course can be taken by itself or with Astronomy - Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology for a more complete introduction to astronomy.

Grades 10-12

One Semester

½ credit

Prerequisite: Biology or concurrent

Enrollment limited to 10 students and preference is therefore given to seniors.

This course offers a more in-depth look at adaptation and evolution. This course will look at the selective pressures that have shaped adaptations and behaviors of the flora and fauna that we study. Adaptations necessary to survive winter, and plant development from water to land are used to illustrate the evolutionary process. This field-oriented course involves off-campus trips to local habitats along with one all-day trip to the Eastern shore. Classwork includes required readings from a variety of texts and journals and discussions of the methods used to do field research.

Grades 10-12

One Semester

½ credit

Forensics is the application of science to solve crimes using evidence that will be admissible in a court of law. Topics may include fingerprinting, qualitative analysis of substances (hair, metal, soil, glass, and fibers), toxicology, serology, inorganic analysis, and DNA fingerprinting. As a multidisciplinary course, we will explore how biological and chemical systems are affected and influenced through experiential and analytical work. Lab experiences, audio-visual presentations, class discussion, and collaboration are an integral part of the course.

Grades 10-12

One Semester

½ credit

Prerequisite: One year of Physics

This course is a general introduction to astronomy with a specific focus on stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Students learn how stars are formed, how they live out their lives, and what happens when they finally run out of nuclear fuel, examining the differences among different types of stars. Students also discover how they are connected to stars and how almost all the matter on Earth was created in the cores of ancient stars. They consider the creation of the universe, and what will happen in the very distant future. They also engage in a discussion of how prevalent intelligent life is in the universe, attempting to calculate how many intelligent civilizations currently exist in our galaxy. This course emphasizes how scientists came to know about the universe, and students learn many techniques that are employed by professional astronomers. The class also visits a planetarium to spend a night viewing the stars and planets through telescopes. Students complete lab work, write research papers, and craft short stories incorporating their knowledge. This course can be taken a stand-alone course or combined with Astronomy - Our Solar System for a more complete picture of the universe.

Grades 10-12

One Semester

½ credit

This course will focus on scientific inquiry into materials used in artmaking. In-class experiences will address the basic scientific composition and biogenic origins of art materials, and the artistic application of our handmade materials in three disciplines, drawing, painting, and pottery. Course content will bridge a series of lab investigations with studio practice. This course will culminate in a capstone project demonstrating students’ full appreciation of how the science behind the materials impacts our personal expression and final work.

Grades 10-12

One Semester

½ credit

In this discussion-based seminar, students consider medical, scientific, and technological factors that result in troubling dilemmas for individuals and societies. Through background reading and discussion, students learn the science behind new biomedical and biochemical technologies and discoveries. Through consideration of case studies and current events, students discuss and debate the dilemmas posed by those technologies. Throughout the course, students develop and hone their analytical and critical thinking skills. Topics may include health care issues, human/animal experimentation, reproductive technologies (RU-486, in vitro fertilization, cloning), or genetics (human genome project, gene therapy, genetic engineering). There is time and flexibility built into the course to allow students to pursue individual interests and current events that deal with bioethical topics.