Science Core Courses

In this college-equivalent course, students investigate, in depth, the phylogenetic survey of basic physiological functions, modern molecular genetics, developmental biology and the biochemistry of living systems. Students extend their understanding of biology with an emphasis on cytology, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, enzymology, vertebrate anatomy and physiology and ecology. Through extensive laboratory work, students develop important laboratory skills, problem-solving techniques, research techniques and higher-order thinking skills.

This college-equivalent course begins by allowing students to extend their understanding of Chemistry I concepts and skills, including significant figures, atoms, moles, chemical reactions and gases. The remainder of the year allows for an in depth investigation of chemical topics including thermochemistry, bonding, kinetics, equilibrium and electrochemistry. An understanding of chemistry through mathematical formulas and particle modeling is emphasized. Through extensive laboratory work and mathematical analysis, students develop important laboratory skills, problem-solving techniques, research techniques and higher-order thinking skills.

This college-equivalent course provides students with the opportunity to study, in depth, the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world. Students extend their understanding by identifying and analyzing environmental problems, both natural and human-made, evaluating the relative risks associated with these problems, and examining alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Through extensive laboratory work and mathematical analysis, students develop important laboratory skills, problem-solving techniques, research techniques and higher-order thinking skills.

This inquiry-based laboratory course is for students who want to learn first-year physics at an accelerated pace. It is designed to prepare students for college-level physics. Students will explain, analyze, and communicate about motion, forces, and energy. Though mathematics such as algebra and trigonometry are emphasized in this course through problem-solving. Students will use multiple representations including diagrams, graphs, and written descriptions to model physics concepts. Units of study include kinematics, Newtonian dynamics, energy and momentum, rotational motion, mechanical and electromagnetic waves and electric circuits. Students use technology including graphing calculators, computer simulations, and probe ware to explore these concepts. Students who have previously taken AP Physics C may not take this course.

This inquiry-based laboratory course is for students who want to learn physics at an accelerated pace. It is designed to prepare students for college-level physics. This is a second-year physics course and should only be taken after students have successfully completed AP Physics I. Though mathematics such as algebra and trigonometry are emphasized in this course through problem-solving, students will use multiple representations including diagrams, graphs, and written descriptions to model physics concepts. Units of study include fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. Students use technology including graphing calculators, computer simulations, and probe ware to explore these concepts.

This college-equivalent course begins by allowing students to build on their own understanding attained in a first course in physics. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that Physics C be taken as a second-year physics course. During the second semester, students will complete a study of college-level Electricity and Magnetism. In May, students will complete two end-of-course AP exams, each corresponding to approximately one semester of college work. This course is rigorous, mathematically-intensive, and conceptually-abstract. Calculus is used whenever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of unique, challenging problems. Students who are co-enrolled in AP Calculus BC or who have never taken a physics course may take the course with instructor approval.

In this laboratory-based course, students develop skills needed to understand, explain, analyze and communicate about scientific phenomena and living organisms. Students also explore the history of scientific thought and the evidence that supports it by investigating biomolecules, cells, heredity, evolution and ecology. This curriculum aligns with the Virginia Biology Standards of Learning with a focus on observing, experimenting and modeling.

Students in the International Academy (IA) will complete this course in a 2 year sequence with Environmental Science (IA) Grade 9. In this laboratory-based course, students, develop skills needed to understand, explain, analyze and communicate about scientific phenomena and living organisms. Students also explore the history of scientific thought and the evidence that supports it by investigating biomolecules, cells, heredity, evolution and ecology. This curriculum aligns with the VA biology standards of learning with a focus on observing, experimenting and modeling.

In this laboratory-based course, students develop skills needed to understand, explain, analyze and communicate about environmental concerns. Students learn about the human impact on the Earth by analyzing scientific data related to climate change, populations, and the natural world. Students also investigate the dynamic relationship of science, technology and society by examining historical perspectives and current news topics related to environmental science.

In this laboratory-based course, students develop skills needed to understand, explain, analyze and communicate about human structures and functions with an in depth study of anatomical concepts. The course includes several dissections of mammals and their organs, which supplements the study of topics including the integumentary, muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, endocrine and reproductive systems. Students also investigate the dynamic relationship of science, technology and society by examining historical perspectives and current news topics related to the human body.

In this laboratory-based course, students develop skills needed to understand, explain, analyze and communicate about scientific phenomena, matter, and energy. Mathematics is emphasized in this course and through the manipulation of chemical quantities and formulas, students learn about laboratory safety and equipment, atoms, bonding, chemical reactions, moles, and gases. Students use technology, including graphing calculators, computer simulations and probe ware, to explore these concepts. This curriculum aligns with the Virginia Chemistry Standards of Learning with a focus on observing, experimenting and modeling.

In this laboratory-based course, students develop skills needed to understand, explain, analyze and communicate about the Earth's compositions, structure, processes and history. Topics are studied through a systems-based approach and include astronomy, meteorology, geology, oceanography and environmental science. This curriculum aligns with the Virginia Earth Science Standards of Learning with a focus on observing, experimenting and modeling with practical applications.

In this laboratory-based course, students develop skills needed to understand, explain, analyze and communicate about the natural world from planet Earth to the edge of our universe. Mathematics is emphasized in this course through the study Earth Science from an astronomical perspective, exploring constellations, the sun and moon, planets, asteroids, comets, the structure and evolution of the stars, pulsars, black holes, gaseous nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and quasars. Extensive laboratory work includes the integration of mathematical principles and visual observations of astronomical objects in the T.C. Williams High School Planetarium.

In this laboratory-based course, students develop skills needed to understand, explain, analyze and communicate about students explore the environmental interactions between humans and the oceans. Students study oceanography from an Earth Science perspective, exploring biodiversity, the geology of the ocean floor and sea floor spreading, continental drift and the biology of plant and animal communities in the oceans. Laboratory work is supplemented with project-based learning the opportunity to explore current news topics related to the Earth’s oceans.

Students in the International Academy (IA) will complete this course in a 2 year sequence with Biology I grades 9-12. In this laboratory-based course, students develop and continue laboratory skills from grades K-8. This course integrates the study of many components of our environment, including human impact on our planet. The skills gained by students in this course will prepare them to take Biology or Earth Science Standards of Learning with a focus on laboratory experiences and field investigations in the local community.

This inquiry-based laboratory course is for students who want to learn Biology at an accelerated pace leaving time to conduct more laboratory investigations and research-based projects. It is designed to prepare students for AP Biology or a first-year college course in Biology. Students also explore the history of scientific thought and the evidence that supports it by investigating biomolecules, cells, heredity, evolution and ecology. This curriculum aligns with the Virginia Biology Standards of Learning with a focus on observing, experimenting and modeling. Students also investigate the dynamic relationship of science, technology and society by examining historical perspectives and current news topics. Students are required to develop research projects using Intel ISEF guidelines for entry into the city science fair competition.

This inquiry-based laboratory course is for students who want to learn Chemistry at an accelerated pace, leaving time to conduct more laboratory investigations and research-based projects. It is designed to prepare students for AP Chemistry or a first-year college course in Chemistry. Mathematics is emphasized in this course and through the manipulation of chemical quantities and formulas, students learn about laboratory safety and equipment, atoms, bonding, chemical reactions, moles, and gases. Students use technology, including graphing calculators, computer simulations and probe ware, to explore these concepts. This curriculum aligns with the Virginia Chemistry Standards of Learning with a focus on observing, experimenting and modeling. Students also investigate the dynamic relationship of science, technology and society by examining historical perspectives and current news topics. Students are required to develop research projects using Intel ISEF guidelines for entry into the city science fair competition.

This inquiry-based laboratory course is for students who want to learn Earth Science at an accelerated pace leaving time to conduct more laboratory investigations and research-based projects. It is designed to prepare students for AP Environmental Science or a first-year college course in Earth Science. Topics are studied through a systems-based approach and include astronomy, meteorology, geology, oceanography and environmental science. This curriculum aligns with the Virginia Earth Science Standards of Learning with a focus on observing, experimenting and modeling with practical applications. Students also investigate the dynamic relationship of science, technology and society by examining historical perspectives and current news topics such as climate change, conservation, the Space Age, and the use of GPS. Students are required to develop research projects using Intel ISEF guidelines for entry into the city science fair competition.

In this laboratory-based course, students develop higher-order thinking skills needed to understand, explain, analyze and communicate about force and motion, forces, and energy. Students will use multiple representations including diagrams, graphs, algebra, and written descriptions to model first-year physics concepts. Units of study include motion, forces, energy and momentum, mechanical and electromagnetic waves and electric circuits. Students use technology including graphing calculators, computer simulations, and probe ware to explore these concepts. This curriculum aligns with the Virginia Physics Standards of Learning with a focus on observing, experimenting, and modeling.

This course gives students the opportunity to pursue their own scientific questions and skills through authentic research in science. Students are expected to develop their own projects and write scientific papers suitable for presentation at the city science fair and VJAS. Students are encouraged to pursue discussions, internships and/or mentorships with scientists and professionals based on the nature of their selected projects. Students may participate for multiple years; 10th- and 11th- grade students are encouraged; 12th-grade students need instructor approval. This course includes a summer assignment where students develop a topic for study. Students should contact the instructor for this assignment.