Advanced Placement Chemistry is designed primarily to provide students with an educational experience equivalent to a full year, university-level, introductory Chemistry course. AP Chemistry revisits all of the topics introduced in the first-year Chemistry course, in much greater depth, and also covers: hybridization; molecular geometry of hypervalent molecules; properties of solids, liquids and solutions; chemical kinetics; free energy, enthalpy and entropy changes in chemical reactions; electrochemistry; and coordination chemistry. AP Chemistry goes beyond the College Board curriculum by including topics such as: molecular orbital bonding models, the Arrhenius rate equation, quantitative models for colligative properties, and the Nernst equation. Laboratory work is intended to further develop investigative skills, and focuses on experiments in stoichiometry, quantitative analysis, thermochemistry, equilibrium, and kinetics. 

Prerequisites for enrollment in AP Chemistry include: completion of Chemistry with a grade of A- or higher; a high level of proficiency in algebra, including logarithmic and exponential functions; successful completion of the summer assignment; recommendation of the student’s current teacher; and approval of the Science Department. 

In physics we seek to describe physical situations through models and equations. In developing this foundational understanding of our world, we can make predictions about what will happen in given situations. The course emphasizes understanding of physical concepts, critical thinking and problem solving. Critical thinking skills will be fostered through teacher guidance and collaborative group work. Laboratory investigations and analysis will be a significant part of course work. This course operates as a first year university level calculus based physics course. It prepares students to take the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam in May. This course is offered as a first physics course, meaning that no prior physics course is required to enroll. 

 

Concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB or successful completion of a full year of calculus (AP or not) with a grade of A- or above, successful completion of the summer assignment, recommendation of the student’s current teacher, and approval of the Department Chair, are required for enrollment in AP Physics.

Chemistry focuses on developing an understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the structure and reactivity of matter on the atomic and molecular scale. Topics covered include: classification of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, chemical composition and formulas, descriptions of chemical reactions, stoichiometry, states of matter, properties and reactions of ionic compounds in aqueous solutions, oxidation-reduction reactions, and acid-base chemistry. Laboratory work, in which students learn to carefully make and interpret observations, record and analyze quantitative data, and communicate their conclusions clearly and concisely, is an integral part of the course. The course places major emphasis on the development of analytical problem-solving skills, which require a high level of proficiency in algebra and quantitative manipulation. Placement in Algebra 2 or higher is a prerequisite.

Throughout Conceptual Chemistry, students will explore the fundamental concepts related to the structure and reactivity of matter via the investigation of real-world phenomena and their societal context. Students will discover how chemistry influences their lives through technology and engineering, and how chemistry is profoundly interconnected with other fields of science. Phenomena examined will include: water scarcity and the feasibility of desalination plants as a solution (physical and chemical properties of matter), plastic pollution in the ocean (density), the chemistry of fireworks (properties of atoms), nuclear energy and its uses in technology and medicine (atomic structure), ocean acidification (acids, bases, and pH), and more! In this course, students will focus on science as a set of tools and skills which will allow them to critically assess information and formulate scientific questions. Students will build independent investigation skills allowing them to design experiments, collect data, and draw valid conclusions from their research. Emphasis will be placed on scientific modeling, making connections between concepts, scientific writing and argumentation, and project-based assessments.

Conceptual physics is a course designed to acquaint students with the scientific principles of the world that surrounds us. The course, which emphasizes understanding and concept development, is accessible to all students, including those who are not in advanced mathematics courses. The course is laboratory and discussion centered. The spectrum of topics covered ranges from Newtonian mechanics to electricity to waves to light. The course highlights applications of the concepts in everyday life, and encourages students to achieve scientific literacy. Prerequisite: a desire to understand why the physical world behaves like it does.

Environmental Science is a comprehensive course that explores the interactions and interconnections within Earth's systems through the overarching lens of global Climate Change. Students will develop an understanding of Earth's dynamic processes, environmental challenges, and the role of human activity in shaping the planet. Through field and laboratory-based research,  discussions, and projects, students will gain insights into the natural world and their place in it.

 

Environmental Science students will understand the dynamic nature of planet Earth: how it has changed over time, how it is currently changing, and how humans affect, and are affected by, Earth’s systems. Students will analyze topics from a scientific perspective over the year through observational and experimental laboratory activities, including trips to Rock Creek Park.

 

In physics we seek to describe physical situations through models and equations. In developing this foundational understanding of our world, we can make predictions about what will happen in given situations. Through problem solving, experimentation and projects, students gain insight into Newtonian mechanics. Additional topics may include optics and electricity. Juniors who wish to enroll must concurrently be taking Advanced Precalculus.