Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) provides a comprehensive science program from kindergarten to grade 12. Instruction is aligned to the 2018 Virginia Department of Education Science Standards of Learning.
Students have an opportunity to:
Students demonstrate mastery of their learning on Virginia assessments in grades 5 and 8, and are required to earn a verified credit toward graduation by passing one high school "End-of Course" state science assessment.
Safety of the learning environment is our priority; all stakeholders are expected to adhere to the rules of the "PWCS Science Instructional Safety Agreements."
The PWCS Student Learning Department supports our students, teachers, and instructional leaders by:
Dina DaSilva
[email protected]
| Conover, Abby [email protected] |
| DaSilva, Dina [email protected] |
| Delacoudray, Candis [email protected] |
| Golden, Elizabeth [email protected] |
| Hruska, Jessica [email protected] |
| Infante, Jacqueline [email protected] |
| Milhiser, David [email protected] |
| Rasulova, Konul [email protected] |
| Renick, Bridget [email protected] |
| Schulte, Amanda [email protected] |
| Smith, Richard [email protected] |
| Stoothoff, Mark [email protected] |
| Torp, Shawna [email protected] |
Students earning a standard diploma complete two science courses from among Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Students complete at least one additional science elective.
Students earning an advanced diploma complete three science courses from among Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Students complete at least one additional science elective.
Advanced Middle Years Programme Earth Science
Advanced Middle Years Programme Earth Science is designed for IB students who wish to concentrate on rigorous earth science principles and processes that will lead to more qualitative sciences. Students will investigate the natural sciences of astronomy, oceanography, meteorology, and geology. The IB internal assessment will serve as a guide as students apply the scientific method. This course has an associated Standards of Learning (SOL) test. Students will participate in this test only if they have not yet earned a verified credit for graduation. Credits 1 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Advanced Middle Years Programme Biology 1
Advanced Middle Years Programme Biology is a survey of the animal, plant, and protist kingdoms, including consideration of the classification, distribution, and life processes of the major groups of each kingdom. Students will use scientific research methods to investigate scientific principles. Extensive laboratory work will be a part of the course, and students are required to submit written lab reports. Students will explore the skills used by practicing biologists and how biology can help solve environmental problems. This course has an associated Standards of Learning (SOL) test. Students will participate in this test to satisfy federal testing requirements. Credits 1 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
IB Biology 1 (HL)
IB Biology is the first year of an overview of the major principles and processes in the areas of molecular and cellular biology, genetics, ecology, and organisms. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course and students are required to submit written laboratory reports. Key points of the course are structure and function, universality versus diversity, and equilibrium within systems. Credits 1 Grades 11
IB Biology 2 (HL)
IB Biology 2 is an introduction to Advanced anatomy and physiology and plant biology. A review of IB Biology 1 principles and processes in the areas of molecular and cellular biology, genetics, ecology, and organisms is included. Students are required to take the IB examination at the end of the course. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course and students are required to submit written laboratory reports. Credits 1 Grades 12
IB Chemistry 1 (SL)
This course provides a general introduction to chemistry. The topics of study include atomic structure, ionic and covalent compounds, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, organic chemistry, and acids and bases. Students develop experimental design skills to collect and analyze data using graphical and statistical methods. Students will design and conduct experimental research projects and will have an emphasis on qualitative and quantitative study of substances and the changes they undergo. Laboratory investigations form a major component of the course as well as mathematical applications of stoichiometry in problem solving. All students must maintain a portfolio of laboratory work that is submitted to the IB examiners. IB Chemistry 1 meets the course requirements of Chemistry 1. This course has an associated Standards of Learning (SOL) test. Students will participate in this test only when they have not yet earned sufficient credit for graduation and/ or satisfied federal testing requirements. Credits 1 Grades 10, 11, 12
IB Chemistry 2 (SL)
This second-level course provides students with a comprehensive hands-on study of major chemical principles emphasizing laboratory experiences and research. Students study research techniques, advanced problem solving, and synthesis of prior knowledge to investigate IB option topics. Participation in an interdisciplinary science research (Group 4) project is required. Laboratory investigations form a major component of the course, and all students must maintain a portfolio of laboratory work that is presented to the IB examiners. With a satisfactory IB exam score, students may receive credit for introductory college chemistry. Students are required to take the IB Chemistry Standard Level Exam and complete the required hours and assignments tied to the SL Chemistry Internal Assessment. Credits 1 Grades 11, 12
IB Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)
This one-year course provides students with a perspective on the interrelationships between ecosystems and societies. Students will emerge from the class with an understanding of complex environmental issues in which the interaction between ecosystems and societies is central. Sustainability is the integrative theme of this course. Students will develop the capability to formulate an informed personal response to both local and global issues. Students will take the Earth Science 1 Standards of Learning assessment only when they have not yet earned sufficient credit for graduation and/or satisfied federal testing requirements. Environmental Systems and Societies can serve as a requirement for either a Group 3 (Individuals and Societies) course or a Group 4 (Experimental Science) course within the IB diploma program. 40 hours of lab work and participation in the Group 4 Project are required by the IBO. Credits 1 Grades 11, 12
Biology 1
Biology 1 is a laboratory-based course that includes the study of ecology, taxonomy, cellular chemistry, genetics, microbiology, and physiology. These areas are developed within a framework of principal biological theories with an emphasis on critical thinking. This course has an associated Standards of Learning test. Students will participate in this test to satisfy federal testing requirements. Credits 1 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Chemistry 1
Chemistry 1 emphasizes the qualitative and quantitative study of substances and the changes that occur in them. Students will investigate using various lab techniques and develop mathematical and problem- solving skills. A survey of concepts includes atomic structure, chemical bonding, formulas and equations, stoichiometry and other nomenclature based on molar relationships, phases of matter and the kinetic molecular theory, and the acid-base theory through Science and Engineering Practices (SEP). This course is intended for college preparatory and general education purposes. This course has an associated Standards of Learning (SOL) test. Students will participate in this test only if they have not yet earned a verified science credit for graduation. Credits 1 Grades 10, 11, 12
Earth Science 1
Earth Science 1 is a laboratory-based course that provides students with an opportunity to explore the various physical phenomena that affect the earth. This course helps students become more aware of their surroundings through the study of astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, physical geology, and environmental resources. This course has an associated Standards of Learning (SOL) test. Students will participate in this test only if they have not yet earned a verified science credit for graduation. Credits 1 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Environmental Science
This course is a laboratory-based course that provides students with an opportunity to build knowledge in Earth Science and Biology through the lens of environmental literacy and citizenship. This course develops skills through Scientific and Engineering Practices while addressing socio-scientific issues related to humans' impact on the environment, resource conservation, and legal and civic responsibility. This course may be counted toward high school graduation as either an Earth Science 1, Biology 1, or an elective science discipline credit. The Environmental Science course does not have an associated Standards of Learning (SOL) test. Credits 1 Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Physics 1
Physics 1 is a standard first-year course that covers all topics required by the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) for physics. This course is lab-based. Students will engage with Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEP) to investigate Newtonian mechanics; wave phenomena; electricity and magnetism; thermodynamics; optical systems; and selected topics in modern physics. Students who desire to continue their study of physics upon completion of this course could enroll in AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, or AP Physics C: Mechanics. Credits 1 Grades 10, 11, 12
Biology 2: Ecology
Ecology is an academically rigorous, in-depth, second year study of biological and ecological principles governing higher levels of organization (populations, communities, ecosystems). Concepts that will be covered include adaptation and natural selection; the physical environment and climate; population ecology, growth models, and life history patterns; communities, competition, parasitism, mutualism, and human interactions; ecosystem productivity, energy flow, nutrient cycling, and biogeochemical cycles; and biogeography, biodiversity, and global environmental change. The science of ecology is dedicated to an understanding of the relationships between organisms and their environment and is often at the center of public policy disputes related to the environment; therefore, students will learn how ecological research is becoming increasingly important and prominent throughout the world. Student participation in outdoor field activities is expected. Credits 1 Grades 11, 12
Chemistry 2: Forensic Sciences and Chemical Analysis
Chemistry 2: Forensic Sciences and Chemical Analysis course includes central concepts concerning the history of forensic sciences, the chemical analysis of forensic evidence, and crime scene management. students will apply the Locard's Principle in the observation, acquisition, and analysis of forensic evidence. Major focus is placed upon the understanding of science as an active process including the application of instrumental methods of analysis such as ultraviolet, visible, infrared and fluorescence spectrophotometry, gas chromatography, and thin layer chromatography to the classification of physical evidence. In addition, techniques of analytical chemistry are utilized to investigate the chemical composition of blood, latent fingerprints, hair and fiber evidence, toxicology, soil samples, questioned documents, and other types of trace evidence. Credits 1 Grades 10, 11, 12
Earth Science 2: Astronomy
Astronomy is a second level Earth Science course designed to be a more in-depth, mathematical treatment of the astronomical concepts presented in the introductory Earth Science 1 course. Topics such as the universe, universal laws, galaxies, stellar evolution, the solar system and its motion, and the exploration of space will be discussed. Credits 1 Grades 11, 12
Earth Science 2: Oceanography
Oceanography is a second level Earth Science course designed to be a more in-depth treatment of the oceanography concepts presented in the introductory Earth Science 1 course. It is a broad survey course dealing mainly with physical oceanography and covering such topics as the geology and geography of ocean basins; physical properties of sea water; marine chemistry; salinity and density; circulation of the oceans, waves and tides; and oceanographic instruments, tools, and methods. Emphasis is also placed on ocean policy and ocean ecology. Credits 1 Grades 11, 12
