Honors Physics is a rigorous, calculus-driven exploration of the fundamental principles that govern the physical universe. The course spans kinematics, vectors, forces, energy, momentum, rotation and statics, oscillations, waves, fluids, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, optics, relativity, and introductory quantum and nuclear physics. Students learn how mathematical models emerge from empirical observation, how they gain predictive power, and how they unify seemingly separate phenomena.

Honors Biology is a college level course that will focus on major concepts or themes essential to understanding life processes through cellular biology and beyond. The underlying principles and theories that guide this course are evolution, cellular processes, energy and communication, genetics and information transfer and interactions of biological systems. Throughout the year, science as a process will be emphasized as students conduct laboratory and field studies to support classroom information, use inductive and deductive reasoning to discover and practice key concepts, study the history of the development of our present understanding of biological concepts, and actively engage in scientific investigation. This course carries Dual Enrollment credit through Virginia Wesleyan University.

This course explores the intriguing world of forensic science learning the basic scientific principles, laboratory techniques, and reasoning skills used to solve crime. Learn to analyze crime scene evidence, including fingerprinting, fiber analysis, ballistics, arson, trace evidence analysis, poisons, drugs, blood spatters, blood samples, or psychology through case studies and simulated crime scenes. Apply scientific methods to solve fictional crimes using forensic tools and technical resources, questioning and interviewing, forming and testing hypotheses, conducting data collection, and developing conclusions. This integrated science course blends biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking to introduce you to forensics fundamentals. 

Honors Marine Science & Research is a project-based course open to 11th and 12th graders. Students in this course will conduct individual research projects, participate in long term science-based research projects while studying marine science topics. Topics to be covered include the chemistry, physics, and biology of the world’s oceans and the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay. Most topics will be delivered through independent study modules in Canvas with readings, laboratory work and field work. Students signing up for this course will be expected to learn independently and take ownership of their own learning, develop strong self-discipline and self-directed learning skills, and be able to take personal responsibility for their own learning.