Physical and Life Sciences

Science Department Goals

The Science Department of Archmere Academy strives to educate the whole student, to encourage and support each student through depth of curriculum, to develop their ability to create scientific arguments, to teach students to interpret information using a scientific lens, and to prepare students for the ever advancing technological society in which we live.

Our Curriculum is a Living Organism

The Archmere Academy Science Department believes that the study of science involves a thought process that is beneficial to all students regardless of their choice of college or major. The department sees its curriculum as a living organism that needs to continually grow and adapt in order to prepare our students for a technologically and scientifically demanding society. The department therefore strives to combine tried and traditional methods of education with new and innovative methods in an effort to provide its students, with not merely a good science education, but with the best science education available.

All students are required to take six semesters of science for graduation. Included in the six semesters are:

Two semesters each of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

AP, Elective, and Activity Offerings

Advanced Placement courses are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science. A variety of electives are also offered including anatomy and physiology, marine biology, food chemistry, forensic science, and engineering. These allow students to explore the many varied applications of science and possible career opportunities in the scientific field. Outside of the curriculum, the department offers many extracurricular activities, including the TEAMS competition, the Science Olympiad, horticulture club, robotics, and the National Chemistry and Physics Olympiads.

An Exclusive Course for Future STEM Research

Archmere Academy enjoys an incredible connection with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and its Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine. Through this relationship, Archmere offers the Advanced Cancer Research and Analysis course which combines a biology class focusing on the genetics of cancer and a computer science class focusing on analyzing data sets as one would in a research setting. Students enrolled in this course have the exclusive opportunity to intern at CHOP in the following summer.

Biology

This course, an introduction to the study of all living things and the properties of life, is a general survey of the biological principles associated with a college-prep Biology course. Students will explore the characteristics of life through topics such as cell interactions and heredity that build an overall knowledge of systems and functions essential to our existence. In order to prepare students for further studies in high school and college courses, this course covers the standards associated with typical high school Biology courses in the region. Each topic is covered in less depth than at the Honors Biology level, but the same topics are covered.

Laboratory activities are an important component throughout the year and students are expected to participate in a variety of laboratory procedures that will require them to apply the principles they have learned. 9th graders are placed into Biology based on a placement exam.
Honors Biology

Honors Biology is a two semester course designed for 9th graders. The course is designed to survey all major topics in the study of living things including biochemistry, genetics, cell structure and function, evolution, animal and plant physiology, and ecology. In addition to the lecture component, the course includes weekly laboratory exercises meant to strengthen the students' understanding of the concepts presented in class that week. The course is intended to be a challenging, college preparatory level course.

Prerequisites: Placement is based upon teacher recommendation and placement test for 9th graders.

Initial entrance into Honors science begins with success on the placement test in May before the 9th grade year. After that first year, Honors placement for the following year is determined by the student’s performance in the current year. A College Prep level student who does very well can advance to the Honors level in the next year. Similarly, a student may move from Honors to College Prep if student performance dictates.
Chemistry

Chemistry is a one-year course that is intended to introduce students to general inorganic chemistry concepts and lab techniques. The course covers general principles, problem-solving and laboratory experiences. Topics considered include: atomic theory, bonding, nomenclature, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions and acids-base chemistry. Laboratory experiences are a combination of “hands-on” experiments, computer simulations and are scheduled to coincide with lecture topics Typical experiments include: types of reactions, solution preparation, acid-base titration, gas laws, and the use of Vernier probes for data collection and analysis. Classroom instruction includes a combination of lecture, group work and activities utilizing interactive platforms, such as ExploreLearning.
Honors Chemistry

This is a general chemistry course that stresses theory, problem-solving, and the reinforcement of topics via laboratory experiments. First semester topics include scientific measurement, atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermochemistry, and states of matter. In the second semester, topics include gas laws, kinetics, equilibrium, and acid‑-base chemistry. Instruction of topics includes lecture, activities, simulations, and problem solving.

The laboratory experiments are general chemistry experiments and computer simulation labs, and are scheduled to coincide with the lecture material. The laboratory program stresses proper lab technique and safety, and students work in pairs to collect data. Many experiments include use of the Vernier probes and software to acquire data electronically.

Prerequisites: Minimum of B in Honors Biology and department approval. Math level will be evaluated in the recommendation process.

Initial entrance into Honors science begins with success on the placement test in May before the 9th grade year. After that first year, Honors placement for the following year is determined by the student’s performance in the current year. A College Prep‑level student who does very well can advance to the Honors level in the next year. Similarly, a student may move from Honors to College Prep if student performance dictates.
Physics

The Physics course covers Mechanics, including kinematics, forces, momentum, energy, and rotations and Vibrations & Waves. The course is well reinforced with lab experiments, both hands-on and computer simulation, that will help fortify the theoretical concepts. Students will use computers for direct measurements, calculations, graphing, and analysis via programs like LoggerPro, Vernier Graphical Analysis, and Google Sheets. As part of the curriculum, students will work on independent projects that fosters a deeper understanding of some of the physics principles learned and how this applies to everyday life.
Honors Physics

This course is a rigorous introduction to physics without the use of calculus. The topics in this course include Mechanics, Waves, Electricity, and Magnetism (time permitting). This course emphasizes both a conceptual understanding of physics and numerical problem solving. The course is designed to be equivalent to a university course in physics for a non-science major. Laboratory work is a significant portion of the class time and a significant component of the grade. Labs are designed to provide students with hands-on experience of the physical phenomena and illustrate practical applications of the topics.

Prerequisites: Minimum of B in Honors Chemistry or a B+ in Chemistry; previously or concurrently enrolled in Honors Algebra II and Trigonometry; department approval.

Initial entrance into Honors science begins with success on the placement test in May before the 9th grade year. After that first year, Honors placement for the following year is determined by the student’s performance in the current year. A College Prep‑level student who does very well can advance to the Honors level in the next year. Similarly, a student may move from Honors to College Prep if student performance dictates.
AP Biology

The AP Biology is a rigorous two semester biology course equivalent to the two semesters of biology for biology majors at a university or college. The course covers a breadth of topics ranging across all realms of biology. The core curriculum of the course centers on the Campbell Biology text and the mandates for the course from the College Board. It does include an extensive laboratory program and requires scientific writing and research. All content is finished by the middle of April so that review time is allotted for the AP exam. All students are required to take the College Board AP exam in biology in May.

Prerequisite: B+ in previous Honors science courses and teacher recommendation.

For AP courses, students need to earn a B+ or better in the current Honors course or a B or better in the current AP course to move to or continue in the AP level the following year. Students can move from AP Biology to AP Chemistry without taking honors chemistry if they do well in AP Biology. Students may move into AP Physics from AP Chemistry without honors physics if they do very well in AP Chemistry. To take AP Physics, students must have completed at least one year of AP Calculus AB or be enrolled in AP Calculus BC concurrently.
AP Chemistry

This is a lecture-based course that includes activities, simulations, and problem solving. The content follows the AP curriculum. The laboratory experiments are a mix of both traditional general chemistry experiments and computer simulation labs. The experiments are scheduled to coincide with the lecture material. The laboratory program stresses proper lab technique and safety, and students work in pairs to collect data. Many experiments include use of the Vernier probes and software to acquire and analyze data. Students maintain a lab notebook and submit written reports for each lab; the reports include a pre-lab, procedure, data tables, calculated results, sources of error, and conclusions. In addition to labs on the double blocks of E or F day, students are scheduled for an extended block during work period one day a cycle.

Prerequisite:
B+ or higher in AP Biology both semester AND concurrent enrollment in Honors Trig or higher...or...A in Honors Chemistry both semesters AND teacher approval.

For AP courses, students need to earn a B+ or better in the current Honors course or a B or better in the current AP course to move to or continue in the AP level the following year. Students may move from AP Biology to AP Chemistry without taking honors chemistry if they do well in AP Biology. Students may move from AP Chemistry to AP Physics without honors physics if they do very well in AP Chemistry. To take AP Physics, students must have completed at least one year of AP Calculus AB or be enrolled in AP Calculus BC concurrently.
AP Physics C: Mechanics

AP Physics is a calculus-based physics course covering mechanics topics such as: kinematics, forces, momentum, energy, rotations, and oscillations. The course follows the College Board recommendations for AP Physics and is intended to be the equivalent of a first semester university-level Physics. The course includes a hands-on lab component that occurs once every cycle. Familiarity with basic integration and differentiation, algebraic problem-solving, and trigonometry are vital to success in this class. Inquiry, critical thinking, lab explorations, and clear explanations in oral and written work will be emphasized.

Prerequisite: Students must have earned a B+ in Semester 2 of either AP Chem or Honors Physics; and a B+ in Semester 2 of AP Calc AB.
AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science is a two-semester course studying the biological, chemical and physical factors of our natural environment and how we can live in and create a more sustainable world. Topics included are nonrenewable and renewable energy types, waste reduction and management, pollution concerns, systems ecology, water and land use, government policy, environmental justice and more. Instruction will be a mixture of lecture, lab activities, small projects and presentations, class discussions and in-class activities.

Students taking the class have completed or are completing a sequence involving a full year each of biology, chemistry and physics. Most students have also taken at least one science elective. Students have also been recommended for the course by their previous instructors and approved by the school based on prior performance. At the end of the course, students are required to take the AP Environmental Science exam.

Prerequisites: a B in Physics or Honors Physics and department approval.
Honors Anatomy & Physiology

In the Honors Anatomy and Physiology course, the many systems of the human body are evaluated. For each system, students learn the major organs, structures and detailed anatomy coupled with an understanding of the cellular physiology. Students are expected to bring to the course an understanding of simple cellular biology from their biology course. It includes a dissection laboratory component to understand the general anatomy and many other laboratories to analyze the physiology of each system. All major body systems are addressed within the context of this course.

Prerequisite: B+ in CP Bio or B in Honors Bio or...

B+ in CP or B in Honors of most recent full-year science course
Marine Biology

Marine Biology is a one-semester, elective course open to any student. In this course, we will cover the physical and chemical features of the ocean environment, survey the classification and physiology of the organisms that live there, and discuss the major marine ecosystems and the effect humans are having on them. A range of laboratory activities and demonstrations will provide students with opportunities to learn about the topics in a more detailed, hands-on approach. The course is designed to be a challenging and thorough look at a rarely seen part of the world and is intended for students with a serious interest in biology.
Forensic Science

In this course, students will be introduced to mechanisms to critically evaluate collected evidence and expected to draw conclusions about the analysis of that evidence. Simulated crime scene data will be analyzed to learn techniques to evaluate DNA evidence, insect larval evidence, ballistics, fingerprints, blood smear analysis, powders and molecule identification. Laboratory investigations will introduce techniques like blood typing, electrophoresis, fingerprint analysis, blood typing, powder identification, flame testing, insect larval analysis, ballistics, and chromatography of unknown chemicals.
Introduction to Astronomy

Introduction to Astronomy is an elective course open to seniors. This course is one semester long and is divided into four parts:

1. Astronomy and the Universe

2. Our Planetary System

3. Stars and Stellar Evolution

4. Galaxies and Cosmology

This course presents a broad view of astronomy, straightforwardly descriptive and without complex mathematics. The absence of sophisticated mathematics, however, in no way prevents discussion of important concepts. Rather, we rely on qualitative reasoning as well as analogies with objects and phenomena familiar to the student, to some degree, this course is the extension of the studying of general science (Methods of Science, Chemistry, Physics) and mathematics (basic Algebra and Geometry). Students will use Stellarium (free open source astronomy software) for most virtual lab activities. in addition to the virtual labs, students will also carry sets of experiments with lenses, spherical mirrors, telescope models and other basic techniques of optics. We will spend one night doing astronomical observations at Mt. Cuba Astronomical Observatory, DE. Students will use information they collect from the observatory to draw conclusions or make inferences to the content of the exercise.

At the end of the course, students will be able to understand the basic concepts of the astronomical study of the universe, the relationship of earth to the universe and also apply the mathematical and physical concepts to the motion of the planetary bodies, such as planets, comets, and stars. They will be more familiar with astronomical instruments, such as telescopes, spectroscopes. They will be more familiar with the life and works of some famous astronomers and scientists such as Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Brahe, Kepler, Hubble.

This course will help students communicate the excitement they feel about astronomy and also awaken them to the marvelous universe around us.
Honors Engineering

Engineering is not simply a science, but rather a way of looking at the world. Honors Engineering I is a college-level course that exposes students to the way of thinking required of engineers as well as the career of engineering. Classroom discussions will be used to cover selected engineering-based topics such as material selection and properties as well as both static and dynamic rigid systems. Of equal focus will be for students to harness their critical thinking skills through project-based learning. In this way, students will learn how teamwork is vital to the success of engineers.

Pre-requisites: B or better in Honors Physics and/or concurrently enrolled in AP Physics or A in Physics with instructor approval.
Honors Engineering II

Honors Engineering II is a continuation of the skills learned and practiced in Honors Engineering I allowing for students to have a full-year college-level introduction to engineering. Classroom topics discussed in this course include statics and dynamics of fluids as well as heat transfer and thermodynamics. As with the first in the sequence, an equal focus will be placed on critical thinking skills and project-based learning in teams. The second in the sequence allows for students to synthesize many topics from both semesters as they solve problems.

Prerequisite: B in Semester 1 Honors Engineering.
Advanced Cancer Research & Analysis

Advanced Cancer Research and Analysis (ACRA) is designed for students interested in the medical field. It consists of three parts: a genetics class, a data analysis class, and an internship with CHOP. Students enrolling in the course commit to all three parts of the course. In the first part of the course, students will learn about the purpose of the D3b program at CHOP by studying cancer, its causes, and treatments. In the second part, students will learn how to analyze data collected from patients in order to evaluate treatments and disease progression. All parts will include keynote speakers from CHOP, visits to relevant sections of the D3b program, and each semester will culminate in a poster project to be presented at an in-house conference. Over the summer, students will have the opportunity to intern with the D3b program, including shadowing in the hospital setting and research labs, and working on a specific data analysis project.

Prerequisites:
1) B+ or better in Introduction to Computer Programming
2) B+ or better in Honors Biology or AP Biology
3) instructor approval

Note: Students may enroll in AP CSP concurrently with ACRA.

Select a Department

Department

Faculty

Dr. Matthew Wilcox

Science Teacher; Computer Science Teacher

302-798-6632 Ext 836

University of Central Florida - Ph.D.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County - B.S.

mwilcox@archmereacademy.com
Dr. Sharon Archer

Science Teacher

302-798-6632 Ext 764

University of Virginia - Ph.D.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Graduate Studies
College of William and Mary - B.S.

sarcher@archmereacademy.com
Bio
Education: College of William and Mary - B.S.
University of Virginia - Ph.D.
Mr. John Bellace Jr.

Science Teacher

302-798-6632 Ext 762

Villanova University - M.A.
Richard Stockton College - B.S.

jbellace@archmereacademy.com
Bio
Education: Richard Stockton College - B.S.
Villanova University - M.A.
Dr. Jennifer Christy Ph.D.

Washington State University - Ph.D.
University of Georgia - M.S.
University of New Hampshire - B.A.

jchristy@archmereacademy.com
Bio
Education: University of New Hampshire - B.A.
University of Georgia - M.S.

Washington State University - Ph.D.
Mr. JR Creekmore Jr.

Science Teacher

302-798-6632 Ext 761

Villanova University - M.A.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville - B.S.

jrcreekmore@archmereacademy.com
Mrs. Leah Davidson-Wolf

Science Teacher

302-798-6632 Ext 736

University of Maryland, Baltimore County - M.A.T.
Goucher College - B.A.

ldavidsonwolf@archmereacademy.com
Dr. Dorothy Escobar

Science Teacher

302-798-6632 Ext 829

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science - Ph.D.
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science - M.S.
Caldwell College - B.A.

descobar@archmereacademy.com
Mr. Fredrick Okocha

Science Teacher

302-798-6632 Ext 765

Imperial College London - M.S.
Delta State University - B.S.

fokocha@archmereacademy.com
Mr. Peter Rainwater

Science Teacher

302-798-6632 Ext 763

Franciscan University of Steubenville - B.S.

prainwater@archmereacademy.com