The Randolph-Macon Academy Science Department strives to help students:

• Appreciate the process of scientific inquiry and the scientific enterprise.
• Understand the common themes and basic rules governing all matter, nonliving and living
• Develop scientific habits through practice with observation, critical thinking, problem-solving, laboratory experience, and scientific writing.

Physical Science:
The 8th Grade Physical Science course provides Cadets with a foundational understanding of the concepts and principles that explain the physical world. Emphasizing inquiry-based learning, this course builds scientific literacy through hands-on exploration, experimentation, and the application of core ideas in physics and chemistry. Students investigate topics such as motion, energy, matter, and the interactions between them.

Instruction focuses on strengthening critical-thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills aligned with state and national science standards. By the end of the course, Cadets will be able to apply scientific reasoning to real-world situations and will be well prepared for high school science coursework.

Biology:
Biology is a course which is a systematic study of Life on Earth. Students can expect to spend time learning about the characteristics of life, the chemistry of life, cells, cell transport, cell energetics (photosynthesis and cell respiration), cell division, DNA structure and function, genetics, evolution, and ecology. A lab component of the course adds to the classroom instruction. Students will be taught scientific skills through the content above; for example, graphing, basic statistics, and Experimental Design.

Honors Biology:
Honors Biology is a course that is a systematic study of Life on Earth. Students can expect to spend time learning about the characteristics of life, the chemistry of life, cells, cell transport, cell energetics (photosynthesis and cell respiration), cell division, DNA structure and function, genetics, evolution, and ecology. The course delves deeper into the content than the Biology course, with a special emphasis on the chemistry of life. A lab component to the course adds to the classroom instruction. Students will be taught scientific skills through the content above; for example, graphing, basic statistics, and Experimental Design. Prerequisite: A- or better in 8th grade science or teacher recommendation.

AP Biology:
This is a college-level course covering 2 semesters of College Biology. The majority of the content focuses on a college-level understanding of the processes of cellular life as well as Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology. In addition to the college-level Biology content covered in the course, students will develop their scientific skills through the application of the six science practices as identified by the College Board. These include Content Explanation, Visual Representation of Content, Scientific Questioning, Describing and Representing Data, Basic Stats and Data Analysis, and Scientific Argumentation. A lab component of the course enhances the classroom content and provides students with opportunities to develop their science practices. Students wishing to pass the AP Biology Exam and receive college credit must expect to put time outside of the classroom preparing for the AP Biology Exam. It is highly recommended that students take the Exam and purchase an AP Biology test prep book to work through in addition to the content of the course.
Prerequisite: B+ in Chemistry or Physics and teacher recommendation.

Chemistry:
This course is a lab-based physical science course. It includes the use of algebraic concepts to interpret and explain the many phenomena that occur between matter and energy in the physical world. The goals of this course are to develop critical thinking and reading skills, provide an environment in which logical problem-solving skills may be nurtured, and provide each student with the background necessary to be successful in future physical science-based coursework. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I.

Honors Chemistry:
Honors Chemistry is an in-depth investigation of matter, structures, reactions, and changes designed to prepare the students to continue in science in AP Chemistry and at the college level. From the basics of atomic structure to a deeper understanding of the matter-energy relationships associated with a wide range of physical and chemical changes, students will use many tools to gain an understanding of the chemical world. Honors Chemistry is an inquiry-based course in which laboratory work, observational skills, critical thinking, and experiments are developed and honed by building an excellent foundation for further science exploration. Students should possess curiosity, the ability to follow instructions, a respect for safety while dealing with chemicals, and knowledge of fundamental mathematics. This course is taught at the honors level. It requires time spent outside of class working to master the algebra skills needed to successfully navigate chemistry problems. Students also need to regularly review concepts and information to make necessary connections from one concept to the next. Chemistry is built upon a foundation of these basic concepts. Prerequisite: A- in Geometry or teacher recommendation.

AP Chemistry:
This course is guided inquiry, laboratory-based designed course to challenge the more advanced students, and is taught at an accelerated pace. It presents a rigorous treatment of the following concepts: nature of matter, gas laws, thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, performing laboratory investigations, communicating laboratory findings, and describing the structure of matter and its behavior. A strong math background in which the student has acquired competence in formula writing and solving equations while using technology is essential for success. This course is dual enrolled at Laurel Ridge Community College as Chemistry 111. Students earn 4 credits upon successful completion of the course. Prerequisites: A grade of B or higher in both Honors Chemistry and Algebra II.

Honors Anatomy and Physiology:
Honors Anatomy and Physiology is a course that will enable students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the human body. The curriculum provides a basis for students to develop a strong conceptual understanding of the following human body systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive. Students have the opportunity to integrate that knowledge through inquiry-based activities and laboratory investigations. This course is designed for college preparation, especially for biology and health career majors. This course is taught at the college level. It requires time spent outside of class working to learn vocabulary and structures and functions of the human body. Prerequisite: A- in Biology and Chemistry or teacher recommendation.

Physics:
Physics is an upper-level course that presents a mathematical analysis of the major concepts of classical physics as well as an introduction to some of the more modern aspects of physics. Students examine topics such as mechanics, fluid and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics. Lab work is designed to complement lectures, group work, and in class problem sessions.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II and Chemistry. Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II is acceptable with B grades in previous math courses or teacher recommendation.

AP Physics 1:
The algebra-based, college-level physics course designed by College Board introduces fundamental physics principles through inquiry-based learning. Topics include kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and mechanical waves. Students enhance problemsolving, critical thinking, and experimental skills, preparing for advanced studies in physics and STEM fields. Prerequisites: Completion of Pre-Calculus and Physics with teacher approval; current enrollment in Pre-Calculus is allowed with a B in the prior math course.

AP Physics C – Mechanics:
AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study and activities as well as hands-on laboratory work as they explore concepts like change, force, interactions, fields, and conservation.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Calculus and Physics along with teacher approval. Concurrent enrollment in Calculus is acceptable with B grades in previous math courses or teacher recommendation. Completion of Physics can be waived with teacher recommendation.

Intro to Astrophysics

Intro to Astrophysics is an upper level science course for students interested in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Cosmology. The course combines a general study of the universe along with the science behind how it works. The Astronomy portion of the course includes a study of Astronomy’s history, the planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, and dark matter, and plots the location of celestial objects. The Astrophysics part of the course gives the understanding behind how the universe functions as a whole. The Cosmology section course explains the life cycle of the universe’s working parts. The course is taught from a Biblical perspective and includes scientific theories for comparison. Prerequisites: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra I.