LCPS Science Academy

2015-2016 Information Sessions

 MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Academy

of Science (AOS) is to
provide an academic
environment where
students are encouraged
to develop creative
scientific endeavors of
their own design, while
having the opportunity to
pursue a rich, well-
rounded high school
experience.
A student at the Academy of Science will
acquire skills to:

 Ask sophisticated scientific questions and conduct

research and experimentation

 Read, write and communicate at a level that is required

of university students

 Integrate personal scientific and academic background

into a broad (holistic) view of the world.
 Academic Commitment

 All AOS students will be enrolled as full-time students in

Loudoun County Public Schools, attending the AOS and
their home high school on alternating days.

 Please be aware that if you are accepted into the LCPS

Academy of Science and choose to attend, you are
making a commitment to stay in the Academy of Science
for the duration of your high school program.
 Expectations for Success

 Student motivation and interest in science are the most

valuable characteristics of AOS students. Highly
motivated students who are consistent, dedicated
learners have the greatest chance of success

 Due to the nature of science research, the rigors of a

progressive math program, and the difficulty of AP
curricula, students are most likely to be successful with
outstanding attendance and classroom participation.
 Residency and Enrollment

 All applicants to the Academy of Science, must, at the

time of application, live with a parent or legal guardian
who resides full time in Loudoun County.
 All AOS students will be enrolled as full-time students in
Loudoun County Public Schools, attending the AOS and
their home high school on alternating days.
 Transportation is provided from all LCPS high schools to
the Academy of Science located at Dominion High
School.
 Transportation enables students to be active participants
in home high school activities.
 Classes start at 9:45 and end at 2:50
Cornerstones of AOS Mission
Nurturing

Inquiry

Integration
Nurturing
Do a few things greatly…
 AOS Faculty
 The selection of the AOS faculty was
based on their passion for teaching,
academic achievement and commitment
to lifelong learning in math and science,
their interest in inquiry-based teaching,
and their willingness to work with unique
students.
 AOS ADVISORY

 Because of our commitment to nurture as well as instruct,

each teacher is assigned an Advisory Group

 Advisory teachers start with students when they enter the

academy and stay with them until graduation.

 Faculty advisors will visit each family during the summer

before the student’s first year at the academy.
 ZERO Period
 Students interested in enrolling in an additional elective
course (fine arts, business) will have the opportunity to
schedule an academic course such as English or History
during Zero Period (every morning at 8:00 a.m.) at their
home high school.

 Scheduling for Zero Period is handled through the

Guidance Office at your home high school.

 Students will be responsible for transportation to their

home schools for Zero Period.
Instructional Program
 Goal: The Most Challenging
Curriculum Possible
 Nurturing curiosity
 Encouraging critical thinking
 Learning, not by rote, but by
application
 Becoming an expert by original,
self-designed research
Inquiry
 Math
 AOS students are enrolled in one Math course each
year.

 The cornerstone of math instruction throughout the

program is a unique math/science integration that
accentuates the understanding of math principles rather
than repetition of rote process.

 By 11th grade all students are enrolled in either AB or BC

Calculus and by senior year, BC or multivariable
calculus.

 A concentration of modeling/statistics is incorporated at

all levels, including science courses.

 AOS freshmen will take an EOC SOL test to complete

math verified credit requirements for graduation.
AOS 4 Year Math Progression
Analytic Geometry,
Functions, and
Trigonometry with
Transformations

AOS Analysis AOS Analysis

AB BC

AOS AB AOS BC AOS AB AOS BC

CALCULUS AP CALCULUS AP CALCULUS AP CALCULUS AP
WITH WITH WITH WITH
STATISTICS STATISTICS STATISTICS STATISTICS

AOS BC
AOS BC
MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS AP MULTIVARIABLE
CALCULUS WITH
CALCULUS WITH CALCULUS
STATISTICS
STATISTICS
 AOS B DAY
 Ninth Grade:
 Integrated Science
 Integrated Science
 Math
 Tenth Grade:
 Integrated Science
 Introduction to Research
 Math
 Freshman/Sophomore Science
 The Integrated Science curriculum covers physics, earth
science and chemistry in a three-credit sequence of
courses taken during the first two years at the AOS.

 Freshmen are enrolled in Integrated Science 1 & 2;

sophomores are enrolled in Integrated Science 3.

 To meet graduation requirements, sophomores take

EOC SOL tests in Earth Science and Chemistry in spring
of their sophomore year.

 9th and 10th graders are enrolled in a double block of

science.
 Inquiry
 There is no lab textbook .

 Students design their own lab experiences by

responding to guided questions from faculty.

 The freedom to fail

 After designing lab activities, students write

reports, following an AOS rubric
 Why Integration?
 Typical Sequence:
Earth Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
 Integration-an example
 Course begins with classical mechanics.

 Upon completing friction, we move into:

 weathering and erosion.
 Basic structure of the atom
 Ions and ionization
 Disassociation
 Acid/Base Chemistry
 Soils, Glaciers, Rivers and Streams, Mapping
 From the study of the Earth itself, we move to the
study o the Earth as a solar system entity
 History of Astronomy to a mathematical look at Kepler
and Newton.
 Research & Mentorship
 AOS research coursework begins in the
sophomore year with the “Introduction to
Research” course.

 In 10th grade, a portion of each science class is

dedicated to “Introduction to Research.”

 Sophomore research curriculum is designed for

students to develop the research skills required
for developing their own research.
 Some Examples of Mini-Projects

 Genetic Engineering
 Science Show: Taking science on the Road!
 Engineering Competition
 Radon Map of Loudoun County Using GIS
 Statistical analysis is embedded in all projects
 Choosing a Project
 Part of 10th grade research is choosing
and designing an original research project
 Through a series of interviews with faculty,
students will have a research proposal
completed by the end of 10th grade
 Projects are designed to be carried on in-
house
 Mentorship can be both internal and
external
 Topics
 Robotics
 Cell Biology/Cancer
 Molecular Genetics
 Math Modeling
 Engineering
 Neurobiology
 Environmental Sciences
 Astrophysics
 Polymer Chemistry
 Nanofabrication
 Technology
 Laptops
 Fluorescent microscopy
 Mammalian cell culture
 Scanning Electron microscopy
 Nanospinning
 High Performance Liquid
Chromotagraphy
 Real Time PCR
 Nanospectroscopy
 BSL 2 certified facility
 Microplate spectrophotometer
 FTIR spectroscope
 Junior and Senior Year Science
 In 11th grade students take AOS Biology, an advanced
project based course.

 Enrollment in AOS Junior Science Research: AOS

students will conduct research under the supervision of
AOS faculty. Most students eventually work in
collaboration with scientists.

 AOS Seniors are required to enroll in one of four AP

sciences courses and continue their research work in
AOS Senior Science Research.
 International Research
 Some students will work collaboratively with
partners at high schools in both Singapore and
South Korea.
 Projects are chosen by application, merit, and
suitability for collaborative research.
 In the autumn students from collaborating
schools visit to begin experimental design. In the
summer, AOS students visit Korea or Singapore
to present research.
 Other International Programs
 Space Olympics in Moscow, Russia
 International Science Youth Forum,
Singapore
 Sophomore trip to Gerace Research
Station, San Salvador Bahamas
 AOS Student Schedule
 Home High School: English, Social Science, Foreign
Language, Health/PE, and elective courses (4 courses in
grades 9 & 10, 3-4 courses in grades 11&12).

 AOS: Students are required to take 3 courses each year

as detailed on the Projected High School Plan of
Studies.

 Movement from classes in Science Academy back to

home schools may be difficult until grade 11
 Summary of Projected AOS 4 Year Plan

9th (3 courses) 10th (3 courses) 11th (3 courses) 12th (3 courses)

AOS Integrated AOS Integrated AOS Biology AOS AP Chemistry

Science I & Science III AOS AP Physics
Integrated Science AOS AP
II (students will take EOC Environmental
(Earth Science, SOL for Earth Science Science
Chemistry, Physics) & Chemistry) AOS AP Biology
(choose one)

Analytic Geometry, AOS Analysis AB AOS AP Calculus AOS AP Calculus

Functions, and AB and Statistics BC and Statistics
Trigonometry with AOS Analysis BC
Transformations AOS AP Calculus AOS Multivariable
(students will take (choose one) BC and Statistics Calculus
EOC SOL in Algebra
II). (choose one) (choose one)

AOS Sophomore AOS Junior AOS Senior Science

Science Research Science Research Research
GUIDANCE
 AOS GUIDANCE PROGRAM

 The AOS is committed to providing our students with a

comprehensive school counseling program which
includes academic, career, and personal/social
development. This program is provided at the AOS and
in collaboration with our students’ home high schools.

 College counseling begins in the ninth grade and

continues throughout high school as the guidance
director and faculty advisors work with students in
planning appropriate course selections and balancing
extra-curricular activities and internship opportunities.
 Transcript Information

 All courses taught at the Academy of Science are listed

on the transcript with the prefix “AOS”

 Example: AOS Integrated Science 1

 An Academy of Science School Profile (and a home

school profile) is attached to each transcript.

 The School Profile (found on the AOS website) details

AOS mission statement, membership in NCSSSMST,
curriculum and course offerings, and student
accomplishments.
 College Counseling Program

 College admissions visits will be scheduled at

the AOS for juniors and seniors.

 Junior/Senior Student/Parent meetings

 Senior Summer Boot Camp for Essay Writing/

Application Preparation
Professional Affiliations
AOS Graduates
What Do I Do Next?
 Before You Apply
 Enrollment in Algebra, Geometry or Algebra 2 and Trig. during
the 8th grade.

 Accepted students who have not taken Geometry must

complete Geometry either during summer school or from an
online course.

 In addition it will be important to review your High School Plan

of Studies with your current guidance counselor in order to
develop an effective plan for completion of your academic and
elective diploma requirements.
 Fine Arts/Career and Technical Education Elective
 Economics and Personal Finance Elective
 World Languages
 Before You Apply
 The SAT is a College Board Test and is subject to
specific rules concerning testing accommodations.

 In order to use accommodations on College Board tests,

accommodations must be approved by the College
Board's Services for Students with Disabilities. Use of
accommodations without prior approval will result in the
cancellation of test scores.

 Students may apply for accommodations with the

assistance of their school. Your school's SSD
Coordinator along with your counselor will be able to
assist students and parents with completing this
application.
 Before You Apply

 Early September 2015-- Deadline to submit

application with SSD office of the College
Board. This process usually takes seven weeks.

 Students who currently have approved IEP

testing accommodations should contact their
counselor to discuss and begin this process
if applicable.

 Detailed information at:

http://www.collegeboard.com/ssd/student/
APPLICATION PROCESS
APPLICATION PROCESS for 2015-16

 Students enrolled in eighth grade in 2015-16

school year who are residents of Loudoun
County at the time of their application are
eligible to complete Part 1 of the application.
 Deadline to submit Part 1 is Thursday, October
8th 2015 @ 11:59 p.m.
 The PART 1 application will be live on the AOS
website on Monday August 3rd, 2015.
APPLICATION PROCESS for 2015-16

 What is included in the PART 1 application?

 Students will complete demographic information and
provide the names of their counselor, and their eighth
grade math and science teachers.

 What are the application fees?

 There is a $12 application fee; this fee can be paid on
the LCPS Parent Payment Portal or through the
middle school bookkeeper.
APPLICATION PROCESS for 2015-16
 Is testing involved in PART 1 of the application process?
 Yes, students will be required to take the SAT and the
California Critical Thinking Disposition Test
 When will I take these tests?
 Both tests will be given on Saturday November 7th at a special
test site at the Academy of Science.
 Do I need to register for these tests?
 Students will be responsible for registering for the SAT at the
AOS on Saturday November 7th.
 https://sat.collegeboard.org/register
 Students under the age of 13 must use a paper
registration form.
 COST: $54.50 (Total cost to apply: $66.50)
What should I do if I am unable to test on November
7th?
 If an applicant is ill or unable to test on November 7 his/her
parent must call the Academy of Science (571-434-4470) the
following Monday, November 9, 2015, to report the absence
and to indicate the student’s interest in alternate testing.
Applicants who are absent on November 7 will receive a
letter detailing their options to meet testing requirements.

 Students who are unable to test on November 7 will be

required to take the SAT on October 3 or December 5, 2015
and submit the scores to the AOS.

 The make-up date for the CCTDI is Saturday November 21

at 9:00 a.m. at the Academy of Science.

 Both the SAT and the CCTDI are REQUIRED components of

Part I of the AOS application.
 Determination of Finalists

 Finalists are selected based on scores on the:

 SAT and
 California Critical Thinking Disposition
Inventory (CCDTI)
 Approximately one-third of the applicant pool will
move on to the finalist process.
 Students will be notified no later than January
4th, 2016, as to whether they are finalists for
admission.
APPLICATION PROCESS for 2015-16

 Finalists will be required to

 complete Part 2 of the application no later than Friday
February 5th, 2016, @11:59 p.m.
 request letters of recommendation from eighth grade
math and science teachers
 Teachers will send recs directly to the AOS.
 report for the writing prompt and California Critical
Thinking Skills test on January 23, 2016, @ 9:00 at
Dominion High School
 Holistic Evaluation of Finalists
 Successful Completion of Algebra I:
 Current eighth grade students must successfully
complete Algebra I with a grade of B (or better) before
the end of the current school year.
 Successful applicants who have not taken Geometry will
need to take it during summer school.

 Teacher Recommendations
 Recommendations are required from the 8th grade
science and the 8th grade math teacher.
Holistic Evaluation of Finalists

 Middle School Transcript and Mid-Year

Report Card
 Provided by the middle school

 SAT Score Report

 CCTDI and CCTST results

 Writing Prompt
Holistic Evaluation of Finalists

 Responses to Application Questions:

 There are several short response questions in this
application packet. Please answer them concisely
and completely. Please limit your responses to the
space provided. No attachments will be accepted.

 Interview:
 An interview may be requested by the AOS
as part of the selection process.
 Preparing for the SAT

 Spending your school years taking challenging

academic courses and reading widely is the best
way to get ready for the SAT

 SAT practice materials, including free online

practice tests, are available for free at
https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/
 Timeline for AOS Application Process
for 2015-16

 May 6th, 2015 at 7:00 pm

 Information Session at Dominion High School
 August 3rd , 2015:
 Part I Applications available on website AOS website.
 Saturday, September 12th, 2015
9-10:30-General Info session
10:30-12-Open House
 Thursday, October 8th, 2015 at 11:59 p.m.
 Deadline to submit Part 1 of AOS application.
 Friday, October 9th, 2015: Deadline to register for
SAT
 Timeline for AOS Application Process
for 2015-16

 Saturday, November 7th, 2015:

 SAT and CCTDI at Dominion High School for all AOS
Applicants
 Students will request SAT scores to be sent to the
AOS

 Late November 2015:

 Students will receive SAT Score Report from the
College Board;
 AOS will receive score reports from the College
Board
 Timeline for AOS Application Process
for 2015-16
 No later than January 4th, 2016:
 Students will be notified by mail of finalist status; finalists
will be invited to complete Part II of the Application for
Admission

 Saturday January 23rd , 2016, 9:00 a.m.

 Writing Prompt and CCTDI for Finalists
 Inclement weather date: Saturday January 31st, 2015

 Friday February 5th, 2016, at 11:59 p.m.

 Deadline for Finalists to submit Part II Application
 Timeline for AOS Application Process
for 2015-2016
 March 2016:
 Decision letters postmarked to applicants notifying
them of admissions decision.
 Types of decision letter
 April, 2016:
 Admitted Student Meeting
 Accepted students will have a deadline by which they must
inform us of their decision to attend the AOS.
 Based on space available wait listed students will be
notified of a final decision.
Academy of Science
21326 Augusta Drive
Sterling, VA 21064
Phone: 703-434-4470
www.lcps.org/aos