LCPS Science Academy
2014-2015 Information Sessions
Today’s Schedule
 9-10:30 Information Session and Q and A
 10:30-noon- open house
 During Open House students will be
available in hallway and in classrooms
Available Rooms
 9th Grade Integrated Science
 10th Grade Integrated Science/Intro to
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Research
Research
AOS Math
AOS Parents
International Opportunities
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, wellrounded 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
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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
CALCULUS WITH
STATISTICS
AOS BC
MULTIVARIABLE
CALCULUS AP
MULTIVARIABLE
CALCULUS
WITH
CALCULUS
STATISTICS
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
Integration-an example
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Course begins with classical mechanics.
Upon completing friction, we move into:
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weathering and erosion.
 Basic structure of the atom
 Ions and ionization
 Disassociation
 Acid/Base Chemistry
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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
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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 inhouse
 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
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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)
AOS Integrated
Science I &
Integrated Science
II
(Earth Science,
Chemistry, Physics)
10th
(3 courses)
AOS Integrated
Science III
11th
(3 courses)
AOS Sophomore
Science Research
(3 courses)
AOS Biology
AOS AP Chemistry
AOS AP Physics
AOS AP
Environmental
Science
AOS AP Biology
(choose one)
AOS AP Calculus
AB and Statistics
AOS AP Calculus
BC and Statistics
AOS AP Calculus
BC and Statistics
AOS Multivariable
Calculus
(choose one)
(choose one)
AOS Junior
Science Research
AOS Senior Science
Research
(students will take EOC
SOL for Earth Science
& Chemistry)
Analytic Geometry,
AOS Analysis AB
Functions, and
Trigonometry with
AOS Analysis BC
Transformations
(students will take
(choose one)
EOC SOL in Algebra
II).
12th
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
Class of 2013 Recognitions
 62 graduates
 Offered $5,650,702 In Scholarships; Accepted
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$2,166,570
4 National Merit Finalists
1 National Achievement Scholarship Semifinalist
1 National Hispanic Scholar
2 Special Award Recognitions at ISEF
3 Best of Fair Awards LRSEF
Class of 2010 Recognitions
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Seniors offered $4,600,000 in scholarships
4 National Merit Finalists
1 National Achievement Semi-Finalist
1 National Hispanic Achievement Semi-Finalist
2 Best of Fair Awards LRSEF
2 Semi-Finalists in Siemens Science Competition in Math, Science,
and Technology
 3 Gold Medals and recognitions as Outstanding Scientific Team
Research at Virginia Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
(JSHS).
 1st Place at National JSHS
 1st Place International Space Olympiad, Moscow.
What Do I Do Next?
APPLICATION PROCESS
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 PSAT 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
 Late August 2014 -- Deadline to submit
application with SSD office of the College Board
 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/
CHANGES IN THE AOS
APPLICATION PROCESS for 2014-15
 PART I REMAINS THE SAME:
 Students enrolled in eighth grade in 2014-15
school year who are residents of Loudoun
County at the time of their application are
eligible to complete Part 1 of the application and
take the PSAT.
 Deadline to submit Part 1 is September 25th @
11:59 p.m.
 PSAT testing is Saturday October 18th
CHANGE IN THE AOS APPLICATION
PROCESS for 2014-15
 NEW for 2014-15: We will be using a
tiered admission process.
 ONLY students identified as Finalists will
proceed to Part II
 Following the receipt of PSAT scores in
mid-December, we will notify students as
to whether they are finalists for admission.
Determination of Finalists
 Finalists will be determined by PSAT
score.
 Approximately 1/3 of applicants will be
finalists.
 Finalists will be notified no later than
January 5th, 2015.
CHANGE IN THE AOS APPLICATION
PROCESS for 2014-15
 Finalists will be required to
 complete Part 2 of the application,
 request letters of recommendation,
 report for the writing prompt in January.
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
 PSAT Score Report
 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.
AOS APPLICATION PART I
 Part I of the AOS Application will be
available online at the AOS website
on
August 11, 2014.
 Part I includes registration for the PSAT
 Payment for the PSAT can be made through the
LCPS Online Payment Portal or through your
LCPS middle school bookkeeper.
 The fee for the PSAT will be $20.
 The PSAT test will be administered at Dominion
High School on Saturday October 18th for all AOS
Applicants.
 Deadline to submit Part 1: September 25, 2014 at
11:59 p.m.
AOS APPLICATION PART I
AOS applicants who are ill or otherwise
unable to test on October 18th:
 If the applicant is ill on October 18th his/her parent
must call the Academy of Science (571-434-4470)
the following Monday, October 20, 2012) to report
the absence and to indicate the student’s interest
in alternate testing
 Students who do not test on October 18th will be
required to submit SAT test scores. Students are
requested to take the SAT in November or
December, 2014.
Preparing for the PSAT
 Spending your school years taking challenging academic
courses and reading widely is the best way to get ready
for the PSAT
 The PSAT includes the same types of critical reading,
math, and writing skills multiple choice questions as the
SAT®.
 Ready to give the questions a test run? At the PSAT
website you'll find tips and practice questions with
answers and explanations for each type of question
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep.html
 Students who complete Part I of the AOS Application will
receive a copy of the 2014 Official Student Guide to
the PSAT .
AOS APPLICATION PART II
 All Finalists must complete Part II of the application, and will
be required to complete a writing prompt.
 In the application the students will be asked to provide
information as well as respond to several short answer
essay questions. The questions will be listed in the
instructions for the applications so that students can
prepare thoughtful answers.
 The date for the writing prompt is Saturday January 17th,
2015 at 9:00 a.m.
 Part II of the AOS application must be submitted no later
than Friday February 6th , 2015, at 11:59p.m.
Timeline for AOS Application Process
for 2014-15
 May 8th, 2014 at 7:00 pm
 Information Session at Dominion High School
 August 11th , 2014:
 Part I Applications available on website AOS website.
 Saturday, September 13th, 2014
9-10:30-General Info session
10:30-12-Open House
 Thursday, September 25th, 2014:
 Deadline to submit Part 1 of AOS application/
registration for PSAT.
Timeline for AOS Application Process
for 2014-15
 Saturday, October 18th, 2012:
 PSAT Test at Dominion High School for all AOS
Applicants
 Mid-December 2014:
 Students will receive PSAT Score Report
 LCPS students through middle school
 Private/Home-schooled students via USPS
Timeline for AOS Application Process
for 2014-15
 Monday January 5, 2015:
 Finalists will be notified no later than this date and will be
invited to complete Part II of the Application for Admission
 Saturday January 17th , 2015, 9:00 a.m.
 Writing Prompt for Finalists
 Inclement weather date: Saturday January 31st, 2015
 Friday February 6th, 2015, at 11:59 p.m.
 Deadline for Finalists to submit Part II Application
Timeline for AOS Application Process
for 2014-15
 Friday March 27th, 2015:
 Decision letters postmarked to applicants notifying
them of admissions decision.
 Tuesday April 7th, 2015:
 Admitted Student Meeting
 Friday April 10th, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.
 Accepted students must inform us of their decision to
attend the Academy no later than Friday, April 12, 2013
at 4:00 p.m. by email, or by fax at 571-434-4471.
 After Friday April 10th, 2015:
 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
Fax: 703-434-4471
www.lcps.org/aos