Science Department

Department Phone: 301-929-2074

Department Overview

Welcome to the Science Department at Wheaton high School.  We take pride that we offer an inquiry-based program.  Scientific inquiry refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work.  Inquiry also refers to the activities of students in which they develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas.  Each class offered in this department has a hands on inquiry based laboratory component.

The science curriculum at Wheaton High School offers a broad range of experiences in all areas of science including Advanced Placement Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science.  We also offer an Academy of Biosciences and Health Professions where students can select from three different pathways:  Biosciences, Medical Careers, or Project Lead the Way’s Biomedical Sciences.  The one required science course is Biology.  Students taking Biology are required to pass the Maryland High School Assessment (HSA).   Students who do not pass the test will receive remediation and may retake it.

All students must complete 3 years of science to meet the graduation requirement however students are encouraged to consider scheduling science during all four years.  Colleges recommend a minimum of 4 years for students in science related majors. 

Web Academy overview

Science Department Forms Parnership

The Science Department has a partnership with the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.  Each summer two Wheaton High School students are given a paid internship to work with scientists and learn more about how food and drugs related to animal health are regulated by this branch of our government.

Congratulations to Takele Telahun for the 07/08 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Internship

Wheaton High School has been very successful at placing students into the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Internship/National Institutes of Health/Montgomery County Public Schools Student Internship.  This is a paid summer internship followed by continued work during the academic year.  This is an extremely rigorous program that culminates with each student presenting their research experience at a formal dinner symposium. Past recipients are:

2006 /2007   Maria Rivera, Isabelle Roma, and Gloria Kosky
2005/2006   Cesar Baeta and Belechew Telahun
2004/2005   Kedar Gurjar
2003/2004   Jeet Bahra
2002/2003   Anoma Hapangama

Check the Staff Directory for Contact

 

Staff Member

Course/Position

Ms. Sandra Sundlof
Resource

Honors Biology, Biology

Ms. Heather Carias
Academy Head, Biosciences & Health Professions

AP Biology, Human Body Systems

Mr. Matthew O'Neil

AP Physics, Hon Physics, Physics

Mr. Eric Ellingson

Honors Chemistry, Chemistry, Matter & Energy

Ms. Elizabeth Hellman

Horticulture Science, Biology

Ms. Ellisa Hidalgo

AP Environmental Science, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology

Mr. Wesley Martin, NGA House 2 Leader

Honors Matter & Energy

Ms. Dedra Mattox-Jones

Matter & Energy, Earth Space Systems

Ms. Tonia Chicas

Environmental Science, Biology, Applied Science

Ms. Talia Shnider

Honors Biology, Principle of Biomedical Science

Ms. Marie Paul

AP Chemistry, Hon Chemistry

Ms. Catherine Sobieszczyk

AP Biology, Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems

Ms.Lether Johnson-Brock

Biology, Honors Biology

 


Updated September 25, 2008 | Maintained by Webmaster