Science Department

    The Science Department can be reached by phone at 240-207-2361.

    The goal is for all students to become scientifically literate. This means they understand how science works and can use it in their lives. The science program in MCPS follows the Next Generation Science Standards that help students learn science in a way that is engaging and relevant to their lives. Teachers use real-world examples and experiments to help students learn. The MCPS science curriculum is organized so that students build on what they learn each year from K-12 which helps them develop a deep understanding of science. Students in MCPS science classes explore science through hands-on activities, discussions, and reading and writing. They also learn how to use scientific tools and methods to solve real-world problems. The MCPS science program is designed to help students become successful lifelong learners. They will be prepared for college and careers that require a strong understanding of science.

    Science Staff

    • Joey Bryan - Honors Chemistry and Astronomy with Physics
    • Dina Ciccone - Honors Chemistry
    • April Eichorn - Paraeducator for Science Department
    • Jack Hathaway, Astronomy with Physics
    • Deanna Jennings, AP Biology, Honors and On-level Biology
    • Becky McGaffin, Resource Teacher - Honors and On-level Biology
    • David McGaffin (CTE Department) - Honors and On-level Biology, Anatomy
    • Dr. Ute Splittgerber - Honors Chemistrty, On-level Chemistry
    • Talia Turner - Honors and On-level Biology
    • Lisa Voketitis - AP Environmental Science, Forensic Science
    • Daniel Welter - AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry
    • Meghan Wilson - Honors Physics

    Course Offerings

    Graduation Requirements for Science: 3 credits, aligned to the NGSS and approved for graduation credit. Credits must include: 1 life science credit, 1 physical science credit and 1 credit in Earth/space science or a course with the topics integrated. Students are required to take the MISA as an end of course assessment in biology.

    Anatomy and Physiology - Honors/AP Elective

    Astronomy with Physics - Counts towards NGSS Physical Science or Integrated Credit

    AP Biology (double period) - AP Course that Count towards Life Science Credit, Integrated Credit or Earth Science Credit

    Honors Biology - Counts towards NGSS Life Science

    On Level Biology - Counts towards NGSS Life Science

    AP Chemistry (double period) - AP Course that Count towards Integrated Credit or  Earth Science Credit

    Honors Chemistry - Counts towards NGSS Physical Science or Integrated Credit

    On Level Chemistry - Counts towards NGSS Physical Science or Integrated Credit

    Earth Systems and Sustainability (For English Language Learners) - Integrated Credit or  Earth Science Credit

    AP Environmental Science - AP Course that Count towards Integrated Credit or  Earth Science Credit

    Forensic Science - Honors/AP Elective

    AP Physics C - AP Course that Count towards Integrated Credit or  Earth Science Credit

    Honors Physics - Counts towards NGSS Physical Science or Integrated Credit

     

    Department Highlights

      • Each year the Science Department awards the Bausch and Lomb award to the top Junior in biological sciences and the Rensselaer Award to the top junior in physical sciences. 
      •  Damascus Science Scholars is awarded to seniors who complete seven science credits, five of which must be honors or AP and two of which must be AP. 

     

    Resources for Students and Families

      • Course syllabi can be found on the teacher's canvas pages. 
      • Students are encouraged to see their teachers for help during WIN time (11:35-12:00). 
      • The Science Honor Society offers tutoring. See Ms. Ciccone for more information. 

     

    Relevant Contact Information

      • Contact Rebecca_A_McGaffin@mcpsmd.org for any questions