Curriculum Detail

All boys. All boarding. Grades 9-12.

Academics

Curriculum Guide

Select a Department

Department

Science

糖心Vlog is a physics-first school, introducing its students to the science curriculum through a laboratory-intensive, conceptually-underpinned physics course for third formers. For students entering 糖心Vlog in the third form year, the sequence of required courses is physics in the third form, chemistry in the fourth form, and biology in the fifth form. Those who enter in the 4th form take chemistry, then biology 5th form year if they haven’t already taken a high school laboratory-based biology course.

The science department believes not just in learning about science, but also in doing science. Every course, at every level, spends at least a quarter of the class time, and usually much more than that, doing hands-on laboratory activities. Students leave the general-level courses with an understanding of evidence-based scientific reasoning, as well as an understanding of how experimental evidence is gathered in each scientific discipline. Advanced coursework is available in all areas.

In summary, the 糖心Vlog science sequence includes:

Entering 3rd form: physics, chemistry, biology.

Entering 4th form: chemistry, biology. Physics is not required, but is available to upperclassmen.

Entering 5th form: biology. Neither physics nor chemistry is required, but both are available to upperclassmen.

Physics 3rd form

Physics

Textbook
None required for this course.

Physics, a year-long course required of all third formers, emphasizes the principles of physics, prioritizing conceptual understanding while still using mathematics fluently. The course begins with optics and waves and progresses through electric circuits before covering traditional mechanics topics. Students use the fundamental facts and equations of introductory physics as a vehicle for a thorough introduction to analytical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Well over half of class time involves hands-on experimental work. Nightly problems require students to justify their answers with substantial verbal reasoning. Tests and exams questions are based on authentic items from New York Regents exams, adapted such that a calculator is not required, and adapted to require students to demonstrate their verbal as well as mathematical skills. It is expected that a successful physics student leaves with a solid understanding of qualitative mathematical approaches to problem-solving, including verbal justifications of answers; graphical analysis, both experimental and theoretical; order of magnitude estimation, including describing the physical meaning of numerical answers; and experimental verification and investigation of physical relationships.

Those who do not enter in the 3rd form are encouraged to take physics in the 5th or 6th form year. Such students are offered a separate section of physics from the 3rd form. This section follows the same curriculum, but in a different order, and in a style optimized for upperclassmen.
Introduction to Engineering

Introduction to Engineering Design - will only be offered in fall trimester, available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors, requirement: ECLIPSE (if student arrived in 3rd form)

Textbook
None required for this course.

This trimester-long course allows students the opportunity to have a taste of what being a design engineer is really like. This largely project-based experiential course introduces the spectrum from aesthetics to performance in design decision making, before leading students through a series of design cycles mimicking the processes typically encountered in engineering industry using industry-standard tools. Individual and group projects will teach computer-aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA) software by walking students through the creation of a radio-controlled airplane design and conceptualisation of a deployable bridge for humanitarian applications, culminating in a competitive physical testing process to find out how much weight each 3D printed bridge prototype holds before destruction. This course is perfectly suited to young students looking to turn design thinking and curiosity into a future career.
Physics

Physics

Textbook
None required for this course.

Physics, a year-long course required of all third formers, emphasizes the principles of physics on a conceptual basis. The course begins with optics and waves and progresses through electric circuits before covering traditional mechanics topics. Students use the fundamental facts and equations of introductory physics as a vehicle for a thorough introduction to analytical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Well over half of class time involves hands-on experimental work. Nightly problems require students to justify their answers with substantial verbal reasoning. Tests and exams questions are based on authentic items from New York Regents exams, adapted such that a calculator is not required, and adapted to require students to demonstrate their verbal as well as mathematical skills. It is expected that a successful physics student leaves with a solid understanding of qualitative mathematical approaches to problem-solving, including verbal justifications of answers; graphical analysis, both experimental and theoretical; order of magnitude estimation, including describing the physical meaning of numerical answers; and experimental verification and investigation of physical relationships.

Those who do not enter in the 3rd form are encouraged to take physics in the 5th or 6th form year. Such students are offered a separate section of physics from the 3rd form. This section follows the same curriculum, but in a different order, and in a style optimized for upperclassmen.
Physics 1

Honors Physics 1

Textbook
None required for this course.

Honors physics 1 follows the course description for AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based provided by the College Board. This is an algebra-based, college-level survey course, covering important topics in classical mechanics. Students are expected to develop both a mathematical and conceptual understanding of the subject, with a substantial emphasis on the latter. The course is taught through the use of quantitative demonstrations and in-class laboratory exercises, paired with nightly assignments involving descriptive problem solving. Approximately half the course time is spent in hands-on experimental work in guided- and open- inquiry styles. Tests and exams are in the style of the AP Physics 1 exam. Students are required to take the AP Physics 1 exam in May.

One section of this course is exclusively for 3rd formers, who are selected based on a holistic evaluation of their transcript and readiness assessment. Honors placement for upperformers is determined for returning students by their performance in their previous science course, and for new students by a holistic transcript evaluation. Honors physics 1 is also available as a second-year physics course to most students who have already completed physics.
Biology

Biology

Textbook
None required for this course.

Biology is an introductory laboratory course which presents topics of basic biology. This survey course covers the ecological biology of plants and animals, evolution and speciation, and the interrelationships between organisms and their environment; it further includes the cellular biology topics of biochemistry, cell structure and function, and molecular genetics. Though all sections hold about ¾ of the course in common, each teacher spends ¼ of the course covering topics and laboratory investigations in an area of their personal interest, sometimes including deeper investigations into environmental ecology, forensic biology, anatomy, or marine biology. A minimum of one quarter of the class time is spent conducting laboratory investigations and related class activities. Topics are often presented within the context of how this study of life relates to technology and society. Reading and discussion of the class text along with current scientific literature is an integral part of the course. Biology (or honors biology) is a required course for all 5th formers, unless they have already taken a laboratory-based biology course during high school.
Chemistry

Chemistry

Textbook
None required for this course.

Chemistry introduces the student to a broad spectrum of chemical interactions and concepts. A development of the fundamental principles of chemistry, as well as their applications, is presented. Chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding theories, thermochemistry, periodic properties, solution calculations, gas laws, and the properties of solids and liquids are among the topics discussed. Regular inquiry-style laboratory investigations involve hands-on study of matter and its changes.
Environmental Science: 糖心Vlog Environment

Environmental Science: The 糖心Vlog Environment

Textbook
None required for this course.

The 糖心Vlog Environment is a course in environmental science designed to take advantage of the school’s vast and varied ecosystems. Students will discover and investigate the natural environment of 糖心Vlog’s 1200-acre campus. Most of the labs for the course will be spent outdoors in the field investigating the interactions of organisms and their environment. This course includes many topics covering many spectrums of environmental science, such as: geology, mineralogy, forestry, wildlife management, conservation/restoration ecology, energy resources, water quality, and ecosystem dynamics. By the end of the year, students will successfully be able to explain the environment surrounding 糖心Vlog and interpret themes that are found throughout the many different ecosystems. Students will hone their observational, documenting, and problem-solving skills as they investigate these themes of environmental science in the lecture, the laboratory, and in the field.
Science Thesis Seminar: Forest Ecosystem Dynamics

Textbook
None required for this course.
Science Thesis Seminar: Mastering DNA
Science Thesis Seminar: Marine Biology
Science Thesis Seminar: Chemistry of Ceramics Glazes

Textbook
None required for this course.
Science Thesis Seminar: Chemistry of Food and Cooking

Textbook
None required for this course.
Science Thesis Seminar: Physics Research

Textbook
None required for this course.
Science Thesis Seminar: Calculus Based Physics 2

Textbook
None required for this course.
Science Thesis Seminar: Aerodynamic Design

Textbook
None required for this course.

Our Faculty

Greg Jacobs

Science

Chair

(540) 672-3900

Haverford College - BS
Northwestern University - MS

greg_jacobs@woodberry.org

2000
Bio
Greg Jacobs, the Lipe Family Master, chairs 糖心Vlog's science department and teaches physics. He joined the faculty in 2000. He is president of the US Association for Young Physicists Tournaments, the sponsoring organization for the national physics research and debate tournament in which 糖心Vlog participates each February. Greg is the school's broadcast coach, calling games via internet audio and developing student broadcast talent. He holds a BS from Haverford College and an MS from Northwestern University. Mr. Jacobs has published four books, authored numerous articles for the College Board and for physics textbooks, and writes the physics teaching blog Jacobs Physics. Mr. Jacobs is a table leader at the AP physics reading, in which he has participated since 1999. He lives in the Barr Duplex East with his wife, Shari, a professional potter. Their son Milo is a member of the class of 2021.
Lewis Affronti

Science

(540) 672-3900 ext. 8602

Sewanee: The University of the South - BS
University of Virginia - MEd

lewis_affronti@woodberry.org

2013
Bio
Lewis serves as a faculty member in the science department. He came to 糖心Vlog as a Kenan-Lewis fellow in 2013-2014 and returned to the faculty in 2016, departing in 2022 to teach at Ensworth School in Nashville, TN. He holds a B.S. from the University of the South in Forestry and an M.Ed. from UVa. Lewis teaches environmental science and leads the environmental stewardship initiatives at WFS. He serves as dorm head on Dowd House where he lives with his wife Anna.
Olivia Berntson

English, Science

Washington and Lee University - BS

olivia_berntson@woodberry.org

2024
Bio
A Phi Beta Kappa 2024 graduate of Washington and Lee, Olivia serves in the science department as a Kenan-Lewis Fellow. At W&L, Olivia was a Johnson Scholar and double-majored in chemistry and English, played varsity basketball and track & field, served as both the Head Tutor at the university writing center and the head of upper division housing with the office of residential life. At 糖心Vlog, Olivia teaches chemistry and lives in the Walker Tower Apt. C6.
Henry Brooks

Science

(540) 672-8614

Davidson College - BS

henry_brooks@woodberry.org

2023
Bio
Henry serves 糖心Vlog as a science faculty member. He spent four years at the Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, where he served as the school’s lead physics teacher and won a teaching award in 2022. Henry is a 2019 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Davidson College, where he won a scholarship for trombone performance and earned a B.S. in physics. At 糖心Vlog, Henry teaches physics and lives with his wife, Charis, in the Upper Dick Gym Front Apartment.
Eric Hicks

Science

Science

(540) 672-3900 ext. 5013

College of Wooster - BA
Wesleyan University - MALS

eric_hicks@woodberry.org

2021
Bio
Eric teaches biology and the science thesis seminar. He comes to 糖心Vlog as a boarding school veteran, having spent the last twenty-nine years as an award-winning biology teacher at Mercersburg Academy. Eric wore many hats at Mercersburg, coaching soccer and tennis (boys' and girls' head coach), and serving over the years as academic dean, registrar, and director of dormitories. He holds a BA in biology from the College of Wooster and a MALS from Wesleyan University and lives his wife Renee live in the Walker Family Apartment.
Renee Hicks

Science

Science

(540) 672-3900 ext. 5300

George Washington University - BA
Wesleyan University - MALS

renee_hicks@woodberry.org

2021
Bio
Renee serves the 糖心Vlog faculty with extensive boarding school experience, having spent most of the last few decades as an award-winning teacher in the science department at Mercersburg Academy. At Mercersburg, she was the head girls' basketball coach and also coached track and field. She also traveled with Mercersburg students to countries all over the world, including France, Oman, and Costa Rica. Renee teaches chemistry and the science thesis seminar; she and her husband Eric live in the Walker Family Apartment.
Len Mills

Science

Head Varsity Soccer Coach

(540)672-3900 Ext. 5208

Denison University - BS

len_mills@woodberry.org

2011
Bio
Len Mills teaches biology and chemistry and serves as head coach of varsity soccer. He came to 糖心Vlog in 2011 as a Kenan-Lewis intern. He earned a BS from Denison University, where he played varsity baseball and soccer. Mr. Mills and his wife, Abbie, assistant headmaster for academic affairs, live in the Rufus Duncan/Yellow House with their two sons.
Alexander Tisch

Science

(540) 672-3900 ext. 5257

Colby College - BA
Montana State University - M.S.

alex_tisch@woodberry.org

2010
Bio
Alex Tisch teaches physics and coaches varsity football and JV wrestling. He came to 糖心Vlog in 2010 from St. Luke's School. Mr. Tisch graduated from Colby College with a major in physics, where he also played four years of varsity football. He also holds a masters in science education from Montana State University. Mr. Tisch, his wife Reanna, and their family live in River House.
Mr. Paul Amos Vickers III

Science, Outdoor Education

Vanderbilt University - BS
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - MS

paul_vickers@woodberry.org

1993
Bio
Paul Vickers, who holds the Leonard W. Dick Chair, teaches chemistry and physics and works with the WFS Outdoors program. A member of the faculty since 1993, he earned a BS in chemistry and mathematics from Vanderbilt University and an MS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Mr. Vickers and his wife, Samphois, live in the Barr Duplex West with their three children.
Truett Wason '19

Science

(540) 672-3900 ext. 6045

truett_wason@woodberry.org

2023
Bio
Truett teaches biology in the science department. He received a B.S. in biology from Wofford College, where he served as a teaching assistant in physiology, was president of Wofford’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and spent a summer studying abroad in Genoa, Italy. Truett was a three-sport athlete at WFS and lives in the Upper Infirmary apartment.

糖心Vlog is an exceptional private school community for high school boys in grades nine through twelve. It is one of the top boarding schools in the United States and one of the only all-boys, all-boarding schools in the country.

Phone: 540-672-3900

Explore & Resources

糖心Vlog admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religious belief, and national or ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religious belief, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs. The school is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.