What is Advanced Studies?

Advanced Studies at Fernbank Science Center is a unique experience that offers hands-on investigations into a variety of specialized areas of science. Students will have the opportunity to study at the science center with expert instructors, working in well-equipped laboratories or traveling to the field. The state accredited courses are provided tuition-free to any high school student in the DeKalb County School District in grades 10-12. The courses are available to students outside of the DeKalb County School District on a space-available, fee basis. Please see the course descriptions below for more information.

Please Note: Buses are not available for this program, students must provide their own transportation to the class location.

How do I apply?

To apply for a course, complete the FSC Advanced Studies Student Application.

Questions?
Please contact the FSC Program Coordinator, Mrs. Vashonda Davis
vashonda_davis@dekalbschoolsga.org

Advanced Studies Application

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PHYSICS 1A: ALGEGBRA-BASED

AP Physics 1A is the first semester in a two-semester series utilizing algebra-based math to explore college-level physics. Through inquiry-based investigations, students will demonstrate foundational physical properties and the application of scientific processes such as data analysis, argumentation, modeling, scientific questioning, experimentation, making connections, and mathematical routines. In AP Physics 1A, students will explore kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, and momentum. NOTE: Both fall and spring semesters are required.

Instructor: Ms. Chakeitha Nash
Prerequisites: Biology
Credit: 0.5 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Ronald E. McNair Middle School (2190 Wallingford Drive, Decatur, GA 30032)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) SEMINAR

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and work alone and in a group to communicate their ideas. AP Seminar is the first of two courses in the AP Capstone diploma program. NOTE: AP Seminar counts towards satisfying the fourth science requirement for graduation, but it is not recognized as a fourth science by the Board of Regents and thus does not satisfy the fourth science requirement for admission into a four-year college or university.

Instructor: Mr. Michael Sanderson
Prerequisite: Biology
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)

ECOSYSTEMS ALIVE

Ecosystems Alive! is a one semester, field-based course. Students will take field trips to a variety of ecosystems around the Atlanta area. Students will use a variety of scientific tools to explore the ecology of animals, plants, wetlands, rivers, forests and more! If you have an interest in a career in the natural sciences, then this course is an excellent introduction into understanding how and why scientists study ecosystems.

Instructor: Mr. Chris Showalter
Prerequisite: Biology
Credit: 1 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:30 PM. One Saturday field trip is also required. More detailed scheduling information will be provided on the first day of class.
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)

FORENSIC SCIENCE

Forensic Science is a one semester course. Students will examine the tools and scientific techniques used to solve crimes. This class will have a primary focus on the chemical aspect of forensics and crime investigations. Techniques include DNA, blood splatter, arson and explosive analysis. Field trips include visits to the GBI and Medical Examiner’s Office.

Instructor: Mr. Adrian Elliot
Prerequisite: Chemistry
Credit: 1 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Tuesdays and Fridays, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) PHYSICS 1B: ALGEGBRA-BASED

AP Physics 1B is the second semester in a two-semester series utilizing algebra-based math to explore college-level physics. Through inquiry-based investigations, students will demonstrate foundational physical properties and the application of scientific processes such as data analysis, argumentation, modeling, scientific questioning, experimentation, making connections, and mathematical routines. In AP Physics 1B, students will explore simple harmonic motion, torque, rotational motion, electrostatics, DC circuits, and mechanical waves. NOTE: Both fall and spring semesters are required.

Instructor: Ms. Chakeitha Nash
Prerequisites: Biology
Credit: 0.5 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Ronald E. McNair Middle School (2190 Wallingford Drive, Decatur, GA 30032)

ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

The Engineering Applications is a one-semester course facilitates hands-on learning through the implementation of the Engineering Design Process. Students will work with innovative technologies to prototype solutions for local community and environmental challenges. Students will be assembled in engineering project groups to work on the issue they collectively choose to address. There will be opportunities during the duration of the semester to work at Fernbank Science Center and at Georgia Institute of Technology. At the end of the semester, project groups will present their work to a public audience.

Instructor: Mr. Marques Herrington
Prerequisite: Physical Science or Physics
Credit: 1 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Location: Ronald E. McNair Middle School (2190 Wallingford Drive, Decatur, GA 30032)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) RESEARCH

AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. NOTE: AP Research counts towards satisfying the fourth science requirement for graduation, but it is not recognized as a fourth science by the Board of Regents and thus does not satisfy the fourth science requirement for admission into a four-year college or university.

Instructor: Varies
Prerequisite: AP Seminar
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)

OCEANOGRAPHY

Oceanography applies the sciences of geology, biology, chemistry, and physics to Earth’s oceans. Dive into the study of marine life, ecosystems, ocean currents, and the impact of human activity on our seas. Discover the fascinating world beneath the waves through hands-on experiments, field trips, and engaging lessons on ocean dynamics and conservation efforts.

Instructor: Mr. Michael Sanderson
Prerequisite: Biology
Credit: 1.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Fernbank Science Center (156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307)

Address

156 Heaton Park Drive
Atlanta, GA 30307

Contact Us

Email FSC
P: 678-874-7102
F: 678-874-7110