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 science center.

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 PHYSICS C

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a one semester course in calculus-based physics for prospective science and engineering majors. Students will explore concepts such as kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. Our course emphasizes experimental work and problem solving, and can give successful students a year of college credit. Please note that students must register for both the fall (Mechanics) and spring (Electricity & Magnetism) courses.

AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism is a one semester course in calculus-based physics for prospective science and engineering majors. Students will explore concepts such as electrostatics, conductors, capacitors and dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism. Our course emphasizes experimental work and problem solving, and can give successful students a year of college credit. Please note that students must register for both the fall (Mechanics) and spring (Electricity & Magnetism) courses.

Instructor: Mr. Michael Dowling
Prerequisites: Calculus (concurrently); Physics (recommended)
Credit: 2.0 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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.

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

ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

Engineering Applications is a one-semester course that 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

AP SEMINAR

AP Seminar delves into cross-disciplinary discussions, examining intricate academic and real-world subjects by dissecting diverse viewpoints. Students explore issues, analyze arguments, compare perspectives, and synthesize information from various sources. Through individual and group work, they learn to develop and express their viewpoints in written essays and oral/visual presentations. The course aims to empower students to accurately analyze, evaluate, and communicate evidence-based arguments. During the AP exam administration window, students will take the College Board's AP Seminar End-of-Course Exam.

Instructor: Varies
Prerequisites: Biology, completion of 1 AP course
Credit: 1 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: TBD

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: TBD
Prerequisite: Biology
Credit: 1 Carnegie Unit
Schedule: TBD

Address

156 Heaton Park Drive
Atlanta, GA 30307

Contact Us

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