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Science

The APS science program helps all APS students gain the scientific knowledge and skills to become part of a productive global work force of problem solvers and innovators.

The APS Science Program

  • Ensures implementation of the science standards defined by the Virginia Department of Education through the development of curriculum and selection of instructional resources.
  • Develops and facilitates learning opportunities for teachers and staff.
  • Supports teachers through mentoring, lesson modeling, and observations to ensure best practices for science instruction.
  • Supports the schools in their facilitation and implementation of their fairs or expos and organizes, hosts, and runs the Northern Virginia Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
  • Schedules and facilitates trips to the Planetarium and oversees day-to-day operation.
  • Supports sustainability education and oversees the school-based sustainability liaisons.

Local Science Fairs

All APS secondary schools host annual local science fairs.  These fairs provide students with the opportunity to engage in independent science research and to communicate their results to teachers, peers, and judges.  Our students receive valuable feedback on their scientific investigation and communication skills and top projects from the school-based fairs are invited to present their research at the Northern Virginia Regional Science & Engineering Fair. These experiences would not be possible without the help of volunteer judges.  Please consider volunteering as a judge at one of our school fairs. 

Regional Science Fair

regional science fair

2025 Northern Virginia Regional Science & Engineering Fair

The Northern Virginia Regional Science and Engineering Fair will be held  at Wakefield High School in Arlington on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

 

Previous fair information:

 

Category Judges

If you are interested in serving as a judge for one of the 11 subject categories, please complete the Category Judge interest form.  Category judges determine First Place through Honorable Mention awards within one subject group, as well as nominations for students to compete at the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair (VSSEF) and the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Additional information for new Category Judges may be found here.

 

Society-Organization Judging

Societies and Organizations are invited to participate in a separate judging of students projects based on their own criteria, interests, and judging rubric. They are free to evaluate whatever projects they want within any of the 11 subject categories.  If your Society or Organization would like more information, please contact us by emailing chris.reid@apsva.us.

Science Resources

Environmental Literacy

The David M. Brown Planetarium is now open for APS student field trips. Public events are offered through the Friends of the Planetarium.

Visit the Planetarium

Contact

Science Office

Syphax Education Center
2110 Washington Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22204

X: @APSscience

Dr. Dat Le
Science Supervisor
703-228-6163
dat.le@apsva.us

Michele Lombard
Science Specialist
703-228-6162
michele.lombard@apsva.us

Jennifer Powell
Science Specialist
703-228-5776
jennifer.powell@apsva.us

Christine Reid
Administrative Assistant
703-228-6166
chris.reid@apsva.us