Dr. Caroline Cox

Biography:

Dr. Cox grew up in Arlington and graduated from H.B. Woodlawn Secondary school . She studied theater at Boston University for a year, and then wound up in California and graduated from UCLA with a BS in Astrophysics. She received her MS and PhD in Astronomy from the University of Michigan , followed by research and teaching at the University of Virginia for a few years. She has been at GWCS since 2000.

In her spare time, Dr. Cox hangs out at the public library, sews, helps with her daughter's Girl Scout troop, and goes to science fiction conventions.

Courses Taught:

Astrophysics:

In this course, students will learn about the solar system and about stars, galaxies and cosmology. You'll learn how to tell time by observing the Moon, you'll learn where the atoms that make up their bodies come from, and you'll come to understand the basis for current theories on the origin, evolution and ultimate fate of the universe. We'll go to at least one star party to look through optical telescopes of several inches diameter, and we'll also visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and take data with a 40 foot radio telescope.

Prerequisites: Physics and Algebra II with Trigonometry

Honors Physics:

In this narrow and deep course, students will put themselves in Newton's place and, through problem-solving, come to understand motion and forces. Students will never again ride a roller coaster without thinking of Newton's Laws and conservation of energy! The students will also take on the challenge of designing and building a cardboard boat to enter in the Lake Accotink Cardboard Boat Race, held the weekend after Memorial Day. Pre-requisite: Algebra II with Trigonometry.

Physics is the basis of all other sciences. It sets the rules. In this class, students will learn the physics concepts that rule the universe, and use them, along with some algebra and geometry, to answer questions like:

• Is an astronaut in space really weightless?
• Why does the lift hill in a roller coaster have to be taller than all the other hills?
• Why does an ice skater's spin speed up when she draws in her arms?
• Why doesn't the moon fall down?
• Why can you make different notes sound with the same guitar string?
• Why does rubbing a latex balloon on your head make your hair stand up?
• Why do you get a rainbow when you pass white light through a prism?

Hours Available For Extra Help: