Science Curriculum

Physical Science

This on-level course is the study of matter, energy and their interactions and will cover extensive laboratory experiences. The first semester introduces basic chemistry; the second semester introduces physics.

Biology

This on-level course is a study of living organisms, emphasizing structure, functions, and mechanisms, which unify the living world; and a survey of phylogenic distinctions which diversify the living world. A comparative analysis of origins is conducted utilizing resources supporting creation and evolution science and the philosophical foundation of each. Extensive lab work - dissection of plant and animal life - accompany the course. The course is taught from the perspective of the Biblical account of origins and holds to the position of the school as well as the personal belief of the instructor.

Biology Honors

This course covers the same course outline as on-level biology.  However, the honors section will include the following additional topics of study:

• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• The Kingdoms
• Ecology
• Major systems of the human body

Basic life processes will be studied at the molecular, cellular, systemic, organism, and ecological levels of organization. Students will gain a basic understanding of how similarities and differences in structure and function can be used to classify organisms. Upon completion of this course, students will also be able to follow experimental design in conducting an experiment.

AP Biology

The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college level introductory biology course. This course covers a vast amount of material and aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly changing science of biology. The course is broken down into three areas of study:

• Molecules and Cells
• Genetics and Evolution
• Organisms and Populations

This course will provide students with a thorough knowledge of the chemistry of:

• Life
• Cells
• Cell Energetics
• Heredity
• Molecular Genetics
• DNA Technology
• Evolution
• Microbiology
• Diversity of Organisms
• Structure and function of plants and animals
• Ecology (Populations)

The goal of this course is to challenge students to analyze and apply acquired scientific knowledge at a high level of thought. Primary emphasis in this AP Biology course is the development of an understanding of concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details.

Requirement: AP Lab period .5 unit credit for the lab.

Chemistry

This on-level college prep course aims to enhance the student’s appreciation for and knowledge of chemistry by providing students with a comprehensive grasp of the basic structure of matter, interactions between substances, and the relationship of energy to matter.  Rigorous problem-solving skills are practiced and mastered in  tandem with the content.  Laboratory investigations are designed to allow students to illustrate the scientific principles under study, to develop skills in scientific techniques and to practice collecting and analyzing raw data.  Methodology includes lecture, cooperative group work, assigned problem sets, and assessments by quizzes and tests.  Each semester a project is also assigned.  Throughout the year, the order of God’s universe will be highlighted as well as the usefulness of chemistry as a tool to accomplish His will.

Chemistry Honors

This course follows the same course outline as on-level Chemistry. However, the honors course covers the topics in greater detail and includes additional topics.  Each student will be required to complete an independent research project as part of the course of study.

AP Chemistry

This course is designed to provide the equivalent of first year college chemistry both in content and laboratory experiences. Development of independent learning, problem-solving skills and competence in preparing a lab report are emphasized. Students are expected to be fairly self-directed in their study allotting about six hours per week at home.

The course is structured to include introductory lecture followed by group problem practice, problem presentations by individual students, quizzes and 1-2 unit labs prior to the unit tests. Problem sets originate from the textbook and from worksheets developed by AP Chemistry teachers. A free response packet for each unit featuring free response questions collected from previous AP Chemistry exams is completed prior to the unit test.

Physics Honors

This course aims to enhance the student’s appreciation for and knowledge of the physical world by providing them with a comprehensive grasp of the characteristics of matter and energy and the relationship of energy to matter. Rigorous problem-solving skills are practiced and mastered in tandem with the content. Laboratory investigations are designed to allow students to illustrate the scientific principles under study, to develop skills in scientific techniques and to practice collecting and analyzing raw data. As an honors level course, independent projects will be incorporated throughout the year to develop individual research and experimentation. Throughout the year, the order and beauty of God’s universe will be highlighted as well as the purpose of physics as a tool to accomplish His will.

Anatomy Physiology/ Honors

This course is a detailed study of the human body’s structures and functions. This course is a comprehensive study of the human body at the molecular/biochemical, cellular, tissue, organ, systemic, and organism levels. Students will explore the human body through the organ systems. An emphasis on both the structural and functional aspects of the human being is integrated throughout each section.  Students will be required to work independently to achieve a basic mastery of the characteristics and concepts in each organ system. This course is designed for students planning to pursue a career in science, particularly the life sciences.