SCIENCE
Biology – Biology is the study of living organisms. Students are taught the differences and similarities of life. Students gain an understanding of God’s nature through the wonder of his creation. The structure and function of the cell is emphasized throughout the course. Major areas of study are genetics, botany, zoology, and human biology. Theories of evolution are taught alongside Creationism. Students need to understand the way this subject is presented in a secular environment. Lab work is intended to reinforce topics covered in the classroom and to prepare the students for inquiry-based lab work in future science classes. Text: Biology for Christian Schools, BJU Press

Chemistry – This is a course in introductory chemistry. The topics developed in the course are chemistry and matter, matter and energy in reactions, matter and its structure, matter and its phases, reaction processes, acids and bases. Problem solving is a major element in the study of chemistry. Emphasis is placed in the following areas: Determining Chemical Formulas, Balancing Chemical Equations, Stoichiometry, Chemical Thermodynamics, Electron Structure, Solution Concentrations, Acid-Base reactions, Oxidation-Reduction reactions. This course utilizes 25-30 hours of lab work. Laboratory work covers each major class topic with emphasis on: basic lab safety, techniques, materials and equipment; application of learned concepts to real world and laboratory applications; correct practices in measurement, documentation, record keeping, and correct style in writing the lab report. Text: Chemistry, Holt, Rinehart, and Winston

Environmental Science – Though primarily designed as an introduction to this subject, this course gets into some surprising depth, exploring the nature of the Earth and the need for us to be good stewards of it. Using the text, students explore the physical makeup of the Earth, its atmosphere and relation to other physical elements that contribute to our well-being. Students further explore how life exists and works on the planet, the various biomes and habitats of organisms and the biodiversity of life on Earth. The multitude of ways that pollution and other environmental problems affect these habitats and organisms is explored in depth. Further studies investigate the interaction of organisms on Earth, as well as the affects of the increasing human population on the planet. Students delve into the elements of air, water and soil in an effort to understand the myriad of environmental problems we face in regards to these elements; lab experimentation is used to further explore the affects on air, water and land. In time, students study the need for renewable energy, the concepts of climate change, the controversy of “Global Warming” and the affects of mining and waste on the Earth, especially in regards to health and depletion of needed resources. Text: Environmental Science, Holt, Rinehart, Winston

Health – This course provides instruction on the most recent health information available. By learning the facts about various issues, the student will have a basis on which to make their own health choices. Text: Total Health Choices for A Winning Lifestyle, Susan Boe

Human Anatomy & Physiology – This course will allow students to develop an understanding of the structure and function of the eleven systems in the human body. At the conclusion of this course these students will be able to demonstrate practical knowledge of basic scientific facts and principles underlying normal body structure and function. They will also be able to identify and describe the interrelationships between various systems in the human body. Text: Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology Elaine N. Marieb

Physics – This is an algebra- and trigonometry-based course intended to fully prepare the student for success in a college level general or Engineering Physics course. The topics developed in the course are kinematics; dynamic forces; work and energy; static geometric and wave optics; modern physics. Students will apply their understanding of the scientific method to all areas of their course work. The course utilizes 25-30 hours of lab work. Lab work develops the topics covered in class with focus on: basic lab safety, techniques, materials and equipment; correct practices in measurement, documentation, record keeping, and correct style in writing the lab report. Problem solving and analytical thinking are utilized as a fundamental part of the course. This includes: application of mathematics as a fundamental problem solving tool of physics, application of physics as a fundamental problem solving tool of engineering, analyzing laboratory data, interpretation of lab results, graphing and mathematical modeling. Text: Physics for Christian Schools, Holt, Rinehart, and Winston