Our Science Courses

List of Courses:

  • *Honors Life Science with Lab - 7th grade recommended | *out-of-pocket - not charter approved

  • Honors Physical Science with Lab (10 credits) - 8th/9th grade recommended

  • *Honors Biology with Lab (10 credits) - 10th-12th grade recommended | *out-of-pocket - not charter approved

  • Honors Chemistry with Lab (10 credits) - 10th-12th grade recommended

  • Honors Physics with Lab (10 credits) - 9th-12th grade recommended

*Honors Life Science with Lab - 7th grade recommended

In this class, students study biology through content balanced to address important large-scale topics and key micro-scale topics including: human organ systems, animal and plant reproduction, and inheritance of traits, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, mitosis, meiosis, and sensory systems, the energy, populations, nutrient cycles, and biomes of ecosystems, evolutionary theory and how mutations in DNA lead to genetic variation. Throughout the year the students journey through 26 experiments while using a beautiful Apprentice’s Companion as a support resource, which is part lab manual, part sketch book, part commonplace journal, and part lab journal, with historical notes, poems, artwork and quotes designed to make each experiment a rich multi-disciplinary activity. In addition, students dive into living science books and connect with nature through weekly nature study experiences.

*out-of-pocket - not charter approved

Materials for Life Science:

Honors Physical Science with Lab - 8th/9th grade recommended

The appreciation of—and care for—the natural world begins with a sense of wonder at the exquisite complexity and balance seen everywhere in nature. This class strives to instill in students a sense of wonder and fascination with the natural world. Topics covered include types of matter, energy, order and design in creation, forces and fields, measurement, motion, sound and light, electricity and magnetism, and the nature of scientific knowledge.

Good science instruction should draw students upward into the adult world of scientific inquiry. Students continually learn and build on their learning through reencountering key concepts and practicing scientific skills through 12 “Experimental Investigations” so that they become settled in their minds. This class includes some discussion of epistemology (what kind of knowledge does science give us) and references from the humanities where appropriate to add greater dimension, to humanize and decompartmentalize science, references to art, music, architecture, technology, and literature. The nature of truth, theories, facts, hypotheses, and the nature of scientific knowledge are also discussed. In addition, students dive into living science books and connect with nature through weekly nature study experiences.

Materials for Physical Science:

*Honors Biology with Lab - 10th-12th grade recommended

This class combines up-to-date science with a Christian worldview and a mastery-based educational philosophy. Starting at the atomic level and progressing to ever-larger scales: cells, genes, microorganisms, plants, animals, and human organ systems, topics steadily build chapter by chapter.

Mastery-based learning methods are an essential part of this class, propelling students not only to learn but also to substantially retain the content for years after completing the course. The class succinctly and logically covers a wide array of information and draws students into mature engagement with the content. Student’s will be awed by God’s amazing creation, and captivated with the integration of science, math, history, and language arts, while focusing on mastery of the content. Through it all, they will affirm Jesus Christ as the center of all things as they study the complexity of God’s world and current scientific claims.

The goal of the General Biology text is to equip students to use their minds for the glory of God, and with this goal in mind, evolutionary theory is taught with the scientific evidence presented neutrally. Students will become well-versed in the theory, while understanding God is the Creator of all things. “Ultimately,” the authors’ write, “there can be no conflict between studying the world God made and what the Bible says.” Additionally, students will study life, atoms and molecules, cell theory and cycles, genetics, classifications and microorganisms, fungi and plants, animals, anatomy, with the final chapters providing a survey of ecology and the theory of evolution.

The Apprentice’s Companion to General Biology, offers experiments, follow up questions and space to record answers and impressions. It also encourages the student to sketch observations in the provided space. Quotes, poems, and numerous graphics are found throughout to inspire students in their study of the natural world. In addition, students will dive into two living science books.

*out-of-pocket - not charter approved

Materials for Biology:

Honors Physics with Lab - 9th-12th grade recommended

Honors Physics is for students who have taken or are concurrently taking Algebra I. This course includes an intentional integration of related subjects along with physics: mathematics, history of science, written and verbal communication, tie-ins to humanities, and even a little bit of epistemology (philosophy of knowledge). It is taught from a humanities-based, STEM-focused, Classical-model. 

In discussions of Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion, how can you leave out some historical background about Newton? Can anyone have a meaningful perspective on the Cycle of Scientific Enterprise without an (accurate) understanding of the trial of Galileo? Goethe famously said “the history of science IS science.” Understanding science is much more than knowing scientific facts. Students are challenged to think critically to apply concepts to real-world situations utilizing cumulative skills taught throughout the course. Historical sections are placed in the flow of the course, and are not treated as a sidebar to be ignored. Epistemological discussion (the nature of scientific knowledge) is also included. 

This course provides a good preparation for future science courses and career and requires an accurate facility with technical communication, both verbal and written. The five assigned experiments focus on giving the student a genuine experience of a lab scientist, emphasizing proper procedures, safety consideration, materials disposal, lab journaling, lab report writing, precision vs. accuracy, handling apparatus, and accounting for unexpected results.

Materials for Physics:

Honors Chemistry with Lab - 11th-12th grade recommended

Honors Chemistry is for juniors and seniors who have taken, or are concurrently taking, Algebra II. The course utilizes mathematical skills such as algebraic manipulations of equations, ratios and proportions, unit conversions, and significant figures. Toward the end of the course, we will do pH calculations using logarithms and power functions.

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom the emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder, and stand wrapped in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” – Albert Einstein

Chemistry helps students develop virtues leading to strong scholarship, but more importantly, it strives to cultivate a sense of wonder about the physical world around them. Besides the acquisition of scientific knowledge, the goal is for students to recognize that they now partake with many scientists throughout history in the pursuit of truth. Growing awareness of the beauty and order of our world, as well as the connection with humanity, will inevitably lead to the true source of all this mastery.

In order to prepare students for college-level chemistry, this course uses a mastery approach. The text, General Chemistry by John D. Mays, facilitates mastery by covering fewer concepts at a deeper level. Our goal is to have a solid, working comprehension of these concepts and to apply the mathematical calculations accompanying them. Mastering these concepts now will create a tremendous foundation upon which higher-level concepts can build in college. Repetitive review of important “standard problems” throughout the year will keep concepts relevant and fresh. This course integrates science with history, mathematics, faith, and the epistemology of science. While receiving a solid foundation in science, we will take time to contemplate and discuss topics in class.

Laboratory – A good scientist must understand well-designed experimentation, the proper interpretation of results, and precise communications of his/her findings. The robust, high-quality laboratory component for Honors General Chemistry consists of experiments using laboratory-grade materials.

Materials for Chemistry:

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