SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Four semesters are required in science.
General Science
The first semester of General Science is a study of physical
science. Topics covered include motion, forces, work, energy, waves, sound,
light, optics, electricity, and sound. Students utilize and develop their
reasoning, writing and math skills as they explore these topics in labs.
God's order and control of His creation is clearly revealed as the students
learn about the physical world. the second semester of this course focuses
on the human body. As the students study the various systems of the human
body, they learn and apply good health habits to know how to care for
the body as God's temple. This course acts as a continuation and completion
of the topics covered in junior high in the earth, physical, and life
sciences.
Biology
In this course we see how God has created a tremendous number and variety
of living organisms, called "kinds" in Genesis 1, and how man
has tried to organize these living creatures into 5 kingdoms. Students
learn about living things and their relation to each other and their environment.
Topics covered include the cell and its functions, microbiology, ecology,
animal and plant behavior, reproduction, and genetics. We describe the
representative types of organisms in each kingdom, discussing their created
function in nature, their effects on man, and man's use of them. We face
evolution and refute it, using the Word of God as our rule of faith.
Chemistry
This is a course in the nature of matter and how it reacts. Algebra I
is pre-requisite. We obtain a good understanding of the materials with
which God has fashioned His creation. Topics include: atomic structure,
electron configurations, periodic table, chemical formulas and bonding,
reactions and equations, mole calculations, states of matter, gas laws,
chemical equilibrium, solubility, acids and bases, oxidation/reduction,
reaction rates, stoichiometry, aqueous reactions, thermochemistry, molecular
geometry and bonding theories, intermolecular forces, chemical kinetics,
chemical equilibrium, acid-base equilibria, electrochemistry, metallurgy,
coordination compounds, and nuclear, organic, nonmetal, and biological
chemistry.
Physics
Algebra II is pre-requisite. Physics is the study of matter and energy
and their relationship. God displays His majesty in creation so that we
may glorify and honor Him as the King of creation. The study of physics
reveals a unity and deep beauty in the universe that is not obvious to
the casual observer. Physics is the study of the creation in its simplest
form. In physics we study conditions of far less complexity than the biologist,
geologist, or chemist. In doing this, we investigate the most fundamental
forces in creation - the forces which, presumably, are at the root of
all the more complex sciences. In physics, we learn to describe what happens
in as clear and comprehensive a way as possible. This is why some knowledge
of physics is so essential to anyone who plans advanced studies in one
of the sciences, mathematics, or engineering. This is an algebra-based
course which will cover the main divisions of physics: mechanics, which
includes the study of motion, forces, work, power and heat; waves, which
covers sound and light energy; electricity and magentism; and nuclear
physics, which will include an introduction to quantum theory and the
present model of the atom.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
This is an advanced biology course concerning the human body. General
biology is the prerequisite. Students gain a deeper, more grounded understanding
of the truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. They build on
their previous knowledge and understanding of the human body. Topics included
in this course are: levels of organization, integumentary system, skeletal
structure, articulations, muscle system and tissue, neural system and
tissue, integrative functions, endocrine system, lymphatic system, respiratory
system, metabolism and energetics, and electrolytes.