Science Classes for 2023-24

Middle School Science
Middle school science will employ the classical model as students study astronomy, life science, and earth science. Students will research and report though presentations on various topics throughout the year. A sketchbook will be compiled each year documenting research papers, drawings, and biographies. Focus will include both memorization and understanding cause and effect relationships. 

Track 1 (2022-23): 
First Semester - Astronomy and Historical Scientist Study
Second Semester - Life Science with a focus on animals 

Track 2 (2023-24)
First Semester - Earth Science
Second Semester - Life Science with a focus on botany and cells
   

Physical Science
    The goal of this lab is to inspire students to pursue learning about God’s order. A course designed to be taken before Biology 1, Physical Science is an overview of earth science and physics. This lively course covers atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, weather, Newton’s laws and simple physics, forces in creation, sound, light, and astrophysics. Many hands-on experiments demonstrate the topics covered. Lab time is a lecture/experiment format. Assignments and lab reports will be completed at home. Quizzes, Mid-term, and Final exams are given in lab.

Biology
Prerequisites: Concurrently with/or after Algebra 1
    The goal of this lab is to develop an awe of God’s creation of living organisms. This course is a college-prep biology course that provides a strong background in scientific classification and terminology. Studies include: biological keys, kingdoms, chemistry of life, cellular biology, genetics, creation/evolution, dissections, botany, and a crash course on human body systems. Students will dissect at minimum: clam, grasshopper, perch, earthworm, crayfish, frog, snake, spider, flowers and a mammalian eye. The students will also become proficient in using the microscope. Assignments and lab reports will be completed at home. Lab will be a lecture/experiment format. Quizzes, Mid-term, and a Final exam will be given in lab.

Chemistry
Prerequisites: Proficient in Algebra 1
    This course will follow Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd Edition and will include the study of significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and basics, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, gas laws, and equilibrium. In addition, this class will focus on the application of chemical concepts in the laboratory, and a full laboratory experience will be provided, well beyond that called for by the textbook. Diligent study of this subject should prepare the student well for the study of chemistry in college. The student can expect 4 to 6 hours of homework each week, which will be routinely checked, as well as chapter tests and quizzes. In addition, two formal lab reports will be completed each semester.


Anatomy and Physiology
Human Anatomy and Physiology is a laboratory-based course that will enable students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the human body. Topics covered will include the basic organization of the body and major body systems along with the impact of diseases on certain systems. This course will involve laboratory activities, projects, dissections, textbook material, models and diagrams.