Science

Biology

10th Grade

This is an introductory level biology course designed to assist students in understanding the world around them. The emphasis during the first semester is primarily on biochemistry and cell biology, focusing on cell processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, reproduction, and genetics. Second semester work includes a survey of living organisms – beginning with viruses and bacteria, followed by protozoa, plants, and animals. Appropriate labs are assigned to reinforce many of these topics, including dissections of both invertebrates and vertebrates.

Honors Biology

10th Grade

Prerequisites: Placement will be based upon past performance in science courses and teacher approval.
Honors Biology is a fast-paced, more in-depth study of the topics covered in Biology. Honors Biology students are eligible to take AP Biology in the 11th or 12th grade.

Chemistry

11th-12th Grade

Prerequisite: The student should be taking or already have taken Algebra II.
An introduction to the periodic table, elements, compounds, atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, solutions, and acids and bases. There is a heavy emphasis on the math involved in chemistry. This includes unit conversions, mole concept problems (including stoichiometry) gas laws, concentration of solutions, and pH calculations. Frequent labs will be performed to familiarize the student with basic laboratory techniques.

Honors Chemistry

10th, 11th, & 12th Grade

Students who will be taking Pre-Calculus are automatically placed into Honors Chemistry. It is highly recommended that students who will be taking Alg. II/Trig take Honors Chemistry.

Honors Chemistry is a first year chemistry course for the highly motivated student who has excellent problem-solving abilities. This course will cover the same concepts as regular Chemistry, but will cover them in more depth. Also, students will perform more laboratory experiments. Honors Chemistry is a very challenging course. A solid math background is imperative, along with the ability to understand concepts quickly.

Advanced Placement Chemistry

11th-12th Grade

Prerequisites: See general prerequisites on p. 9. The student should be concurrently enrolled in Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, or Calculus. A/B average in Honors Chemistry. 70th percentile or higher score on the math section of the PSAT is recommended.

Advanced Placement Chemistry is a second year chemistry course and is a more in-depth study of general college chemistry. New concepts include chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases, buffers, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. Extensive lab work is required. This course is recommended for students planning to enter pre-med, pre-vet, or engineering fields in college.

Human Anatomy and Physiology

11th-12th Grade

This course involves a study of the human body in relation to its functions. It covers cells, tissues, the integumentary system, skeletal and muscular systems, nervous system and special senses, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. An intense study of the fetal pig is conducted the last week of school.

Physics

11th-12th Grade

It is highly recommended that the student have had Alg. II/Trig and Chemistry
Physics is a study of the theory and mathematics of mechanics, light, sound, heat, and electricity. Frequent laboratory experiments are performed to reinforce theories and to practice collecting data and performing calculations.

Advanced Placement Biology

11th-12th Grade

Prerequisites: See general prerequisites on p. 9. The student must have had Honors Biology. The student must be taking or have taken Honors Chemistry. Minimum percentile score on the PSAT of 60 math and 50 verbal is recommended.

AP Biology is a college level biology course. A college level text is used. The following topics are covered: cell structure and function, photosynthesis, respiration, genetics, human anatomy and physiology, botany, zoology, ecology, and evolution with a Christian perspective. A wide variety of labs will be performed. It is important that the students learn how to collect, analyze and interpret data. This course provides excellent preparation and experience for college Biology courses and is well worth the time and effort.

Environmental Science

12th Grade

Environmental Science will provide the students with the scientific concepts and methodologies needed to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and man-made, and to evaluate the risks associated with these problems and examine the alternative solutions for resolving/preventing them. The student should be a motivated and independent learner. Because of the nature of this course and the required field study, it is imperative that the student demonstrate responsible and mature conduct.