Natural Science Division
Courses

High School Science Courses

Biology 1
Chemistry 1
STEM Physics
Conceptual Physics
Marine Biology
Biology 2: Anatomy & Physiology
Nutrition, Fitness, and Physiology
Wildlife Science
Chemistry 2
Biology 1
Suggested Age

13-16

 

Prerequisites

Physical Science and Pre-Algebra

 

Purpose/Process

The goal of this course is to develop an awe of God’s creation of living organisms.         one high school credit

High school students typically take Biology 1 when taking Algebra 1.  This course is a college-prep biology course that provides a strong background in scientific classification and terminology.

  • Content covered: microscope skills, biological keys, biological kingdoms, chemistry of life, cytology, genetics, creation/evolution, ecology, botany, and animals.  Students may dissect a clam, grasshopper, perch, earthworm, crayfish, frog, flowers, and a mammalian sheep eye as determined by the instructor.  

Labs will include a PowerPoint lecture over material covered at home prior to class. Students perform hands-on experiments. Safety protocol and best lab practices will be emphasized.   Students will take notes in a lab manual and instructor will determine quizzes and exams. Module Tests are taken at home under parent supervision.

Science Project Required

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Curriculum/Materials

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Chemistry 1
Suggested Age:

14-17

 

Prerequisites

Biology and Algebra 1

 

Purpose/Process

The goal of this course is to be amazed at God’s precision in creation of matter.       one high school credit

This college-prep course requires that the student has completed Algebra 1 and will provide a rigorous foundation of principles that affect our daily life. 

  • Content covered: writing and balancing chemical equations, density, factor/label method of units, ionic/covalent substances, types of reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, solutions, solubility, acid-base reactions, atomic structures, combustion, freezing point depression, gas laws, and redox reactions.

Safety protocol and best lab practices will be emphasized.  Labs will include a PowerPoint lecture over material covered at home prior to class. Students perform hands-on experiments.  Students will take notes in a lab manual and instructor will determine quizzes and exams. Module Tests are taken at home under parent supervision.

 

 

Curriculum/Materials
STEM Physics
Suggested Age:

15-18

 

Prerequisites

Algebra 2

 

Purpose/Process

STEM Physics is for the student who is planning to choose a math or science-based college degree.  This course is mathematically rigorous.  In the classroom, will be both lecture and lab components.  We will explore three primary branches of physics:  mechanical, optical, and electrical.  This course will thoroughly prepare a student for university level physics, both algebra-based and calculus-based. 

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Curriculum/Materials
Marine Biology
Suggested Age

14-18

 

Prerequisites

Pre-requisite for this course is Biology 1 and designed for upper-level students.

 

Purpose/Process

one high school credit

The goal of this course is to inspire students to value and protect God’s fantastic marine organisms and ecosystems.               

 

  • This course is a detailed study of marine systems and life.  Learning objectives include: ocean composition and regions, biological kingdoms, invertebrates, vertebrates, oceanic zonation, coral reefs, and diverse ecosystems.

  • Dissections or examinations may include: saltwater clam, starfish, shark, squid, lamprey, octopus, sea cucumber, sand dollar, stingray, sea urchin, horseshoe crab, and microscope studies to be determine by instructor.

Safety protocol and best lab practices will be emphasized.  Labs will include a PowerPoint lecture over material covered at home prior to class. Students perform hands-on experiments.  Students will take notes in a lab manual and instructor will determine quizzes and exams. Module Tests are taken at home under parent supervision.

Optional Field Trips determined by Instructor. 

Research Presentation Required

 

Curriculum/Materials
ADVANCED BIOLOGY: Biology 2:  Anatomy & Physiology
Suggested Age:

15-18

 

Prerequisites

Pre-requisite for this upper-level course is Biology 1 and Chemistry 1 and is a detailed study of the 11 organ systems of the human body. 

 

Purpose/Process

one high school credit 
The goal of this course is to bring praise to our awesome Creator through the study the Human Body systems.

•    The course is extensive in microscope study and dissection.  Dissection examinations may include per instructor: chicken wing, sheep brain, cow eye, kidney, sheep heart, pregnant rat and fetal pig.  
Safety protocol and best lab practices will be emphasized.  Labs will include a PowerPoint lecture over material covered at home prior to class. Students perform hands-on experiments.  Students will take notes in a lab manual and instructor will determine quizzes and exams. Module Tests are taken at home under parent supervision.
Formal Lab Report Required

 

 

Curriculum/Materials
ADVANCED CHEMISTRY: Chemistry 2
(Advanced Chemistry)
Suggested Age:

15-18

 

Prerequisites

Prerequisite of this upper-level course is Chemistry 1.  Math prerequisite is Algebra 2.  

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Purpose/Process

one high school credit

The goal of this course is to be in awe of God’s intricate design of the universe.

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  • Learning objectives include: a detailed study of stoichiometry, atomic chemistry, phases of matter, solutions, acid-base equilibria, solutions, electrochemistry, reaction kinetics, and organic and nuclear chemistry.

Safety protocol and best lab practices will be emphasized.  Labs will include a PowerPoint lecture over material covered at home prior to class. Students perform hands-on experiments.  Students will take notes in a lab manual and instructor will determine quizzes and exams. Module Tests are taken at home under parent supervision.

Formal Lab Report Required

 

 

Curriculum/Materials

CLEP Prep Course

Nutrition, Fitness, and Physiology
Suggested Age

15-18

 

Prerequisite

Biology

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Process/Purpose

This course is designed for students who are interested in dietary and fitness guidelines which promote overall physical and emotional wellness.  Students will learn enough about their nutritional and health status to personalize this information rather than follow every guideline issued for an entire population.  The studies will include such topics as: why we need fats, proteins, and carbohydrates; what are vitamins and minerals and how much of them do we need; how does the human body process food; how to read food labels; how to plan healthful meals; and how to make good food choices while eating out. Throughout the course there will be a special emphasis on the importance of exercise, types of exercise available, and the benefits of regular exercise.   In addition, this course will cover aspects of physiology such as digestion and absorption, insulin regulation, and energy production. The course will teach why diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension are rapidly becoming more common among teens. Lastly, this course would not be complete without discussing eating disorders, food intolerances, celiac disease, weight management, sports nutrition, osteoporosis, and the role of managing daily stress.

 

Curriculum/Materials
Wildlife Science
Suggested Age

12-17

 

Prerequisites

Middle School Math

English 1

 

Purpose

This class is designed for mature 12-17 year-olds who are interested in hands-on learning both in a lab and outdoor setting.  Students should be good readers, capable of taking field notes, and familiar with graphing data.  Topics will include ecoregions of Texas, aquatic ecosystems, water quality and conservation, terrestrial ecosystems, land management and wildlife conservation, and Texas plants, fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and invertebrates.  The class will include outdoor activities and field excursions, including at least one major outing each semester.  Students wishing to earn high school credit will complete a major project.  Contents correspond to TEA classes including Aquatic Science, Environmental Systems, and Wildlife, Fisheries, and Ecology Management.

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Curriculum/Materials

  • Digital camera or phone with good camera app

  • Lab manual is provided with registration

  • Textbooks online, with additions to be determined

Conceptual Physics
Suggested Age:

15-18

 

Prerequisites

Algebra 1; can take concurrently with Algebra 2

 

Purpose/Process

This course is designed for the student who is not pursuing a career or college degree that is math-based.  We will explore physics with class lectures and many hands-on activities to unlock the world of physics and God’s hand in it.  Concepts will be demonstrated with easy to understand examples of everyday life experiences.  The text is easy and enjoyable to read.  Testing is over the topic vocabulary, concepts, and math problems (yet less intensive than STEM Physics).  An overview of the topics covered are material substances, mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, electricity/ magnetism, and modern physics.

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Curriculum/Materials