High School Science Courses
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.
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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
Curriculum/Materials
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Textbook set: Apologia: Exploring Creation with Biology, Edition 3 & Tests and Solution Manual
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.
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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
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Textbook set: Apologia: Exploring Creation With Chemistry, Edition 3 & Tests and Solution Manual
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.
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.
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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.
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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
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Textbook set: Apologia: Exploring Creation with Marine Biology, Edition 2 & Tests and Solution Manual
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The Marine Biology Coloring Book, by Thomas M. Niesen, Edition 2
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.
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
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.
Curriculum/Materials
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Digital camera or phone with good camera app
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Lab manual is provided with registration
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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.
Curriculum/Materials
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Abeka Physics: The Foundational Science (textbook)
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Abeka Physics: The Foundational Science Tests (test booklet)
(Test Key is not required – instructors will grade tests) -
ODA Conceptual Physics Lab Manual is purchased from the ODA bookstore and will be distributed by the instructor.