[science]
Broadly defined, science is the study of the physical universe. The over-arching goal of the science program is for students to perceive science as a formal method in the search for truth. The curriculum encourages students to develop skills of critical inquiry, harnessing their innate curiosity about the natural world while learning scientific material. The rigorous laboratory and problem-solving courses of physics, chemistry, and biology may optionally be followed by Advanced Placement Biology in the senior year.
The science curriculum is structured to foster an understanding of the compatibility of scientific principles and research with biblical truth. Students are prepared to make ethical judgments of scientific research and the application of emerging science, as well as for sophisticated conversation as informed citizens of an increasingly complex world. By challenging our students to think and support their claims on important social issues such as stem cell research and evolution, the science curriculum develops their understanding of how Christianity intersects, and is compatible with, the body of scientific knowledge and theory.
The science curriculum in the middle school includes the study of the human body and health, general life science, environmental science, and, on a limited basis, astronomy, geology, and meteorology. This curriculum is intended to prepare students for upper school college preparatory and advanced level classes in physics, chemistry, and biology that approach their content in a more quantitative manner. Beginning in the sixth grade, students further their understanding of science through the frequent use of experimentation. While physics students create rockets to launch, AP Biology students perform the Polymerase Chain Reaction. The importance of hands-on science goes beyond reinforcing conceptual understanding. Allowing students to perform sophisticated lab experiments prepares them for the rigors of college science and gives them a window into the myriad possibilities of careers in science.
[courses]
The Human Body (Grade 6)
The sixth grade science course provides an overview of the workings of the human body. Students begin by developing an understanding of the cell as the basic building block. The majority of the course is then spent on an introductory study of the major organ systems. Hands-on projects and computer activities are used to help students understand how the body works. As students learn about the different systems of the human body and how they work together to sustain life, the hope is that they develop an appreciation of God’s intricate design of the human body. At the same time, as each organ system is examined, real-life issues (e.g. smoking and nutrition) are discussed in order to promote critical thinking that will lead to healthy decisions for the students’ bodies. Science 6 is required for grade six students.
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Chemical Interactions & Environmental Studies (Grade 7)
In this course, students will be introduced to chemical properties, chemical interactions, and the environment. Topics in chemistry include, but are not limited to, atomic structure, states of matter, periodic trends, classification of chemical reactions, heat in chemical reactions, gas laws, and solutions. Topics in environmental science include interactions of organisms, ecosystem organization, biomes, and human impact on the environment. While the primary outcomes are a conceptual understanding of scientific principles, mathematical representations of these concepts are taught parallel to the mathematics courses. Laboratory exercises supplement the topics throughout the year, developing scientific reasoning skills and enhancing students’ understanding of the scientific method. Science 7 is required for grade seven students.
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Introduction to Physics & Astronomy (Grade 8)
Eighth grade science is a conceptual approach to physics. Topics include forces, fluids, motion, friction, machines, power, energy, sound, the electromagnetic spectrum, and astronomy. Connections to human biology, mechanics, and engineering are used to enhance understanding of physical laws and theories. Laboratory exercises supplement the topics throughout the year while developing scientific reasoning skills and enhancing students’ understanding of the scientific method. Science 8 is required for grade eight students.
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Physics (Grade 9)
Physics provides a quantitative and conceptual formulation of the fundamental laws of physics and physical phenomenon. The uses of hands-on activities for simulations, data acquisitions, and analysis seek to reinforce students’ conceptual understandings. Physics is required of all ninth grade students. Some of the topics covered in this course are mechanics, electricity and magnetism, sound, and light. Physics is required for grade nine students.
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Chemistry (Grade 10)
Chemistry is a comprehensive, in-depth approach to chemical properties and chemical interactions. Using concepts in algebra, students will gain a conceptual understanding of chemical properties and interactions that will include mathematic representations. Topics in Chemistry include periodic law, atomic structure, chemical reactions, predicting products, kinetic molecular theory of matter, equilibrium, reaction rates, solutions and solubility, and nuclear chemistry. Weekly laboratory experiences support the curriculum while teaching students technical laboratory skills, challenging students to use scientific reasoning, and enhancing students’ understanding of the scientific method. Chemistry is required for grade ten students.
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Biology (Grade 11)
This course approaches life science from the nuclear level up through ecosystems. Beginning where Chemistry leaves off, students will be exposed to God’s design of living things starting with the chemical properties of carbon-based organisms. Following biochemistry, students will study genetics and DNA technology, cellular biology, the order and diversity of life on earth, and environmental interactions. On-line and in-house wet labs will be used to support the curriculum. In addition to these lab experiences, Boston University’s CityLab will provide high-tech laboratory experiences. Biology is required for grade eleven students.
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Advanced Placement Biology (Grade 12)
AP Biology builds upon the skills and knowledge developed in eleventh grade Biology. This course is designed to cover topics including ecology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, phylogeny, and plant and animal structure and function. In-depth laboratory integration is included within and outside of the scheduled class time. This course prepares students for the College Board AP examination in May. AP Biology is an elective. Prerequisites include chemistry and biology.
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