Academics: Science
Home | Biblical Studies | Electives | English/Literature/Composition | Math | Science | Social Studies

Science Department

PHYSICAL SCIENCE FULL YEAR
Physical Science is the study of the physical word, both matter and energy. This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of the theories and models commonly used in both chemistry and physics in preparation for the futures in science. Both semesters include a lab-oriented approach where the use of laboratory equipment, measuring devices, safety precautions and critical thinking are incorporated into the curriculum. The students will be using techniques and equipment similar to those they will use in later courses and in college. Required field trips will be made to the Snake Lake Nature Center and to the University of Washington's Medical School Health Fair.

Physical Science (semester 1)
Topics covered during the first semester will include the use of the scientific method, the properties of matter, physical and chemical changes, atoms and molecules, classifications of the elements, families of compound and chemical equations. The new chemistry laboratory will be available for instruction in lab safety, the use of glassware, flame apparatus and a variety of microchemistry techniques.

Physical Science (semester 2)
Topics covered during the second semester will include the study of motion, forces and energy, forces of fluids, kinetic and potential energy, dynamics of heat, electricity and magnetism, the characteristics of sound and light, the electromagnetic spectrum and electronics. Lab work would include some experience with electrical circuits, lenses and computers.

BIOLOGY FULL YEAR PREREQUISITE: PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Biology is the study of life and God's creation. This course is designed to give students a systematic approach to living systems with a creationist theme including the five kingdoms, a close examination of the human system, genetics, and basic microbiology. The students will use a variety of laboratory equipment such as microscopes, dissection equipment, laboratory glassware, and a variety of models. This course is designed to give students a glimpse of the type of work they will encounter at any university yet instruction is appropriate to high school sophomores.

CHEMISTRY FULL YEAR PREREQUISITE: ALGEBRA I
Chemistry is a study of the materials in God's creation and the changes that they undergo when they interact. Students will study atomic structure, nomenclature, chemical reactions, solids, liquids and gases. Chemistry is a college-preparatory course that will satisfy colleges that require one year of a physical science laboratory course.

HONORS CHEMISTRY FULL YEAR PERQUISITE: GEOMETRY
Chemistry is a study of the materials in God's creation and the changes that they undergo when they interact. This course in inorganic chemistry is designed to give students a lab-oriented approach of a first year chemistry course. Areas of study include atomic structure, nomenclature, chemical reactions, solids, liquids and gases, quantum mechanics, equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, stochiometry (chemical calculations) and solution chemistry. This is a challenging course intended to give students a firm understanding of chemistry in preparation for university-level science classes. A must for students who are planning on majoring in science and/or math related fields.

PHYSICS 1, 2 FULL YEAR
Physics stresses an understanding of the basic concepts of physics with a minimal use of math (you can not study physics without math). Physics is designed for students who are going to college but not majoring in math, science, engineering or pre-medicine.

HONORS PHYSICS 1, 2 FULL YEAR
Honors Physics provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics while emphasizing the development of problem-solving ability. Honors Physics assumes that the student is familiar with algebra and trigonometry; but not calculus, although some theoretical developments may use basic concepts of calculus. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of problems and there is emphasis on analysis in the laboratory as well as in the classroom. Honors physics provides a good foundation for pre-college students in life sciences, pre-medicine, engineering and science. Honors physics is noted as such on your transcript but is graded on the same 4-point system as any other class.

PHYSICS C 1, 2, 3, 4 (ADVANCED PLACEMENT) FULL YEAR PREREQUISITE: GEOMETRY
The AP Physics C course ordinarily forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as a foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences (i.e. chemistry and physics), engineering, or medicine. Methods of calculus are used when ever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus and there is emphasis in the laboratory as well as in the studying mechanics and Section 1 of the AP Physics C exam is taken. The course of study for the second year covers electricity and magnetism and Section 2 of the AP Physics C exam is taken. Students do not need to take both years to receive AP credit. As with all AP classes the student is obligated to take the AP exam in the fall and is graded on a 5-point scale.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1 SEMESTER PREREQUISITE: BIOLOGY
This course is designed for students who have a serious interest in understanding the form and function of the human body. The six systems studied are: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, endocrine, and nervous. Mammalian dissections and a field trip to the University of Washington Health Sciences Open House will be included. Health professionals will also be brought in to share their areas of expertise. Anyone considering a career in physical education, medicine, nursing, dentistry, or other health-related career would profit from this class. Prerequisite: one year of biology and a year of chemistry or chemistry taken concurrently is a strong recommendation.

MARINE BIOLOGY 1 SEMESTER PREREQUISITE: BIOLOGY
Understanding the salt water would of life is the overall goal of this class. Special emphasis is placed on Puget Sound life forms because of their proximity and local significance. An ecological focus prevails by studying the interactions between marine life and the environment. Field trips to a Puget Sound beaches and marine aquarium are included. Optional dissections of selected invertebrates and vertebrate types are made available.