General Science
We will be using 2nd Exploring Creation through General Science by Dr. Jay L. Wile with Solutions and Tests. This course is designed to be a student’s first systematic introduction to the sciences. Although it can be used for eighth grade (especially if the student has recently left the public schools), it is typically used best in the seventh grade. The course covers such topics as the scientific method, designing experiments, simple machines, archaeology, geology, paleontology, biology, and human anatomy and physiology. Its scope, therefore, is quite wide. There are many hands-on experiments to do, which all use household items.
Lab fee of $45.00 for this class, payable directly to STARS.
Physical Science
Description: This middle school course provides an introduction to chemistry, physics, and Earth sciences and the forces governing them. Students will apply their knowledge of the scientific method through conducting many hands-on experiments and by writing laboratory reports. Aimed at upper middle school students, this course should be the last foundational science class before specific subject science courses in high school.
The course will cover:
- Chemistry: Properties; States of Matter; Atomic Structure; Chemical Bonds; and Energy
- Physics: Motion; Forces; Energy; Waves and Sound; Light; Electricity and Magnetism
- Earth Science: The Earth; The Atmosphere
- Chemistry and Physics in the Life Sciences
Target student group: Upper Middle School
Minimum Number of Students: 5
Textbook: Exploring Creation with Physical Science, 3rd Edition
Vicki Dincher
Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. © 2020
ISBN: 978-1-946506-51-1
Class length: 1.5 hours
Course length: 30 sessions (entire academic year)
Material Fee: $30
Astronomy
Class Length: 1 semester (16 weeks)
Description: This is an elective science course in astronomy and astrophysics designed for a single semester, or about 16 weeks of instruction. Topics covered will include: The Sun and the electromagnetic spectrum; the Solar system and interstellar space; the Moon, Planets, Dwarf Planets and Asteroids; Orbits and Celestial Navigation; Matter, Antimatter, and Dark Matter; Stars, Black Holes, Galaxies, and much more!
Instructor: Scott Larrimore
Class offered: Fall 2021.
Class duration: 1 session, 1 hr per week (TBD)
Textbook:
Title: Exploring Creation with High School Astronomy
Author: Damian Ludwiczak
Publisher: Apologia Educational Ministries
ISBN: 978-1-946506-71-9
Ordering website: https://www.apologia.com/product/apologia-high-school-astronomy/
Minimum Number of Students: 3
Prerequisites: Algebra and middle school Physical Science.
Requirements:
- Textbook
- Access to a Gmail account to access Google Classroom
- Computer and internet access
Virtual Classroom: Class will be offered through internet conference call and materials will be facilitated through Google Classroom.
Biology
We will be using 2nd Exploring Creation through Biology by Dr. Jay L. Wile. This is a college preparatory high school biology course that provides a general survey of the five kingdoms. It covers the following topics: classification, the definition of life, features of the organisms in each kingdom, an introduction to biochemistry, cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, DNA, protein synthesis, cellular respiration, and genetics. Parents and students will enjoy this text written in a conversational style that makes science concepts easy to understand and fun to discuss. In class, students will participate in lively discussions of the information presented in the module, and learn to make application to the science they read about in current events. Emphasis will be on experimentation and observation while students perform the enumerated labs which include a variety of experiments and dissections and use of a microscope. Lab reports and current event reporting are important routine homework assignments in addition to the assignments required in each module of the text.
Required Text Books: Exploring Creation through Biology (in two volumes – Text and Solutions Manual).
Important supplies: Meade 3-subject spiral notebook with divider pockets; metric ruler; dissection kit (tools, earthworm, crayfish, perch, frog), lab apron, safety goggles. Theresa Knight, proprietor of Knight’s Book Nook (229-776-8823 or 229-881-7205), offers a discount to STARS families when purchasing science materials and text books for this class.
Advanced Biology
This college-preparatory course provides an excellent overview of the human body and its systems. It covers terminology, histology, the various systems (integumentary, skeletal, lymphatic, digestive, nervous, circulatory, endocrine, immune, respiratory, urinary, and *reproductive), muscles, and the physiology of movement. Labs done in class include both microscopy and dissections, and lab reports are part of the assigned coursework. There is also a coloring book. Not a young child’s coloring book, the activities are integrated with the text and reinforce the structural detail behind the concepts covered.
“Combined with Exploring Creation With Biology, this course gives the student the equivalent of a university biology course. In other words, these two courses together cover the entire ‘advanced placement’ (AP) curriculum. This course prepares students to take the Advance Placement (AP) or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests.” (apologia.com)
Textbook and supplies: “The Human Body: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” by Dr. Jay L. Wile and Marilyn M. Shannon, two volume set (textbook and solutions manual with tests); The Anatomy Coloring Book.
The hardcover student text contains all student material, study questions, laboratory exercises, and module study guides with color photos and illustrations. The softcover solutions-and-tests manual contains tests, test solutions, and answers to the module study guides. Because of the differences between first and second editions, students in a group setting cannot use both. Please obtain the second edition.
*Please note that the reproductive system is covered in detail, including accurate yet respectful illustrations and descriptions. This is covered in the last class of the course and that class is optional.
Chemistry
This text introduces the student to chemistry – learning about the matter that makes up God’s creation and how it changes. It provides a rigorous foundation in chemistry in preparation for college-level chemistry. Topics covered include significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, the gas laws, and equilibrium.
A strong lab component enriches the learning experience by supporting the concepts studied. Supplemental labs not included in the text will be done as well. Students will be asked to bring a few simple household items (a roll of paper towels, baking soda, etc.) for some experiments. Specifics will be provided by the first day of class. There is a lab fee.
Prerequisites: Algebra 1 (particularly unit conversions, scientific notation, metric vs. Imperial measurement, and significant figures)
Required: Textbook info – please contact nova.starsloveslearning@gmail.com for details. Lab Fee is $100.00 payable directly to STARS.
Discovering Design with Chemistry
Students will need the textbook and solutions manual with tests.
Physics
Description: This college preparatory class is aimed at high school students who have not taken calculus. The course is filled with hands-on experiments and demonstrations to illustrated concepts discussed. An understanding of algebra and basic geometry is required to be successful in the course.
Subjects include:
- Motion and acceleration in One and Two Dimensions
- Newtonian Laws of Motion
- Gravity and Uniform Circular Motion
- Work and Energy
- Momentum
- Periodic Motion and Waves
- Optics
- Charged Particles, Electric Fields and Potentials
- Magnetism
- and an Introduction to Electronic Circuits
Hands-On Demonstrations and Experiments include:
- Physics of Pine Wood Derby Races
- Balloon Rocket Races
- Mouse Trap Cars
- Phase Changes with Dry Ice
Target student: High School
Minimum Number of Students: 3
Textbook: Exploring Creation with Physics, 2nd Edition
Dr. Jay L. Wile
Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. © 1999
ISBN: 978-1-932012-42-2
Class length: 1.5 hours
Course length: 32 sessions (entire academic year)
Material Fee: $30
Prerequisites: Algebra
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