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
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.
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.
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.
Elementary Science: Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day
Mrs. Victoria Rose
3-6th Grade
“Apologia’s second zoology book will take you and your family on an exploration into the wonders of the swimming creatures made on the fifth day of creation. You’ll begin with a big splash from the whales and dolphins, then spy on seals and meet manatees before swimming with the sea turtles, snakes, and salamanders. You’ll even peek in on the primeval plesiosaurus and its pals.” – Apologia.com
Class time is spent discussing the contents of the lesson and completing projects relevant to the text. Coursework completed at home depends on the age/ability/interest of the student. There is a lab fee of $30 per family.
Textbook(s): Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day
Health and Nutrition (Fall Semester)
This high school level nutrition class was created by Dr. Ogilvie as a functional nutrition class. The course covers all of the necessary anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry needed to gain a working and effective knowledge of nutrition. The class also examines the most common diseases that will affect humans at each stage of development and how to prevent them. Specifically the class focuses on:
Special Topics in Science: History of Medicine (Spring semester only)
Ms. Priscilla Rosario
This survey course will review some of the historical developments in the field of medicine. Students will learn to think critically about the process of growing scientific knowledge and practice, paying attention to the role of historical context and worldview. Topics will include medicine in Ancient Egypt, Greece, Israel, and China; the Hippocratic Oath; the development of the hospital; history of cancer; attitudes towards disability, and more. Assignments will include a biography of a significant figure in medicine, a critical book review, and a research paper, poster, or presentation for the final. Class will be seminar style and discussion based. Ideal for students interested in pre-health college degree tracks (a. k. a. pre-med)!
Contact priscilla.t.rosario@gmail.com for more information and the course syllabus.
Physical Science
Mr. Scott Larrimore
We will be using Exploring Creation through Physical Science by Dr. Jay L. Wile. This course gives an introduction to such topics as the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, weather, the physics of motion, gravity, Newton’s laws, light, sound, and astrophysics. 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. Lab reports and current event reporting are important routine homework assignments. Designed for students in grades 8-9.
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.
Required Text Books: Exploring Creation through Physical Science (in two volumes – Text and Solutions Manual) $45.00 lab fee payable directly to Victoria Rose on the first day of class
Important supplies: Meade 3-subject spiral notebook with divider pockets; metric ruler; safety goggles.
Physics
Mr. Scott Larrimore
This college-prep physics course is designed for the student who has completed algebra and has had an introduction to the definitions of sine, cosine, and tangent. Students taking Algebra 2 at STARS may be able to take this course at the same time, however. Consult with tutor about this possibility. It provides a detailed introduction to the methods and concepts of general physics, heavily emphasizing vector analysis; this text is ideal preparation for a university-level physics course.
Class will use the Exploring Creation With Physics
Intro to Circuits and Programming (Python) (Fall and Spring Semesters)
Mr. Neil Jacob
Tuition: $285 (one semester long), $10 supply fee
This class is for 6th grade and above. This is a once a week, one semester course offered once during the school year (Spring* semester). It is a hands on, project based course with minimal work outside the classroom. This course is an introduction to basic electrical engineering and computer programming principles, taught with Arduino. Students will learn the basics of electrical current, electrical elements, and how to program the Arduino with C as a control unit for a variety of tasks ranging from lighting up LEDs to detecting water levels. Parents are welcome to sit in on the class.
Prerequisites: No Algebra 1 is required, but a computer is required for the class.
Materials: Students must purchase a kit that will be used during the class. There is a $10 supply fee.
*The 2017 year will offer a Spring semester time slot. The day, time, and semester the following year is dictated by interest and subject to change from the previous time.
General Science
Mrs. Victoria Rose
We will be using 2nd Exploring Creation through General Science by Dr. Jay L. Wile. 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.
Source: See more HERE.
Lab fee of $45.00 for this class, payable directly to STARS.
Geography
Mr. Bowen Rose
From Bright Ideas Press: North Star Geography is our flagship geography program for 7th–12th grades. It is designed to give students a wide knowledge of the world and a deep understanding of how geography impacts all of us every day, all while fulfilling a full high school credit.
Written from a distinctly Christian perspective by Tyler Hogan (a homeschool grad, and now a homeschool dad), North Star Geography covers:
- Geography skills (such as reading maps and navigating)
- Physical geography (the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere)
- Human geography (social structures, culture and heritage, and how people interact with the environment)
In addition to the Student Reader, the Companion Guide (digital copy included) contains:
- Hands-on activities and projects
- Map work, memorization, and geographic research questions (with answers!)
- Quizzes, a final exam, answer keys, and a convenient grading rubric
- Reproducible outline and reference maps, note-taking pages, and graphic organizers
- Detailed—yet flexible—schedules
North Star Geography gives students a deep understanding of how geography impacts all of us with real-life applications for college, career, citizenship, and ministry.
starsloveslearning.com 