Natural Sciences

No classical, Christian school program is complete without the immersion of the student in the scientific realm. For thousands of years, becoming familiar with the physical world and its function was as important as nourishing one’s soul and becoming familiar with the nature and character of God and the spiritual world. For centuries, some of the best theologians and philosophers were scientists and the best scientists were philosophers and theologians. The Scientific Method, rightly employed, is nothing more than keen observation of the physical world, interpretation of that data, and the application of principles formulated from the data–the same process used in sound Bible study. Integrating the art of observation, interpretation, and application, whether studying scripture or gravity, sharpens both the mind and soul. Using principles discussed in Schola world view classes, students will not just regurgitate science "facts" but learn to think critically while analyzing scientific principles. Whether your student is bound for college or the mission field of the work-a-day world, rightly applying scientific principles will enhance your student’s understanding of the character and thinking prevalent in our culture.

Life Science
topics will include: biblical creation, classification, cells, microbiology, botany, zoology, life processes of organisms, genetics, biological evolution versus God's creation, and the human body systems and anatomy. The classes include lecture/discussion and experiments, investigations and hands-on activities, which emphasize the scientific method, good lab procedures, and organizational skills (including note-taking and keeping an organized notebook). Homework will include reading the chapters and completing assigned exercises in the workbook, plus a small project each quarter.
Prerequisite
  • No prerequisites for students entering at least the seventh grade.
Home Studies
  • The average student should plan to devote approximately 60 minutes per day including class time to science studies
Schedule
Tuition & Fees
Texts and Materials
Earth Science
topics will include: Meteorology, Astronomy (our Solar System, Constellations, Space Exploration), Geology (Rocks and Minerals, Land Forms, Natural Processes), and Oceanography. The classes include lecture/discussion and experiments, investigations and hands-on activities, which emphasize the scientific method, good lab procedures, and organizational skills (including note-taking and keeping an organized notebook). Homework will include reading the chapters and completing assigned exercises in the workbook, plus a small project each quarter.
Prerequisite
  • No prerequisites for students entering at least the seventh grade.
Home Studies
  • The average student should plan to devote approximately 60 minutes per day including class time to science studies
Schedule
Tuition & Fees
Texts and Materials


Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) (also called Physical Science)
is a rigorous course that develops a comprehensive understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy. Introductory topics in chemistry and physics include problem solving; matter and its properties; atoms, compounds, and chemical reactions; solutions; Newton's Laws of Motion; forces; types of energy; Laws of Thermodynamics; light and sound; electricity and magnetism; order and design in nature. This course is foundational to further high school science study as basic molecular and physical principles, which will be expanded in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, are discussed. Class discussion, group study, review discussions, review computations, and enrichment activities help students achieve mastery. Math is the language of science, thus students will use algebra manipulation to solve problems. In-class labs enhance and demonstrate topics taught in the textbook.


Note: In the state of Texas, the Recommended High School Program for college-bound students allows IPC with lab to count as the third or fourth science IF it is taken BEFORE Chemistry and Physics (now required for all graduating students under both the recommended and distinguished programs). IPC could be taken before or AFTER Biology but before Chemistry and Physics. Check admissions requirements for specific colleges and universities.
Prerequisite
  • Students must be thirteen years of age by September 1st.
  • Successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1 highly recommended. Seek teacher approval if not enrolled in Algebra 1.
Home Studies
  • The average student should plan to devote approximately 60-90 minutes per day including class time to science studies
Schedule
Tuition & Fees
Texts and Materials


Biology
as the root of the name states, is the study of life. Heavily emphasizing the vocabulary of biology, students explore the scientific method, the five-kingdom classification scheme, microscopy, biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular and Mendelian genetics, dissection, and ecosystems, as well as survey the five kingdoms in Creation. Evolution is presented for students to understand the modern interpretation of the "theory" and critically explore its "truths" and "fictions" in order to better address our cultures’ one-sided understanding.
Prerequisite
  • IPC strongly recommended
  • Concurrent enrollment in or completion of Algebra 1
Home Studies
  • The average student should plan to devote approximately 60-90 minutes per day including class time to science studies
Schedule
Tuition & Fees
Texts and Materials


Chemistry
continues the study of molecular processes begun in IPC further exploring the atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, reactions, solutions, significant figures, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, redox reactions, and the gas laws from both a common, everyday-use standpoint and a more advanced scientific standpoint. This course is both practical and preparatory for college science studies. Free instructor-led tutoring for Schola Chemistry students is provided every Thursday at 2:00 PM at Schola. Tutoring attendance is not required but offered for the benefit of student understanding of the material.
Prerequisite
  • IPC
  • Completion of Algebra 1
Home Studies
  • The average student should plan to devote approximately 60-90 minutes per day including class time to science studies
Schedule
Tuition & Fees
Texts and Materials


Physics
continues the study of the nature and structure of matter, the character of energy, and the physical laws of the universe begun in IPC and chemistry. Topics include detailed vector analysis, one and two dimensional motion, circular motion and gravity, the application of Newton’s Laws, work and energy, momentum, Hooke’s Law and periodic motion, waves, optics, Coulomb’s Law and the electric field, electric circuits, and magnetism. Appropriate labs will be conducted with each topic covered. This course is an excellent preparation for university level physics.
Prerequisite
  • Algebra 1
  • Geometry
  • Algebra 2 or concurrent enrollment
  • Biology and Chemistry recommended
Home Studies
  • The average student should plan to devote approximately 60-90 minutes per day including class time to science studies
Schedule
Tuition & Fees
Texts and Materials