DEPARTMENT PURPOSE
Science, simply put, is a study of the order that God has put into the universe. The science courses at Concordia Academy are designed to give students the skill and knowledge needed to understand this order. This is accomplished through laboratory investigations, demonstrations, problem solving exercises, field experiences,

computer simulation, and classroom discussions.

Science courses at Concordia can be grouped into the disciplines of physics, chemistry, and biology. Physics is the study of motion, forces, energy, matter, heat, sound, light, and the insides of atoms. Chemistry is the study of how matter is put together and how it changes identity. Biology is the study of the complexity and diversity of life and man’s attempt to organize and classify the variety of life around us. Physical Science is an introductory course covering major topics in physics and chemistry.

The science courses at Concordia show the student that science and God are compatible.

CONCEPT LEVEL LEARNER OUTCOMES:
The students will:

1. 1. be able to articulate how a person can be a believer in Jesus and a scientist at the same time.
2. 2. develop an awareness of how God, through science, affects their everyday life.
3. 3. be able to refute macro-evolution with scientific research.
4. 4. develop laboratory skills and an appreciation of the limitations of measurement.
5. 5. develop the ability to think critically on the basis of observed and accepted fact.
6. 6. realize their aptitudes and interests in science with a significant number going on to major in science related fields in college.
7. 7. become informed citizens who can deal with social and ethical issues rooted in science and technology.
8. 8. learn cooperation, in laboratory/problem solving groups, to accomplish a common goal.
9. 9. be able to apply technology (photogates, computers, lasers, electrophoresis, etc.) to gain insight and information enabling them to solve real life problems.

COURSES OFFERED

• Physical Science
• Biology
• Honors Biology
• Chemistry
• Honors Chemistry
• Physics
• Conceptual Physics

Physical Science. (Grade 9) This course is designed to teach science as an ongoing process based upon a cluster of experimentally defined concepts. The student is introduced to the basic terminology, ideas and tools which scientists use in their attempt to solve problems and answer curiosities posed by nature. Areas of study will include motion and energy, atomic structure, electricity, matter, and reactions involving matter. (One semester, 1 credit.)

Biology. (Grades 9-12) ) Biology is a general study of the complexity of God’s creation. The course focuses on the processes, parts, and function of cells, heredity, and the characteristics, functions, relationships, and values of all forms of life. Students will discuss and question the assumptions of the theory of evolution. The Biblical account of creation and the Flood is taught as the basis for the origin of life. (One semester, 1 credit.)

Honors Biology. (Grades 9-12) Honors Biology studies the complexity of God’s creation. It is an accelerated, in-depth first year biology class with extensive laboratory work. The course focuses on the processes, parts, and function of cells, heredity, and the characteristics, functions, relationships, and values of all forms of life. Students will also discuss and question the assumptions of the theory of evolution. The Biblical account of creation and the Flood will be taught as the basis for the origin of life. (Prerequisite: “B+” or higher in Physical Science, or instructor’s permission. One semester, 1 credit)

Chemistry. (Grades 10-12) Chemistry is the study of God’s order in how matter is put together and how it changes its identity. It is a first course in the study of chemistry that would teach the basics and prepare a student for taking chemistry in college. Topics include: measurement, calculations, atomic structure, bonding, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, concentration of solutions, acids, and bases. (Prerequisite: Algebra. One semester, 1 credit.)

Honors Chemistry. (Grades 10-12) Honors chemistry is the study of God’s order in how matter is put together and how it changes its identity. It is an accelerated, in-depth first course in the study of chemistry that would teach the basics and prepare a student for taking chemistry in college. Topics include: measurement, calculations, atomic structure, bonding, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, concentration of solutions, acids-base, thermochemistry, equilibrium, and redox reactions. (Prerequisite: ‘B’ or higher in Algebra and Geometry, or permission of instructor. One semester, 1 credit.)

Physics. (Grades 11-12) Activities in this course center around the transformation of matter and energy, with particular emphasis on mechanics and dynamics. Stress is placed upon measurement, mathematics of physics, problem solving, real-world activities, and the understanding of the “how and why.” Students will be making in-depth predictions as to event outcomes, then experimenting to learn how well this prediction matches the results. (Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra. One semester, 1 credit.)

Conceptual Physics. (Grades 11-12) Conceptual Physics concentrates on the study of everyday world experiences, using activities and projects, but with a low-math emphasis. The course, while dealing with topics such as motion, energy, sound, light, and electricity, also build a conceptual base upon which the student will gain a greater understanding and appreciation for God’s created world. (One semester, 1 credit.)