Science Classes

Apologia Physics

Course Description:

Introduction to Forensics (CSI WEST)

Course Description:

You’ve been engaged by “CSI” and have been fascinated by “NCIS,” but how accurately do these shows portray the realities of forensic science? The field of forensic science comprises several areas of study (anatomy, chemistry, biology, physics, etc.). This hands-on course integrates these sciences in the pursuit of justice. Students will focus on the criminal investigation process that will include crime scene investigation, evidence gathering procedures and subsequent laboratory analysis of evidence. 

This is a lab course and the students will be doing laboratory work almost every class. 

Prerequisite:  None

Tutor: Susan Kilbride

Class Length:  Full Year

Grade Level:  Grades 9-12

Class Size: 5 student minimum, 20 student maximum

Tuition:  $195.00 per semester plus a $25/semester lab fee paid at time of registration

Homework: 1-2 hours per week.

Textbook Requirements:    No textbook required. Students should come supplied with  a loose-leaf binder or folder for holding handouts, a set of colored pencils, and a spiral notebook to be used only as a lab notebook (not for taking notes).

Answers in Genesis Earth Science 

• This course will be offered on a yearly rotational schedule with Answers in Genesis Life Science.

Class Description:

This science course will give students an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the popular topics found within both astronomy and earth science. During the astronomy lessons, students will take an imaginary trip through the universe to study stars, asteroids, meteors, our sun and moon, as well as each of the planets in our solar system.  Students will then discover more about Planet Earth by gaining important knowledge of the earth’s surface and what lies both above and beneath us.

Popular science topics such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and weather patterns that produce hurricanes and tornadoes will all be discussed. Hands-on activities and experiments will be a major focus of the class, as students will have opportunities to examine real rocks, minerals, fossils, dinosaur bones, and even a meteorite.

Students will also be able to participate in class discussions about the curriculum along with the many, current geologic events that continue to have an effect on our world today. All of the material presented in the class will be taught from a creationist perspective, as we will often use biblical texts alongside the Answers in Genesis curriculum.

Prerequisite: None

Tutor: Melissa Kuch

Class Length: Full year

• no class on February 14th, 2018.  A make-up class will be offered Wednesday, April 25th. 

Grade Level: Grades 5– 7

Class Size: 5 student minimum, 20 student maximum

Tuition: $175 per semester plus $15 supply fee

Homework: Yes, approximately 2 hours/week

Textbook Requirements:  

Supplies:  Safety goggles

Required:  Home internet access

Answers in Genesis Life Science (returning fall of 2018)

• This course will be offered on a yearly rotational schedule with Answers in Genesis Earth Science

Class Description:  

Offered every other year in a rotation with Earth Science, this new Answers in Genesis Life Science course will give students an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of plants, animals, and the environments in which they live.  Students will begin the course with a study of the structures found in both plant and animal cells.  They will then learn to use a sketchbook to diagram much of what is observed in class, including the parts of a plant from its seeds to its flowers and fruits.  In the fall, students will also gather their own collection of different kinds of plants, seeds, and tree leaves to further study the life cycle of plants and the process of photosynthesis.  In the second semester, students will then take a closer look into the animal kingdom and the extreme environments they live in.  Examining real collections of insects, bones, shells, and fossils, students will study many different animals including birds, fish, and even dinosaurs.  Using internet resources and video clips, students will also take a journey into the animal environments of forests, deserts, ice worlds, caves, and oceans.  In the spring, a field trip to the St. Paul Como Zoo and Conservatory will help students gather important information to complete a science fair project from a life science topic of their choosing.

Prerequisite: None

Tutor:  Melissa Kuch

Class Length:  Full Year

Grade Level:  Grades 5-7

Class Size: 5 student minimum, 20 student maximum

Tuition:  $175 per semester plus $15 supply fee

Homework: Yes, approximately 2 hours/week

Textbook Requirements:  

Students must purchase the three Answers in Genesis  textbooks by Debbie and Richard Lawrence:  The World of Plants, The World of Animals, and Properties of Ecosystems.  Please note that the 3^rd edition of all student books will be required, while teacher supplement books are not needed for the course.  Also note that the orange ecosystem textbook is from a different series than the green plant and animal books.   

Textbooks may be purchased at Heppner’s Legacy in Elk River, or purchased directly from the Answers website:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/store/product/gods-design-science-curriculum/?sku=40-1-323

Supplies:  safety goggles, sketchbook (ideal size 8 ½” x 11”)

Required:  Home internet access

Answers in Genesis Chemistry Science 

Class Description:  

Usually to be taken after earth science and/or life science, this chemistry course will introduce students to experimental science with an emphasis on using the scientific method to explore solutions, mixtures, and the different states of matter.  Diving deeper into chemistry, the second semester will have students studying atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, and the periodic table of elements.  Students will test for acids and bases, learn how to write a chemical equation, and finally look at the practical applications of chemistry.  Hands-on experiments dealing with foods and other household items will be a major part of class meetings.  Throughout the course, students will be given opportunities to participate in class discussions about the curriculum along with any new current scientific events that continue to have an effect on our world today.  All of the material presented in the class will be taught from a creationist perspective, as biblical texts are often used alongside the Answers in Genesis curriculum.

Prerequisite: None

Tutor:  Melissa Kuch

Class Length:  Full Year

• no class on February 13th, 2018.  A make-up class will be offered on Tuesday, April 24th. 
   

Grade Level:  Grades 6-8

Class Size: 5 student minimum, 20 student maximum

Tuition:  $175 per semester plus a $20 per semester supply fee

Homework: Yes, approximately 2-3 hours per week

Textbook Requirements:  

Students must purchase the 4th edition of the Answers in Genesis textbooks entitled Properties of Matter and Properties of Atoms and Molecules by Debbie and Richard Lawrence.  These books are from the God’s Design for Chemistry and Ecology series. Please note that only the two chemistry books from the orange set of three will be needed for the course.  The 3rd edition will be accepted as well, but the 4th edition is preferred. There is no need to buy the teacher supplements that go along with the set, as only individual student books will be required.   The textbooks may be found at Heppner’s Legacy in Elk River, or purchased directly from the Answers website:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/store/product/gods-design-science-curriculum/?sku=40-1-323& .

Supplies:  safety goggles, notebook

Required:  Home internet access

Apologia General Science

Class Description:

This Apologia science course is the first middle school Apologia course in a series and is typically recommended for students going into the 7^th or 8^th grade. Throughout the course, students will be able to participate in class discussions that will allow them to ask and answer many questions about concepts found in geology, chemistry, and biology.  Within the first semester, students will learn the basics of science, including the history of science, the scientific method, scientific inquiry, and how to conduct an experiment.  In fact, students will spend most of their class time participating in many hands-on experiments from the textbook that will help them to begin observations, form questions, make predictions, test hypotheses, and analyze results in a laboratory notebook.  Students will also study the many geologic features found in creation and the effects of a worldwide flood, while examining geologic specimens that include fossils, rocks, and minerals.  In the second semester, important biology concepts will be introduced, which includes cells, the structure of DNA, and the classification of life.  A thorough study of the human body systems will then conclude the course.

Prerequisite: Students must have a basic knowledge of elementary science concepts and be able to keep up with required weekly readings and assignments.

Tutor:  Melissa Kuch

Class Length:  Full Year

• no class on February 14th, 2018.  A make-up class will be offered Wednesday, April 25th. 

Grade Level:  Grades 7– 9th 

Class Size: 5 student minimum, 20 student maximum

Tuition:  $180 per semester plus a $15 supply fee

Homework: Yes, minimum of 3-4 hours per week

Textbook Requirements:  Students will be required to purchase the 2^nd edition Apologia textbook, Exploring Creation with General Science by Dr. Jay Wile and the 2^nd edition Solutions and Tests For Exploring Creation with General Science.  Purchasing the multi-media companion CD-Rom and/or audio CD are optional, but recommended for those students who may need additional help with reading and vocabulary terms.  Textbooks and materials may be purchased at Heppner’s Legacy in Elk River, or ordered directly from the Apologia website:  www.apologia.com .

Supplies:  safety goggles

Required:  Home internet access

Apologia Physical Science

Class Description:

Typically a 9th grade course, Physical Science introduces concepts foundational to chemistry, biology and physics. Often called “Earth Science” the text discusses the inner and outer atmosphere, the make-up of the earth, the four basic forces of nature, natural laws, understanding weather patterns, wave spectrums, as well as a brief look at the solar system. Class time will include discussion, games, and module labs, module quizzes and occasional films.  Students should have completed or be taking Algebra 1 concurrent with course.

Tutor:  Jennie Lodien
 
Class Length:  One Full Year 
 
Grade Level:  Typically 8 – 9 grade. May make exception. 
 
Tuition:  $205 per semester (includes all lab materials)

Class Size:   Minimum of 5; Maximum of 24

TEXTBOOK REQUIREMENTS 

    —Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science, 2nd edition. 

    —Text and Solutions Manual SECOND EDITION. 

    —3-ring notebook with 15 tab dividers

    —calculator (preferrably TI 30X)

This course uses 2nd Edition text. Other editions will not be accepted. 
 
Prerequisite:  Students should have completed or be taking Algebra 1 concurrent with course.

Homework:  Approximately 2 – 3 hours per week

Survey of High School Chemistry (fall semester 2017)

Class Description:

High School Survey of Chemistry gives students a solid foundation in chemistry.  Created for students who do not plan on pursuing science or math as college majors, this course still rigoroulsly covers the major concepts of chemistry. Topics include significant figures, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, the mole concept, stoichiometry, molarity, and gas laws while also exploring real-life applications.  In-class labs and investigations provide opportunities to develop laboratory skills such as careful observation and interpretation of data, while review activities are incorporated to reinforce concepts.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I encouraged.  Physical Science and/or Biology recommended.  Students must be able to keep up with reading and homework in order to fully comprehend the material, and to be prepared for class discussions and experiments.

Tutor: Jennifer Holt

Class Length: One Semester, Fall only.  

• Pair with High School Survey of Anatomy & Physiology in the spring for a full year of science with lab.

Grade Level: Grades 10–12

Class Size: 5 student minimum, 20 student maximum

Tuition: $205 per semester plus a $30 lab fee per semester due on the first day of each semester, cash or check written out to Jennifer Holt.

Homework: 4-6 hours per week

Textbook Requirements:  Friendly Chemistry Student Edition, 4th Edition (NOT the Student Workbook) by Dr. Joey and Lisa Hajda, to be purchased by parents.  This paperback includes both the textbook and the workbook.

Required:   Internet access is required for students to receive class notices, download supplemental reading and worksheets, and link to applicable websites.

Survey of High School Anatomy & Physiology (spring semester 2018)

Class Description:

High School Survey of Anatomy explores the mysteries and wonders of the human body, system by system.  Many resources will be used in addition to the textbook, from microscope labs to hands-on manipulatives to complementary videos, all to encourage depth of understanding and length of retention. Acknowledging God as Master and Creator, students will see more clearly the beauty of God's design, as well as become familiar with common inherited and infectious diseases.    In-class labs and investigations provide opportunities to develop laboratory skills, such as careful observation and interpretation of data, while review activities are incorporated to reinforce concepts.

Prerequisite: Biology.  Students must be able to keep up with reading and homework in order to fully comprehend the material and to be prepared for class discussions and experiments.

Tutor: Jennifer Holt

Class Length: One Semester, Spring only.  

• Pair with High School Survey of Chemistry in the fall for a full year of science with lab.

Grade Level: Grades 10–12

Class Size: 5 student minimum, 20 student maximum

Tuition: $205 per semester plus a $30 lab fee due the first day of WEST, cash or check written out to Jennifer Holt.

Homework: 4-6 hours per week

Textbook Requirements:  Precepts of Anatomy and Physiology Parts 1&2 Text and Parts 1&2 Activity Book by Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum, to be purchased by parents.

Required:   Internet access is required for students to receive class notices, download supplemental reading and worksheets, and link to applicable websites.

Apologia Biology

Class Description:

Apologia Biology is a rigorous college-prep course that provides a detailed introduction to the methods and concepts of general biology.  Heavily emphasizing the vocabulary of biology, it provides the student with a strong background in the scientific method, the five-kingdom classification scheme, microscopy, dissection, ecosystems, cellular biology, molecular and Mendelian genetics, and evolutionary theory and its weaknesses.  In-class labs and investigations provide opportunities to develop laboratory skills, such as careful observation and interpretation of data, while review activities are incorporated to reinforce concepts.   

Grade Level: Grades 9–12

Class Size: 5 student minimum, 20 student maximum

Tuition: $205 per semester,  plus a $30 lab fee per semester due on the first day of each semester,  cash or check written out to Jennifer Holt.

Homework: 4-6 hours per week

Textbook Requirement:  Exploring Creation with Biology (2^nd Edition) book and solutions manual, by Dr. Jay Wile, to be purchased by parents.  An MP3 audiobook is available for auditory learners.

Required: Internet access for students to receive class notices, download supplemental reading and worksheets, and link to applicable websites.

Discovering Design with Chemistry

Class Description:

This class replaces Apologia Chemistry.  Discovering Design with Chemistry, the new curriculum created by Dr. Jay Wile (formerly of Apologia and author of Exploring Creation with... series), gives students a rigorous foundation in chemistry in order to be best prepared for a college-level course.  This course covers significant figures, atomic and molecular structure, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, redox reactions, solutions, gas laws, and equilibrium.    In-class labs and investigations provide opportunities to develop laboratory skills, such as careful observation and interpretation of data, while review activities are incorporated to reinforce concepts.

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Algebra I required.  Physical Science and/or Biology recommended.  Students must be able to keep up with reading and homework in order to fully comprehend the material, and to be prepared for class discussions and experiments.

Tutor: Jennifer Holt

Class Length: Full Year

Grade Level: Grades 10–12

Class Size: 5 student minimum, 20 student maximum

Tuition: $205 per semester plus a $30 lab fee per semester due on the first day of each semester, cash or check written out to Jennifer Holt.

Homework: 4-6 hours weekly

Textbook Requirements:  Discovering Design with Chemistry (1st Edition) book and solutions manual, by Dr. Jay L. Wile, to be purchased by parents. 

Supplies:  $30 lab fee per semester, which includes use of lab equipment, lab supplies, and additional handouts.  

Required:   Internet access is required for students to receive class notices, download supplemental reading and worksheets, and link to applicable websites.