Science
Science, technology, engineering, and medical industries are some of the fastest growing industries in the world. The goal of the science department is to prepare students for careers in these industries so students can chart a course for the future and shape tomorrow's world. Our instructors will challenge students to understand the biological and physical concepts in a world created by God, and empower them to take action to make this world a better place.
Our diverse curriculum allows students to pursue their interests, prepare for college, and become future leaders in the the medical and engineering fields. In all of our courses, students will be asked to examine their faith in response to ethical issues facing our society today. For those who desire more academic rigor, we offer Honors, AP, and Dual credit courses.
The table below shows possible course sequences. Most courses have prerequisites that must be met before taking the course. Check the individual course description below the table for course prerequisites.
SCIENCE CURRICULUM
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: None
Required by all for graduation. A Core 40 and Academic Honors Diploma Life Science Course.
Biology I is a full year laboratory course that studies the structures and functions of living organisms and their interactions with their environment. Students will explore the diversity of life by examining various species of living organisms and the roles and interdependencies of organisms within populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere. Students will explore cell biology and energy transformations, genetics, the human body, careers that use biology, and investigate biological questions and problems related to personal needs and social issues. Students will develop scientific thinking skills during investigations and laboratory activities, and by studying the history of the development of biological knowledge. The use of technology is an integral part of the course. Appreciation of God as the Creator will be emphasized.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: a B or better in Biology I and Chemistry I or Chemistry concurrently and Department approval required.
A Core 40 and Academic Honors Diploma Life Science course and an Honors level course.
Anatomy & Physiology is a course designed for anyone considering a medical or health-related career. This course focuses on the detailed anatomical and physiological processes of the systems of the human body, and the cells and tissues that make them up. Laboratory investigations, simulations, and dissections are an integral part of the course. Students are required to develop and answer focus questions. Each focus question and answer are the result of an in-depth independently researched study of a bio-ethical issue; the diagnosis or treatment of a medical disorder, condition, or disease; or an environmental health threat. Students will gain an appreciation of our Lord as our Creator through the knowledge of the complexities of the human body. Students will gain the knowledge of how and why we should care for our bodies as the Temple God intended it to be.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology I, Chemistry I, and Anatomy & Physiology all with a B average. Department approval required.
A Core 40 and Academic Honors Diploma Life Science course, and an Advanced Placement course.
This AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course, (College textbook is used.), and prepare students for the AP Biology Exam. The College Board administers the AP Biology Exam, a rigorous exam that allows students to earn college credit and/or advanced placement. Students must demonstrate exam readiness and content knowledge before being allowed to take the exam. This AP Biology course will focus on the basic principles of biology and is structured around four big ideas and enduring understandings of biological concepts as described in the AP Biology Curriculum Framework. Emphasis will be on students making connections between these big ideas as they complete inquiry-based learning in both lab and non-lab activities to explore these big ideas. Appreciation of God as the Creator will be emphasized.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
A Core 40 and Academic Honors Diploma Physical Science course.
ICP is a full year laboratory course in which students explore the fundamental core topics of chemistry and physics that are present in God’s creation. Students enrolled in this course examine, through the process of scientific inquiry, the structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, forces, motion and the interactions between energy and matter as they relate to the environment and economy. Students will gain scientific knowledge by doing science; making observations, experimenting by designing and conducting investigations, and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations. Emphasis will be on students making connections between the big ideas of chemistry and physics in solving real world problems that may have personal or social consequences as they complete inquiry-based learning in both lab and non-lab activities to explore these ideas.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology.
A Core 40 and Academic Honors Diploma Physical Science course.
Chemistry is a course based on the following core topics: properties and the states of matter; atomic structure and the periodic table; bonding and molecular structure; reactions and stoichiometry; behavior of gases; thermochemistry; solutions; acids and bases. Students enrolled in Chemistry I compare, contrast, and synthesize useful models of the structure and properties of matter and the mechanisms of its interactions. Students have an opportunity to gain an understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures. Students have opportunities to see how chemistry and nature are part of God’s plan for us.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: Completion of Biology, Algebra II or taking Algebra II concurrently. B or better in Algebra I and Biology. Department approval required.
A Core 40 and Academic Honors Diploma Physical Science course.
Honors Chemistry is a fast paced course allowing for an in-depth and expanded look at the topics covered in Chemistry. Honors Chemistry may be taken in place of Chemistry. Students compare, contrast, and synthesize useful models of the structure and properties of matter and the mechanisms of its interactions. Students have an opportunity to gain an understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures. Students have opportunities to see how chemistry and nature are part of God’s plan for us.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus or taking concurrently. B or better in Chemistry and Algebra II. Department approval required.
A Core 40 and Academic Honors Diploma Physical Science course.
Honors Physics s a course focused on the following core topics: constant velocity; constant acceleration; forces; energy; linear momentum in one dimension; simple harmonic oscillating systems; mechanical waves and sound; simple circuit analysis. Instruction should focus on developing student understanding that scientific knowledge is gained from observation of natural phenomena and experimentation by designing and conducting investigations guided by theory and by evaluating and communicating the results of those investigations according to accepted procedures. Students have opportunities to see how physics and nature are part of God’s plan for us.
Credits: 2 for LHS diploma and 5 college credit hours from Indiana University.
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and Honors Chemistry with a B or better. Department approval required.
A Core 40 and Academic Honors Diploma Physical Science course, and a Dual Credit course.
ACP Chemistry C101/C121: Introduction to aspects of general chemistry/ Introduction to the techniques and reasoning of experimental chemistry. In this course you will learn in depth (and an accelerated rate) about classification, measurement and changes of matter; the concept of atoms, molecules and compounds; the modern atomic theory; how chemical bonds (ionic, covalent etc.) determine the properties of matter; chemical nomenclature, mass relationships, molar masses, and the gas laws; the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases; how to define acids and bases, distinguishes between strong and weak acids and bases, understand the pH scale, and discusses some acid-base consumer issues; the process and significance of oxidation and reduction; organic chemistry, functional groups and significance of organic chemistry in everyday life; the various bio-molecules and significance of biochemistry to everyday life; the chemistry in food, drugs and household chemicals; nuclear chemistry and its applications. Successful completion of this course earns FIVE college semester credits of college [freshman] Chemistry [3 credits for lecture and 2 credits for the Laboratory portion], which is foundational for Medical Doctor candidates, Nursing, Engineers, Physicists, Chemists, and all majors who require Chemistry courses in college.
Credits: 2 for LHS diploma and 5 college credit hours from Indiana University.
Prerequisite: MUST TAKE AP CALCULUS CONCURRENTLY. Department approval required.
A Core 40 and Academic Honors Diploma Physical Science course, and a Dual Credit course.
ACP Physics P221: Introduction to the concepts and laws of classical Newtonian mechanics. The ideas that have resulted from Newton’s Laws and the consequent conservation principles form the basis for all of contemporary physics. Develops an array of skills and techniques needed to appreciate what physicists do and how they do it. Emphasizes the quantitative application of physical laws to solving problems. Calculus and other mathematics are displayed daily in a more abstract approach to enhance fluency in and appreciation of mathematics. Performance of simple (and not-so-simple) laboratory experiments will be done to demonstrate concepts covered in the lectures. Through these experiments techniques will be learned to make reliable measurements and estimate their uncertainties, and build appreciation to the interplay between experiment and theory in science. Collaborations with other students will be developed as teamwork is central to physics research and as well as understanding the relationships among different approaches to the same problem. Successful completion of this course earns FIVE college semester credits of calculus-based Physics [Classical Mechanics], which is foundational for Engineers, Physicists, and Chemists.
Credits: 2
Prerequisite: Completed Biology, Integrated Chemistry/Physics or Chemistry
A Core 40 and Academic Honors Diploma Science course.

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that integrates biology, earth science, chemistry, and other disciplines. Students enrolled in this course conduct in-depth scientific studies of ecosystems, population dynamics, resource management, and environmental consequences of natural and anthropogenic processes. Students formulate, design, and carry out laboratory and field investigations as an essential course component. Students completing Environmental Science, acquire the essential tools for understanding the complexities of national and global environmental systems as God created them.