Course Description
Elementary School Science (K5 - 2nd grade)
In this course, your student will learn about the amazing design and characteristics of flying creatures as part of God’s creation. Our class will go on an adventure as we learn about the dynamics of flight and the uniqueness of birds, the value and misconceptions of bats, and the anatomy of insects (they’ll even get to collect and study some for a project!). At the early elementary level, we take a hands-on approach to learning. This class will involve simple labs, crafts, and projects to develop curiosity and understanding of nature from a Biblical worldview. From a Christian perspective, this class is aimed to build a love of science and nature for each individual student. Students will engage with map-it activities to track our animals all over the world. We believe that your child’s education is at its best when their learning begins with curiosity. We use the practical concepts and things in their world to help them to experience and learn that science isn’t just a class–it’s a means for them to discover their world! We hope to include one class field trip to the Chattanooga Zoo to see the African bird exhibit and the aviary. Requirements: students need to be able to read and write independently. Parents should expect to spend 1 ½- 2 hours each week outside of class with their student on science “homework.” Class will use Google classroom for all parent/teacher communication and weekly assignment postings. Materials needed: Zoology 1 Textbook & Junior Notebooking Journal. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Zoology 1 MP3 Audiobook CD
This exciting course will give your students a love for learning and confidence in science that will carry them through the school years and beyond. It is an engaging way to teach your young students just how God made everything in the universe. Your student will study the basic building blocks of creation presented in a scientifically sound and God-honoring study that covers atoms, molecules, simple chemicals, laws of motion, electricity, magnetism, and simple machines. This class will include a hands-on approach to learning to emphasize scientific concepts in an engaging manner. There will be in class labs, as well as at home projects. Students will have a science fair style project at the end of the spring semester. Class will be strongly encouraged to attend the field trip to Wonderworks, Pigeon Forge in the spring for class enrichment. Class Requirements: Parents can expect students to spend 3-4 hours per week outside the classroom on class prep and homework. (Disclaimer: the concepts in this class may be challenging for some third and fourth graders. Textbook reviews suggest the material is geared to 5-7 grades. The instructor will make every effort to create an environment for success for all students. Younger or struggling students may need extra parent support at home). Google Classroom will be used to communicate classwork and assignments with parents. All work will be written and turned in on paper. Materials: Chemistry and Physics Textbook, Chemistry and Physics Notebooking Journal, and Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics MP3 Audiobook CD (strongly recommended for reluctant or struggling readers).
Physical Science (9th - 10th grade)
In this course, your student will investigate, discover, recognize, appreciate, discuss, and understand the wonders of Creation.
Topics include Basic Science, Chemistry (Properties and States of Matter, Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonds, Reactions and Energy), Physics (Motion – Forces, Energy, Waves and Sound, Light, Electricity and Magnetism), Earth Science (Our Earth, Our Atmosphere and Beyond), Chemistry and Physics in the Life Sciences, and Physical Science Research. We believe that your student’s education should prepare them for life–not just academics. Therefore, this curriculum is designed to give your student a basic understanding of the world that surrounds them and the real-world relevance of scientific inquiry through the beauty of Creation. When we offer our students experiments that move beyond the science text, their learning expands and they own their own discoveries. Lab exercises are conducted throughout each module so that your student has hands-on lab experience that goes along with their study. Each lab has been designed to work easily in a homeschool environment. They are able to see that our world is not as random as it seems as they can observe a phenomenon, ask questions, and methodically seek for the answers. Science no longer is just a class–it’s a means to discover their world. Students will build confidence and a foundational understanding of high school level science. Students are encouraged to take notes in class and ask questions both during class time and during the week via email, phone, or by designated appointment times. There will be homework each week to both introduce new material to be discussed in class the following week and also to review what was learned in class during that particular week. Homework will be graded for both completion and accuracy. Students will also be graded on tests, labs, and potential projects. This course is designed to be takes before high school Biology. Related field trips are being considered.
Biology (10th - 11th grade)
In this course, your student will gain an appreciation of God’s creativity and the world around them as they discover how the designs of the simplest living things point to the fingerprints of the Creator. This biology course covers the science and chemistry of life, ecology, cell structure and function, cellular energy, DNA and, genetics, evolution, prokaryotes and viruses, protists and fungi, plant diversity and reproduction, plant structure and function, and the biology of various types of animals.
Your student will learn:
> Scientific principles while seeing evidence of God’s creation
> How to think critically beyond the textbook and contextualize to real-life
> How to conduct experiments methodically and interpret results
> How to design their own experiments from beginning (concept) to end (results interpretation)
> How to hold a logical discussion on God and science based on facts and beliefs
> How to utilize the proper scientific method in a detailed and engaging way.
> How to record data and report it.
> How to read, create, and utilize several types of graphs (a skill that is found on SAT and ACT exams!).
Chemistry (11th - 12th grade)
This course is designed to provide your student with a working understanding of chemistry while also preparing them for college-level studies and the ACT. In this course they will learn Measurement, Units, and the Scientific Method, Atoms and Molecules, Atomic Structure, Molecular Structure, Polyatomic Ions and Molecular Geometry, Changes in Matter and Chemical Reactions, Describing Chemical Reactions, Acid-Base Chemistry, The Chemistry of Solutions, Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Chemical Equilibrium, and more.
This curriculum is written to your student in a conversational tone. They will be intellectually challenged but also supported as they work through science concepts and thought-provoking experiments. This chemistry course provides an in-depth introduction to the methods and concepts of general chemistry, as well as a ton of chemistry lab experiments that will help take your student’s learning even further! Students are encouraged to take notes in class and ask questions both during class time and during the week via phone, email, or by designated personal sessions. Each week in class, we will be performing labs as well as class lectures. There will be homework each week to both introduce new material that will be discussed in class the following week and also to review what was learned in class that week. Homework will be graded for both completion and accuracy. Students will also be graded on tests, labs, and potential projects. Because math is a big part of chemistry, we recommend that students who take this course be proficient in algebra. Related field trips are being considered. Pre-requisite: Algebra 1 and Biology
*Here at MHA, we want all our students to have a pleasant and enjoyable learning experience so please feel free to come to us with any questions and/or concerns.*