Science

Faculty Members
Dean Aurich (daurich@lhsmayer.org)
Gary Loontjer (gloontjer@lhsmayer.org)

Course Offerings (Certain courses may not be offered every semester)
Earth/Space Science .5 Credit Grade 9
Physical Science .5 Credit Grade 9
Everyday Chemistry .5 Credit Grades 10-11
Life Science .5 Credit Grades 10-11
Environmental Science .5 Credit Grades 11-12
Biology 1 Credit Grades 9-10
Chemistry 1 Credit Grades 10-12
Advanced Bio 1 Credit Grades 11-12
Physics 1 Credit Grades 11-12

Rationale

Science is the study of the universe that God created. The scientific method (defining problems, making observations, forming hypothesis, experimenting, recording data, drawing conclusions, making predictions) will primarily be used when studying topics in the science curriculum. The science courses are designed to prepare students to be Christian leaders in continuing education and future occupations. The study of God’s creation produces laws and truths that help us fulfill God’s role for us as caretakers of His creation.

Goals of the Department

The students will:
1. Discuss and related God’s presence in science.
2. learn to use simple science equipment.
3. learn to appropriately apply terminology to describe familiar scientific phenomena.
4. learn to apply classification systems.
5. know and apply skills in collecting and analyzing data.
6. learn to utilize technology in research and experimentation.

Department Goal Achievement Strategies

1. God’s Word will be integrated into various topics when discussing scientific philosophy.
2. Hands on activities in the lab will use various scientific tools and equipment.
3. Article reports will be used in upper level science classes.
4. Vocabulary will be enhanced in labs, quizzes, tests, and assignments.
5. Field guides and taxonomic keys will be used in the lab and field for identification.
6. Hands on experimenting will follow the scientific method.
7. Internet research, computer simulated labs, computer review, tutorial programs and
computer assisted experimentation will be used.