Natural Science Courses Descriptions/Publishers
Three credits required using the standard four-year, twenty-four-credit option, or any of the three-year, eighteen-credit options. Two must have a lab component.
Students entering high school in 2010-2011, add Biology or its equivalent as a required course. Those entering high school in 2013-2014 must add Chemistry or Physics or their equivalent as a required course, which means it is imperative that students have a solid foundation in math and science during the middle school years.
A total of three science credits are required for the FAS and FMS Bright Futures Scholarship. (Agscience is not a "natural Science" so it is not counted as one.)
A note about public school Science textbooks: One of the foundational tenets of Families of Faith Christian Academy is a belief that science is not in conflict with a biblical world view. There has been a move in textbooks developed for the public school system to subvert real scientific study by imposing a non scientific belief in evolution. Evolution has not nor can it be proven, yet the California Science Framework requires that it be the foundation of the scientific method taught in their schools. "Evolution is non-religious," and "Evolution is an established scientific fact which should therefore serve as the basic framework for all the sciences." Based on the blatant disregard for actual science investigation, we cannot approve the use of science textbooks developed for public schools, including courses taught through the Florida Virtual School. In fact, if we did, we could not remain accredited by the FCCPSA.
Click on the name of a course in its table below to download the detailed course description in PDF form. Below each course code number and name is a brief description of the course followed by the publishers and course material that fulfill the course requirements.
A backgound and description of the format used by individual publishers can be found in the "Parent-Directed Education, Orientation to Homeschooling" section of this web site, under the "Choosing a Curriculum" page.
2000300 Intensive Science |
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This is a remedial level science that is most often used for ESE students, requiring a lower level of reading comprehension to successfully complete the course. The pace numbers listed can only be used if the student has not completed the same pace numbers in a previous year, and is in high school when he/she takes them for credit. |
Alpha Omega Lifepacs: Level 8 Lifepacs 801-810 |
Apologia: Exploring Creation with General Science |
Landmark Freedom Baptist Curriculum: S-140 General Science |
Rod & Staff: Investigating God's Orderly World, Book 2 (all twelve units are required for the credit) |
School of Tomorrow (ACE): Paces 1061-1072 for one credit and 1073-1084 for a 2nd credit |
Switched on Schoolhouse: Level 8 Lifepacs 801-810 |
2000310 Biology I Duplicate course Biology I Honors |
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A lab-oriented course which studies the basic structure and function of both plants and animals. A practical approach to the study of functions and characteristics of living things is stressed. Regardless of publisher chosen the student will need to conduct the required labs, or may watch lab videos and document the procedures and finding he/she observes.This course or its Duplicte Biology I Honors is required for graduation for students entering high school for the 2011-2012 academic school year. |
Alpha Omega Lifepacs: Level 10 Lifepacs 1001-1010 Requires Lab Videos |
Christian Liberty Press: Biology: A Search for Order in Complexity |
Christian Light Publications: Science Level 10, Lightunits 1001-1010 |
Landmark Freedom Baptis Curriculum: S-150 Biology |
School of Tomorrow (ACE): Paces 1097-1108 Requires Lab Videos |
Switched on Schoolhouse: Level 10 Lifepacs 1001-1010 (Requires Lab Videos) |
2000320 Biology I Honors Duplicate course Biology I |
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Includes all the content of Biology I with more detailed study of the basic structure and function of plants and animals, the structure and function of cells, photosynthesis, and the environment. Regardless of publisher chosen the student will need to conduct the required labs, or may watch lab videos and document the procedures and finding he/she observes, except Apologia where the labs are included in the text.This course or its Duplicte Biology I is required for graduation for students entering high school for the 2011-2012 academic school year. |
A Beka Book: Biology God's Living Creation Text |
Apologia: Exploring Creation with Biology Text |
BJU Press (Bob Jones): Biology for Christian Schools Text |
2000360 Anatomy and Physiology Honors |
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Designed to provide exploratory and advanced activities in the structures and functions of the components of the human body through the study of comparisons of the various systems of vertebrate creatures. Prerequisites for this course are to have earned a B or higher in Biology I or Biology I Honors, Chemistry and Algebra I. |
Apologia: The Human Body Fearfully & Wonderfully Made |
2001310 Earth Space Science Duplicate course Earth Space Science Honors |
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Providing opportunities for students to develop concepts of the earth, its materials, processes, history and its environments, including astronomy, chemistry, geology, meteorology and matter-energy transformations. Students who took level eight science form A Beka, Bob Jones, Alpha Omega, Switched on Schoolhouse, School of Tomorrow (ACE). Cannot retake this course for credit in high school. |
Alpha Omega Lifepacs: Earth Science Not listed by grade level, listed under "Electives" |
Landmark Freedom Baptist Curriculum: Science S-130 ESE required Approval Required for this publisher/course |
School of Tomorrow (ACE): Paces 1085-1096 |
Swicthed on Schoolhouse: Science (Newer course may not be listed by grade level, some bookstores list under "Electives".) |
2001320 Earth Space Science Honors Duplicate course Earth Space Science |
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Providing opportunities for students to develop concepts of the earth, its materials, processes, history and its environments, including astronomy, chemistry, geology, meteorology and matter-energy transformations. Students who took level eight science form A Beka, Bob Jones, Alpha Omega, Switched on Schoolhouse, School of Tomorrow (ACE). Cannot retake this course for credit in high school. |
BJU Press (Bob Jones): Earth Science for Christian Schools text (includes part A & B) |
2001350 Astronomy |
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Christian Liberty Press: Lift Up Your Eyes, Understanding the Stars |
2002500 Marine Science I |
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Study of the Marine biome, which includes the origin of the oceans, nature of marine habitat, and characteristics of major marine phyla. |
Apologia: Exploring Creation with Marine Science Text |
2003310 Physical Science Duplicate course Physical Science Honors |
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An experimental-investigative course dealing with matter, energy, motion and force, including the study of mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism and atomic structure. The experiments and investigative activity are designed to induce and stimulate participation and involvement and teach laboratory techniques. Apologia includes the required labs in the text. Other publishers, like Alpha Omega, Landmark and School of Tomorrow, require the lab video to complete the credit. |
Alpha Omega Lifepacs: Science level 9 Lifepacs 901-910 with lab videos |
Apologia: Exploring Creation with Physical Science |
Landmark Freedom Baptist Curriculum: S-154 Physical Science |
School of Tomorrow (ACE): Paces 1109-1120 with lab videos |
Switched on Schoolhouse:l Science level 9 Lifepacs 901-910 with lab videos |
2003320 Physical Science Honors Duplicate course Physical Science |
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An experimental-investigative course dealing with matter, energy, motion and force, including the study of mechanics, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism and atomic structure. The experiments and investigative activity are designed to induce and stimulate participation and involvement and teach laboratory techniques. A set of lab videos and or equipment is required to complete the credit.Course provides in-depth, practical and stimulating experiences in the study of matter and energy for students who have shown above average academic abilities. |
A Beka Book: Science of the Physical Creation in Christian Perspective Text |
BJU Press (Bob Jones): The Physical World (An Introduction to Physical Science) Text |
2003340 Chemistry I Duplicate course Chemistry I Honors |
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Prerequisite: B average or above in Algebra I. Students who have taken Physical Science or Physical Science Honors are better prepared for this course. Lab-oriented science that includes chemical calculations, chemical equations, and laboratory experience involving use of related equipment and methods. Apologia includes the required labs in the text. Other publishers, like Alpha Omega, Landmark, and School of Tomorrow, require the lab video to complete the credit. |
Alpha Omega Lifepacs: Science Level 11, Lifepacs 1101-1110 Lab Videos required for credit |
Apologia: Exploring Creation with Chemistry |
Christian Light Publications: Lightunits 1101-1110 |
School of Tomorrow (ACE): Paces 1121-1132 Lab Videos required for credit |
Switched on Schoolhouse: Science Level 11, Lifepacs 1101-1110 Lab Videos required for credit |
2003350 Chemistry I Honors Duplicate course Chemistry I |
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Prerequisite: B average in Algebra I. Same content as Chemistry I with additional emphasis on the mathematical and theoretical approach to such topics as atomic structure and balancing equations. |
A Beka Book: Chemistry Pecision & Desin Text |
BJU Press (Bob Jones): Chemistry for Christian Schools Text |
2003360 Chemistry II |
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This course is designed to be the second high school chemistry course that a student takes. In order to take this course, then, the student must have already had one year of high school chemistry. When added to that first-year course, this course “fills in the gaps,” giving the student the equivalent of the first year of college chemistry. You might have heard this kind of course called an “advanced placement” or “AP” course. In addition to a first year of chemistry, the student needs to have completed Algebra 2. The course covers detailed descriptions of limiting-reagent stoichiometry, atomic and molecular orbitals, intermolecular forces, solutions, equilibria, acids and bases, redox reactions, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. |
Apologia: Advanced Chemistry Text |
2003380 Physics I Duplicate course Physics I Honors |
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Prerequisite: B average in Algebra II. A lab-oriented course that surveys such topics as mechanics, electricity, optics, and modern physics. Apologia includes the required labs in the text. Other publishers, like Alpha Omega, Landmark, and School of Tomorrow, require the lab video to complete the credit. |
Alpha Omega Lifepacs: Science Level 12, Lifepacs 1201-1210 Lab Videos required for credit |
Christian Light Publications: Science Lightunits 1201-1210 |
Saxon: Physics an Incremental Development |
School of Tomorrow (ACE): Paces 1133-1144 Lab Videos required for credit |
Switched on Schoolhouse: Science Level 12, Lifepacs 1201-1210 Lab Videos required for credit |
2003390 Physics I Honors Duplicate course Physics I |
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Prerequisite: B average in Algebra II. An advanced lab-oriented course that surveys such topics as mechanics, electricity, optics, and modern physics. Apologia includes the required labs, in the text, other publishers like Alpha Omega, Landmark and School of Tomorrow require the lab video to complete the credit. |
A Beka Book: Physics the Foundationa Science Text |
Apologia: Exploring Creation with Physics |
BJU Press (Bob Jones): Physics for Christian Schools Text |
2003410 Physics II |
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In order to take this course, a student must have already completed a high school physics course, preferably Exploring Creation With Physics. When added to that first-year course, this course "fills in the gaps" and gives the student the equivalent of one year of university-level physics. You may have heard this kind of course called an "Advanced Placement" or "AP" course. In addition to a first-year physics course, the student must have also completed a trigonometry course in order to take Advanced Physics in Creation. The course provides detailed descriptions of kinematics, dynamics, rotational motion, gravity, oscillations, waves, optics, thermal physics, electrical forces, electrical potential, DC circuits, magnetic forces, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. The student is also given an introduction to the fascinating topics of special relativity and general relativity. |
Apologia: Advanced Physics Text |
8106810 Agscience Foundations I |
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Unlike the other courses listed in this section Agscience is not a science at all, but a vocational credit. Students who entered high school before the 2011-2012 academic term may use one Agscience credit as part of the three required for a standard high school diploma. It should be noted that the Bright Futures Scholarship and the Florida State University system do not count this course as a science credit, regardless of how it is noted on the transcript. In addition to the textbook students must complete the requirements of this course through participation in 4-H or Future Farmers of America. |
Christian Light Publications: Exploring Agriscience Text, requires studetn Text, student materials and teacher materials |
PARTIAL LISTING OF SCIENCE DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES
The student must have passed the Algebra portion of the CPT before they will be allowed to enroll in science courses at the college level. For most students that means having earned a B or better in Algebra II.
BSC 1005C Survey of Biological Science
3 hours Lecture, 2 hours Lab, 4 credits
Lower-Division College Credit
Prerequisites: Placement at the college level or completion of required college preparatory courses
This course is a one semester general overview of the unifying principles governing life and is intended for students who are non-science majors. (Students majoring in science should take Principles of Biology I (BSC 1010C) instead of this course.) Course topics include cell structure and function, energy and its transformations, cell division processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Basic biological concepts and their applications for living according to the laws of nature are emphasized. This course fulfills the laboratory component of the Natural Science General Education requirement.
BSC 1010C Principles of Biology I
3 hours Lecture, 2 hours Lab, 4 credits
Lower-Division College Credit
Prerequisites: Placement at the college level or completion of required college preparatory courses
This course is the first of a two-term sequence in the biological sciences that is designed specifically for pre-professional majors. Basic concepts and principles of biology are covered in detail. Topics include scientific measurement, basic biochemistry, cytology, energy relations, reproduction, and a detailed analysis of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, as well as classical and molecular genetics. Lecture presentation, in combination with laboratory study, emphasizes critical thinking, observation, and experimental assessment.
BSC 2085C Human Anatomy and Physiology I
3 hours Lecture, 4 hours Lab, 5 credits
Lower-Division College Credit
Prerequisites: Placement at the college level or completion of required college preparatory courses
Recommended: Prior completion of BSC 1005 and CHM 1025, or recent high school biology and chemistry courses
This is a fast-paced course that involves an in-depth exploration of chemistry, cell biology, and histology, as well as the integumentary system, skeletal system, joints, muscular system, nervous system, and the special senses of the human body. Laboratory exercises reinforce lecture material through the use of scientific method and measurement, models, microscopes, and dissections. Students should have a basic understanding of chemistry and cell biology before entering this course.
BSC 2086 C Human Anatomy and Physiology II
3 hours Lecture, 4 hours Lab, 5 credits
Lower-Division College Credit
Prerequisites: BSC 2085C
This course is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I (BSC 2085C). This course provides a study of the following topics: the circulatory system (with special emphasis on the heart), the lymphatic system, the immune system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, cellular metabolism, the urinary system, fluid-electrolyte balance, the endocrine system, reproduction, development, and a brief survey of genetics. Laboratory exercises reinforce the lecture topics through experimentation, microscopic work, and dissection (where applicable).
CHM 1045C General Chemistry I
3 hours Lecture, 3 hours Lab, 4 credits
Lower-Division College Credit
Prerequisites: One year of high school chemistry or CHM 1025C, and MAC 1105 or Permission of Instructor
This provides a study of chemistry covering the following topics: mathematics and measurement in chemistry, the periodic table, stoichiometry of chemical equations and reactions in solution, oxidation-reduction reactions, thermo chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, gases, and intermolecular forces of attraction. Selected experiments reinforce and apply lecture material, with the use of computers in the laboratory as an option.
CHM 2210C Organic Chemistry I
4 hours Lecture, 3 hours Lab, 5 credits
Lower-Division College Credit
Prerequisites: CHM 1046C or equivalent
This is the beginning course of organic chemistry and covers the following: structure and bonding; polarity of bonds; functional groups; stereochemistry; resonance theory; conformation of cyclic systems; preparation and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, conjugated dienes, and cyclic systems; radical reactions of alkanes; and substitution and elimination reactions. Experiments apply the techniques of preparation, isolation, and purification of compounds.
ESC 1000 Survey of Earth Science
3 hours Lecture, 3 credits
Lower-Division College Credit
Prerequisites: Placement at the college level or completion of required college preparatory courses
This course examines the Earth through the study of concepts and principles related to geology, geophysics, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. The application of these principles to environmental problems, and other specific problems of current interest, are explored. Demonstrations and multimedia presentations enhance the presentation of the course material.
MCB 2010C Microbiology
3 hours Lecture, 3 hours Lab, 4 credits
Lower-Division College Credit
Prerequisites: BSC 1005C, BSC 1010C, or BSC 2085C
This course is designed to provide a background in basic microbiology for students in allied health fields. Within each microbial group, pathogenic microorganisms are studied, including their effect on the human body, as well as their spread and control. The curriculum also includes microbial genetics, virology, and immunology. Laboratory exercises reinforce principles discussed in lecture and teach basic microbiological procedures such as aseptic technique and media preparation, as well as isolation, cultivation, and staining of selected microbes. Biochemical characteristics of microbes are also studied with regard to their importance in identification of disease.
PSC 1121 Survey of Physical Science
3 hours Lecture, 3 credits
Lower-Division College Credit
Prerequisites: Placement at the college level or completion of required college preparatory courses
This course discusses selected topics in chemistry and physics at the introductory level. Included in these topics are the structure of the atom, a study of the periodic table, the process of chemical bonding, the study of chemical equations, and types of compounds. This course also discusses mechanics, wave motion, heat, light, optics, electricity, and nuclear radiation. Demonstrations and multimedia presentations enhance the presentation of the course material.
There are additional Dual Enrollment courses that earn high school credits.
For a detailed list, refer to the Dual Enrollment Course List.