The Scholars Online Science Program provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue an integrated science education in which the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy are set in their historical and cultural contexts and taught from the classical Christian education perspective that studying nature gives us insights to the mind of God the Designer, and prepares us to accept our responsibility as stewards of His creation.
The curriculum is coordinated so that students completing each course cover
- the fundamental concepts of the topic, along with the relationship of these concepts to other sciences
- connections and interdependencies between scientific activity and the society in which it takes place
- the purpose, application, and limitations of the scientific method
- practice in communicating scientific concepts, data, results, and implications to others
- vocabulary and practice for the SAT II examinations (biology, chemistry, and physics)
All classes involve online chat sessions, in-class reports, textbook reading assignments, homework preparation, frequent quizzes, semester examinations, and email feedback. Natural Science is supplemented by a range of web-based readings. The Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy use standard textbooks and multimedia materials that include CDROM-based animations, videos, and interactive quizzes and exercises.
Individual courses
Courses are listed the recommended order. Grade levels indicate those grades at which students usually have the required mathematical skills. (Click on small triangle next to course name to expand listing and review course description, meeting and homework expectations, instructor, and links to further information.)
If you would like to see a couse not yet listed, please use the EMAIL US link below to contact Scholars Online Administration with your course request.
Students who were enrolled in courses from previous years will find the teacher, text, and course description information available from the student's unofficial transcript, which can be reached from the parent's Account Management Center, or from an alumni's own Account Management Center.
To see details about an individual course, click on the black triangle to the left of the course name
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Natural Science I • 2009 listing - for reference only • Grade 7 or above
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Primary Instructor
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Sections
[Enrolled students will be notified if teacher schedules change between course posting in April and the scheduled start of classes. Please see Tuition and Fees for refund policy.]
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| | Section 1 Instructor: Christe McMenomyClasses meet from August 31, 2009 to May 28, 2010Tuesday 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM ETTuition: $400.00
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Website
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Description
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| | This is the first year of a two-year high school science course that provides the background in earth, life, and physical sciences necessary for success in more intensive college-preparatory courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. The core concepts of modern science are presented in their social and historical context, rather than as abstract theories isolated from each other or their historical roots. We will discover the basic principles underlying both the physical and life sciences, including atomic theory, chemical reactions, motion, energy, electricity and magnetism, classification of living things, ecology, evolution, and cellular biology, along with overviews of the sciences of geology, meteorology, astonomy, oceanography, zoology and botany as we move through the history of scientific ideas from the ancient world to our own time. Students will learn to apply and recognize the limitations and advantages of scientific methodology, experimental and observational methods, and to mathematical methods for data analysis, and to appreciate not only the interrelations between different areas of scientific knowledge, but how the methods of critical analysis of observations developed, and how social forces shaped modern science. The first year covers advances made during ancient, medieval, and Renaissance periods.
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Meetings
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| | Please contact instructor for information on how often the course will meet online in chat.
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Homework
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| | Students meet once a week for discussion of material drawn from primarily from extensive website reading on the historical background and substance of modern scientific theories. Exercises and lab assignments will help students learn the practical application of the ideas discussed in class.
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Prerequisites
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Recommended background
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| | Junior high level courses in life, earth, and physical sciences will be useful. Students should have taken a survey course in world history or western civilization, or be taking one concurrently.
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Instructor's Notes
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| | Students may complete the second half of this course during an intensive summer term.
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Textbooks and Materials
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There are no textbook or materials currently required for this course.
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| | Check instructor's notes above for additional information, or contact the instructor.
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Natural Science II • 2009 listing - for reference only • Grade 7 or above
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Primary Instructor
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Sections
[Enrolled students will be notified if teacher schedules change between course posting in April and the scheduled start of classes. Please see Tuition and Fees for refund policy.]
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| | Section 1 Instructor: Christe McMenomyClasses meet from August 31, 2009 to May 28, 2010Wednesday 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM ETTuition: $400.00
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Website
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Description
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| | This is the second year of a two-year high school science course that provides the background in earth, life, and physical sciences necessary for success in more intensive college-preparatory courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. The core concepts of modern science are presented in their social and historical context, rather than as abstract theories isolated from each other or their historical roots. We will discover the basic principles underlying both the physical and life sciences, including atomic theory, chemical reactions, motion, energy, electricity and magnetism, classification of living things, ecology, evolution, and cellular biology, along with overviews of the sciences of geology, meteorology, astonomy, oceanography, zoology and botany as we move through the history of scientific ideas from the ancient world to our own time. Students will learn to apply and recognize the limitations and advantages of scientific methodology, experimental and observational methods, and to mathematical methods for data analysis, and to appreciate not only the interrelations between different areas of scientific knowledge, but how the methods of critical analysis of observations developed, and how social forces shaped modern science. The second year covers advances made during the 19th-21st centuries.
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Meetings
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| | Please contact instructor for information on how often the course will meet online in chat.
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Homework
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| | Students meet once a week for discussion of material drawn from primarily from extensive website reading on the historical background and substance of modern scientific theories. Exercises and lab assignments will help students learn the practical application of the ideas discussed in class.
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Prerequisites
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Natural Science I or equivalent background.
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Recommended background
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| | Junior high level courses in life, earth, and physical sciences will be useful. Students should have taken a survey course in world history or western civilization, or be taking one concurrently.
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Instructor's Notes
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| | Students may complete the second half of this course during an intensive summer term.
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Textbooks and Materials
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There are no textbook or materials currently required for this course.
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| | Check instructor's notes above for additional information, or contact the instructor.
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Biology - Advanced Option (Biology AP) • 2009 listing - for reference only • Grade 9 or above
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Primary Instructor
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Sections
[Enrolled students will be notified if teacher schedules change between course posting in April and the scheduled start of classes. Please see Tuition and Fees for refund policy.]
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| | Section 1 Instructor: Christe McMenomyClasses meet from August 31, 2009 to May 28, 2010Friday 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM ET • Friday 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ETTuition: $125.00
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Website
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Description
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| | Students must be already enrolled in the regular Biology course to attend this small-enrollment chat session where we will review course material in greater depth, take diagnostic exams and complete extra essay work, and report laboratory experiences in preparation for the May AP Biology Examination.
This course has been approved as meeting the AP requirements and will be listed as an AP course on student transcripts.
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Meetings
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| | This course meets once a week for discussion and review of assigned homework.
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Homework
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| | Students have additional problem or essay work and reading per week. Workload varies, becoming more intense in March and April in preparation for the May examination. Students must also complete a minimum set of laboratory exercises.
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Prerequisites
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| | Concurrent enrollment in the regular Biology course. Prior life science at the junior high level or high school level covering cells, basic concepts of heredity, anatomy, and ecology.
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Recommended background
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| | Students should have some prior background in life science and be able to work independently.
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Instructor's Notes
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Textbooks and Materials
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Barron's How to Prepare for the AP Biology Advanced Placement Examination (with CD ROM)
Deborah T. Goldberg
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| | This text is required.
ISBN: 0764179101
Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore
Other information: You can and should look at several AP preparation texts before choosing one; I happen to like this one the best. Find some issue that you know a little about or that confuses you and read the explanations in Barron's, REA, Princeton Review or other AP preparation text, then pick the one that makes the most sense AND has several practice exams.
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AP Biology Lab Manual for Students
The College Board
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| | This text is recommended; purchase and use is optional.
ISBN: None
Publisher's website: AP Biology Lab Manual for Students
Best sources: store.collegeboard.com/productdetail.do?Itemkey=991461
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Biology • 2009 listing - for reference only • Grade 9 or above
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Primary Instructor
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Sections
[Enrolled students will be notified if teacher schedules change between course posting in April and the scheduled start of classes. Please see Tuition and Fees for refund policy.]
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| | Section 1 Instructor: Christe McMenomyClasses meet from August 31, 2009 to May 28, 2010Monday 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM ET • Thursday 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM ETTuition: $450.00
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Website
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| | Please review more extensive materials at the teacher's Biology website.
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Description
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| | Introduction to the principles of modern biology, including organic chemistry, the structure and components of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, genetics, evolution and speciation, comparative anatomy with an emphasis on human anatomy and physiology, plant structure, growth, and reproduction, and ecology.
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Meetings
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| | This course meets 2 times per week for discussion and review of assigned homework.
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Homework
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| | Students read 10-15 pages per session and complete at least one short essay or presentation each week. Online quizzes are required for each unit, term reports and comprehensive examinations are given each semester.
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Prerequisites
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| | Life science course at junior high level.
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Recommended background
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| | Students should have completed a junior high school level course in life science that covers the description of a cell and its method of reproduction, concepts of classification of organisms, some evolution theory, and some human anatomy and physiology (i.e., human organ systems and their functions). We cover all of these topics in detail, and students have an easier time if they have been exposed to the basic concepts before starting my course. It is also useful to have some physical science experience, especially with the concepts of atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, and thermodynamics or heat energy. We cover these topics in the early part of the course when we discuss cell structure and functions.
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Instructor's Notes
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| | Text for this course will be Campbell/Reece Biology:Concepts and Connections; we will determine by June 1 whether to adopt the new 6th edition or continue using the 5th edition.
Controversial topics such as evolution, reproductive controls, and genetic engineering require student maturity. AP students must meet during extra classes. For information about our approach to evolution, see the evolution page.
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Textbooks and Materials
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Biology: Concepts and Connections, 6th Ed. (Edition: 6)
Neil A. Campbell, Janet B. Reece, Lawrence G. Mitchell, Martha R. Taylor
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| | This text is required.
ISBN: 0321489845
Publisher's website: Biology: Concepts and Connections, 6th Ed.
Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore
Other information: Students may not substitute editions. Students require copies with keyword allowing access to the text companion website. Note: Text and study guide together are available directly from Pearson as Package ISBN0321587820.
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Student Study Guide for Biology: Concepts and Connections (Edition: 6)
Campbell, Reece, Taylor, Simon, Dickey
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Physics Lite • 2009 listing - for reference only • Grade 9 or above • [Summer course]
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Primary Instructor
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Sections
[Enrolled students will be notified if teacher schedules change between course posting in April and the scheduled start of classes. Please see Tuition and Fees for refund policy.]
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| | Section 1 Instructor: Christe McMenomyClasses meet from June 16, 2009 to August 11, 2009Tuesday 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM ETTuition: $160.00
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Website
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| | There is currently no teacher website for this course.
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Description
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| | This is an eight-week course covering the basic concepts of physics. Students will find this a gentle introduction to the principles underlying studies of motion, heat, electricity, magnetism, light, nuclear reactions, and modern cosmology, and an opportunity to hone skills for tackling more advanced science courses. It is especially recommended for students intending to take the academic year Physics AP course option.
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Meetings
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| | This course meets once a week for discussion and review of assigned homework.
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Homework
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| | Students will be assigned exercises from the text and teacher's syllabus.
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Prerequisites
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| | Students should be able to handle simple algebraic equations, such as s = 1/2 at2.
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Recommended background
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| | Algebra 1, junior high level physical science course.
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Instructor's Notes
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| | There will be no meeting on July 21 but class will meet on July 7.
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Textbooks and Materials
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Teach Yourself Physics (Edition: 1)
Jim Breithaupt
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| | This text is required.
ISBN: 0071439749
Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore
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Astronomy • 2009 listing - for reference only • Grade 10 or above
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Primary Instructor
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Sections
[Enrolled students will be notified if teacher schedules change between course posting in April and the scheduled start of classes. Please see Tuition and Fees for refund policy.]
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| | Section 1 Instructor: Christe McMenomyClasses meet from August 31, 2009 to May 28, 2010Wednesday 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM ETTuition: $400.00
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Website
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| | Please review more extensive materials at the teacher's Astronomy website.
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Description
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| | Introduction to the principles of modern astronomy, including basic constellation recognition, apparent motions of celestial objects, development of the Copernican model of the solar system, telescope optics, characteristics of solar system planets, stellar structure and life cycles, and current theories on the origin of the universe.
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Meetings
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| | This course meets once a week for discussion and review of assigned homework.
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Homework
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| | Students read one chapter per week from an introductory astronomy textbook, and perform a set of 9-12 exercises, many of which involve mathematical calculation. Quizzes are taken weekly. Students also prepare a term paper on some aspect of modern astronomy each semester, and take a comprehensive semester examination.
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Prerequisites
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| | Students should have completed Algebra I and be able to solve the quadratic formula and calculate areas and volumes.
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Recommended background
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Textbooks and Materials
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Universe (Edition: 8)
Roger A. Freedman, William J. Kaufmann III
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| | This text is required.
ISBN: 0716795647
Publisher's website: Universe
Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore
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Physics • 2009 listing - for reference only • Grade 11 or above
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Primary Instructor
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Sections
[Enrolled students will be notified if teacher schedules change between course posting in April and the scheduled start of classes. Please see Tuition and Fees for refund policy.]
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| | Section 1 Instructor: Christe McMenomyClasses meet from August 31, 2009 to May 28, 2010Monday 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM ET • Thursday 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM ETTuition: $450.00
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Website
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| | Please review more extensive materials at the teacher's Physics website.
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Description
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| | Introduction to the principles of modern physics, including basic concepts of motion, conservation laws, kinematics and dynamics, energy, momentum, thermodynamics, optics, electrical and magnetic fields, light wave mechanics, quantum mechanics, and nuclear energy.
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Meetings
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| | This course meets 2 times per week for discussion and review of assigned homework.
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Homework
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| | Students read 5-10 pages and complete homework assignments of 5-10 problems twice a week, posting a complete solution with explanations for one of the problems from each assignment. Online quizzes are required for each unit, and comprehensive examinations are given each semester.
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Prerequisites
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| | Physical science course at junior high level. Algebra covering the evaluation of functions and the quadratic equation and basic geometry must be completed prior to course. Trigonometry and precalculus math should be taken prior to enrollment or concurrently if trigonometry will be covered immediately.
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Recommended background
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| | Students should have completed a junior high school level course in physical science that covers describes the basic concepts of energy and motion, the forces of gravity, electricity, and magnetism. A thorough grounding in basic algebra is highly recommended, as the course is math-intensive.
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Instructor's Notes
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| | An additional text using computer simulations is under review and may be required. Please check textbook listings in August.
See notes on Physics - Advanced Option for information on AP Physics.
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Textbooks and Materials
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Physics: Principles with Applications (Edition: 6)
Donald C. Giancoli
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| | This text is required.
ISBN: 0131846612
Publisher's website: Physics: Principles with Applications
Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore
Other information: This is the textbook alone. Students taking the AP option may wish to purchase the optional package instead, which includes both textbook and AP Workbook at a slight discount than when purchased separately.
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Physics: Principles with Applications Combo Package (Edition: 6)
Douglas C. Giancoli
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| | This text is recommended; purchase and use is optional.
ISBN: 0131142860
Publisher's website: Physics: Principles with Applications Combo Package
Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore
Other information: Students taking the AP option may wish to purchase this combination package instead of purchasing text and AP workbooks separately.
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Physics - Advanced Option (AP Physics) • 2009 listing - for reference only • Grade 11 or above
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Primary Instructor
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Sections
[Enrolled students will be notified if teacher schedules change between course posting in April and the scheduled start of classes. Please see Tuition and Fees for refund policy.]
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| | Section 1 Instructor: Christe McMenomyClasses meet from August 31, 2009 to May 28, 2010Thursday 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ETTuition: $125.00
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Website
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Description
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| | Students already enrolled in the regular Physics course will attend small-enrollment chat sessions to review course material in greater depth, complete more difficult assignments, and report laboratory experiences in preparation for the May AP Physics B Examination. The syllabus for this course has been reviewed by the College Board and this course is authorized to use the AP designation. Starting in Fall, 2007, only courses whose syllabi meet the rigorous standards of the College Board's review team of college and university professors can be listed on transcripts as AP courses.
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Meetings
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| | This course meets once a week for discussion and review of assigned homework.
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Homework
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| | Students have additional problem or essay work and reading per week. Workload varies, becoming more intense in March and April in preparation for the May examination. Students must also complete a minimum set of laboratory exercises.
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Prerequisites
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| | Concurrent enrollment in the regular Physics course is required. Prior physical science at the junior high level covering basic mechanics, dynamics, electricity and magnetism, and optics.
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Recommended background
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| | Students should be able to work independently and adher to a rigorous study schedule.
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Instructor's Notes
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Textbooks and Materials
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Physics: Principles with Applications AP Test Prep Workbook (Edition: 6)
Douglas C. Giancoli
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| | This text is required.
ISBN: 0536731586
Publisher's website: Physics: Principles with Applications AP Test Prep Workbook
Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore
Other information: This is the Workbook alone. Students taking this option may wish to purchase the text and workbook in combination (see optional texts for the primary physics course itself).
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| To enroll in any of the courses listed above, log into your Scholars Online Account Management Center using the login link at the bottom of any page and select the member you wish to enroll. If you do not have an account, you may create one using the Membership and Enrollment link in the SiteMap to the left of any page. |
All science courses are open to all students who meet the mathematics prerequisites for the individual courses. Each full course is designed to accommodate students wishing to master the fundamentals of the subject at a level normally taught in high school. Past classes have included junior high school students and adults, as well as high school students preparing for college entrance.
Lab Course Credit and AP Preparation: AP Option
Available with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, the AP Option adds extra sessions to the regular course material, and is designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement examinations for college credit and to meet lab experience requirements for most colleges. Because of the extra time required, students who seek lab credit, even if they do not plan to take the AP examination, must sign up for this option. Students not taking this option are welcome to perform the suggested labs on their own initiative, but lab work done outside the AP option will not be graded or given credit.
We realize that such a short description doesn't really give you much information about how the courses are structured and the material integrated, how we address ethical controversies in biology, or just help students who may be a bit overwhelmed by a "college-prep" course workload. If you are considering our courses, or are just trying to get ideas for your own science curriculum, please read through the The Design behind the Scholars Online Science Curriculum to find out why past students have found our instruction a unique opportunity that not only prepares them to perform well on the SAT and Advanced Placement examinations, but also challenges them to see how science grew out of human experience with nature and religion.
Scholars Online has been provisionally accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools.
