Middle School

6th Grade "Introduction to Science"

Intro is the first middle school class in the science sequence. This course focuses on teaching students to observe using correct scientific method. Quantitative and qualitative observations are taught as a basis for collecting data. The curriculum is the same for Alpha and Beta.

7th Grade "Life Science"

Life science follows Intro Science. This is an excellent precursor to High School Biology and includes instruction in classification as well as dissection and other lab technique.

8th Grade Science "Earth and Physical Science"

This class focuses on a young earth and examines earth formations in this light. Several Physical Science topics are introduced.

High School

Physical Science

This class concentrates on completing the Physical Science unit. It is a rigorous academic course. Hands on labs and peer presentations are regular occurrences. All students are required to construct a Rube Goldberg contraption in order to complete this course.

Biology

Students are accepted into this class upon successfully completing the Physical Science unit. The primary text is Exploring Creation with Biology by Dr. Jay Wile. Other secular texts are also used to supplement the content, but the course is clear in its presentation of literal seven-day Biblical Creationism.

Biology is a thorough course in the life sciences. Study will include all the major facets of living organisms-including cell structure and function; a survey of the major kingdoms of organisms; selected topics in human anatomy; physiology, genetics; and an introduction to major ecological and creation features. All classes are taught from the creation viewpoint.

Chemistry

Chemistry is designed as an introductory course with focus on the concepts and practices of modern chemistry. The course includes general problem-solving techniques; physical concepts (phases of matter, etc.); chemical formulae and equations; atomic structure with an introduction to quantum mechanics; solutions (acids, bases, salts); understanding chemical reactions; and oxidation reduction. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of laboratory experiences and techniques. Students learn through weekly textbook assignments, in-class labs and demonstrations, and instructor led discussions.

Anatomy & Physiology

Taught by a veterinary doctor, this course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of “The Cat.” Two- or three-member teams each have a cat that they work on during the course of the year. This course is heavy on information and lab work. An excellent pre-college course.

Physics

Offered to select qualified students, this course is an introduction to the ideas of physics – from classical physics to modern physics. The principles of physics are illustrated by everyday experience and practical devices. The student is shown how many kinds of technology work – from the camera to the car. It shows students the harmony between scientific knowledge and Christian belief.

Science Expeditions and Retreats are the heart of the Living Science Home Studies program. Students gain a deeper understanding of God as they experience His creation first hand. They are trained to use their 5 senses, as a basis for observation. They are also led to discover new knowledge through research, socratic lecture, and experimentation.

The fifth-grade science class takes an overnight trip to Zoo Atlanta each year. Middle Schoolers attend a Science Expedition in Jekyll Island, Georgia each April. High School students have a Senior Retreat each Fall to various locations throughout the southeast. Each year, a different site is chosen for ecological and Marine Biology studies associated with the retreat.

In 2009, the Senior Retreat was in Titusville, Florida. On Florida's Space Coast, Titusville served as an excellent base for exploring Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Canaveral National Seashore, and the John F. Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. The trip was rich and meaningful, offering great opportunities for fellowship and for studying God's creation.

The Middle School Science Expedition is designed to accommodate families with younger siblings. The venue is Jekyll Island, Georgia. During the expedition, selected high school students have the opportunity to learn about leadership through the Servant Leadership Program. The Servant Leaders mentor, train, lead, and teach the middle school students during the expedition. It is the pinnacle of their year of education! Living Sound team members are chosen to lead praise and worship on all expeditions. The Living Sound Worship Team experience enhances the musical abilities God has given to each member by allowing them to develop and use their skills for the Lord.

The mathematics department requires each student to take three years of mathematics during Grades 9-12 in order to receive a diploma from Living Science. A student is required to complete Algebra I (may begin or complete in eighth grade), Geometry and Algebra II. It is strongly recommended that a math course be taken each year. Throughout the curriculum, the graphing calculator will be an essential tool for students to explore various relationships, graph complicated functions, and solve a variety of problems.

Middle School

Introduction to Math

This is the beginning of a two-course middle school series intended to bridge the gap from elementary mathematics to Algebra 1. The program is designed to motivate your students, enable them to see the usefulness of mathematics in the world around them, enhance their fluency in the language of mathematics, and prepare them for success in algebra and geometry.

Intermediate Math

This is the second part of a two-course middle school series intended to bridge the gap from elementary mathematics to Algebra 1. The program is designed to motivate your students, enable them to see the usefulness of mathematics in the world around them, enhance their fluency in the language of mathematics, and prepare them for success in algebra and geometry.

High School

Algebra I - Part 1

Part one of a two-year journey through Algebra, the course begins with a review of the real numbers and the coordinate plane. Next, the students will investigate equations, inequalities, and proportions in the preparation for a detailed study of graphs and functions. The course will employ concrete examples from the text as well as hands-on exercises with manipulatives to help bridge the gap to key algebraic concepts. This will prepare the students well for the second year of deeper study.

Prentice Hall is the preferred text and is used in conjunction with many hands-on activities. Each class is two hours long enabling the students to go deeper into the concepts while allowing the teacher to test nd review frequently.

Algebra 1 - Part II

Part two of the two years through Algebra 1 will begin with a review of linear functions and lead into working with systems of equations and exponential equations. The students will learn to work with polynomials in preparation for understanding and solving quadratic functions, rational functions, and radical equations. This course will continue to employ concrete examples and hands-on exercises with manipulatives to help students move from the concrete to the abstract

Algebra - Honors

This course begins with a review of the real number system, operations with and factoring of polynomials, solving first-degree equations and graphing linear functions. It continues with a through development of systems of linear equations and inequalities, quadratic functions, rational and irrational numbers, and exponents. This course covers the same material as Algebra 1- year 1 & 2 in a single year.

Geometry

This course focuses on important geometric facts, proofs using deductive reasoning, the integration of algebra and geometry; and applications of geometry. During the year, the student will learn the properties of parallel lines, circles, and triangles, parallelograms, and other polygons. These properties will be used to study coordinate geometry; congruency, similar­ity; right triangle trigonometry, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume. Throughout the course, the student will use skills learned in Algebra.

Uses Glencoe Geometry - Concepts and Applications. The teacher is able to help the students discover, learn and apply geometry. It is a general Geometry that also teaches proofs and allows some students to go deeper if they need to.

Algebra II

This class is a continuation of Algebra I. Students will learn to relate and apply algebraic concepts to geometry, statistics, data analysis, and probability. They will connect math to other topics they are studying, like biology, geography, art, and history, through problems rich in algebraic content. A graphing calculator will be required.

Advanced Math

This course of study is for students who have completed Algebra II. Previous experience with Trigonometry is helpful, but not a prerequisite. We will work on many concepts that are included on the SAT and ACT exams, as well as college placement exams. Up-to-date data is used for applications to show students when they will use math in their lives. They will examine data such as population growth. They plot points, look for patterns and trends in graphs, and write linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric equations to reflect the data.

Calculus

Calculus and It's Applications is a course in single-variable calculus that includes techniques and applications of the derivative, techniques and applications of the definite integral, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. It is equivalent to at least one semester of calculus at most colleges and universities. Algebraic, numerical, and graphical representations are emphasized throughout the course using both traditional methods and a graphing calculator.

Middle School

Introduction to Grammar & Writing

This class focuses on basic grammar, writing and basic literature. The class will use a novel each semester to complete an in-depth literature analysis (8-10 weeks per novel). Parents will need to pick 3 books, at or above grade level for at home reading and book reports. Book reports on novels read outside of class will be presented in “novel” ways throughout the year.

Grammar and Writing

This class focuses on basic grammar, writing and basic literature. The class will use a novel each semester to complete an in-depth literature analysis (8-10 weeks per novel). Students will also read a biography for a research paper, but this will be discussed 2 nd semester. Parents will need to pick 3 books for at home reading and book reports. These books must be books the student has not read before and at or above a 7 th grade reading level. Book reports on novels read outside of class will be presented in “novel” ways throughout the year. Writing will consists of a research paper on a famous Christian scientist.

Advanced Grammar and Writing

This class focuses on some grammar but mostly writing and basic literature. The class will use short stories, poetry, and novels to complete in- depth literature analysis. Three or four book reports on novels read outside of class will be expected during the year. Writing will focus on expository, persuasive, descriptive, and journal.

Georgia History

Through hands-on activities, this course surveys the history of the state from the Native Americans to the 21st century, and provides information on the government, culture, and people of Georgia.

High School

Fundamentals of Literature

World Literature

Tenth-grade English, a course in world literature, encourages the student to do in-depth analysis of the three major genres of fiction, poetry, and drama. Students gain further experience of the composition formats learned in the ninth grade, and they are introduced to the basic termi­nology of literary study. Independent, well-organized thought in oral and written work is of great importance. Three or four book reports on outside reading will be expected. Introduction to the SAT will begin at this level.

American Literature

Assignments include reading primary and secondary ma­terial, writing essays of personal reflection, analyzing literary and historical works, and preparing an interdisciplinary research project, as well as building skills in composition and oral expression. Interdisciplinary class work contributes to the interdisciplinary nature of the course. Three book reports will be required. SAT writing practice will be prominent at this level.

British Literature

This is a demanding, college-level course in advanced composition and literary analysis, with works drawn from British literature. Students will read one play by Shakespeare and other pre-20th-Century works of the British canon se­lected by the teacher. Compositions on literary topics as well as SAT writing will be expected. Three or four book reports on outside reading will be assigned.

World History

This class offers high school students a chance to study and discuss history from the creation of the world, up to World War II. Students are guided by a Christian World View perspective. Texts used are, "World History: The Human Experience" by Glencoe, "Streams of Civilization" by Christian Liberty Press, and the Bible.

American History / Government and Economics

American History alternates with Government and Economics each year. These courses are all hands on, offering students an opportunity to test their skills in presentation, discussion and debate. In the fall of 2010, the Government class debated the topic of how to handle the oil drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico.

Spanish

The Spanish courses at Living Science purposefully introduce the student to conversational Spanish with the focus on talking to people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Spanish. In middle school, students study the textPaso a Paso (A and B) for their first two years. Spanish I, II, and III are offered for high school students. At least two years of foreign language is required for graduation. High School students may be eligible to participate in a mission trip to a Spanish speaking country.

Speech and Drama

This course will alternate speech assignments with drama work. Students practice speech-making skills such as eye contact, voice projection, and appropriate movement. Brainstorming, teamwork, and teacher advisement will train students to create attention-getting introductions, organize material logically, and connect with the audience. Speeches will be made in front of Living Science groups when possible. For drama, students learn to develop characters through drama games, improvisational exercises, and skits. The course is designed with the beginner in mind as well as the students with previous drama exposure. Everyone grows and develops stage skills during the course of the year. Class participation is a large part of the grade, but students will also write and practice speeches at home and memorize lines.

Music Ensemble

Theory & Performance training for vocalists and instrumentalists that accompany well (i.e. piano, violin, guitar). There are outside performance opportunities, including nursing home ministry opportunities and Home School Day at the Georgia State Capitol.

Introduction to Technology with Typing

This hands-on course introduces students to computer hardware and a variety of software applications. Students will become proficient in word processing and presentation software utilizing Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. Safe, in-depth Internet searching skills prepares students for future research projects. The fun side of technology is explored with basic graphical tools. Additionally students master correct keyboarding skills, while increasing their speed. This course covers computing skills needed for high school.

Intermediate Technology

Students will understand how a computer works, how networks operate, how to protect the system from viruses, and how to use administrative tools to maximize system performance. Advanced Microsoft Word, Excel and Access skills are taught with practical purposes. Photo and video editing exposes the student to the creative aspects of technology. This full credit course with discussions surrounding ethical computing issues provides students the skills needed for college computer usage.

Robotics Club (Ages 9 - 14)

As part of the First Lego League, the Robotics Club builds a working robot using a Lego kit. The robot is programmed to perform various tasks and is then used in competition against other teams. The Club also prepares a technical and project presentation as part of the competition.

Amateur Radio Club

The Living Science Amateur Radio Club (LSARC) gives students an opportunity to learn about ham radio. The club's callsign is KJ4LS. This student-led activity is available to students of all ages.