Science

Philosophy of Teaching Science from a Christian Worldview

The goal of the HIS Science Department is for all students to achieve scientific literacy through a biblically integrated instructional program based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in science. Scientific literacy is the acquisition of scientific content and concepts and the ability to productively apply those to real world situations including civic affairs and economic issues. Below is a summary of the NC Science standards:

Scientifically literate students will be able to:
• Find and develop questions and explanations for everyday experiences.
• Describe, explain, and predict the laws and process of natural phenomenon.
• Understand scientific articles and the impact of the information on society.
• Contribute to discussions of the validity of conclusions.
• Identify, understand, and discuss local, national, and international scientific issues and decisions.
• Pose explanations based on evidence derived from one’s own and others’ work.
• Conduct hands-on experiments using the scientific method.

A scientifically literate person has a substantial understanding of scientific concepts and inquiry skills which enable one to be a lifelong learner that thinks logically and critically. This person understands and appreciates the limits of science and technology with an understanding of what science is and is not, what science can and cannot do, and how science influences culture.

The intent of the science program is to merge the unifying concepts of science, science strands, content goals, and objectives to provide continuity in science instruction across the grade levels and between the sciences.

The unifying concepts include:
• Systems, Order, and Organization
• Evidence, Models, and Explanation
• Constancy, Change, and Measurement
• Evolution and Equilibrium
• Form and Function

The four strands are:
• Nature of Science
• Science as Inquiry
• Science and Technology
• Science in Social and Personal Perspective

We believe that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Students will be taught the pros and cons of young and old earth creationism, evolution, the anthropic principle, and intelligent design. By the end of twelfth grade, all HIS students should have constructed a biblical and critical understanding of the following concepts, theories, and universal laws. This understanding is gained through participation in the HIS science program and from the required secondary biology, earth/environmental, and physical science courses.

• The cell
• Molecular basis of heredity
• Biological evolution, creationism and intelligent design
• Interdependence of organisms
• Energy in earth systems
• Geological cycles
• Conservation of energy and matter
• Origins, the anthropic principle, and the evolution of the universe
• Structure of atoms
• Structure and properties of matter
• Chemical reactions
• Force and motion
• Interaction of energy and matter