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Science Fair
Participation for grades 9-12 is optional but is strongly recommended for students interested in pursuing a career in any science-related field. The purpose of the science fair is to help students develop a project with long- and short-term goals, to improve their powers of observation and interpretation, to explore the complexity and order of God’s creation and to discover the character of God through the investigation of that creation. Participation in the science fair process gives students practice in organizing their thoughts and ideas into words and visual projects.
Additional information about the science fair process can be obtained from your child’s science teacher and Hope’s Science Fair Coordinator. For information on some of the other exciting science projects going on at Hope Christian High School, scroll to the bottom of the page to read about our Robotics offerings and competition victories.
Physical Science (R)
The 9th grade creation-oriented Physical Science course includes the study of science philosophy, matter, atomic theory, chemical applications, physics, and wave and particle motion. This curriculum includes introduction to problem solving, as well as questions relating to understanding the concepts presented. Laboratory experiments supplement the physical concepts explored. The introduction to chemistry is presented as a preparation for the future chemistry course. Kinematics covers energy, power, mechanics, simple machines, and fluids. Wave and particle motion covers heat, electricity, magnetism, sound, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Exercises and projects in developing technology applications (on computers) in the classroom have been integrated. The “weathernetclassroom” web site acquaints students with many aspects of the weather. Each student uses a lab workbook, and labs are done as demonstrations by the teacher or students. Field trips enhance the learning process. Each student may choose to do a science fair project or research paper. Excellence and accuracy in work are stressed, and each student must demonstrate a degree of efficiency in the areas studied before progressing to the next area.
Biology I (R)
This course is a broad overview of the science of life and organisms, the study of human life, environmental biology and disease-causing agents such as viruses and bacteria. A mini-unit will be presented which will include a study of sex education, abortion, drug and alcohol abuse, and current biology-related topics.
Honors Biology (E)
This course offers a more indepth view of organic molecules, cellular biology, microbiology, protein synthesis and human genetics. Additionally, students will have a better under-standing of how biological concepts apply to human life and human anatomy. Each student will be required to perform the labs and course work required, in its entirety, to receive the additional honors credit. This course is open to students through referral.
Chemistry (R)
This course is a study of the following areas: problem solving, classification of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, symbols, formulas, nomenclature, the mole, chemical reactions, bonding, acids, bases and salts, electrochemistry and organic chemistry. There are regular labs which allow the student to put into practice the concepts learned in the lecture.
Advanced Placement Chemistry (E)
AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Class content will include: atomic theory and atomic structure; chemical bonding; nuclear chemistry: nuclear equations, half-lives, and radioactivity; chemical applications; laws of ideal gases; kinetic-molecular theory; liquids and solids; solutions; reaction types; stoichiometry; equilibrium; kinetics; thermo-dynamics; chemical reactivity and products of chemical reactions; relationships in the periodic table: horizontal, vertical, and diagonal with examples from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens, and the first series of the transition nomenclature, chemical properties. Laboratories will include (as a minimum): making observations of chemical reactions and substances; recording data; calculating and interpreting results based on the quantitative data obtained; and communicating effectively the results of the experimental work.
Students will spend at least 290 minutes per week on this course, at least 90 minutes of which will be spent in the lab. In addition, students will need to spend at least three to five hours a week studying outside of class.
Anatomy and Physiology (E)
This is a college-preparatory course involving an in-depth study of cellular physiology, pathology, bacteriology and human anatomy. This course is offered on the basis of demand.
Advanced Placement Physics (Honors) (E)
This course is an analytical, investigative approach to physics for the science-oriented, college-bound student. The curriculum will include a study of vector analysis, linear, curvilinear and rotary motion, work, various types and forms of energy, optics, electricity, magnetism and some special relativity. Derivations of all pertinent formulas and their applications will be required and emphasized by application to real-world problems. Advanced Math with a “B” average is a prerequisite. This course may not be offered every year.
Advanced Placement Physics B (E)
AP Physics B is a non-calculus survey course covering five general areas: Newtonian mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. Students will gain an understanding of physics’ core principles and then apply them to problem-solving exercises. They will learn how to measure the mass of a planet without weighing it, find out how electricity makes a motor turn, and learn how opticians know how to shape the lenses for glasses. The equivalent of an introductory college-level course, AP Physics B prepares students for the AP Exam and for further study in science and engineering. The content aligns to the scope and sequence specified by the College Board and to widely used textbooks. This course may not be offered every year.
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