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Course Goals Children in the 7th through 8th grade already have a natural curiosity for the world around them. When we tap this innate thirst to understand God’s creation, we can do many things. Students not only pick up mere facts about the world; they learn reasoning, observational skills, technical writing, critical thinking, ethics, and most of all, an appreciation for the miracle of creation of the physical world and the life it supports. At this age, children are entering the second phase of the Classical Trivium: The Dialectical Stage. So at this time, rather than simple discovery-based science and the fact-memorizing that was sufficient for the Grammar Stage, we begin to enter the world of theories and the critical analysis of these theories based on scientific observation and logic. In Earth science we do memorize some, but mostly we try to understand how the physical laws make the earth and its features, the solar system, and the universe work the way it does. This course is also a practical study of Earth Science. It is an important basis on which to build the study of Physical Science in high school. Most importantly this course teaches regular study habits and give interesting reading in the subject matter of science and good comprehension quizzes over that almost daily reading. Students learn to follow a daily lesson plan and get assignments done by due dates (important for high school). The program develops an understanding of the physical principles that govern earth science, problem solving skills that boost mathematical ability, understanding the universe at large. The scientific principles are introduced through student reading of the text, class discussion, writing assignments, online posted discussions, simple laboratory exercises, and sharing pictures and group projects on the white board. We will especially examine the lives and works of Catholic Christian and Christian scientists, and how the Church and their faith impacted their work and scientific progress in general. Controversial topics which touch on the role of religion, and scripture, and famous religious/scientific controversies will have extended discussion through the student link as well as class time. Internet research and report writing will be an important part of this course with topics that extend text coverage of basic material for unit reports each quarter. Critical thinking and analysis of various theories will be emphasized in class. Teacher Expectation: I want the students to ponder deeply, share their thoughts, ideas and observations. This is the main benefit to such a course in my opinion. Most parents are perfectly capable of buying curriculum and teaching this subject at home. But this course is intended to provide not only regular motivation, but also a social dimension to the intellectual stimulation. The Dialectical Stage naturally draws benefit from discussion with others regarding the topics at hand. The live class, white board, and the scriptorium will provide a time and place to have round table discussions with other students from various backgrounds and interests about important ideas. Your child will complete easy “kitchen type labs” using easily obtained items from grocery or hardware stores. Your child will be assigned chapter quizzes and unit Tests (every 2-4 chapters) At this age my children began to crave intellectual exchanges with others their age. If a student were to study this topic completely within the family circle and “go it alone,” he or she would surely get the ’facts” but miss out on the enjoyable experiences of respectfully listening, discussing— even debating — other ideas with other kids. These skills are crucial to high school, and later, college. This benefit is what first drew me to online classes for my own children. Please explore this course description. If you have any questions do let me know… God Bless, Mrs. Harrison |
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“Science is the organized knowledge of God’s creation.” Sr. Mary Matthew RSM ~a beloved science teacher from my grade school and high school years. |
