Curriculum Detail

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School Level

Department

Science

The High School science course of study is designed to produce students who are scientifically literate in study of God’s creation in the areas of biological, physical and chemical sciences. The basic courses of Biology, Physics, and Chemistry work to instill not only a knowledge basic scientific facts but the application of critical thinking and scientific inquiry. Students desiring to pursue a deeper knowledge and/or to be better prepared for a course of college study requiring the sciences are able to take advanced courses such as AP Chemistry, AP Biology or Medical Magnet.

SC 100 - Biology I

Biology is the study of living things. In the Biology I course, students learn about plant and animal cells, cellular processes, genetics and inheritance, organismal classification, invertebrates, vertebrates, ecology, and environmental conservation. Additionally, there is a laboratory component where students are expected to demonstrate appropriate laboratory skills and safety procedures while completing dissections and using microscopes.
SC 110 - Honors Biology

Biology is the study of living things. In the Biology I course, students learn about plant and animal cells, cellular processes, genetics and inheritance, organismal classification, invertebrates, vertebrates, ecology, and environmental conservation. Additionally, there is a laboratory component where students are expected to demonstrate appropriate laboratory skills and safety procedures while completing dissections and using microscopes. Honors Biology I students also participate in a signature assignment that includes genetics research and laboratory investigation.
SC 200 - Physics

The Physics course at Calvary Day School provides students with strong conceptual coverage of traditional and modern physics topics. In this course, students will thoroughly cover the fundamental physical laws of mechanics. Additional topics such as electricity, magnetism, and optics will be reviewed. Students will also build proficiency of related math skills such as using scientific notation, performing unit conversions, and solving algebraic equations. They will couple knowledge gained from lectures with lab experiences and demonstrations. Through the knowledge and skills acquired, students will be able to make informed decisions regarding science and technology, be prepared for future coursework in science, and better understand the principles that govern the world they experience.
SC 210 - Honors Physics
SC 220 - Physics II
SC 300 - Chemistry

Chemistry students conduct a thorough study of matter, the changes that matter undergoes, and the relationship between matter and energy. In order to ensure student comprehension of chemistry’s various concepts, students perform laboratory work in addition to completing traditional textbook assignments. Topics of exploration for this course include atomic structure; bonding and formation of chemical compounds; writing and balancing chemical equations; solids, liquids, and gases; phase changes; solutions; acids, bases, and salts; equilibrium; kinetics and thermodynamics; oxidation-reduction; nuclear chemistry; and organic chemistry.
SC 310 - Honors Chemistry
SC 320 - AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry covers topics typically found in a first-year introductory college chemistry course, and it advances the student’s understanding of concepts normally covered in High School chemistry. It provides a solid preparation for the AP Chemistry exam. Major course themes include relationships in the periodic table, atomic theory, chemical bonding, phases of matter and solutions, equilibria, reaction kinetics, organic chemistry, and thermodynamics.
SC 400 - Biology II

Biology II is an anatomy and physiology course designed to give students an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Students study cells and tissues, the integumentary system, the muscular system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, the circulatory system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the urinary system, the reproductive system, special senses, the body’s defenses, and blood. This course presents students with a detailed understanding of the various systems of their bodies and how these systems work to keep them alive.
SC 405 - Environmental Science
SC 410 - Medical Magnet

The Medical Magnet class is a rigorous biomedical course that exposes students to topics and careers in various areas of medicine. Students are able to connect all fields of science covered in high school to human body structure and function. During the yearlong course, students are introduced to medical professionals from the community and gain insight into fields of medicine, including pharmacology, radiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pediatrics, and more.
SC 420 - AP Biology

The AP Biology course is designed to offer students a solid foundation in introductory college-level biology. The course is structured around four Big Ideas, Enduring Understandings, and Science Practices. Through this framework, students will develop an appreciation for the study of life and will identify and understand unifying principles within a diversified biological world. Biology is a result of inquiry. Therefore, the process of inquiry in science and developing critical thinking skills is the most important part of this course. At the end of the course, students will have an awareness of the integration of other sciences in the study of biology, understand how the species to which we belong is similar to, yet different from, other species, and be knowledgeable and responsible citizens in understanding biological issues that could potentially impact their lives.
SC 425 - AP Psychology

Faculty

Mason Griffin

Science Teacher and Eighth Grade Dean

mgriffin@calvarydayschool.com
Bio
Mason Griffin is a 2013 graduate of Calvary Day School and earned his B.S. degree in Exercise Science from Kennesaw State University. Mason attends First Baptist Church of the Islands on Wilmington Island. His favorite verse is James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Natalie Helbling

STEM and Nature Center Director & Ecology and Marine Biology Teacher

nhelbling@calvarydayschool.com
Bio
Natalie Helbling joined Calvary Day School in 2020. In 2017, she graduated from Georgia College and State University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a minor in Biology. Natalie loves being part of the Calvary family because she gets to work with students PreK-12 and share her passion for science with them.
Alison Johnson

Science Teacher

912-644-5080

ajohnson@calvarydayschool.com
Bio
Alison Johnson joined Calvary Day School in 2019. In 2008, she graduated from University of Georgia with a doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Alison from Stone Mountain, GA, and her favorite verse is Exodus 14:14, "The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still."
EJ Kubiak

Chemistry Teacher

4045563593

ekubiak@calvarydayschool.com
Lauren Moore

Science Teacher

912-644-5080

ljmoore@calvarydayschool.com
Bio
Lauren Moore joined Calvary Day School in 2013. In 2005, she graduated from Biola University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. Lauren is a Southern California native, and her favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders...and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."