Apologia Educational Ministries

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Knowing which science courses to offer your student at the secondary level and when to offer them can seem difficult. In reality, course sequencing for junior high and high school isn't that hard when you know one important fact: A student's mathematics level is the key factor for his or her success or failure in the high school sciences. If you make sure that your child is well prepared mathematically for the science course he or she will take, you will have gone a long way toward assuring your student's academic success.

Click here to see differences between editions

Here is our recommended timeline for science courses:

	Not Science-Oriented	Science-Oriented	Math Prerequisite

7th grade	General Science	General Science	None

8th Grade	Physical Science	Physical Science	7th Grade math

Freshman	Biology*	Biology*	None
		(Supplement I)

Sophomore	Chemistry*	Chemistry*	Algebra I
		(Supplement II)

Junior	Physics*	Physics*	Algebra I, Geometry; basic Trigonometry functions
		(Supplement III)

Senior	Supplements	Advanced Biology	None
		OR Adv. Chemistry	Algebra II
		OR Adv. Physics	Pre-Calculus
		OR Marine Biology	None

* These courses can be spread over 4 years for the student who is not science-oriented

Your student's math level should drive this time line, especially if the student is science-oriented. When the student begins Algebra I, that's when Biology begins.
For the years leading up to junior high school, we recommend that your science curriculum be flexible, such as the Young Explorer Series that we publish.
Even if your student is not science-oriented, he or she will benefit from exposure to Biology, Chemistry, AND Physics. You never know when a lifelong interest may be sparked!

These OPTIONAL supplemental readings for science-oriented students do not replace the main courses listed. They merely give your student additional science material to learn if your student is interested. Here are some suggestions:
Supplement I

Evolution: The Fossils Still Say No!, Dr. Duane T. Gish, Master Books paperback ISBN 0890511128
Reasonable Faith: The Scientific Case for Christianity, Dr. Jay L. Wile, Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc., Paperback ISBN 0965629406

Supplement II

What is Creation Science, Dr. Henry M. Morris and Dr. Gary E. Parker, Master Books, Paperback ISBN 0890510814
Environmental Overkill: Whatever Happened to Common Sense? Dixy Lee Ray, Regnery Gateway, Hardcover ISBN 0895265125, Paperback ISBN 0060975989

Supplement III

Evolution: A Theory In Crisis, Michael Denton, Adler & Adler, Paperback ISBN 091756152X
Darwin's Black Box, Michael Behe, Touchstone Books, Hardcover ISBN 0684827549, Paperback ISBN 0684834936

Differences Between the Editions

Dr. Wile has been answering student questions on each of these courses for seven years or more. Those questions have allowed him to realize what sections of the books could be written more clearly. Thus, these editions of our courses are even more understandable than the first editions!
The student text has graphic icons that tell the student when there is a related multimedia presentation on the optional companion CD.
There are course websites that have links to materials which provide extra help as well as interesting news related to each field.
There are cumulative tests in the solutions and tests manual if the parent/teacher wants to give the student quarterly, semester, or final exams.
The tests in the solutions and tests manual contain a point system that aids the parent/teacher in grading the tests.
Finally, even though the module tests are found in the solutions and tests manual (so that the parent/teacher always has a copy of them), a second set of tests is also provided in a perforated booklet. This will allow the student to be given the tests without referring to the solutions and tests manual.

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the differences between the first and second editions, students in a group setting cannot use both. They must all have the same edition. Because of this, the first edition of the course will still be available for those in schools or support groups that use the first edition.