{"id":4927,"date":"2022-03-04T20:35:50","date_gmt":"2022-03-05T00:35:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/materamabilis.org\/ma\/?page_id=4927"},"modified":"2025-07-22T13:46:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T17:46:28","slug":"high-school-science","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/materamabilis.org\/ma\/high-school-level-5-6\/high-school-science\/","title":{"rendered":"High School Science"},"content":{"rendered":"

INTRODUCTION<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

In very broad, general terms, transcript requirements for science tend to include biology, chemistry, and physics; and\/or <\/span>at least one lab science<\/b>. It is safe to plan for these Big Three science courses in high school, though how a family accomplishes those credits is not dictated by state or college-admissions requirements. Many families choose to outsource science via co-ops, online courses through programs like Homeschool Connections, or dual-enrollment classes. These are perfectly acceptable options. Families may also choose a more textbook-oriented approach to science if they wish. As a Charlotte-Mason-influenced program, however, Mater Amabilis is committed to offering, to the greatest extent possible, a living-books course of study for each content area, including the sciences. Parents may also opt for an integrated approach, or to schedule sciences discreetly, as institutional schools tend to: Biology in 9th, Chemistry in 10th, Physics in 11th, an advanced science course in 12th.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Charlotte Mason on science learning:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The only sound method of teaching science is to afford a due combination of field or laboratory work, with such literary comments and amplifications as the subject affords<\/span><\/i>. <\/span>For example, from {a good book on science} children derive a ascertain enthusiasm for crystals as such that their own unaided observation would be slow to afford.<\/span><\/i>– Volume VI, p. 223<\/span><\/p>\n

The nature note book is very catholic and finds room for the stars in their courses and for, say, the fossil anemone found on the beach at Whitby. – <\/span><\/i>Volume VI, p. 223<\/span><\/p>\n

(Form III,\u00a0 but can be extended.) <\/span>The students.. cover a good deal of field work, and the study of some half dozen carefully selected books on natural history, botany, architecture and astronomy, the principle being that children shall observe and chronicle, but shall not depend on their own unassisted observation. <\/span><\/i>Volume VI, p. 220<\/span><\/p>\n

On completion of the chosen course, a student may be awarded one credit in science. If the family desires an integrated science, partial credits may be awarded in biology, chemistry, physics, etc., on the understanding that the student will complete a full credit in each strand of science by graduation.\u00a0<\/b><\/p><\/div>\n

note on labs<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n

A good rule of thumb is to plan on 30 hours of lab work in a full credit course to award a lab credit. Most students will need at least one lab credit to meet state graduation requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Excellent lab resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n

John D. Mays:\u00a0The Student Lab Report Handbook<\/em><\/a> – This is a good resource for lab reports for all subjects.<\/p>\n

William Berman: How to Dissect<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Traditional (One subject per year) Science Course Plan\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

3-4 years of study, each focused on a different scientific subject.\u00a0<\/span>\n

Textbook\/lecture option with 1 additional living book OR Living books plus labs with lectures and text as reference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

**Honors includes additional living books from other science areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mater Amabilis Level 3-4 Science courses provide an excellent background in physical science and earth science. A student who hasn\u2019t completed them could use a condensed version in 9th grade as Earth Science or Physical Science.<\/span><\/p>\n

Option 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Level 5 year 1: Biology\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Level 5 year 2: Chemistry\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Level 6 year 1: Physics\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Level 6 year 2: Advanced Science Course \/ Dual Enrollment (e.g. Physics II or Anatomy or other course that interests the student)\u00a0 (or no science)<\/span><\/p>\n

Option 2:<\/strong> (Physics first approach)<\/span><\/p>\n

This article from Novare<\/a> explains the physics first sequence.<\/em><\/p>\n

Level 5 year 1: Physics (introductory physics for students who haven’t completed algebra)<\/span><\/p>\n

Level 5 year 2: Biology (a student with enough math may study chemistry before biology)<\/span><\/p>\n

Level 6 year 1: Chemistry<\/span><\/p>\n

Level 6 year 2: Advanced Science Course \/ Dual Enrollment (e.g. Physics II or Anatomy or other course that interests the student)\u00a0 (or no science) <\/span><\/p>\n

Or (Integrated Biology approach)<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n

Biology 1x\/week over 3-4 years PLUS\u00a0<\/span>one other subject course per year <\/span>following either of the two options\u00a0<\/span>above. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n

Biology\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pick a good narratable textbook and\/or recorded or live course with an experienced instructor, or join a class at a local co-op. Continue to practice narration and\/or science journaling after each reading.\n

Supplement with 1-3 additional living books related to Biology. (see list below)<\/p>\n

Include a lab component. A good rule of thumb is to plan on 30 hours of lab work in a full credit course to award a lab credit.<\/p>\n

Textbook\/course options:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Biology: A Search for Order in Complexity<\/em>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Biology: A Self-Teaching Guide<\/a> (Wiley Self Teaching Guides) 3rd Edition by Steven D. Garber<\/p>\n

This is a good option for those who want to add more living books.<\/em><\/p>\n

Campbell Biology\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

CHC Life Science<\/a> (recommended 7th-9th; a number of MA users say it\u2019s rigorous enough for 9th grade)<\/p>\n

Crash course lectures<\/a> (videos only, would need to supplement.)<\/p>\n

Homeschool Connections<\/a> recorded or live Biology classes<\/p>\n

Khan Academy<\/a> Biology (video based) or AP Biology<\/p>\n

Prentice Hall: Biology Student Edition<\/a> by Kenneth R. Miller<\/p>\n

Novare General Biology program<\/a> – This program is designed for a student who has already studied introductory physics.<\/p>\n

Homeschool Connections Online offers live and recorded classes using this text.<\/em><\/p>\n

Schola Rosa General Biology<\/a> (online course)<\/p>\n

Living Books Options (see also extended list below):<\/strong><\/p>\n

Robin Marantz Henig: The Monk in the Garden: The Lost and Found Genius of Gregor Mendel, the Father of Genetics<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Geoff Hodge: Practical Botany for Gardeners: Over 3,000 Botanical Terms Explained and Explored<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Practical botany – may want to include journaling and gardening<\/p>\n

Gina Kolata: Flu: The Story of the Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and the Search for the Virus that Caused It<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Paul de Kruif: Microbe Hunters<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Boyce Rensberger: Life Itself: Exploring the Realm of the Living Cell\u00a0<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

James D. Watson: The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Biology Lab Resources:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

BioLeap Online Dissection Resources<\/a><\/p>\n

Biology Curriculum & Lab Kits<\/a> from Home Science Tools<\/p>\n

The Home Scientist kits<\/a> (for use with Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments<\/em><\/a>, also available on their website as a free PDF<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Leaf Collection Project resources<\/a><\/p>\n

The Science Bank<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Chemistry\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pick a good narratable textbook and\/or recorded or live course with an experienced instructor, or join a class at a local co-op. Continue to practice narration and\/or science journaling after each reading.\n

Supplement with 1-3 additional living books related to Chemistry. (see list below)<\/p>\n

Include a lab component. A good rule of thumb is to plan on 30 hours of lab work in a full credit course to award a lab credit.<\/p>\n

Textbook\/course options:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Prentice Hall Chemistry<\/a> by Wilbraham, Staley, Matta, Waterman<\/p>\n

Homeschool Connections Online offers live and recorded classes using this text.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sarquis and Sarquis: Modern Chemistry<\/em><\/p>\n

This text has been recommended for the student who will notice any over-generalization.<\/em><\/p>\n

DIVE Chemistry<\/a><\/p>\n

Khan Academy High School Chemistry or AP Chemistry<\/p>\n

Homeschool Connections<\/a> recorded or live Chemistry classes, either conceptual and math based<\/p>\n

Conceptual Chemistry from Learn Science Academy Online Science Courses for Homeschoolers<\/a><\/p>\n

Life of Fred Chemistry<\/a> – Note: This is a good supplement to a less math rich curriculum, but is not a complete textbook.<\/em><\/p>\n

Periodic Videos<\/a> – not a course, but great as a supplement to any curriculum<\/p>\n

Spectrum Chemistry<\/a><\/p>\n

Living Books Options (see also extended list below):<\/strong><\/p>\n

Archie Frederick Collins: Wonders of Chemistry<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Michael Faraday: The Chemical History of a Candle<\/em><\/p>\n

Sam Kean: The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the<\/em> Elements<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson: Napoleon\u2019s Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Chemistry Lab Resources:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Home Scientist kits<\/a> (for use with Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments<\/em><\/a> or Illustrated Guide to Home Forensic Science Experiments<\/em><\/a>,<\/em> also available on their website as a free PDF<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Review in Wired<\/a><\/p>\n

American Chemical Society Virtual Lab<\/a><\/p>\n

ChemCollective Virtual Labs<\/a><\/p>\n

Engineer Guy guide with labs\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

FactMonster Lab Simulations<\/a><\/p>\n

Concordia.org High-School Chemistry<\/a><\/p>\n

CK-12 Chemistry Simulations<\/a><\/p>\n

Sabbath Mood Chemistry Parts I<\/a> and II<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Physics<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

Pick a good narratable textbook and\/or recorded or live course with an experienced instructor, or join a class at a local co-op. Continue to practice narration and\/or science journaling after each reading.<\/p>\n

Supplement with 1-3 additional living books related to Chemistry. (see list below)<\/p>\n

Include a lab component. A good rule of thumb is to plan on 30 hours of lab work in a full credit course to award a lab credit.<\/p>\n

Textbook\/course options:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Novare Introductory Physics program<\/a> – designed for a physics first approach.<\/p>\n

Note: The labs recommended by this program may be overwhelming for homeschooling parents. You may want to substitute other labs.<\/em><\/p>\n

Homeschool Connections<\/a> recorded or live Physics classes, either conceptual or math based<\/p>\n

Derek Owens Online Physics<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cThis course is a high school physics course with lab exercises. It will cover the topics normally covered in high school physics.\u201d This physics is math based with an honors option and includes grading and feedback.<\/p>\n

Catholic Polytechnic University<\/a> Online Academy – online Physics<\/a>\u00a0for high school students<\/span><\/p>\n

Math Without Borders online Physics course<\/a> – video based<\/p>\n

Living Books Options (see also extended list below):<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jack Challoner: The Atom: A Visual Tour<\/em> <\/a>(molecular physics)<\/p>\n

Richard Feynman: Six Easy Pieces: Essentials of Physics Explained by Its Most Brilliant Teacher<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Don S. Lemons: Drawing Physics: 2,600 Years of Discovery from Thales to Higgs<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Walter Lewin: For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time – A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Tony Rothman: Instant Physics: From Aristotle to Einstein, and Beyond<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Physics Lab Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Conceptual Physics from Learn Science Academy Online Science Courses for Homeschoolers<\/a><\/p>\n

Sabbath Mood Homeschool plans to accompany Walter Lewin\u2019s For the Love of Physics: Part I<\/a>, Part II<\/a>, Part III<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

advanced or topical courses<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

Earth Science or Physical Science:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mater Amabilis Level 3 & 4 Science<\/a><\/p>\n

Botany:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Guest Hollow Botany<\/a><\/p>\n

Homeschool Connections science courses, live or recorded<\/p>\n

Anatomy:<\/strong><\/p>\n

David Macaulay: The Way We Work<\/em> and a medical anatomy coloring book<\/p>\n

Pair with dissection labs of organs. Consider adding a dissection of a fetal pig and an exercise on comparative anatomy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Science courses using living books:<\/p>\n

Geology:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dougal Dixon:\u00a0Practical Geologist\u00a0 – <\/em>Lesson Plans for Geology using Practical Geologist (single term course)<\/a><\/p>\n

Lab:\u00a0TOPScience: Rocks<\/em><\/a>\u00a0(lab)\u00a0 1x\/week<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Integrated Science Option<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
In this option, students could complete the same Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses outlined above, but do so in an integrated way, interspersing coursework from all three courses over the years. Note: be certain your student has had an adequate math background for the selected courses.\n

Alternatively, students could complete an integrated science course of study (in semesters or trimesters) using less \u201ctraditional\u201d course materials. This course of study would more closely align with Charlotte Mason\u2019s philosophy of education as applied to scientific disciplines, but may be less easily conveyed to college admissions departments or on a transcript. <\/p><\/div>\n

Semester Option<\/span><\/h4>\n
Level 5 Year 1<\/strong>\n

Student earns 0.25 credit towards Biology (which does not need to appear on the transcript yet), 0.5 credit of Chemistry, 0.5 credit of Physics.<\/p>\n

Biology 1x a week<\/p>\n

Chemistry 2x a week<\/p>\n

Physics 2x a week<\/p>\n

Level 5 Year 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Student earns 0.25 credit towards Biology (which could be placed on the transcript as 0.5 credit, combined with that earned in Level 5 Year 1), 0.5 credit of Chemistry, 0.5 credit of Physics.<\/p>\n

Biology 1x a week<\/p>\n

Chemistry 2x a week (or 4x a week for one semester)<\/p>\n

Physics 2x a week (or 4x a week for one semester)<\/p>\n

Level 6 Year 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Student earns 0.5 credit of Biology, 0.5 credit of Religion or Science.<\/p>\n

Biology 2x a week<\/p>\n

Faith & Science 2x a week (Christopher Baglow: Faith, Science, and Reason<\/em>)<\/u><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Level 6 Year 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Student choice of science of interest (advanced or dual-enrollment) or no science. <\/p><\/div>\n

Trimester Option<\/span><\/h4>\n
Level 5 Year 1<\/strong>\n

Student earns 0.25 credit of Biology (which does not yet need to be on the transcript), 0.33 credit of Earth Science, 0.33 credit of Chemistry, and 0.33 credit of Physics.<\/p>\n

Biology 1x a week<\/p>\n

Current events related to science 1x a week<\/p>\n

plus<\/p>\n

Term 1: Earth Science 3x a week<\/p>\n

Term 2: Chemistry 3x a week<\/p>\n

Term 3: Physics 3x a week<\/p>\n

Level 5 Year 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Student earns 0.25 credit of Biology (which can be recorded as 0.5 biology credit on the transcript), 0.33 credit of Earth Science, 0.33 credit of Chemistry, and 0.33 credit of Physics.<\/p>\n

Biology 1x a week<\/p>\n

Current events related to science 1x a week<\/p>\n

plus<\/p>\n

Term 1: Earth Science 3x a week<\/p>\n

Term 2: Chemistry 3x a week<\/p>\n

Term 3: Physics 3x a week<\/p>\n

Level 6 Year 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Student earns 0.25 credit of Biology (which does not need to appear on the transcript yet), 0.33 credit of Earth Science, 0.33 credit of Chemistry, and 0.33 credit of Physics.<\/p>\n

Biology 1x a week<\/p>\n

Current events related to science 1x a week<\/p>\n

plus<\/p>\n

Term 1: Earth Science 3x a week<\/p>\n

Term 2: Chemistry 3x a week<\/p>\n

Term 3: Physics 3x a week<\/p>\n

Level 6 Year 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

Student earns 0.25 credit of Biology (which could be recorded as 0.5 credit of Human Anatomy when combined with the previous year\u2019s work)<\/p>\n

Biology 1x a week<\/p>\n

Current events related to science 1x a week<\/p>\n

Other science of interest (advanced or dual-enrollment) or no science. <\/p><\/div>\n

Example High School Plan<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Integrated Science using Trimester option<\/h4>\n

Note: This example is provided as a rough outline, rather than a detailed plan to be strictly followed. Parents should adjust subjects based on local options and the student\u2019s interest. These suggestions are gleaned from a number of sources and have not all been read or used by Mater Amabilis moderators.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Level 5 Year 1 \/ 9th grade<\/span><\/h4>\n

Biology<\/strong> 1x a week (all year):<\/p>\n

Geoff Hodge: Practical Botany for Gardeners: Over 3,000 Botanical Terms Explained and Explored<\/em><\/p>\n

Practical botany- journaling and gardening<\/p>\n

PLUS<\/p>\n

Term 1 Earth Science:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dougal Dixon: Practical Geologist\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Lab: TOPS science : Rocks<\/em><\/a> (lab)\u00a0 1x\/week<\/p>\n

Lesson Plans for Geology using Practical Geologist<\/a><\/p>\n

Current events related to geology<\/p>\n

Term 2 Chemistry:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jean Henri Fabre: The Wonder-Book of Chemistry<\/em><\/p>\n

Labs: The Home Scientist kits<\/a> (for use with Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments<\/em><\/a> or Illustrated Guide to Home Forensic Science Experiments<\/em><\/a>,<\/em> also available on their website as a free PDF<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Term 3 Physics:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Walter Lewin: For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time – A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics<\/em><\/p>\n

Labs: Sabbath Mood Physics I Guide <\/a>\u00a0(Part I)<\/p>\n

Current events related to Physics<\/p>\n

OR<\/p>\n

Robert M. Hazen and James Trefil: Science Matters: Achieving Scientific Literacy<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Level 5 Year 2 \/10th grade<\/h4>\n
Biology<\/strong> 1x a week\n

General Biology – Gale Lawrence: A Field Guide to the Familiar<\/em><\/a> and\/or<\/p>\n

Bernd Heinrich: In a Patch of Fireweed: A Biologist\u2019s Life in the Field<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

OR<\/p>\n

Environmental Biology with readings from Annie Dillard, Thoreau, Muir, Edward Abbey, John McPhee, Wendell Berry.<\/p>\n

PLUS<\/p>\n

Term 1 Chemistry\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Michael Faraday : The Chemical History of a Candle<\/em><\/p>\n

Labs: Engineer Guy guide with labs\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Current events related to chemistry<\/p>\n

Term 2 Astronomy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Winter skies are great for viewing stars and planets.<\/p>\n

Astronomy Today <\/em>ISBN-13: 978-0130935717<\/p>\n

HSC Astronomy course (Recorded or Live ) – MacBeth Derham<\/p>\n

Include weekly night viewing, keep journal<\/p>\n

Br. Guy Consolmagno: Brother Astronomer: Adventures of a Vatican Scientist<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Term 3 Physics<\/strong><\/p>\n

Walter Lewin: For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time – A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics<\/em><\/p>\n

Labs: Sabbath Mood Physics II Guide <\/a><\/p>\n

Current events related to Physics <\/p><\/div>\n

Level 6 Year 1 \/ 11th grade<\/span><\/h4>\n
Biology 1x a week plus\n

Anatomy using The Way We Work<\/em><\/a> and a human anatomy coloring book<\/p>\n

Term 1 Earth Science<\/strong><\/p>\n

Idea 1: Meteorology – Paul Douglas: Restless Skies<\/em><\/a> (out of print)<\/p>\n

Idea 2: Oceanography – Rachel Carson: The Sea Around Us<\/em><\/a> OR Jonathan White: Tides: The Science and Spirit of the Ocean<\/em><\/a> OR Edith Widder: Below the Edge of Darkness: A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Term 2 Chemistry<\/strong><\/p>\n

Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson: Napoleon\u2019s Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History<\/em><\/a> and Life of Fred Chemistry<\/a><\/p>\n

and\/or<\/p>\n

Khan academy AP Chemistry\u00a0<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Term 3 Physics<\/strong><\/p>\n

Feynman: Six Easy Pieces: Essentials of Physics Explained by Its Most Brilliant Teacher<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

OR<\/p>\n

Continue with Part III of Sabbath Mood Homeschool\u2019s Physics course. Note Part III is astrophysics and requires familiarity with astronomy.<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Level 6 Year 2 \/ 12th grade<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n

Biology 1x a week<\/p>\n

Special study: Continue human anatomy OR study genetics, medical ethics, ecology, environmental science\/biology, animal science\/bio-agriculture, evolutionary biology, microbiology, biochemistry, etc<\/p>\n

Optional:<\/p>\n

Additional science courses (dual enrollment, etc.)<\/p>\n

Faith and science. Christopher T. Baglow: Faith, Science, and Reason<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Living Books of Science and Nature<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Biology<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n
\n

George Francis Atkinson:
\nFirst Studies of Plant Life<\/em><\/a>
\n(botany, biology)<\/p>\n

Paul Brand and Philip Yancey:
\nFearfully and Wonderfully<\/em><\/a>
\n(faith related to human anatomy)<\/p>\n

Rachel Carson:
\nSilent Spring<\/em><\/a>
\nThe Sea Around Us<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Paul de Kruif:
\nMicrobe Hunters<\/em><\/a>
\n(also history)<\/p>\n

Alan de Queiroz:
\nThe Monkey\u2019s Voyage: How Improbable Journeys Shaped the History of Life<\/em><\/a>
\n(biogeography, evolutionary biology, continental drift, history of science)<\/p>\n

Bernd Heinrich:
\nIn a Patch of Fireweed: A Biologist\u2019s Life in the Field<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Geoff Hodge:
\nPractical Botany for Gardeners: Over 3,000 Botanical Terms Explained and Explored<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Bert H\u00f6lldobler and Edward O. Wilson:
\nJourney to the Ants: A Story of Scientific Exploration<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Gina Kolata:
\nFlu\u00a0<\/em><\/a>
\n(also history, 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic; biology; epidemiology)<\/p>\n

Clara Lejeune:
\nLife Is a Blessing: A Biography of Jerome Lejeune-Geneticist, Doctor, Father<\/a><\/p>\n

Gale Lawrence:
\nA Field Guide to the Familiar<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Konrad Lorenz:
\nKing Solomon\u2019s Ring<\/em><\/a>
\n(nature, zoology, biology)<\/p>\n

David Macaulay:
\nThe Way We Work<\/em><\/a>
\n(human anatomy)<\/p>\n

Robin Marantz Henig:
\nThe Monk in the Garden: The Lost and Found Genius of Gregor Mendel, the Father of Genetics<\/em><\/a>
\n(genetics, history)<\/p>\n

Gregor Mendel:
\nExperiments in Plant-Hybridization\u00a0<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Sy Montgomery:
\nThe Curious Naturalist<\/em><\/a>
\n(natural history, biology)<\/p>\n

Boyce Rensberger:
\nLife Itself: Exploring the Realm of the Living Cell\u00a0<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Rebecca Skloot:
\nThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher:
\nWild America: The Record of a 30,000 Mile Journey Around the Continent by a Distinguished Naturalist and His British Colleague<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

James D. Watson:
\nThe Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA<\/em><\/a>
\n(genetics, history, primary source)<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Chemistry<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n

Cathy Cobb and Monty Fetterolf
\nThe Joy of Chemistry: The Amazing Science of Familiar Things<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Jean Henri Fabre:
\nThe Wonder-Book of Chemistry<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Michael Faraday:
\nThe Chemical History of a Candle<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Archie Frederick Collins:
\nWonders of Chemistry<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Sam Kean:
\nThe Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the<\/em> Elements<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Penny Le Couteur and Jay Burreson:
\nNapoleon\u2019s Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed History<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Sean Runette:
\nThe Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Oliver Sacks:
\nUncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Physics<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n

Ludwig Boltzmann:
\nLectures on Gas Theory<\/em><\/a>
\n(Chemistry meets physics)<\/p>\n

Jack Challoner:
\nThe Atom: A Visual Tour<\/em><\/a>
\n(molecular physics)<\/p>\n

Michael Faraday:
\nThe Forces of Matter<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Richard Feynman:
\nSix Easy Pieces: Essentials of Physics Explained by Its Most Brilliant Teacher<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Paul Fleisher:
\nRelativity and Quantum Mechanics: Principles of Modern Physics<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Stephen Hawking:
\nA Briefer History of Time<\/em><\/a>
\n(also astronomy)<\/p>\n

Alan Hirshfeld:
\nThe Electric Life of Michael Faraday<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Don S. Lemons:
\nDrawing Physics: 2,600 Years of Discovery from Thales to Higgs<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Walter Levin:
\nFor the Love of Physics<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Tony Rothman:
\nInstant Physics: From Aristotle to Einstein, and Beyond<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Astronomy<\/span><\/h4>\n
Robert S. Ball:
\nGreat Astronomers<\/em>\n

Br. Guy Consolmagno
\nBrother Astronomer: Adventures of a Vatican Scientist<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

H. A. Rey:
\nThe Stars: A New Way to See Them<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Jay Ryan:
\nSigns and Seasons:\u00a0 Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Dava Sobel:
\nThe Planets<\/em><\/a>
\nGalileo\u2019s Daughter<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Geology and Earth Science<\/span><\/h4>\n
Alan Cutler:
\nThe Seashell on the Mountaintop<\/em><\/a>\n

Dougal Dixon:
\nThe Practical Geologist<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Paul Douglas:
\nRestless Skies<\/em><\/a>
\n(meteorology, out of print)<\/p>\n

Richard Fortey:
\nThe Earth<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Henry Fountain:
\nThe Great Quake: How the Biggest Earthquake in North America Changed Our Understanding of the Planet<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

William Nothdurft:
\nThe Lost Dinosaurs of Egypt<\/em><\/a>\u00a0<\/em>
\n(geology; also set for Level 5 Year 1 geography)<\/p>\n

E. C. Pielou:
\nAfter the Ice Age : The Return of Life to Glaciated North America\u00a0<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Jonathan White:
\nTides: The Science and Spirit of the Ocean<\/em><\/a>
\n(oceanography)<\/p>\n

Edith Widder:
\nBelow the Edge of Darkness: A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea<\/em><\/a>
\n(memoir, oceanography)<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Engineering and Technology<\/span><\/h4>\n
Popular Mechanics<\/em> magazine\n

Simon Singh:
\nThe Code Book: The Secrets Behind Codebreaking<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Nature and Natural History<\/h4>\n
Wendell Berry:\n

The World-Ending Fire: The Essential Wendell Berry<\/em><\/a>
\nThe Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays of Wendell Berry<\/em><\/a>
\nThe Unsettling of America: Culture and Agriculture<\/em><\/a>
\nand others<\/p>\n

Bill Bryson:
\nA Walk in the Woods<\/em><\/a>
\n(natural history)<\/p>\n

Rachel Carson:
\nSilent Spring<\/em><\/a>
\nThe Sea Around Us<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Annie Dillard:
\nPilgrim at Tinker Creek<\/em><\/a>
\nand others<\/p>\n

Gerald Durrell:
\nMy Family and Other Animals<\/em><\/a>
\nMenagerie Manor<\/em><\/a>
\nBernd Heinrich:
\nA Year in the Maine Woods<\/em><\/a>
\n(natural history)<\/p>\n

James Herriot:
\nAll Creatures Great and Small<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

John Muir:
\nMy First Summer in the Sierra<\/em><\/a>
\nand others<\/p>\n

Gene Stratton Porter:
\nGirl of the Limberlost<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Religion (Faith and Reason)<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n

Clara LeJeune:
\nLife Is a Blessing: A Biography of Jerome Lejeune-Geneticist, Doctor, Father<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Stephen M. Barr:
\nModern Physics and Ancient Faith<\/em><\/a>
\n(philosophy of science)<\/p>\n

Vatican Observatory website: Faith & Science resources<\/a><\/p>\n

Catholic Education Resource Center: The Galileo Affair<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

All Areas of Science<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n

Bill Bryson:
\nA Short History of Nearly Everything<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Robert M. Hazen and James Trefil:
\nScience Matters: Achieving Scientific Literacy<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

Helpful Parent Resources:<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n

MacBeth Derham:
\nMacBeth\u2019s Opinion\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Jennifer Mackintosh:
\nWildflowers and Marbles Booklists<\/a><\/p>\n

Bernard Nebel:
\nBuilding Foundations of Scientific Understanding<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

INTRODUCTION In very broad, general terms, transcript requirements for science tend to include biology, chemistry, and physics; and\/or at least one lab science. It is safe to plan for these Big Three science courses in high school, though how a family accomplishes those credits is not dictated by state or college-admissions requirements. Many families choose … Read More about High School Science<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":4576,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-4927","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/materamabilis.org\/ma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/materamabilis.org\/ma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/materamabilis.org\/ma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/materamabilis.org\/ma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/materamabilis.org\/ma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4927"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/materamabilis.org\/ma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4927\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6353,"href":"https:\/\/materamabilis.org\/ma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4927\/revisions\/6353"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/materamabilis.org\/ma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4576"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/materamabilis.org\/ma\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}