GENERAL SCIENCE IS A YEAR-LONG COURSE FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 7-12.

Welcome to the world of scientific discovery. General Science provides students with a wonderful introduction to the natural sciences. The content of this course includes learning the scientific method, analyzing and interpreting experiments and an overview of archeology, geology and paleontology. Students also explore other scientific interests including the fossil record, the five kingdoms, the human body and its many systems: the digestive system, the circulatory system, the respiratory system, and the nervous system. Veritas intentionally introduces the study of traditional sciences with this course, having previously dedicated time to language and math mastery. With strong foundations in language and math, students will find themselves focused on learning – and enjoying – this wonderful scientific content. General Science is offered in both You Teach and Live Online formats.

The Veritas Approach to Science

“I’m not a science person.” If science teachers banked a dollar every time they heard it, they could retire after five years. Many students feel they lack the gene or the gift or whatever it takes to succeed in science. They’ve bought the piece of fiction that science isn’t for everyone.

“Science involves a lot of math,” they reason, “and I’m not a math person.” “Science isn’t important for what I want to do in life.” “Science is incompatible with my faith.” “Science isn’t for the imaginative, the verbal, or women, and I’m all three.” Each sentiment may be understandable. Each reveals an incomplete or inaccurate picture of what science is, though.

Veritas has a different view of science. We see it as the cultivation of a skillful inquisitiveness about the natural world. We see it as applying to all of us, as well. We believe that science, as a field of study, primarily involves discovering the timeless, universal principles God has built into His creation. Therefore, we teach students not only the facts and principles already discovered by past generations, but also the carefully executed processes that have made these facts and principles known. We also seek to cultivate and encourage an attitude of wonder and curiosity. Science is a means of delving into Almighty God's handiwork, and it should naturally inspire us all.Aristotle said that human nature compels us all to want to know about ourselves and the world around us. Part of what makes us different from dogs, fish, and flowers is our appetite for answers. Why does the sky look blue but space black? Where did the dinosaurs go? Why are there no pain receptors in the brain? Why are there so many languages in the world? Why aren’t there more chocolate chips in this cookie?

We can no more opt out of our inclination to learn new things than we can choose never again to breathe, sleep, or dream. Desiring to know doesn’t so much describe what we do as who we are. Our curiosity percolates from the core of our being.

By nature, we explore, observe, theorize, hypothesize, test, and revise. We go for curiosity’s sake where we’ve never gone before. We note, describe, and measure what we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. We build mental models to explain our experiences. We later replace those models when better ones come. When we’re doing all these things, we’re doing science.

Veritas believes that everyone is a science person. Some prefer art and music to biology, chemistry, and physics, true. Others enjoy the life and physical sciences and do well in them with little effort. This is true, also. No two of us have identical strengths and skills. Still, God has fashioned each of us to be a science person.

The sciences can enliven the mind as much as any humanities course. They can describe, model, and predict natural phenomena. They can open our eyes to see the world in new ways. They can help us solve some of mankind’s most troublesome problems.

Veritas introduces students to science’s contributions found in the Great Books, too. We teach not only science proper, but also scientific reasoning. We explore ideas that lead us to ask important questions about ourselves and the world.

We use three different curricula in our science courses. Veritas is working on a science curriculum. The first volume is Chemistry and is what we use in our live online courses. Apologia is a very homeschool friendly and covers the basics of the sciences. Novare Science is a more rigorous mastery approach. The difference being Novare covers fewer topics but goes in-depth into those that are covered. We believe either of these approaches provide a solid foundation for the classically educated student.

It’s notable that Veritas does not recommend science in grammar school. As you should see, not because we think science unimportant. Rather, we know time is limited, and building the language and math foundation is more important. And we’ve seen it time and time again because we’ve produced some great scientists. Students with no grammar school science may start a bit behind their peers who’ve had science, but very quickly pass them in their science learning. Of course, Veritas recommends and includes memorizing a whole host of science facts in Memory Period of grammar school.

Some believe the sciences have little to offer a classical Christian education. Veritas aims to dispel that notion. We humans are a curious lot at heart, brimming with questions. Science can’t answer them all, but it can give us powerful tools for seeking those answers out.

Live Online

This course serves as an introduction to the natural sciences. The content of this course includes learning the scientific method, analyzing and interpreting experiments and an overview of archeology, geology and paleontology. Students also learn about various other areas of science including the fossil record, the five kingdoms, the human body and the many systems of the human body such as the digestive system, the circulatory system, the respiratory system and the nervous system. At Veritas we wait until now to begin serious science study, having dedicated time to language and math mastery. Now students are ready to start serious study of science and will advance far more quickly in this important field with their language and math foundation. Homework will average 3 - 5 hours per week.

Live Online – The Veritas Approach

Veritas has been offering live online classes since 2006. Here are some reasons why you should consider our live courses:

• Classes meet twice weekly for 75–90 minutes.
• Synchronous interactions use audio and video.
• Engage with material throughout the week, per assignments.
• Interaction with peers from across the globe. It's not uncommon to have students from five or six different countries in one classroom.
• 20:1 student:teacher ratio, with an emphasis on individualized attention.
• World-class teachers, more than two-thirds have advanced degrees.
• Veritas Scholars Academy is accredited by Middle States Association

You Teach

You Teach is our term for those who take our curriculum and teach it themselves, whether at home or at school.

The General Science - Course kit contains the materials you will need to teach General Science to one student at home or what a student taking the class live will need. The course serves as an introduction to the natural sciences.

Course Kits are offered as a discounted package. However, you may only need some of the books. Select the ones you need below for easy ordering.