Students will be studying Environmental Science which covers ecosystems, water, air, atmosphere, climate, land, food production, biodiversity, energy, waste and population growth.  In class labs will be a key component to this course as well as discussion of controversial topics from a biblical worldview.  This class is a great choice for students who are looking for an option to the Apologia series of sciences or simply wish to continue the Apologia series when they are a year older and more able to handle the rigor that Apologia sciences typically require.

In addition to earning one high school credit in biological science successful completion of the DSST exam earns 3 college credits and is a valuable part of a student’s general education requirements for college since it meets two goal areas   One being in an area that tends to be controversial and prone to being taught by very liberal instructors.  This exam also may meet the requirement for goal area #3, Biological Sciences on the MN Transfer Curriculum general education package.

Students will be provided with study suggestions and practice tests that will help prepare them to take the DSST exam which is worth 3 college credits.  Exam scheduling, requirements, test-taking skills, study tools, practice tests, and more will all be covered.  In addition, this course will provide a framework of study methods and resources that will be transferable to exam preparation for future CLEP/DSST exams.  Participating in this class is no guarantee of passing the DSST exam, but will depend on the student’s motivation, maturity and commitment.  Parents will need to be prepared to come alongside their student to provide encouragement and accountability.

Note:  This course is an excellent choice for a student who needs a high school biological science credit but is not necessarily seeking a science track for their higher education.

Grade level:  7^th – 12^th grade

Homework:  Minimum of 4-5 hours per week.  For students planning on taking the DSST exam, more time may be required in final month before taking the exam.

Prerequisite:  Junior high/middle school level general science course.  Students must be able to keep up with reading and homework to fully comprehend the material and to be prepared for class discussions and experiments.

Text:  Required—Holt Environmental Science by Karen Arms, ISBN #0030520193 and Environmental Science Course Guide by Credits Before College.  Textbook is available online at addall.com, bookfinder4u.com or Amazon.  Course guide is available at creditsbeforecollege.com.  For those preparing for the DSST exam, Peterson practice tests may require an additional fee of $20.  Purchase of an online flashcard study system is also recommended at a cost of $20 or less.  Students need both the textbook and the Course Guide to begin the class.  However, practice tests and the flashcard system can be purchased when DSST exam prep begins in the spring.

Required:  Reliable internet access and e-mail account for students to receive class notices, submit assignments, participate in class discussions, download supplemental reading and worksheets, take practice tests, view supplemental videos, and link to applicable websites.