Science Program
If you want the personal connection of an excellent brick-and-mortar classroom combined with the flexibility of online learning for your student, choose this option. Our signature live online courses are the heart of the Williamsburg program, led by expert mentors who create a deep sense of community between students. Live courses include the following benefits:
In many live courses, we offer both a Classic and Honors format. Students in both versions meet in the same live class sessions, but students in Honors courses have about 30% more readings and assignments, including projects that are more challenging. Students are welcome to enroll in whichever version fits best for them and can switch within the first twenty-one days of the semester. Honors courses are not available in the self-paced format.
If your student works well independently or needs more flexibility to work around other
activities, our self-paced courses are an ideal option and provide a richer, more personal experience than many other asynchronous online courses. Self-paced courses include the following benefits:
In high school Math, Fine Arts, PE, and Electives, we offer independent courses so students can earn academic credit for learning from a third-party curriculum provider. Some students prefer alternative math programs; others put in long hours practicing musical instruments, competing on an athletic team, or participating in internships. Students can earn credit for these and other activities by enrolling in an Independent Studies course, provided they fulfill the course requirements (see the above course links for full details).
Why This Class
At some point, your student has probably asked you a question or two about outer space: How many stars are there? How big is the Milky Way? What is a black hole? As you know, these aren’t easy questions to answer. This course helps by taking your student on an introductory tour of the marvels and mysteries of astronomy.
Mentors in this course begin by showing students how astronomers locate and study the stars and constellations of the night sky. Next, students learn the characteristics of objects including the Sun, distant galaxies, black holes, quasars, and solar flares. Students also explore how light and distance determine whether a celestial object is visible to the naked eye or requires state-of-the-art technology to view—and learn how to spot some of those objects themselves.
By the end of this course, students expand their awareness of the natural world well beyond planet Earth. They feel inspired by a new level of fascination about the universe to continue exploring its unanswered questions.
The Art of Urban Astronomy: A Guide to Stargazing Wherever You Are by Abigail Beall
This course requires additional supplies. Please see the book list in SIS for details.
How do we organize and understand the sky above us?
What is light and how do we use it to see distant objects?
What is the nature of the Sun? Of the moon? Of stars?
How do stars change as they age?
What is a galaxy and how does it form?
Please contact our Customer Support Team at support@williamsburglearning.com if you have questions.
Please note that program and course descriptions, as well as reading and materials lists, are subject to change as we continuously improve our curriculum throughout the year. Book and materials lists for the upcoming school year are published in SIS mid to late June.
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm MST
Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm MST
Closed weekends and holidays
1173 S 250 W Ste 107 Saint George, Utah 84770
P. 800-200-6869 F. 435-215-7699