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
Earth is the only known habitable planet in the Universe—and as a resident of that planet, you want your student to appreciate their home. This course opens their eyes to the many systems at work on Earth every day and the unique characteristics that make life on Earth possible.
Mentors in this course guide students in a discovery of how scientists believe the universe began and how Earth came to be. They introduce students to the evidence that informs those theories and the questions that remain. From there, students explore the interactions between the Earth, Sun, and Moon and learn how the energy and movements of each create weather patterns. Students also examine natural systems including tectonic plates, earthquakes, and volcanoes to recognize the forces of continuous creation and destruction on their planet.
Students emerge from this course with an awareness of the systems that make Earth habitable, an appreciation for the fragility of those systems, and a desire to learn even more about their home planet.
Bang! The Complete History of the Universe by Brian May, Patrick Moore, and Chris Lintott (Online and Self-paced students only)
The Story of Earth by Robert M. Hazen (ILC students only)
Reading the Rocks: The Autobiography of the Earth by Marcia Bjornerud
This course requires additional supplies. Please see the book list in SIS for details.
What is the universe and how was it formed?
How does energy exist in the universe and what does it teach me?
What characteristics allow life to exist on Earth?
How does the earth function as a living system?
What can I learn about the creation of this planet and the solar system from the water and rocks on Earth?
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