Science
Earth Science 8
This course is an introduction to the biological sciences and in intended for students to explore God's creation in the living world around them. The course will cover a variety of topics including: an investigation in the characteristics of all living things, cell structure and function, basic genetics, single-celled organisms, bacterial diseases, viruses, fungi, plants, and animals (both invertebrates and vertebrates). Students will also have a personal experience in the scientific process as they have the opportunity to develop and complete a Science Fair Experiment.
Earth Science 7
This course covers the four main branches of Earth Science: Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography and Astronomy. Students will investigate rocks, minerals and the composition of Earth's matter. They will learn about the water cycle and its effect on Earth's weather as well as studying oceans and life in the ocean. Students will also have the opportunity to learn more about space, including stars, planets, comets, as well as space exploration vehicles. Students will have a personal experience in the scientific process as they have the opportunity to develop and complete a Science Fair Experiment.
Mr. Lyle Ziems
Lyle Ziems began teaching at Lincoln Lutheran in 1989. In addition to teaching, Mr. Ziems also serves as the chapel coordinator, powerlifting coach, and the head football coach. He grew up on a farm ten miles south of Ewing, Nebraska with his younger brother and two younger sisters. His family was a very traditional farm family that was conservative and very involved in the local community and church. His favorite memory is working with his dad, grandpa, uncle, and brother in the hayfield during the summers. After high school, Lyle attended Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. In addition to his family at Lincoln Lutheran, Mr. Ziems also has a family at home. He is married to Sheila and they have three children, Caleb, Rachel, and Rebecca, who all attend Trinity Elementary. His wife also teaches at Trinity Elementary two days a week. When asked why he chose to teach at Lincoln Lutheran, Mr. Ziems replied “The Lord called me to Lincoln Lutheran.” He says that his favorite thing about Lincoln Lutheran is the daily focus on God with young people.
Anatomy & Physiology
Anatomy and physiology is a two-semester course for students of average to above-average ability and interest in biology. This course emphasizes investigation of God’s creative genius displayed in the anatomical design and function of the human body. Students are challenged to learn the major human anatomical parts and their physiology (how they function). The dissection of many major mammalian organs serves as supplement to learning anatomical parts and is also a highlight of the class. An afternoon field trip to the Dental College to explore human cadavers is also an element of this course. Anatomy and Physiology should especially appeal to those desiring a future in a health, medicine, biology, or research field.
Physics
Physics is a two-semester laboratory course for the student who wants a better understanding of the world around us or is interested in a career in a math or science related field. Physics is a science that attempts to conceptually and mathematically explain what happens in our world. The student will learn the theory and mathematical explanation of topics such as motion, forces, work, energy, heat transfer, light, sound, electricity and magnetism, modern and nuclear physics. This course is designed for the college bound student and will give the student who is interested in engineering or science related career a good background in physics. A graphing calculator is required.
Advanced Chemistry
Advanced topics in chemistry including organic chemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, food chemistry and forensics. Emphasis on lab work.
Applied Chemistry
Applied Chemistry follows the Chemistry in the Community (ChemCom) guidelines developed by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The course represents a major effort to improve science literacy through a high school chemistry course that emphasizes chemistry’s impact on society. ChemCom is taught on the “need to know” basis, with societal and technological issues/problems determining the depth and breadth of chemical concepts taught. The main areas of investigation in this course are: basic chemistry concepts, supplying our water needs, conserving chemical resources, petroleum consumption, nuclear chemistry in our world, chemistry of air, and chemistry related to climate.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a two-semester laboratory course for students of average to above-average ability in science and math. The course is intended to help the student develop an understanding of structure of matter and its interactions. All major areas of inorganic chemistry are covered. The course is designed to supply an adequate background for students who intend to enroll in college chemistry courses. Chemistry makes frequent use of math skills to solve chemical problems. Students will need a scientific calculator.
Biology
Biology is a two-semester laboratory course for students of all abilities. Biology is a very diverse academic area specifically dealing with the study of life. This course focuses heavily on ecological principles related to biology – interactions and relationships between living things and their non-living environment. Traditional biology topics are also explored including: cell structure & function, reproduction, genetics, microbiology, botany, and zoology. Furthermore, the course includes the dissection of fetal pigs. Whether college bound or not and regardless of occupational goals, this is a course that will benefit all students.
Physical Science
High school physical science is a two-semester course designed specifically for students seeking greater academic preparation before taking general chemistry and general physics. Students who do not desire to take chemistry/physics may choose this course as a source of required science credit for graduation. The physical science course serves as an introduction and reinforcement of principles and concepts related to both chemistry and physics – physics related concepts are the focus first semester and chemistry related concepts are the focus during second semester.