Science and Math
Mars Hill Academy is dedicated to helping our students learn
the art of learning. We focus less on the specific “subjects” and concentrate
more on training students to master important tools of learning. The fact
that we emphasize mastery of the tools does not imply that we ignore the “subjects.” It
is our goal to provide a very broad education across a variety of subjects,
including science and mathematics and through them to teach students essential
skills of learning and to bring glory to God.
At Mars Hill Academy we believe, as Isaac Newton did, that science shows
us “what is the first cause [God], what power he has over us, and
what benefits we receive from him.” The classical and Christian study
of science and mathematics yields at least five benefits. First, it arouses
a greater appreciation of God as Designer and Creator. The wonderful ingenuity,
sheer magnitude and incredible detail of the creation revealed by science
and mathematics inspires awe in every sincere student. According to the
Scripture, the creation points us to God. “For since the creation
of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood
by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans
1:20). For example, through scientific observation and mathematical calculation
(differential calculus), the student can demonstrate that the hexagonal
prisms used by honeybees to make the honeycomb are the best combination
of efficiency (least wax required, no wasted space) and strength. The fact
that the lowly honeybee has been designed since the beginning of the world
to instinctively create its honeycomb in the most efficient shape possible
inspires us to realize that the Creator is far more intelligent than we
are.
Second, a more complete understanding of science enables us to be better
stewards of God’s creation. God created man to exercise dominion over
the earth (Gen. 1:28), and throughout history God has enabled man to harness
the natural forces of creation for productive use. The better we understand
the “natural laws” that describe how God has ordered His world,
the better we are able to work within those laws to preserve the created
order to the glory of God and for the good of mankind. The study of mathematics,
the “language” of the laws of science, contributes to this as
well. As Eugene Wigner, Nobel Prize winner in physics, has confessed, “The
enormous usefulness of mathematics in the natural sciences is something
bordering on the mysterious.” He also asserts that “there is
no rational explanation for it.” But at Mars Hill Academy we understand
that God is the explanation! Throughout history, God has enabled man to
harness the natural forces of creation for productive use.
Third, knowledge of scientific and mathematical vocabulary, processes, and
principles is required for basic literacy. Many commonly used metaphors
and illustrations come from science and mathematics. For example, have you
ever heard that a “critical mass” of support is needed to make
an endeavor successful? A “critical mass” is the amount of radioactive
material required to be concentrated in one place to cause the chain reaction
that generates nuclear power or, if uncontrolled, a nuclear explosion.
Fourth, the classical study of science and mathematics enables students
to develop their dialectic skills of applying principles to determine consequences.
Through the use of the scientific method, students create hypotheses based
on scientific principles and then validate or invalidate their reasoning
with experimental results.
Finally, the study of science and mathematics gives students a wealth of
opportunities to learn and practice the skill of problem solving. Problem
solving is a type of higher-order reasoning uniquely given to man by God.
It is the exercise of this skill that enables man to exercise dominion and
improve his station rather than simply react instinctively.
For these reasons, Mars Hill Academy offers a full curriculum of mathematics and science courses. Students are required to study science in 3rd through 11th grades, including high school physics, chemistry, and biology. Advanced science is offered in the 12th grade. Mathematics is required in kindergarten through 11th grades, with calculus offered in 12th grade.
