Curriculum Guide

Natural History and Science

Natural History is a key component to the Lower School education. Along with detailed classification and regular notation in scientific journals, the boys actively engage in the natural surroundings on campus and nearby locations. The subject fosters a systematic and knowledgeable understanding of the natural world as well as an ability for careful observation, appreciation, and greater awareness of the dynamic world surrounding us. Many of the subjects of study are similar across the grades, but the study increases in depth and detail with different focuses in each grade. The Middle School introduces earth science, life science, and physical science. Building on the foundation of the natural history curriculum students are led beneath the surface of things to the study of geology, chemistry, biology, and physics, developing an even greater appreciation for the order and wonder of the created world.

Grade 3
Texts: Roger Caras' The Forest, Field Guide to Common Texas Insects by Bastiaan Drees, Golden Guide to Trees, Golden Guide to Insects, Golden Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians, Birds of Eastern and Central North America and Birds of Texas by R.T. Peterson.

Grade 4
Texts: Roger Caras' Panther and Custer Wolf, Golden Guide to Trees, Golden Guide to Insects, Golden Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians, Birds of Eastern and Central North America and Birds of Texas by R.T. Peterson.

Grade 5
Texts: Roger Caras' Monarch of Deadman Bay, Golden Guide to Trees, Golden Guide to Weather, Guide to Rocks and Minerals by R.T. Peterson, Birds of Eastern and Central North America and Birds of Texas by R.T. Peterson.

Grade 6
Texts: Earth Science published by Prentice Hall, Archimedes and the Door of Science by Jeanne Bendick, excerpts from Aristotle. Topics: an introduction to the geological sciences and a preparation for chemistry.

Grade 7
Texts: Exploring Life Science by Prentice Hall, excerpts from Aristotle. Topics: environmental science and human biology.

Grade 8
Texts: Physical Science by Scott Foresman, excerpts from Aristotle. Topics: physics and chemistry—a wide survey of the laws of motion and matter.