CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IN JAPAN
Christian
Academy
in Japan
Growing in Grace & Truth:
Insights from David Marshall, Science Department


For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—
have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Romans 1:20 (NIV)

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Photo credit: NASA.gov

Science reveals God’s truth. He has made an amazing world! It is huge, complex and mysterious. In science we study how this world works, exploring it with our senses and seeking to explain it with our minds. The Bible says that through this process, we will understand more about the God who made it all.  

At CAJ, the study of science begins in Kindergarten, when students consider the animals and plants around them, the stuff the world is made of, and how the seasons bring changes to the world. Each year until the end of Middle School, through observation and experimentation, we help their view of the world grow in many new areas, always drawing from the different fields of science. 

Once they reach High School, students are able to dig more deeply into these areas, beginning with biology in Ninth Grade. After that, they have choices in environmental science, chemistry, physics, or advanced placement levels for some of these courses. They may also decide to explore robotics or computer programming.
 
God’s gracious hand formed each of us and all that surrounds us. Life is a precious gift. Reflecting on this gift leads to discussions about how we, as Christians, should handle environmental resources. Many students are already drawing conclusions about how we need to take care of all that we have been given.

Our Grade 12 students tackle a year-long research and analysis project called Senior Comprehensives. They focus on a global issue and seek to understand how these issues can be solved on many levels, putting their learning together in written and presentation forms. This year, I am excited that a number of Senior Comprehensive projects relate to science and how it impacts the world. Seniors are tackling issues in medicine and technology to name a few.

As the Science Department Chair, I am especially grateful for the great team of K-12 science teachers at CAJ, who inspire students to explore God’s creation.

About the Author
David Marshall has been teaching science at CAJ since 2005. His main area is physics, but he enjoys science in any field. This year he is building our new environmental science program, hoping to see more students take an active interest in looking after this precious planet.


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