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ID the Future Intelligent Design, Evolution, and Science Podcast
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Now Registering: High School Chemistry with an ID Twist

Episode
1898
With
Andrew McDiarmid
Guest
Kristin Marais
Duration
00:28:57
Download
Audio File (17.6 mb)
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What do you get when you combine the fundamentals of chemistry with intelligent design concepts, taught by an experienced, enthusiastic instructor in an innovative online learning environment? You get Discovery Institute Academy’s High School Chemistry, a two-semester, virtual, synchronous, and lab-based course which integrates the fundamentals of chemistry with intelligent design concepts topics where applicable. On this ID The Future, host Andrew McDiarmid catches up with course instructor Kristin Marais to discuss the successes of the first year and what makes the class unique.

Research shows that teachers make or break a student’s learning experience. Marais brings 15 years of educational experience to the table, and her palpable enthusiasm for chemistry inspires students to learn: “I have never in my life had a teacher (besides my parents) who was as dedicated and excited as you!” said one 2023-2024 student. 89% of students in the ’23-’24 cohort reported that they learned a lot in the course, and the same majority found the course material interesting and engaging.

But isn’t learning online a lonely experience? It can be, but not this class! Discovery Institute Academy’s High School Chemistry course is synchronous. That means everyone moves forward together. Students enjoy live weekly video class sessions, optional one-on-one drop-ins to work on homework or discuss questions, at-home wet labs, fun virtual lab simulations, helpful teacher-student conversation threads on every submitted assignment, and more.

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Kristin Marais

Kristin Marais has roughly 15 years of educational experience spanning the traditional building classroom, online classroom, curriculum development, and tutoring. She graduated from the University of California Riverside with a BS in biochemistry and then completed a MS in Teaching through Western Washington University. Kristin is a Washington state certified teacher with endorsements in chemistry, biology, and general science. Outside of teaching, Kristin spent 4.5 years in South Africa and founded a small nonprofit she continues to chair called “FALSA” (Free-a-Life-South Africa) that sponsors addicts in Johannesburg through a 3-step program including detox, rehab, and post-rehab. She also enjoys coffee, hiking, camping, travel, and mentoring teens.
Tags
chemistry
chemistry lab
Discovery Institute Academy
fundamentals of chemistry
high school
high school chemistry
Intelligent Design
online chemistry course
virtual laboratory