Departments

Science

The science program at Pacifica Christian High School provides necessary background and skills from which students can become scientifically literate in order to make responsible decisions. The classes actively involve students in problem solving, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and verbal and written communications. But it is also important to PCH that students develop an appreciation of science as a process to investigate and discover natural relationships in the world.

The following summarize the goals of the Science Department at PCH:

  • To show by observation and methods of inquiry the natural systems of the created order
  • To strive for accurate explanatory models of how the universe functions
  • To study and debate the moral and ethical questions raised in science
  • Encourage those who have science interests to pursue them in greater depth
  • Instill in all an appreciation for science and a concern for the environment
  • To make the interdependence of the sciences part of the learning process
  • Foster an awareness and appreciation for the physical and biological world
  • Prepare students for college level work
  • Develop a level of scientific literacy that will enable students to participate as informed citizens

Course Descriptions
Graduation requirement: 3 years of high school science

Biology – (Year Course)
This course provides students with a systematic study of living things from the molecular level through cells, systems, and populations. Biological laboratory techniques, experimental design and data analysis are stressed. Major topics include animal behavior, the chemistry of living things, cell structure and function, cell transport and reproduction, DNA replication, synthesis of proteins, animal structure and function, selected human systems, and the biology of diseases, including AIDS and cancers. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and human impact on the natural world are emphasized throughout the course.

Chemistry – (Year Course)
This course concerns the structure and properties of matter. The course design emphasizes problem solving, analysis, and application. Topics covered include the atomic theory, the mole concept, properties of solids, liquids, and gases, chemical reactions, acid-base chemistry, and qualitative analysis. Laboratories will be performed using primarily microscale techniques.

Physics – (Year Course)
This class is an overview of the major topics in both Classical and Modern Physics. Topics include motion, forces, gravitation, energy, light, electricity, and magnetism. The course stresses mathematical problem solving and critical thinking. Students participate in labs and projects to reveal underlying laws and quantitative relationships.

Anatomy and Physiology – (Year Course)
This course allows the student to become acquainted with the structure and functions of the human body. Topics covered include all major aspects of the body systems, tissues, reproductive and nutrition. Immunology and cancer studies are also included.

Marine Biology – (Year Course)
This course allows the student to be introduced to the wide array of invertebrate, vertebrate, and plant species that live on, in or near the sea. The anatomical and physiological adaptations that enable them to live are studied. The role that the sea plays in the regulation of the earth’s process and man’s intervention in the oceans are also addresses. As students participate in field trips, they become familiar with the diversity of local marine life.

AP Biology – (Year Course)
This is a college-level course which expands on the principles introduced in Biology. It also helps students prepare for the national Advanced Placement Biology Examination.
This course includes rigorous laboratory experiments, as well as intensive reading and writing assignments.

AP Chemistry – (Year Course)
This is a college-level course which expands on the principles introduced in Chemistry. It also helps students prepare for the national Advanced Placement Chemistry Examination. This course includes rigorous laboratory experiments, as well as intensive reading and writing assignments.