Departments

Science

The focus of science education must not merely focus on the development of future scientists.  It must be equally concerned with the development of citizens who are scientifically literate and who understand science in multidimensional and multidisciplinary ways.  By doing so, students will be able to participate intelligently in critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making about how science and technology are used for future growth and development of society.

 

Thus, the Pacifica Science Department endeavors to provide students with opportunities to develop an inquiring mind and a systematic approach to problem solving.  To this end, the department seeks to guide students toward mastering scientific concepts, problem solving, and decision making skills that will provide them with a solid science foundation that will encourage and inspire them to continue their study of science beyond high school. The department further endeavors to enable students to become informed citizens in matters concerning science and society.

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.

Honors 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. This honors level class moves at an accelerated pace, requires more advanced problem solving than non-honors sections, and exposes students to more complex concepts.

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 micro scale techniques.

Physics – (Year Course)
This class is an overview of the major topics in classical physics. Topics include motion, forces and Newton's laws, work and energy, gravity and planetary motion, fluids, heat and thermodynmaics, and electricity and magnetism. The course stresses conceptual understanding, mathematical problem solving and critical thinking. Students participate in labs and projects to reveal underlying laws and quantitative relationships.

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.  This course will require meetings outside of the normal class time which will be arranged by the teacher. 

AP Physics B – (Year Course)

AP Physics B is a college-level algebra-based physics course covering a wide range of material.  Topics include mechanics, harmonic motion and sound, fluids, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics.   The course is designed to prepare students for the AP Physics B Examination published by the College Board.  Students should have a strong foundation in algebra and geometry with some experience in trigonometry.   Emphasis will be given to conceptual understanding and inquiry as well as mathematical problem solving.   Students will be engaging the material through reading, problem sets, laboratory experiments and class discussion.  This course will require meeting outside of normal class time as well as extensive individual study.