Overview
The science department at Providence Christian Academy holds to the belief that God the Father is the Creator of all of life, the universe, and everything in it. We as a science department believe that God’s design can be seen in all things, from the shape of the atom, to the levels of the atmosphere, from the main components of a cell to the workings of the cardiovascular system. That being said, we also believe, that in order to honor the true spirit of scientific studies and the scientific method, other points of view should be presented, including the theory of evolution. Evolution is no longer taught as a theory in many schools, so we as a department believe our students should have a grasp of not only the Creationist view of life and origins, but also the way some scientists believe life originated (through the process of macroevolution). It is our goal to teach students not only the subject material but also how to learn.

From an academic point of view, all of the classes in the Science Department are taught in a way that will allow a student to develop critical thinking skills. Students will not only learn the subject material, but also, learn how to learn. We accomplish this from using open-ended tests, research projects, and interactive class discussions. If a student walks away only learning science, than we as a Science Department have not accomplished our objectives.

Biology  26.01200  (9th)   1 CRE
This course is a detailed approach to the systems and organizations of life. Basic biochemistry, cellular metabolism, and genetics form the foundation for a phylogenetic study that spans the five kingdoms and includes much laboratory activity.

Honors Biology  26.0120040  (9th)   1 CRE
Honors biology allows the student to explore in greater detail such subjects as cell biology, genetics, and ecology. As with general biology, lecture will be augmented with frequent labs and hands-on activities. The student should expect an accelerated pace as well as increased content and class load consistent with honors courses. Application required.

AP Biology  26.01400  (11th or 12th)   1 CRE
This two-semester college level course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of biology, extensive laboratory experience, and adequate preparation for the national Advanced Placement Biology Exam. Students may receive college credit for the course if their scores on the AP Biology Examination meet the requirements for their prospective college or university. Prerequisites for this course are first year Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra II. Application required.

Human Anatomy and Physiology  26.07300  (11th or 12th)   1 CRE
Human Anatomy and Physiology is a fascinating upper level Life Science course specifically for eleventh and twelfth grades only. It is a highly interactive course that moves students from cytology and genetics through an in-depth study of systemic anatomy and physiology. Laboratory activities will include a year-long fetal pig dissection as a comparative anatomical study. This is a fast-paced, and extremely detailed course designed to challenge, as well as inform.

Chemistry  40.05100  (10th or 11th)   1 CRE
Students study basic concepts of inorganic bonding, structure of atoms, nomenclature, stoichiometry, solution chemistry, and gas laws from both descriptive and quantitative approaches. An appropriate laboratory activity schedule is maintained. Algebra II should be taken concurrently with this course.

Honors Chemistry  40.0510040  (10th or 11th)   1 CRE
Students participate in a rigorous study of the basic concepts of inorganic chemistry included in general chemistry with additional exploration of acid/base reactions and polymer chemistry. As with general chemistry, an appropriate laboratory schedule is maintained. The student should expect an accelerated pace as well as increased content and class load consistent with honors courses. Algebra II should be taken concurrently with this course. Application required.

Physics  40.0810004  (10th-12th)   1 CRE
In this course, the four traditional divisions of physics (mechanics and heat, waves, electricity, and nucleonics) are used to study energy (interactions of energy and matter) through classroom and laboratory activities.

Honors Physics  40.0810040  (11th or 12th)   1 CRE
In this course, the four traditional divisions of physics (mechanics and heat, waves, electricity, and nucleonics) are used to study energy (interactions of energy and matter) through classroom and laboratory activities. The student should expect an accelerated pace as well as increased content and class load consistent with honors courses. A student enrolled in Honors Physics must have completed or be in process of taking Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry 27.06500. Application required.