Biology (with Mrs. Crichton) (9th-12th)

Class Title: Biology

Grades: 9-12

Course Description: This course teaches biology from a Christian worldview. Students will learn how living organisms are designed, how they interact with one another, and how they interact with their physical environment. Traditional biology topics such as the characteristics of life, classification of living organisms, and cell theory will be covered. Yet, this course will also present a broader range of information than is typically found in a high school biology course as we delve into topics like genetic engineering, gene therapy, and bioethics.

While this course is challenging, it is also designed to be enjoyable and engaging. Students will have the opportunity to discuss questions like:

●      If humans are in the same order as lemurs, monkeys, and apes, how are we any different from them?

●      Why would a good God create viruses, which are largely pathogenic? And, are viruses even alive?

●      What are the ethical challenges involved with cloning?

Issues such as these prompt students to think beyond observable and measurable information toward a deeper understanding of science.

Students can expect to spend about 3-5 hours per week on biology work outside of class. They will have assigned reading each week and will complete comprehension questions as they move through the text to ensure they are understanding the material. There are review questions at the end of each chapter to prepare them for tests. Labs will be performed in class most weeks and the students will turn in their write-ups. While the majority of labs will be completed at PC Prep, some will need to be done at home with typical household items. All dissections and microscope experiments will be done at PC Prep.

Materials Needed for class:

The textbook we will be using for this course is Discovering Design with Biology. It was co-authored by Dr. Jay Wile, who is the founder of Apologia and wrote many of their texts over the years. Families who have used Apologia will notice a familiar, conversational style and engaging voice.

One of the things that sets this book apart from many other biology texts is how God's mighty design is continuously woven throughout each chapter - in fact, the word "design" appears on 92 out of the 512 pages. The book offers more than just a chapter or two on the creation versus evolution debate. It contrasts the materialistic worldview prevalent in most science textbooks—a worldview that limits the study of science to those things that can be measured—with the observation that there is more to physical life than materialism acknowledges.

The ISBN for the textbook is: 9798985252941

The ISBN for the workbook we will most likely be using is: 9781735029146

I suggest waiting to purchase the textbook and workbook as I am hoping to get us a group discount with a book supplier in Southern California.

In addition to the textbook and workbook, I may occasionally ask students to bring household items into class for laboratory experiments.

Cost of Class per semester:$480 per semester plus a one-time lab fee of $95. A non-refundable $100 deposit will be due June 1^st and will go towards first semester tuition. The laboratory fee will be due August 1st.

If you withdraw your student from the course in the middle of a semester, you are still responsible for the remaining payment on that semester.

Method of Payment: Payments can be made via Venmo or check. My venmo handle is @Genessa-Crichton. The last 4 digits of my phone number are 3653.

Contact Info: [email protected]

Your Bio: I obtained my BS in Biochemistry from UCLA and went on to receive an MBS (Master of Bioscience) from the Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences. After working as a project manager in the biotechnology sector for many years, the Lord called me to stay home with my children. Over the past decade I have worked part-time as a consultant for various companies in both technology and education. I also volunteered for a few years as a Client Advocate at the San Clemente Pregnancy Resource Center, as I am very passionate about pro-life ministry.

I have been homeschooling for the past 11 years, and all 5 of my kids love attending PC Prep. It’s a blessing to help them develop their intellectual gifts, while seeking to glorify the Lord with all the knowledge they obtain. I hope to do the same for your children!