Pacifica STEM

PACIFICA STEM SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY / ENGINEERING / MATH

Science and technology continue to revolutionize modern society and economics.

Competing in the 21st century economy will require a strong foundation in the STEM subjects. Our inquiry-based approach within the STEM curriculum challenges students to grow into inquisitive scholars, independent thinkers, and innovative problem solvers. Pacifica’s STEM program seeks to transform student’s lives with meaning and purpose through the integration of faith and learning.

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING MATH

SCIENCE

TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING

Science, from the Latin scientia or “knowledge,” is a critical subject of the liberal arts and an important way of knowing and discovering truth. At Pacifica, there is no dichotomy between science and faith. The study of science provides students with a thorough understanding of and appreciation for the natural physical universe. We train our students to think scientifically and critically. Students learn to become scientifically literate, to engage in the process of scientific discovery, and to understand and follow the scientific method while developing skills of inquiry, observation, and experimentation. The classes actively involve students in problem solving, qualitative and quantitative analysis, verbal and written communications, and hands-on laboratory work.

Engineering involves the application and integration of both mathematics and science to solve problems. In Pacifica’s Engineering and Technology classes, students learn by doing—by applying their knowledge through projects where they must confront problems and develop creative solutions.

Our students learn problem solving strategies, engineering design processes, critical and creative thinking, and how to communicate and collaborate with fellow students. Within the classroom, students engage with topics such as aerodynamics, biological engineering, sustainability, structures, robotics, electronics, and circuit design while also learning to design using industry-leading 3D modeling CAD software technology.

Pacifica has partnered with Project Lead the Way (PLTW), an international non-profit organization that provides thorough and cutting-edge curriculum for K-12 students.

COURSEWORK:

» Biology » AP Biology » Physics » AP Physics » Marine Biology

DAVID SUMIDA, Ph.D. Engineering

“Science is an important way to know and discover truth. At Pacifica, there is no dichotomy between modern scientific exploration and the pursuit of faith, a journey that stirs the mind and soul.”

» Chemistry » Honors Chemistry » AP Chemistry » Anatomy & Physiology

COURSEWORK:

» AP Computer Science » Introduction to Engineering Design » Principles of Engineering » Computer Science and Software Engineering

STEM FACULTY The STEM faculty at Pacifica is composed of experienced educators and industry professionals.

They have over 30 years of combined education experience and over 25 years of industry and professional experience.

MATTHEW BENEDETTO STEM Department Chair, Mathematics » B.A. Mathematics Education, Taylor University

ANDREW BUDIMAN Computer Science & Physics

MATHEMATICS The Pacifica math department challenges students to assume responsibility for the mathematics they explore—to understand theorems that are developed, to be able to use techniques appropriately, to know how to test results for reasonability, to interact with and make decisions from data, to learn to use technology effectively, and to welcome new challenges whose outcomes are unknown. This curriculum is problem-centered, with students continually encountering mathematics in meaningful contexts, enabling them to draw—and verify—their own conclusions. This format enhances a student’s ability to ask effective questions, approach fellow students’ inquiries, and critically assess and present their own work.

COURSEWORK:

» Algebra I » Geometry » Honors Geometry » Statistics

» Algebra II » Honors Algebra II » Pre-Calculus » Honors Pre-Calculus

» AP Calculus AB » AP Calculus BC » AP Statistics

MATT BENEDETTO STEM Department Chair, Mathematics

“At Pacifica, math class is an environment where students are forming questions, seeking patterns, thinking critically, and presenting their reasoning. This process of interacting with mathematics is essential in preparing them for the creative problem solving they will need beyond the classroom.”

STEM CLUBS & COMPETITIONS Aerial Drone Club Renewable Energy Club Science Olympiad

» B.A. Education, CSU Long Beach » M.A. Information Technology, CSU San Bernardino » Ph.D. Candidate Computer Science, Aspen University

NICOLE GEIGER Biology » B.S. Biochemistry, UCLA

CLARITA JOUNG Chemistry » B.A. Chemistry Education, Ewha Womens University » M.A. Science Education, Georgia State University

GRANT MCCURDY Mathematics » B.S. Mathematics & Economics, UCLA

KAREN SELIS Mathematics » B.S. Mathematics, CSU Long Beach » M.A. Urban Education, Loyola Marymount University

DAVID S. SUMIDA, Ph.D. Engineering » B.S. Physics, Wheaton College » M.S. Physics, USC » Ph.D. Physics, USC

STEM SCHOLAR PROGRAM The STEM Scholar program is a learning community for students passionate about STEM fields of study. Students who successfully complete the program will graduate with STEM honors and receive a STEM endorsement on their official transcript.

STEM Scholars are required to take at least nine STEM courses. The students will also complete an internship at a university, business, or nonprofit organization.

During their senior year, students must successfully complete a final project applying research and analysis relevant to the STEM fields. Students are accepted to the program at the end of the first semester of their sophomore year.

SENIOR PROJECT The STEM Senior project is intended to be a summative and comprehensive project employing the knowledge and skills students have gained from their studies. The project can be a research project, a design project, or laboratory research.

INTERNSHIPS Pacifica will help place STEM Scholars into internships that match their interests and goals. Students are also encouraged to find internships through their own contacts and efforts.

NICOLE GEIGER Biology STEM Scholars Coordinator

“The STEM Scholar Program recruits students who have a deep-seated interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Pacifica STEM Scholars complete a rigorous and well-rounded course of study; attend guest lectures from researchers and industry experts; go on field trips to cutting-edge research labs and science centers; engage in peer tutoring as community service; complete internships; design and present senior projects; build one-on-one relationships with faculty advisors; and engage in building up our community of likeminded scholars.”

Annual bottle rocket launch day.

“Pacifica’s STEM program challenged me to explore my potential and equipped me with the confidence and tools to pursue my passion for astrobiology and geochemistry as I pursue my PhD at MIT. More women can make a career in STEM, and that culture is alive and well at Pacifica.”

– Emilie Skoog, PhD, (’13) USC ‘17, MIT PhD, former NASA employee

Matt Benedetto STEM Department Chair mbenedetto@pacificachristian.org 1730 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, California 90403 Tel (310) 828-7015 Fax (310) 829-2063 www.pacificachristian.org

23-24