AP Biology Self Paced (Grades 9-12)

AP Biology

Full Year Self Paced Course

Grades: 9-12

Prerequisites: Middle School Life Science

Instructor: Collins

This subject is designed to provide a general background for the understanding of the science of Biology. This course develops an appreciation of the beauty of life from its simplest composition at the molecular level to the global spectrum of complex ecological issues. It discusses Genetics, Cytology, Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, Populations, and Ecology.  Issues, concerns, and problems with life are also included. It also deals with the basic principles and processes in the study of biology. It covers life processes and interactions at the cellular, organism, population, and ecosystem levels.

General Standards: The learner demonstrates an understanding of basic concepts and processes in Biology as deepened by other disciplines to analyze/solve problems critically, think innovatively / creatively, and make informed decisions to enhance the integrity and wellness of the human person, protect the environment and conserve resources to sustain the quality of life. Students should expect daily assignments as well as projects, quizzes, tests, and laboratory reports. Students will also learn problem solving skills and important study skill tips during the course.

Biology Importance: Biology is known as the prerequisite class for all high school science classes. Biology is normally taken in 9th grade. A strong foundation in Biology provides success in high school. The SAT and ACT, needed for college admission, is predominately over Biology and Life Science. So a strong foundation is key. 

Online Format: This includes access to a customized Biology Google Classroom, online textbook, labs, and interactive graded assessments. The course will follow a self paced format, with 5 tasks to complete each week. Each week will consist on a lesson and 5 tasks.

Curriculum Resources:

https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-biology-flexbook-2.0/

https://www.generationgenius.com/science-videos-for-kids/

https://bio.libretexts.org/Courses/Lumen_Learning/Biology_I_Laboratory_Manual_(Lumen)

Evolution Questions: In this course I will feature a neutral stance toward religion, and will not be covering evolution or religious themes in this general Biology class.  Instead the goal is to teach a standards based science course with a large focus on cellular biology. Any mention of evolution will be in relation to changes of animals over time (beak size, growth of hair because of weather changes). 

State Laboratory Requirement: This course does meet the state laboratory requirement, and will require students to practice labs using step-by-step laboratory processes and with the use of lab reports. Students will upload images and video responses to lab assignments. This course has more than the usual lab activities which makes this class very popular. The instructor believes in hands-on learning to help with comprehension. Students will take notes in a science spiral, create notecards of new vocabulary, draw science diagrams, research topics, create summary paragraphs, and perform lots of labs during the session.

General Unit Topics:

Living vs Nonliving

Cells & Cell Types

Cell Processes

DNA Helix, RNA

Genetics & Heredity

Genetic Conditions

Mitosis vs Meiosis

Punnett Squares

Homeostasis

Body Systems

Ecology

Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

You’ll learn about water’s role as the basis of life and the functions of macromolecules like lipids and proteins.

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

You’ll study the makeup of cells and the fundamentals of evolution.

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

You’ll explore how cells interact with their environment and how fundamental biological processes work at the cellular level.

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

You’ll learn how cells grow and reproduce, as well as how cells communicate.

Unit 5: Heredity

You’ll learn how traits are passed down from one generation to the next.

Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

You’ll study how hereditary information passes from parent to offspring and how those traits are expressed.

Unit 7: Natural Selection

You’ll learn about Darwin’s theory, the concept of natural selection, and evolution.

Unit 8: Ecology

You’ll explore biological concepts at a broader organism level and analyze how populations interact within ecosystems.

This course will feature state standards and College Board AP standards. The workload will increase compared to regular Biology also. This course will require an additional summary video from students each week to show comprehension, 4 case study research articles, set # of required labs, 2 dissections (virtual or via video), and AP capstone at the end as a final project. Visit the College Board AP Biology site for more information on class topics/standards-https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-biology

Mrs. Collins is a Regular Ed Science and Gifted Science educator.

Tuition: $325 total for 2 semesters (full year science credit) Includes a weekly topic, and 5 assignments each week.