Biology Self Paced (Grades 7-12)

Biology

Full Year Self Paced Course

Grades: 7-12

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.

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

Tuition: This program includes a full year of curriculum, broken into two semesters. 

The course includes two 17 week semesters, for a total of 34 weeks. Students will be provided everything needed for a quality experience in Google Classroom (teacher videos, Youtube lab example videos, vocabulary, Quizlet vocabulary practice, assessments via Quizizz, and a grading template.

Mrs. Collins' classes are currently being offered on several platforms-Mr. D, Open Tent, SWMC, Compass, and Epic.