Biology Storylines

During 2nd Semester of the 2019-2020 school year Biology at Seymour High School transitioned from a traditional format to a new method of delivering curriculum. The new method of teaching and learning uses phenomenon-driven storylines and driving questions to provide in-depth analysis of science concepts in a manner that reflects the scientific method. It uses students' natural tendencies to question the world around them to slowly build the framework of how and why things function the way that they do in living organisms. Answers to the driving questions that students develop are not immediately answered, rather students figure the answers out as new data and content is presented. Students that are accustomed to traditional Biology classes sometimes get frustrated because their questions are not always immediately answered, but they are not alone. The use of storylines is a collaborative process in which students work together to analyze what has been presented to answer their driving questions. As a science department we are excited about the transition to a method of teaching that will help students become better learners that will be able to solve problems and work well with other people.