Welcome to the Comprehensive Natural Science (CNS) - Biology homepage for Mr. Ontl's classes. CNS-Chemistry and CNS-Biology are a series of classes typically taken over two trimester during student's sophomore year. The class is designed to expose students to fundamental concepts of Chemistry and Biology.
The first trimester of the course is focused on chemistry. Topics of study include atomic structure, chemical reactions, the organization of the periodic table, and nuclear chemistry. The second trimester focuses on biology. Topics of study include origins of life, cell structure and function, genetics, cell biology, ecology, and taxonomy and evolution.
Science is an amazing field to learn and study. Through science and scientific problem solving people can make discoveries that change our perception of the world around us. One of my goals is to help my students realize that any student who has a passion for learning, a desire to explore, and a willingness to work can make meaningful contributions to the field of science and learn the concepts needed to be successful in science.
There are numerous cases of students your age that have asked questions, designed novel experiments, and produced research that has led to important advancements in a field of science. The video below illustrates a couple of examples of how individuals or groups have changed the way we think about the world by asking questions and using novel designs to test ideas via the scientific method. The video features Adam Savage of Mythbusters speaking to a group of students.
Students Watch This!! For some people science and learning about science related topics seems to come naturally. For others it's hard. At some point in your life you are going to encounter something that's difficult for you. Our attitude can play a huge role in whether we overcome these obstacles or learn skills that are difficult for us. This short video gives great advice about how to approach learning a new skill that is difficult. It's all about confidence in yourself!
Sometimes things are hard! Your attitude and confidence in your abilities can play a huge role in how much you grow and learn.
Checklist of Options for Retake Plan-of-Action
Resource Pages (Organized by Unit of Study)
Unit 1 - Origins & Biochemistry
Unit 2 - Cell Structure & Function
Unit 3 - Cellular Energy & Reactions