Course Description: Biology 

Taken from the state standards: Biology students engage in thinking and solving problems the way scientists and engineers do to help them better see how science is relevant to their lives. To capitalize on the natural curiosity all students have about the world around them, learning experiences are built around the three dimensions of science: Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs), and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs). 

Students will be challenged to expand their critical thinking abilities in many ways to demonstrate various levels of proficiency with our studies. 

This course involves lecture-discussion, presentations and laboratory activities. The course encompasses interrelationships of living things, levels of biological organization, human biology, social and ecological implications from human impacts on ecosystems, biochemistry, and genetics. Extensive laboratory work and problem-solving are essential components to be successful. 

A state required end-of-course test in Biology will be administered as the final exam for this class and the class will be required for graduation. The grade on the end-of-course test will count as 20% of the student's final grade.


Topics of study include:

*Note: Human impact on species and ecosytems is emphasized.

Science and engineering practices are incorporated into topics and learning activities to encourage and enhance critical thinking.