Biology is the study of living organisms and the complex interactions that occur within the natural world. In this course, students will investigate how living organisms interact with one another and with nonliving components of their environment, including water, gases, nutrients, and other matter.

This course emphasizes hands-on laboratory investigations, scientific inquiry, modeling, and collaborative activities as primary tools for developing scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills. Students will explore real-world biological concepts and issues while learning to analyze evidence, interpret data, develop explanations, and communicate scientific ideas.

Throughout the course, students will also examine the connections among science, technology, society, and the environment. Students will use research, evidence, and critical thinking to investigate biological issues at the local, national, and global levels and to make informed, evidence-based decisions.

The Biology curriculum is aligned with the New York State Life Science: Biology Learning Standards and is designed to prepare students for the New York State Life Science: Biology Regents Examination, which is administered during Regents Week in June.

New York State requires students enrolled in a Regents science course to complete the required laboratory experience before taking the Regents Examination. Students must complete a minimum of 1,200 minutes of hands-on laboratory experiences and submit satisfactory laboratory reports.

Throughout the school year, students will have the opportunity to complete approximately 45–50 laboratory investigations. To meet the laboratory requirement for this course, students must successfully complete a minimum of 30 labs.

Please be aware of the following:

• All laboratory investigations must be completed and submitted as assigned.

• A lab that is not completed will receive a zero, which will be included in the student's marking-period average.

• Students are responsible for making up missed laboratory experiences when opportunities are provided.

• Students who do not meet the required laboratory experience will not be eligible to sit for the Biology Regents Examination in June.

• Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Single and Multi-Celled Organisms, and Feedback Mechanisms 

• Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems

• Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems 

• Inheritance and Variation of Traits 

• Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Organisms

• Natural Selection, Adaptations and Evolution 

We use a series of unit text books titled Science and Global Issues: Biology.  Each unit is framed with an overall focus to guide the learning and instruction based on a real life issue such as... How should we prevent the spread of an infectious disease? or How is a growing population affecting the availability of natural resources?  These text books are only used in the classroom.  Students will have access to a digital version in the google classroom.  

Students can request an older textbook, Biology, New York State, to be used for reading, studying and for reference.  Please leave this textbook in a safe place at home.  Children should always use their textbook for additional support, NOT the internet!