explore biology

Welcome to Biology!

I am excited that we can all engage in this “study of life” together this year. It is a remarkable science that amazes and inspires those who study it with diligence and passion. My hope is that what we learn and discover will give us a greater appreciation of God’s brilliant design in all forms of life and make us better, wiser stewards of His wonderful creation.

Come explore the fascinating study of LIFE!

This honors course is a comprehensive survey of God’s creation by exposure to different fields in the biological sciences. These fields of study will provide the basic tools to investigate living things, how they work, and how they relate with one another and the physical world — from the small, simple yet complex bacteria to the incredible, amazing human body.

Topics such as theories of biological origins, along with current advances in biotechnology, environmental issues, and their social implications are studied from a biblical perspective. Opposing world views are discussed throughout the course so students might see the truth of Scripture in light of scientific study.

In addition to lectures and discussions, other class activities include laboratory experiments, microscopy, and dissections — all designed to enhance their understanding of concepts learned. A “debate” format will be held once during the year, when students present their persuasive outlines on creation vs evolution.

Students will have a chance to hone their research and oral presentation skills in preparation for collegiate work. They will write a short scientific paper on a biotechnology topic of their choice (fall semester) and a human body disease/disorder and treatment (spring semester). Results of their research will be presented in a seminar-type format at the end of each semester.

Special projects will include collection and classification of leaves and wildflowers in the spring. This will be a great opportunity to get out and enjoy nature through the lens of a scientific observer!

Biomolecules

Cells

Bacteria & Viruses

Protists

Fungi

Animals

Plants

The Human Body

The Environment

BIOLOGY covers a wide array of subjects that help us discover the wonders of the living world. We begin our journey learning about the molecules that make up living things in biochemistry. This becomes the foundation as we learn about cells, the fundamental units of life, in cytology and cell biology, the units and patterns of inheritance in genetics, and the methods of manipulating genes and engineering living systems in biotechnology. We will see how organisms are ordered and classified in taxonomy; we will study bacteria and microscopic life through microbiology, fungi through mycology, plants in botany, animals in zoology, and the human body in anatomy and physiology. Finally, we wrap up our year by investigating interactions between the biological and physical world in ecology.

As you can see there is so much to explore! Many scientists spend their lifetimes specializing in just one aspect of biology - and still not know all there is to know. We will cover a lot of ground in one school year - but my prayer is that you will be inspired to become lifelong observers and admirers of God's creation and that you may draw closer to Him as you learn about His incredible handiwork.

"Great are the works of the Lord; studied by all who delight in them." Psalm 111:2 (ESV)

Resources

I like to supplement lessons with videos that help students visualize what we are learning in class. Many are even inspirational! Please know that not all resources (present and future) will be from filmmakers and teachers whose world views or beliefs are completely aligned with yours or mine. That is OK! This is something you will be exposed to all your life. We need to learn to critically discern and glean truth from what we see, read, and hear from the world around us. If you have any questions/comments about the contents of the videos, let's talk about it! I am sure these will open up excellent topics for discussion. [Check out more incredible video resources in the Gallery section of the website].

Credit to Illustra Media and the John 10:10 Project for the video on "The Case for Creation"; Credit to Frank Gregorio of Gregorio Educational Production for video on "Introduction to Biology";

The Double HelixThis film tells the story of the scientists and the evidence involved in one of the most important scientific quests of the 20th century: the discovery of the structure of DNA.

The Chemical Structure of DNAThis animation explores the chemical components and bonds of the nucleotides that make up DNA.

Credit to Howard Hughes Medical institute/BioInteractive for videos on the discovery of the double helix and chemical structure of the DNA

About me

I love discovering the details of life! Every year I enjoy learning along with my students as we embark on the study of living things and the world they inhabit. I taught biology right after college and while in graduate school many, many moons ago. Later I stayed home and raised five wonderful children, who were all home educated as well. I returned to the classroom when we joined various homeschool co-ops as my kids got older. Teaching at PREP this year will be another adventure and God will show us great things! Join me and let us explore biology!