431 Biology H

Gr 11 | 6 Class Credits 1 Lab Credit | Year-Long | 6x per Cycle

PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed one year of chemistry.

Biology at the Honors level is the course that will prepare students interested in taking Advanced Placement Biology. It is an investigation of the major themes and ideas of modern biology, including cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, ecology, anatomy and physiology. Students are expected to work independently, and gain understanding of basic concepts with minimal support from the teacher. Teacher support and class time are focused on development of advanced concepts and skills, which build on this basic understanding. A strong understanding of chemistry is expected of all students, as this is used as the foundation for developing a strong understanding of how living organisms function and interact. Students learn through laboratory projects, class discussion, problem solving and independent reading and modeling exercises. All students are required to complete an Independent Research Project during their year of study. Nightly homework and readings will focus on reinforcing and expanding current class discussion, problem solving and preparation for new material the following day.

Essential Skills in the Biology Honors Classroom

SKILL 1: Modeling and Visual Representation 

Students will be able to interpret or construct an effective model in familiar and unfamiliar contexts using all relevant biology content.  

SKILL 2: Concept Description and Explanation

Students will be able to construct an explanation for a scientific phenomenon using all relevant biology content in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.  

SKILL 3: Scientific Methods and Argumentation 

Students will be able to successfully follow all steps of the scientific method and communicate arguments that establish claims and use sufficient evidence and reasoning to support those claims.  

SKILL 4: Data Gathering, Interpretation and Analysis

Students will be able to gather, graphically illustrate, analyze, and interpret data using all relevant biology content in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.