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Add To Your WishlistBiology Hybrid Zoom (Grades 8-12)
Add To Your WishlistBiology Hybrid Zoom (Grades 8-12)
My most popular class, is now ready for enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year. This Biology course is a hybrid course, which means the course offers a combination of self paced curriculum and live Zoom meetings.
BIOLOGY
Length: 1 Full Year (30 Weeks)
Format: Google Classroom, Live Zooms
Time: The live Zoom instruction day will be Tuesdays from 11am-12:15 EST. The group will meet on average every other week for live instruction and labs, while working self paced in Google Classroom on independent assignments, science diagrams, and interactive online assessments.
Grade Level: 8-12
Prerequisites: Middle School Life Science
Included: 30 weeks of Google Classroom curriculum, 20 Zooms, access to video recordings if the student is unable to attend live instruction days, and grade reports. Students will receive a grade report for semester 1, and another one for semester 2. At the end of the course, if all assignments have been successfully completed, then a letter of completion will also be provided in a certificate form.
Biology is a key foundation course for high school science. This course develops an appreciation of the beauty of life from its simplest composition at the molecular level to the global spectrum of complex ecological issues. We will begin with the cell and end with our impact on the environment. A hybrid course provides a wonderful variety of self paced modules and live Zooms together. This allows students the option to work at their own pace, but also enjoy the company of others (as we perform labs together).
General Standards:
The student will demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts and processes in Biology as deepened by other disciplines to analyze/solve problems critically, think innovatively / creatively, and make informed decisions to enhance the integrity and wellness of the human person, protect the environment and conserve resources to sustain the quality of life. Students should expect daily assignments as well as projects, quizzes, tests, and laboratory reports. Students will also learn problem solving skills and important study skill tips during the course. The course will meet Next Generation Science Standards and state standards.
Biology Importance:
Biology is known as the prerequisite class for all high school science classes. Biology is normally taken in 9th grade. A strong foundation in Biology provides success in high school. The SAT and ACT, needed for college admission, science section is predominately over Biology and Life Science. So a strong foundation is key.
Biology Grade Level Assessment: $25 (Optional):
If your child has recently finished Biology, left the school system mid year to homeschool, or will be going into Biology; a pre-assessment is a great key to check mastery. Using Quizizz a code will be provided for the student to take the assessment. The assessment will cover all of the state standards needed to check Biology mastery. The student will need to devote 40-70 minutes to the assessment. The parent will be needed to supervise that additional window or internet help is not used during the test to have a true test of accuracy/comprehension. Biology assessments can be taken at any time during the year. After, a grade will be provided immediately. The parent will then receive a copy of the test and a recommendation regarding skill mastery.
Online Format:
This includes access to a customized Biology Google Classroom, online textbook, labs, interactive graded assessments, and live group Zooms. The course will follow a hybrid format, with tasks to complete each week in Google Classroom in addition to live Zooms. Students will be expected to keep up the pacing and work independently in Google Classroom each week.
Mid Year Registration:
Mid year registeration is open, and students leaving the school system who have previously taken first semester, are also welcome. Email sciencewithcollins@gmail.com regarding mid year registration fees.
Meetings:
The class will provide a full year of Biology credit condensed into a 30 week format. The first semester will hold 15 weeks of instruction. The second semester will hold 15 weeks of instruction. The weeks are perfectly tailored to include the easier formatted material on the weeks of self paced instruction. Then the Zooms are when we will be discussed and covering the harder concepts, taking live assessments, and performing labs together. The class will meet for 20 Zoom instruction days.
Curriculum Resources:
https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-biology-flexbook-2.0/
https://www.generationgenius.com/science-videos-for-kids/
https://bio.libretexts.org/Courses/Lumen_Learning/Biology_I_Laboratory_Manual_(Lumen)
Evolution/Religion Questions:
Every year as I offer Biology I normally have questions on my stance regarding religion or evolution. Please note that I have worked in a private Christian school, and I have over 15 years teaching in a public secular classroom in the school system. I maybe a unicorn on my stance, but I do not like to teach politics, religion, or anything that can cause students to be confused. I would prefer those topics to be handled between the student and the homeschool parent. Instead I am here to provide standard based instruction, explain basic Biology concepts, and help students perform fun science labs. Any mention of evolution will be in relation to changes of animals over time (beak size, hair growth, animal adaptation methods). This stance seems to help parents feel more comfortable and allow parents to discuss that topic instead at home, if needed by the family. I will also not be bringing in religion or any other uncomfortable topics in my lessons. Feel free to message me with any specific questions to make the choice to enroll easier.
State Laboratory Requirement:
This course does meet the state laboratory requirement, and will require students to practice labs using step-by-step laboratory processes and with the use of lab reports. Students will upload images and video responses to lab assignments. This course has more than the usual lab activities which makes this class very popular. The instructor believes in hands-on learning to help with comprehension. Students will take notes in a science spiral, create notecards of new vocabulary, draw science diagrams, research topics, create summary paragraphs, and perform lots of labs during the session.
Scope & Sequence
Unit 1 History Of Biology Video Lessons
The Science Of Biology
Famous Biologists
The Future Of Biology
Unit 2 Taxonomy & Classification Methods Video Lessons
Taxonomy
Levels Of Classification
Binomial Nomenclature
Dichotomous Key
Unit 3 Cell Structures Video Lessons
Introduction To Cells
Cell Parts & Functions
Plant Cells
Animal Cells
Unit 4 Cell Processes Video Lessons
Cell Transport
Photosynthesis
Cell Respiration
Products of Cell Processes
Unit 5 Cell Growth & Division Video Lessons
Cell Cycle
Cell Division
Mitosis
Meiosis
Unit 6 DNA Video Lessons
Structure Of DNA
Transcription, Translation, & Replication
RNA
Unit 7 Genetics Video Lessons
Introduction To Genetics
Heredity
Genetic Conditions
Gene Engineering
Unit 8 Body Systems
Integumentary: Skin, hair, nails, and glands provide protection and regulate body temperature.
Skeletal: Bones provide support, protect organs, and enable movement.
Muscular: Muscles enable movement, posture, and heat production.
Nervous: Brain, spinal cord, and nerves control body functions and respond to stimuli.
Endocrine: Glands secrete hormones that regulate various bodily processes.
Circulatory (Cardiovascular): Heart, blood vessels, and blood transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones.
Lymphatic: Lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, and lymph fluid are involved in immunity and fluid balance.
Respiratory: Lungs, trachea, and bronchi facilitate gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
Digestive: Mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and accessory organs break down food and absorb nutrients.
Urinary (Excretory): Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra filter waste from the blood and excrete it.
Reproductive: Organs involved in reproduction, including the female reproductive system and the male reproductive system.
Unit 9 Variation Of Species
Introduction To Variations
Variations To Plants
Variations To Animals
Unit 10 Survival Adaptation Video Lessons
Introduction To Survival Adaptations
Animal Adaptations
Behavior Adaptations
Plant Adaptations
Unit 11 Ecology Video
Introduction To Ecology
Symbiosis
Pollution
Human Impact
Unit 12 Capstone Research
During this unit, students will pick one of the previous units topics to research further. The group will be taught how to create a Google Slideshow for the presentation. Time will be given the last week of class for the student to complete the research and add a 3d visual. This will not be presented to the class, but uploaded to Google Classroom for the teacher to grade.
Supply List:
spiral notebook or scrapbook type book (70 page minimum)
pencil, pen, highlighter, tape, stapler, glue, scissors
coloring pencils
tape-invisible, masking, and duct tape
ziploc bags in various sizes to hold notecards for each unit
notecards
play-doh or modeling clay
DNA helix-gummy bear, Twizzlers, toothpicks
Osmosis-clear cups, gummy bears, potatoes, kitchen sponge, vinegar, kool aid, sugar, corn syrup
Cells-plate, shampoo, small items or small pieces of candy to represent cell parts, toothpicks, tape, scissors
Edible Cell-cake mix, icing, small pieces of candy
Edible blood-food coloring, corn syrup, chocolate syrup
Platelet bottle-empty water bottle, cheerios, water, food coloring, marshmallows
Bottle lung-water bottle, balloons, tape, straws, clay or play-doh, masking tape
Diffusion-Food coloring (red, blue), straws, a few glass jars to hold water, raw potatoes, eggs, clear cups
Mitosis Lab-gummy worms or longwise candy, string, paper towels
watercolor paint set with brush for various body system science sketch opportunities
paper towels
paper plates
construction paper
food coloring
marbles or pebbles
dry rice
ruler
yarn
tissue paper
Diagram Practice: dry erase marker, small dry erase board or wipeable surface
Skeleton Fun: black construction paper, q-tips, glue
Digestion Lab: crackers, Sprite or 7Up, 1 gallon ziploc bag
Paper Anatomy Models-cardstock white or cream paper, coloring pencils, scissors, tape, glue
Neuron Model Lab: play-doh or clay, paper towels, plate, pipe cleaners
Muscle Lab: dried spaghetti, two pieces of bread, jelly
Common kitchen supplies for labs: vinegar, pepper, salt, sugar, corn starch, kitchen, wax paper, foil
Edible Skin Layer Lab: red jello, water, mini marshmallows, fruit rollup, twizzlers or licorice whips
Bone Lab-plate, rotisserie chicken, gloves
Kidney Filtering Lab: clear cup, glitter, breads or small pieces of plastic, soil, paper towels, tape,
small strainer, a few cottonballs
grocery store flower to observe the parts
dissection kit (optional) with tweezers and scapel
hand sanitizer
one hole punch
leaf from outside
rotting log outside (optional but helpful to find one to observe decomposers)
Petri Dishes with pre-made agar (3 needed)
qtips
shoebox or cardboard box
posterboard
piece of bread
shoebox or pencil pouch to hold notecards
permanent markers
iodine
peroxide
glasses to mix things in
Dissections: In this course will will feature a cow eye dissection, and a sheep brain. This are optional dissections, but they will be performed on the live Zoom together for the ones who would like to participate. A list of the best dissection supplier will be provided a month or two before the dissection. I am still in the process of getting prices for the season but when I get the price I will share the link. The dissection supplies will cost (on average) around $25.
Semester 1:
August 19, 26
September 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
October 7, 21, 28
November 4, 11, 18
December 2, 9
We will not have class on October 14 (SWMC Fall Break), and November 25 (Thanksgiving Week).
Semester 2:
January 6, 13, 20, and 27
February 3, 10, 24
March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
April 14, 21, and 28
We will not have class on February 17 (SWMC Winter Break), and April 7 (SWMC Spring Break).