Honors Biology (Year Long: Grades 8-12)

Honors Biology

Length: 1 Full Year

(2) Semesters

Grade Level: 8-12

Prerequisites: Middle School Life Science/Previous Honors Level Courses

Students can register at anytime during the year and move at their own self pace.

This subject is designed to provide a general background for the understanding of the science of Biology. 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. It discusses Genetics, Cytology, Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, Populations, and Ecology.  Issues, concerns, and problems with life are also included. It also deals with the basic principles and processes in the study of biology. It covers life processes and interactions at the cellular, organism, population, and ecosystem levels.

General Standards:

 The learner demonstrates 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.

Why is Biology important? 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, 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. 

Self Paced Online Format  
This includes access to a customized Biology Google Classroom, online textbook, labs, and interactive graded assessments. The course will follow a self paced format, with 5 tasks to complete each week for a total of 17 weeks (85 assignments) in a semester. Biology consists of a full year course broken up into two semesters. 

Live Online Format

With this live format, students meet with Mrs. Collins for once a week for the full year providing short lessons/labs. With the live format students are provided weekly deadlines, and follow a pacing schedule. 

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)

www.gavirtual.com

Evolution Questions:

In this course I will feature a neutral stance toward religion, and will not be covering evolution or religious themes in this general Biology class.  Instead the goal is to teach a standards based science course with a large focus on cellular biology. Any mention of evolution will be in relation to changes of animals over time (beak size, growth of hair because of weather changes). 

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.

Unit Topics:

Living vs Nonliving

Cells & Cell Types

Cell Processes

DNA Helix, RNA

Genetics & Heredity

Genetic Conditions

Mitosis vs Meiosis

Punnett Squares

Homeostasis

Body Systems

Ecology

Honors Level Information: This course will be offered using the honors level science standards. Students will be provided regular Biology but with more inquiry based labs, and additional case studies to research. Students will have on average 2 mini labs per week, and vocabulary practice each week. Material will be provided at a Lexile reading level of 1070, with chapter sections from CK-12 and GA Virtual. To meet the honors standards, students will also complete video summaries of lessons and complete a capstone at the end. Support will be provided throughout the course, if needed, for the capstone project.

Tuition:

Self Paced Option

$10/Week for 36 Weeks (2 Semesters)

=$360

Live Zoom Option

$25/Zoom for 36 Weeks (2 Semesters)

=$900

Payment plans available.