Name of Course: Biology
Texts: Biology by Kenneth R. Miller and Joseph Levine
Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide
Department: Science
Teachers: Laurel Flyer and Christina Cavalier
Overall Scope: This course is an introduction to a variety of biological concepts, including ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, botany, zoology, genetics and evolution. Students are expected to gain an understanding of the mechanisms and requirements for life that are common to the existence of all organisms. By studying these common elements, students should gain an appreciation of the unity and diversity of life. Investigations and studies are designed to engage students in inquiry to develop understanding of core concepts.
Instructional Objectives: Students should develop a basic understanding of
the core concepts of biology, including:
• An understanding
of science as a process.
• An understanding of the interactions between organisms and their environments.
• An understanding of the cellular basis of life on Earth, including the
energy transfers involved in photosynthesis and cell respiration, and the reproduction
of cells.
• An understanding of the basics of molecular biology, including the structure
and function of DNA and RNA, and an awareness of current research in this area.
• An understanding of the principles of heredity.
• An understanding that evolutionary processes provide the framework which
explains the unity and diversity of life on Earth.
• An understanding of the great biodiversity exhibited on our planet and
in Maryland specifically, through the study of microorganisms, fungi, plants,
invertebrate and vertebrate animals.
Skills Developed:
• Observing carefully
• Measuring precisely
• Collecting, organizing and analyzing data
• Hypothesizing, inferring and modeling scientific concepts
• Communication skill, including presenting findings clearly in written
and oral form, and being able to defend an idea with well-organized evidence.
• Organizing an effective notebook
• Develop time management skills in the implementation of long term, independent
projects
• Using dichotomous keys to identify local species, especially macroinvertebrates,
wildflowers and other indigenous organisms
• Develop skill in using the Computer Based Lab (CBL) system to collect
and analyzed experimental data
• Develop skills in using computers to research topics
• To develop note taking skills from text, lecture and discussion
Sequence
• Ecology: A study of the interactions and interdependence of organisms
on Earth, including projects on Food Webs and Biodiversity, and investigations
of Population Density, Limiting Nutrients and Interactions of Species.
• Biology Tools and Methods: A study of the tools
• Cells
• Mendelian Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Evolution
• Microorganisms and Fungi
• Plant Structure and Function
• Animal Structure and Function
Learning Approaches: Differences in learning are taken into consideration in the variety of approaches used in teaching the class. Presentation of material is done with a variety of techniques to aid auditory, visual and kinesthetic/tactile learners. Lab partners/groups work together to design and conduct labs, though lab reports are written by the individual. Other approaches include oral presentations on topics , creative informative posters, small and large group discussion and debate.
Grading/Assessment: Students will demonstrate skills and knowledge with a variety of assessments including tests and quizzes, written lab reports, oral presentations, projects and laboratory skill assessments. Grading rubrics will be used for the non-traditional assessments so that expectations are clear. Opportunities are provided for creative work in projects including long term projects (one to two months) in Biodiversity in the Autumn and Wildflowers in the spring. Students complete short term projects (one to two weeks) on food webs, cell analogies and genetic diseases.