Biology

Teachers: Mrs. Kristol Blankenship, Mrs. Sara Cann, Mrs. Mistie Dickenson, Mrs. Annette Meyer, Ms. Jessica Ofsa, Mrs. Susie Spiers

 

Levels: 

Biology

College Bound Biology

Advanced Biology

Biology II - Anatomy and Physiology

AP Biology

Registration guide information

• Biology is designed to provide students with an understanding of living systems. Emphasis is placed on the skills necessary to examine scientific explanations, actively conduct controlled experiments, and analyze and communicate information. The history of biological thought and the evidence that supports it are explored and provide the foundation for investigating biochemical life processes, cellular organization, mechanisms of inheritance, dynamic relationships among organisms, and the change in organisms through time. Emphasis is placed on student-centered learning, whereby concepts, rather than facts, are taught in an active learning environment with application of these concepts to current technology.

• College Bound Biology is designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of living systems, with an emphasis on actively conducting controlled experiments and analyzing and communicating information on unity and diversity of life forms. The history of biological thought and supporting evidence provide the foundation for investigating biochemical life processes, cellular organization, mechanisms of inheritance, dynamic relationships among organisms, and the change in organisms through time. Students will explore rapid advances in biotechnology and build proficiency in study skills and problem solving.

• Advanced Biology requires advanced intellectual engagement, sharp problem-solving skills, reasoning and analyzing, sophisticated research experience, broad intellectual horizons, and a devotion to a rigorous, intensive, fast-paced level of learning. The laboratory component, technology, and extensive writing are key factors in this course. This course will cover living systems, history of biological thought, evidence that supports it, foundation for investigating biochemical life processes, cellular organization, relationships among organisms, and change in organisms through time. Students will also examine alternative scientific explanations, conduct experiments, analyze information, and use scientific literature. Students are required to work outside of class completing research, extensive reading, independent assignments, and projects.

• Anatomy and Physiology is an advanced course designed to stimulate interest in the structure and function of the human body, and to promote inquiry into what scientific developments are taking place today in the fields of medicine, health, and disease. Emphasis is placed on common medical terms and classroom and laboratory experiences that prepare students to enter scientific professions such as nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, etc.

• Advanced Placement Biology is a second-year, laboratory-centered biology course designed to help students develop an understanding of how biological information is collected, how it is interpreted, and how hypotheses are formulated to make further predictions. Students focus on three broad content areas: the molecular and cellular, the organismal, and the populational. In this college-level course, which may require two periods, the major emphasis is on laboratory observations and experimentation; standard biology laboratories as well as the Life Sciences and Biotechnology Laboratories are used. Students work individually or in small groups, pursuing experimental investigations with a minimum of dependence upon the teacher. Careful planning of research, record keeping, and the analysis and the interpretation of experimental results are required. Students are prepared to take the advanced placement biology examination.