Biology
Biology for the Logic Stage
Required Texts:
Holt Science & Technology: Life Science Student Edition. ISBN 978-0030462245 - Digital Course Textbook
Course Description
Biology for the Logic Stage is a course in the study of life and living things. This course will help us all to better appreciate the creatures around us, understand the marvels of the human body and the magnificent processes of life. Throughout the year, we will investigate why living things look and behave like they do. We will uncover the concepts of cells, DNA, classification and cycles in the biosphere, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates, migration and defenses in animals and the human body.
Many of the concepts we explore build on each other, making it essential for students to continually reflect on their understanding of the content. Students will be expected to demonstrate connections through narrative summaries and experimental design; to complete several independent and group projects; to develop and refine their observation and critical thinking skills and to practice working independently as well as in groups as they design experiments, conduct scientific investigations, develop skills in collecting and interpreting data, and write up reports.
In order to be successful, you must complete all assignments, be reflective of your understanding, collaborate and participate in class, and most importantly, ask for help if needed.
Assignments
Students will complete both individual lab reports and group lab reports, where two, three or four students will collaborate on a specific topic. Students will also complete narrative summaries associated with a specific topic. In addition, there will be two research-based projects to be carried out individually. Lab reports (individual and group) as well as narrative summaries are worth 40% of the final grade.
This is the breakdown for Assignments:
5 Independent Labs are each worth 4% for a total of 20%.
4 Group Labs are each worth 2.5% for a total of 10%.
5 Narrative Summaries are each worth 2% for a total of 10%.
Tests
There will be two tests assigned: one in the middle of the fall semester and one in the middle of the spring semester. The fall semester test will be a multiple choice test on material covered since the beginning of the course and the spring semester test will be a multiple choice test on material covered from the beginning of the spring semester. Each test is worth 10% of the final grade.
Mid-Year & Final Evaluations
The Mid-Year Evaluation will be a multiple choice examination on material covered from the beginning of the course through the end of the fall semester. The Final Evaluation will be a multiple choice examination on material covered from the beginning of the second semester through the end of the course. More detail will be provided on these assessments during the fall and spring semesters. Each evaluation is worth 10% of the final grade.
Famous Biologist Report
During the fall semester, students will be assigned a biologist and will conduct preliminary research, create an outline, write a rough draft, and then turn in a final report, with feedback from the instructor along the way. The report should be at least 200 words. This project is worth 10% of the overall grade.
Science Fair Project
During the spring semester, students will be given a choice of five topics and develop a science fair project that will require them to work through the scientific method from start to finish. This project is worth 10% of the overall grade.
Grading breakdown
Assignments (individual/group lab reports and narrative summaries): 40%
Test 1: 10%
Test 2: 10%
Mid-Year Evaluation: 10%
Final Evaluation: 10%
Famous Biologist Report: 10%
Science Fair Project: 10%
Schedule:
FALL SEMESTER / SPRING SEMESTER
TOPIC 1: Weeks 1 - 3
Living Creatures
Classification
Scientific Names & Common Names
The Scientific Method
Group Lab: What kind of tree is it?
Narrative Summary: DKES pg. 310 - 311
TOPIC 6: Weeks 18 - 20
Vertebrates
Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
Group Lab: Which type of fur keeps mammals warmer?
Narrative Summary: DKES pg. 326 - 335
TOPIC 2: Weeks 4 - 6
Cells
Prokaryotic Cells
Plant Cells
Animal Cells
DNA
Genetics
Individual Lab: DNA Extraction
TOPIC 7: Weeks 21 - 23
Migration
Animal Defenses
Feeding and Nutrition
Life Cycles
Individual Lab: Design an animal that uses camouflage for defense.
FALL INDIVIDUAL PROJECT:
Famous Biologist Biography
SPRING INDIVIDUAL PROJECT:
Science Fair
TEST 1
TEST 2
TOPIC 3: Weeks 7 - 9
Cycles in the Biosphere
Nitrogen Cycle
Oxygen Cycle
Phosphorus Cycle
Carbon Cycle
Water Cycle
Individual Project: Diorama
Narrative Summary: DKES pg. 372
TOPIC 8: Weeks 24 - 27
Human Body I
Integumentary System
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Nervous System
Endocrine System
Group Lab: Does adrenalin affect my breathing and heart rate?
TOPIC 4: Weeks 10 - 12
Life of Plants
Parts of a Plant
Fungi
Angiosperms
Gymnosperms
Photosynthesis
Individual Lab: Can I grow mold?
TOPIC 9: Weeks 28 - 31
Human Body II
Circulatory System
Respiratory System
Digestive System
Urinary System
Immune System
Individual Lab: Do kidneys filter out liquids or solids?
Narrative Summary: DKES pg. 345
TOPIC 5: Weeks 13 - 16
Invertebrates
Annelids, Platyhelminthes & Nematodes
Cnidarians and Echinoderms
Mollusks
Crustaceans
Insects
Group Lab: Do insects play a part in decomposition?
Narrative Summary: DKES pg. 320 - 323
Weeks 32 - 33
Science Fair Presentation
Review for Final Evaluation
MID YEAR EVALUATION: Week 17
FINAL EVALUATION: Week 34