Grade 9 Entry: The recommendation of Grade 8 Science teacher (includes Grade Level Expectations/report card grades). Students must concurrently enroll in Geometry, Geometry Honors or a higher level math.
Grade 10 or higher Entry: Grade of A- or higher in Earth and Space Science, B+ in Chemistry and B in Chemistry Honors.
Biology Honors is an introductory life science course that explores structure and function, inheritance and variation of traits, matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems, interdependent relationships in ecosystems, and natural selection and evolution. Student capacity for self-motivation, independent learning, higher-level critical thinking skills are expected. This course follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) HS-LS1-1 to HS-LS1-7, HS-LS2-1 to HS-LS2-8, HS-LS3-1 to HS-LS3-3, HS-LS4-1 to HS-LS4-5 and include deeper extension of topics at a faster pace.
Students will use NGSS science and engineering practices to develop answers to the following questions:
- How do the structures of organisms enable life’s functions?
- How do organisms obtain and use energy they need to live and grow? How do matter and energy move through ecosystems?
- How do organisms interact with the living and non-living environment to obtain matter and energy?
- How does biodiversity affect humans?
- How are the characteristics from one generation related to the previous generation?
- How can there be so many similarities among organisms yet so many different plants, animals, and microorganisms?
The course will include core unit formative/summative assessments. Understanding of concepts will be developed through collaborative lab experiences, tests and projects. Student learning in these situations will be assessed individually using the HS Grade Descriptors.
“Honors Biology was my absolute favorite class in freshman year, and I truly think everyone who takes it has the potential to succeed. It is a course heavy with reading assignments, although I will say they are definitely manageable and will only take extended periods of time if you take unnecessary amounts of notes (only note down what is most important!). Both teachers are really fantastic and truly want you to succeed. You may receive a grade lower than you would like at the beginning, but there's a lot of emphasis on the fact that you are on a learning journey, and Honors Biology is a genuinely interesting course that I'd recommend all to take!”
- Laura Leal (Class of 2025)
“I took Honors Biology as a freshman, and it was one of my favorite courses that I took. Although it was difficult and a big jump from the workload from middle school, it was still enjoyable and rewarding. The broad course curriculum allows you to explore topics ranging from microscopic DNA to macroevolutionary processes. One tip is to pay attention in class because it can really reduce the amount of work you need to put in outside of it“
- Lauren Tse, Class of 2025
“Honors Biology is truly an eye-opening class - the content is so interesting, and the class is lots of fun. There is definitely a lot of reading and memorizing, but it all pays off because these skills are very useful in High School and beyond. However, especially for freshmen, it is one of the most content-heavy classes, so make sure to reach out to teachers during office hours once you have questions and don't let things pile up. It's a very rewarding experience, and I highly recommend it.”
- Kristy Luk (Class of 2025)