Biology 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. 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.
Students will use the 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 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.