Class Overview
About (Honors Biology) 
Biology emphasizes five major topics: molecules, cells, ecology, genetics, evolution, and human physiology as covered in the Next Generation Science Standards. Experimental procedures, ecology, cellular energy, and evolution are covered in the first semester. Genetics, cells, human physiology, and HIV/STI instruction are taught in the second semester. Diverse learning activities are used in the classroom in order to develop a variety of skills. It is my expectation that you come to the class prepared, so you can be actively involved in classroom discussions and activities. This course serves as a prerequisite for AP Biology.
Class Learning Practices
The Next Generation Standards are connected with the following eight practices:
- Asking Questions and Defining Problems
- Developing and Using Models
- Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Engaging in Argument from Evidence
- Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Expectations
- Class Materials: All students need a chromebook and folder/binder for their Biology work. All students need college-ruled paper, pencils, and pens. Other materials that can help the student be a successful and independent learner include: ruler, eraser, colored pencils, highlighters, note cards, and post-it notes.
- You will need to attend classroom at the appropriate time and days of the week ready to learn and participate in discussions. A lecture class will include a mixture of PowerPoint/Google slide presentations, discussions, case studies, lab activities, and problem solving questions.
- We will be doing biology labs as well as a few additional ones to help enhance your knowledge and understanding of the topics of the year. You will be asked to answer analysis questions after all of the laboratories, as well as graphing and manipulating data. For each of the biology labs, you may be asked to write a full lab report, mini-poster presentation, or Google slide presentation, take a pre-lab quiz, or take a post-lab quiz. The laboratory experience will give each of you the opportunity to learn new physical skills, learn to work with others, find out how biology really works, and create student driven experiments. You will be given the laboratory instructions several days in advance so you can be prepared to do the work.
- You will be required to keep track of your work either written or turned in through Canvas, which involves all bellringer questions, notes, assignments, handouts, labs, and activities. To keep track that you are completing the assigned work, I will be doing audit checks at the end of each unit to ensure efficiency.
- Test and quiz questions will involve both multiple-choice questions, short answer questions and essays.