Middle/High School Course Syllabus

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SYLLABUS (Subject to change)

Summary: This is a 20 week Biology Course for students in 6th-12th grades, covering an in depth study of ecosystems, cellular biology, genetics, evolution, plants, animals, and a strong focus on human biology. Classes will be 1.25-1.5 hours long. We will be having labs, including dissections. Students must bring a pair of clear safety goggles to the first class with their names written on them in permanent ink.

Week 1: The Nature of Life and Ecology Week 2: Cells- Part 1: Cell Structure and Function Week 3: Cells- Part 2: Cellular Respiration, Growth, and Division Week 4: Genetics- Part 1: Introduction to Genetics, DNA & RNA Week 5: Genetics- Part 2: Genetic Engineering and the Human Genome Week 6: Evolution- Part 1: Darwin's Theory, Evolution of Populations Chapter Test #1 Week 7: Evolution- Part 2: History and Classification of Life Week 8: Microorganisms and Fungi Week 9: Plants- Part 1: Plant Diversity and Structure Week 10: Plants- Part 2: Reproduction, Responses, and Adaptations Week 11: Invertebrates- Part 1: Sponges, Cnidarians, Worms, and Mollusks Lab: Earthworm Dissection Chapter Test #2 Week 12: Invertebrates- Part 2: Arthropods, Echinoderms, Comparing Invertebrates Lab: Grasshopper Dissection Week 13: Chordates- Part 1: Nonvertebrate Chordates, Fishes, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds Lab: Virtual Frog Dissection Week 14: Chordates- Part 2: Mammals and Animal Behavior Lab: Fetal Pig Dissection Week 15: The Human Body- Part 1: Nervous System Chapter Test #3 Week 16: The Human Body- Part 2: Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary Systems Lab: How Tendons Work Week 17: The Human Body- Part 3: Circulatory and Respiratory Systems Week 18: The Human Body- Part 4: Digestive, Excretory, Endocrine, and Reproductive Systems Week 19: The Human Body Part 5: The Immune System and Disease Extra Credit Due Week 20: Science Fair and Final Exam

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION What to bring: Pen/Pencil

What to expect: This is a comprehensive and intensive biology course. You are expected to come to class prepared and ready to learn. Disruptive students will be not be tolerated. We are working with preserved speciments, scientific chemicals, and tools. Safety must be the top priority at all times. And last, but not least, expect to have FUN! Biology is a fascinating subject, and we are going to learn and do a lot of awesome things!

AVAILABLE TRACKS Low Intensity Track: Students will only do classroom work- listening to lectures, receiving notes, and participating in labs. No homework or exams. No final grade. Medium Intensity Track: Low intensity track, plus students will be required to study their notes for weekly quizzes. They will also be taking chapter tests, doing the end of semester project, and taking the final exam. No textbook is required. This is a great track for students who need to learn time management, study, and test taking skills. No final grade. High Intensity Track (HIT): Medium intensity track, plus students will be required to read material from their textbook and complete weekly homework assignments. Homework can be found at www.homeschool-academy.com

Textbook: Prentice Hall Biology by Miller and Levine. 2006. ISBN-10: 0131662554 ~$30 on Amazon.

HIT Grading Policy Homework, class work, quizzes 20%, Tests 20%, Labs 20%, Presentation 15%, Final Exam 25% A= 90%-100% B= 80%-89% C= 70%-79% D= 60%-69% F= <60%

Contact: Mary Middlebrook 310-429-1515 [email protected]