This course is written for students in grades 9-12. The course begins with Cell Biology and then covers Molecular Biology and Genetics, Evolution and Diversity of Life and Ecology. Students are asked to view videos, tutorials and animations, play biology games and complete simulations. Most assignments have follow-up activities that include 3-2-1 key fact assignments, automated quizzes, vocabulary word walls, and concept maps. At the end of each week, students complete a weekly quiz to test their knowledge of the content and are asked to reflect on their performance. At the end of each unit, students reflect on the content of the unit in a class discussion and complete a unit test.
All course material is included within the online course. There is no need to purchase textbooks or material of any kind.
Please note that because this course is eight weeks in duration, and students are expected to work approximately ten hours per week, the course will therefore not cover a full year's curriculum with the same depth that is covered in a year-long course. In addition, if the student is taking this course for credit recovery, it is advised that you check with the student's school to confirm that the topics covered (see course syllabus) match those required by the school. You may also want to confirm with the school the process for receiving credits, which may involve an assessment administered separately by the school.