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Description
In this eight-week Biology course, students will explore essential topics covered in a typical high school biology course. The course begins by looking at cells and the various macromolecules that are important for life, and their role in maintaining homeostasis. Students will learn the basics of DNA structure, replication and protein synthesis before moving on to the study of genetics. Students will explore Gregor Mendel and his principles of inheritance, discuss what happens when those principles do not apply, and practice predicting offspring probabilities using Punnett Squares. Students will reflect on important biotechnological advancements in the field of genetics before moving on to the Evolution unit. In this unit students will explore the evidence behind the theory and consider the process of natural selection as the mechanism for evolution, reviewing and predicting trends in populations. In the final Ecology unit, students will identify the organizational hierarchy of our planet, trace the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients through ecosystems, and uncover the advantage and delicate balance of biodiversity. In the last week of the course, students will consider human impacts on biodiversity and the planet, and discuss ways in which our actions can support the sustainability of life on Earth.
Throughout the 8 weeks, students will be using both hands-on lab activities, as well as virtual lab activities to investigate topics. The online interactive Ebook will provide background reading that allows students to highlight their text, take notes while reading, and answer questions along the way to gauge their understanding of the readings. Throughout many of the units, students will be asked to create and analyze models of systems and processes and will participate in weekly discussions around current events or other relevant topics.
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.
Prerequisites
None
Course Objectives
Students will:
- employ the scientific method to answer questions about the natural world.
- describe how the structure of living things, from molecules within cells to the largest unit of an ecosystem, impacts their function.
- explain how DNA controls cellular processes that code for the variety of traits of each unique individual, and predict how those traits are passed on from one generation to the next.
- describe why homeostasis is important for the health and the survival of an individual, and provide examples of homeostatic mechanisms.
- explain the mechanism for evolution and describe how it leads to changes in species over time.
- illustrate how energy flows through ecosystems while nutrients are recycled.
- discuss why biodiversity is important for the sustainability of our biome.
- evaluate the impact of humans on the health of the ecosystems on Earth.
Additional Requirements
This course requires student access to certain materials for hands-on laboratory activities:
water
salt
spoon
eggs
white vinegar
cups (plastic or glass)
syrup (Karo, or maple)
ruler
markers
construction paper
various craft supplies (pipe cleaners, beads, clay, craft sticks, etc)
straws
stopwatch (cell phone timer is okay)
patterned fabric, cloth or carpet
stove or hot plate
sugar
measuring spoons and cups
paper towels
freezer
ice
measuring tape
bag of dried mixed beans, or similar item (such as mixed candy including M&Ms, or Skittles)
scissors
packet of brewer's yeast
hydrogen peroxide
hole punch
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Details
Discipline:
Science - Life Science
Level:
High School Standard
Grade:
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
When Offered:
Summer
Duration:
8 weeks
Lab Kit Purchase Required:
No
Accredited:
Cognia (AdvancED), Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Summer Courses Certified by NCAA for Credit Recovery (VHS Learning School Code:221356)
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