Biology
*This class is an upper journeyman level class - geared for students age 14-16. However, if you are 13 and are dead set on taking this class, come visit us at the Registration Kick-Off (or before) to see the textbooks we are using. This will help you decide if you are ready for this class. We are dedicated to making sure everyone in this class succeeds, and that starts with helping students have realistic expectations for what this class will require and be like.*
This year we are going to focus on cellular and molecular biology the first semester which will set up our foundation and naturally lead us to second semester’s study of human anatomy and physiology. We will have multiple guest speakers and field trips to learn about those who work in this field and use this knowledge every day for their professions as well as their own personal enjoyment. Also, anticipate fun games, activities, and cool labs.
Time 9:30 - 11:45 | Ages 14-18 | Level Journeyman |
Mentors Becky Hopkins | Tuition $75 Winter Semester |
Class Schedule
Prerequisites
None, but students enrolled in the class will be given homework (chapter readings and videos to watch covering very basic chemistry - atoms, molecules, etc.) that will be DUE on the very first day of class so that we can all start on the same page. (Order your books EARLY so that you will have them in hand A WEEK BEFORE class starts!)
Materials Required
None
Homework
Homework and Supplies: Students are required to purchase ONE of the following two books - Biology: The Science of Life 4th Edition by Robert A. Wallace OR Biology: Exploring Life Student Edition by Neil A. Campbell. A description and purchasing information about the books can be found below. Each week the students will be assigned a chapter from their textbooks to read and study, as well as copy the specifically assigned diagrams from the textbook chapter by hand into the notebooks we will provide them. An example will be shown in class and at the class registration kick-off in August. After the diagrams have been copied, the students will be required to teach someone in their home or neighborhood what the diagram is showing.
Additionally, there will be occasional videos on the blog that will compliment the readings and enhance the students’ understanding of potentially difficult concepts. We will provide all the supplies for in class instruction, activities, games, and labs. Additionally, each student will be expected to complete a semester project, one for both fall and winter semesters. They may choose from the following options: Collect current event news articles relating to biology/health/etc. in a binder. Complete a one paragraph typed summary/reaction write up explaining the article and what you thought of it. Collect at least one article each week. Choose ONE book from the mentor provided list to read. Write a two page summary of the book, including your thoughts and questions and how it relates to things we have learned in class - or that you hope to learn if we haven’t covered that topic yet. If there is a particular biological topic that interests you (anything relating to cellular/molecular biology or human anatomy/physiology), go deeper and study up on it on your own. Become an expert on that topic. Then, write and submit a three page paper (minimum) that explains and teaches that concept - as if you were writing a section in a text book or other book for students. You can include your own diagrams if you want, but make sure the text is at least 3 pages long.Conduct a biology related science fair project and submit it to the WHEN science fair. The fair is in February or March, so if you choose this option, you could either do it Fall semester and hold on to it until February (and then do a different semester project for winter semester) OR you can do your project over the winterim and have it ready to go for the science fair in Feb/March and count that as your second semester project.
Students should plan on spending 2-4 hours of homework each week for this class. Students who complete ALL the required reading, copying, and semester projects as listed above will be presented with an end of year award that will make you happy!
Notes on the choice of textbooks:
There are TWO textbooks available to be used in this class. While they are cheap and you might be interested in owning both, you only need to have ONE. Read the descriptions of each book below to help you make your choice. Additionally, we will have copies of each book at the class registration kick-off. If you cannot make it to the kick off, you are welcome to come over and peruse the books to get a better feel for which you might like better.
- Biology: The Science of Life 4th Edition by Robert A. Wallace - This book has a photo of penguins on the cover. This is a detailed and in depth biology book used for advanced high school biology and college general biology classrooms. This book covers a lot of material and goes more in depth on each topic than we will cover in class. It has excellent diagrams to help you understand each concept. While the chapters are longer, they are fun to read. The reading level of this book is more advanced. IF YOU CHOOSE THIS BOOK, IT IS EASIEST AND CHEAPEST TO GET A USED COPY FROM AMAZON. If you have looked and cannot find this book available for less than $30, let me know. I have a few extra copies you can buy from me.
- Biology: Exploring Life Student Edition by Neil A. Campbell - This book has a close up photo of an iguana’s eye on the cover. This book is a general high school biology book. It goes more in depth than any other general high school biology book I could find, but we will be going a little MORE in depth in class than what this book covers. The level of reading is on par for this age group, and if you choose this book, you will have less reading than you would have if you had chosen the penguin book that is at a more advanced reading level. However, because this book is shorter but still tries to cover as many topics as the penguin book, it moves faster and I find that its descriptions are sometimes a little lacking and it feels like it may be moving too fast.We’ll be covering everything in class and assigning appropriate youTube videos, so every student, regardless of which book they choose, will have ample opportunity to get the breadth and depth they want out of class. IF YOU CHOOSE THIS BOOK, IT IS EASIEST AND CHEAPEST TO GET A USED COPY FROM THRIFTBOOKS OR AMAZON. Make sure you get the STUDENT EDITION. There is a teacher’s edition and a lab book, but you only want the student edition. If you have trouble finding the right book for under $30, let me know. I have a few extra copies you can buy from me.
Notes
Books Students Provide - Choose only one of these books
Title: Biology: The Science of Life 4th Edition by Robert A. Wallace
Required: Yes - DON'T buy a new book - get it used for around $10 (A NEW book is over $100)
Own or share with sibling?
Notes: Purchase here on Amazon
Title: Biology: Biology: Exploring Life Student Edition by Neil A. Campbell
Required: Yes - DO NOT buy the book new - get it used from Amazon for around $10 (A NEW books is around $100)
Own or share with sibling?
Notes: Purchase here on Amazon
DO NOT buy these books new. You can buy them used from Amazon or Thriftbooks for about $10. If you can't find it for under $30, talk to Anna Mock and she will hook you up! See above for book descriptions so you can choose the appropriate book. YOU ONLY NEED ONE BOOK - but you need it A WEEK BEFORE CLASS STARTS so you can complete the homework due on the first day of class.