Course Description
Welcome to Biology! This course is structured around the Skyline Curriculum and focuses on the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. Students will explore key biological concepts through hands-on laboratory experiments, model-based learning, collaborative activities, and research projects. Emphasizing the practical application of biology, this course aims to help students understand the living world and make informed decisions on ecological and biological issues.
The course is designed to align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and incorporates elements of the College Readiness Standards and the Common Core State Standards for reading and writing. Sophomore students will earn 0.5 credits per semester (1 credit per year) toward their graduation requirements, building a strong foundation in biology for academic and personal development.
Materials
Students are required to have the following materials:
- Notebook
- Writing utensils
- Scientific Calculator
Recommended options:- TI-30X (~$10–$15)
- TI-84 (graphing calculator with advanced functionality)
All class resources, announcements, and assignments will be managed through Google Classroom.
Grade Distribution
| Assessment Type | Included Assessments | Percentage of Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Classwork | Homework, participation, discussions, bellringers | 20% |
| Formative Assessments | Frequent small assessments (retakes allowed) | 40% |
| Summative Assessments | Labs, projects, unit exams | 40% |
Grading Scale:
- 90% – 100%: A
- 80% – 89%: B
- 70% – 79%: C
- 60% – 69%: D
- Below 50%: F
Scope and Sequence
| Unit | Driving Question |
|---|---|
| 1 | Why did Tom get melanoma, and how can we treat it? |
| 2 | Why does sickle cell disease cause so many symptoms, and how did Alexandria get it? |
| 3 | Why are ultra-processed foods linked to chronic diseases, and how can we redesign our food system? |
| 4 | How did so many different species of finches evolve from one ancestral species? |
| 5 | Why and how do humans have so many different and diverse skin colors? |
| 6 | How do we know how the 8.7 million species on Earth are related? |
| 7 | How do we manage the coyote population in Chicago? |
| 8 | How can we design a local and sustainable food production system? |
Classroom Policies
- Conduct: Students must maintain a respectful and productive learning environment, upholding principles of integrity and engagement.
- Attendance: Students are responsible for catching up on missed work outside of class. Absences will not be addressed during class time.
- Homework and Late Work: Late work is penalized at 50% and will not be accepted after the unit ends.
- Extra Credit: Opportunities are provided sparingly.
Science Safety Agreement
Students must adhere to laboratory safety protocols, including:
- Following all instructions and using equipment properly.
- Wearing appropriate protective gear.
- Avoiding unauthorized experiments and unsafe behavior.
- Reporting any accidents or unsafe conditions to the teacher immediately.
Both students and guardians are required to sign a safety agreement before participating in laboratory activities.