Biology A & B The Living Earth (Period Periods 1, 3,4 & 6 )

Course Description

The framework of this course syllabus is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards of California.  Students will develop understanding of four life sciences disciplinary core ideas (DCI); (1) From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes; (2) Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics; (3) Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits; and (4) Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity. Lessons, readings, homework, hands-on activities and projects in each disciplinary core ideas is anchored on performance expectations (PE), engineering practices and crosscutting concepts. The course focuses on number of core ideas to allow students to explore each idea in greater depth and engage themselves in scientific investigation and argumentation and achieve depth of understanding. Lessons are designed to integrate knowledge of scientific explanations in life sciences, earth science and science practices needed to engage learners in scientific inquiry and engineering design. Thus, students are expected to actively participate in laboratory and non-laboratory group interactions that would enhance the development of critical-thinking skills.