Biology - SC200A/B

Biology - SC200A/B

Learning Recommendations: Proficiency in laboratory techniques and graphing, grade-level reading skills.

General Description: Biology is a year-long lab science course that fulfills graduation and college entrance requirements. It provides foundational knowledge about life and prepares students to make informed decisions regarding health, medicine, genetics, and the environment. The course emphasizes scientific practices such as developing and using models, constructing explanations, and engaging in evidence-based reasoning. Completion of this course helps students prepare for the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) and meets the lab-based science requirements outlined by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).

Content: Students will explore a variety of biological concepts, including:

• Ecology: Matter and energy in ecosystems, population dynamics, human impact on the biosphere, and ecosystem interactions.
• Cellular Biology: Cell structure and function, energetics, growth, and division.
• Genetics: Molecular inheritance, genetic regulation, and biotechnology.
• Evolution: Evolution of populations, biodiversity, and modern classification.

Skills Taught:

• Laboratory techniques.
• Use and care of microscopes.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Data analysis and graphing techniques.

Homework: Students can expect homework 2-3 times per week. Assignments may include completing in-class work, laboratory investigations, textbook exercises, practice worksheets, or independent research. Daily review and study are encouraged.

Course Fees / Materials:

• Goggles.
• Set of colored pencils.
• Lined paper.
• Basic calculator.
• #2 pencils.
• Two colors of pen.
• Journal or notebook.
• 3-ring binder.
• Bound composition book (graph paper preferred).