Basics of Biology (Self Paced)

This course will include presentations, guided notes, videos, reading, writing, graphic organizers, experiments/labs, and demonstrations.  I'm a firm believer in creating engaging learning experiences. 

*Students should have knowledge of middle school sciences prior to this course. 

Meeting 1:  Chemical Symphony: Exploring the Biochemical Magic of Life
Meeting 2:  Cellular Marvels: Exploring Structure, Function, and Homeostasis
Meeting 3:  Genetics/PTC Traits Lab
Purchase PTC Paper:  https://www.amazon.com/Bartovation-Phenylthiourea-PTC-Paper-Strips/dp/B01A9DOL9I/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=PTC+paper&qid=1576542971&sr=8-3

Meeting 4:  DNA Structure & Function/DNA Extraction 
***Materials Needed:
6 tablespoons of water (90 mL)
Small Glass Container
2 teaspoons of dish soap
¼ tsp salt
3 strawberries
Zipper-lock bag
Cheesecloth
1 tsp (5 -8 ml) of the CHILLED 90% isopropyl alcohol
Tweezers or toothpick

Meeting 5:  Biotechnology Part 1 (CRISPR, GMO, Cloning, Stem Cells, Geneology)
Meeting 6:  Biotechnology Part 2 (Gel Electrophoresis & DNA Fingerprinting)
Meeting 7:  Ecology:  Adaptations of Living Organisms/Create Your Own Organism Activity/Peppered Moth Simulation
Meeting 8:  Ecology:  Bird Beak Lab
Materials Needed for Bird Beak Adaptation Lab:
1.  Tweezers
2.  2 Plastic Spoons
3.  Pipette
https://www.amazon.com/Rienar-Disposable-Transfer-Graduated-Pipettes/dp/B00P7QZDK4/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=pipette&qid=1581299467&sr=8-4
4.  Clothespin
5.  Graduated Cylinder filled with water (to resemble nectar)
https://www.amazon.com/SEOH-Polypropylene-Plastic-Graduated-Cylinder/dp/B00KI277PQ/ref=sr_1_52?keywords=graduated+cylinder+plastic&qid=1572289707&sr=8-52
6.  20 Rubber Bands (Cut into small pieces - to resemble worms)
7.  1 cup of rice
8.  25-30 beans on a tray (to resemble seeds)
9.  Toothpicks
10.  Plastic Cup (to resemble stomach)
11.  Contains filled with each type of food (pie pans work great)


A flex course allows learners to cover material during a time that is convenient for them each week.  Students are encouraged to check in with the teacher weekly via the Outschool classroom, which will allow for more engagement between the teacher and learner.  After weekly lessons, students can collaborate with their peers by replying to the announcements and lesson postings in the Outschool classroom.

Participation will include an introduction post, discussion posts, assignments, and projects in the Outschool Classroom. This allows students to process what they are learning by collaborating with peers and the teacher.  Participation in assignments allows students to practice and reinforce learning.  This also provides opportunities for the teacher to gauge student learning and provide interventions if necessary.  Private messages or classroom comments are usually responded to within 24 hours with the exception of weekends.