Topics Covered:
Week 1: Introduction to Biology
Week 2: Ecological Organization
Week 3: Web of Life
Week 4: The Structure and Function of Cells
Week 5: The Cell Environment
Week 6: DNA & Protein Synthesis
Week 7: Photosynthesis
Week 8: Midterm Review and Exam
Week 9: Cellular Respiration & Fermentation
Week 10: Basic Genetics
Week 11: Advanced Genetics
Week 12: Classifying Life
Week 13: Prokaryotes and Viruses
Week 14: Protists and Fungi
Week 15: Plant Classification and Structure
Week 16: Final Review and Exam

 Each lesson will include some form of lecture instruction using slides, images and/or video clips; and a variety of short, formative assessments such as multiple-choice questions, discussion, collaboration boards, matching games, drawing, writing activities, and interactive skills activities. This model allows for frequent assessment and student interaction. 

Throughout the course students will be given the tools to build a digital notebook to organize class handouts, grades, resources, and notes. The notebook will be given in the Google Slides format, so a Google account is helpful.  The notebook will be available in another format upon parent request.

Here is an example tentative schedule for each lesson:

​2-5 minutes: Introduction to the class, student expectations, and each other.
​5-7 minutes: Engage - Interactive activity to introduce the topic
​10-15 minutes: Explore - Lecture style instruction and scaffolded practice
5-7 minutes: Explain - How does the topic relate to the real-world?
​10-15 minutes: Evaluate - Formative assessments and/or quiz

 This course will be taught using Nearpod lessons, which allows for the interaction mentioned above.  If your student will be using a tablet or phone, they will need to download the free Nearpod app, which can be found in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. I will be posting a link to the Nearpod website and a code into the chat box when class starts and students using a computer will be able to access the lesson via the link or by going to the Nearpod website and entering in the code.