San Dieguito Academy: Biology

Level of Difficulty	Estimated Homework	Prerequisites
o   Moderate       x  Difficult       o   Very Difficult	60 minutes per day* *This is a general guideline for planning and scheduling purposes. A student’s ability level may affect actual preparation time needed.	District Completion or concurrent enrollment of Algebra 1 Department Completion of Algebra 1 Please see student background expectations

Science Department Recommendations for success:

Completion Algebra 1

The ability to maintain an organized notebook and conduct multiple long and short term projects and assignments simultaneously.

Student Background Knowledge:

A student entering College Preparatory Biology should be able to:

� 7^th grade Science Investigation and Experimentation Standards:

� Select and use appropriate tools and technology (including calculators, computers, balances, microscopes) to perform tests, collect data, and display data.

�    Use a variety of print and electronic resources (including the internet) to collect information and evidence as a part of a research project.

� Communicate the logical connection among hypotheses, science concepts, tests conducted, data collected, and conclusions drawn from the scientific evidence.

� Communicate the steps and results from an investigation in written report and oral presentations.

� 8^th grade Science Investigation and Experimentation Standards:

� Plan and construct a scientific investigation to test a hypothesis.

� Construct appropriate graphs from data and develop quantitative statements about the relationships variables.

� Apply simple mathematical relationships to determine a missing quantity in a mathematic expression, given the two remaining terms (including speed=distance/time, density=mass/volume, volume=area x height)

� Algebra Standards:

� Interpret and use ratios in different contexts to show relative sizes of two quantities, using appropriate notations.

� Graph linear functions, noting that vertical change (change in y-value) per unit of horizontal change (change in x-value) is always the same and know that the ratio is called the slope of a graph.

� Students apply algebraic techniques to solve rate problems and percent problems.

Course Description:

Biology is a college preparatory science course. Emphasis is placed on laboratory work using scientific methodology and research. The course will include the following topics:

Chemistry	Cells	Evolution
Ecology	Genetics	Physiology

Students will explore these topics through discussions, laboratory investigations, teacher demonstrations, and in-class assignments. This course is aligned with the California State Standards in Biology.

Grading: The grading system is based on the percentages listed. Individual teachers may make slight modifications on these percentages.	Category	Weight
	Homework/Class work	25%
	Laboratories/Projects	25%
	Quizzes/Exams	50%

 

 

Links:

CA State Science Standards http://www.cde.ca.gov/stadards

Science Framework for California Public Schools http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/pn/fd/sci-frame-dwnld.asp

Sample STAR Questions http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/css05rtq.asp

CA State Science Standards http://www.cde.ca.gov/stadards

 

Supplemental Information

10 credits

Meets UC/CSU subject area "d" requirement.  Meets high school graduation

requirement for life science.  See link below for information on “d” requirements.