Teaching this Course:
Biology I, a requirement for all SC high school students, should be taught in an engaging manner that ignite's students to desire more information. The course should be 30% labs, so in a 90-day semester, 27-days should be devoted to hand-on laboratory activities. Standards Handout for Students
Biology I, a requirement for all SC high school students, should be taught in an engaging manner that ignite's students to desire more information. The course should be 30% labs, so in a 90-day semester, 27-days should be devoted to hand-on laboratory activities. Standards Handout for Students
Download 2021-22 Bio 1 Curriculum Map HERE
CP vs. Honors:
In SC, students in Honors classes are weighted with a .5 GPA step above College Preparatory classes. It is important that students in Honors classes are challenged beyond the CP curriculum to ensure that the additional .5 GPA weighting is earned. Currently there are no standardized curriculum divisions between the two courses, but teachers/schools should consider the following suggestions:
In SC, students in Honors classes are weighted with a .5 GPA step above College Preparatory classes. It is important that students in Honors classes are challenged beyond the CP curriculum to ensure that the additional .5 GPA weighting is earned. Currently there are no standardized curriculum divisions between the two courses, but teachers/schools should consider the following suggestions:
- Honors' students should complete the same labs as CP students, plus additional labs that take them to a higher level of exposure to scientific concepts and principles.
- All students should be required to write at least 2 formal lab reports. Honors' students should write at least 4 formal lab reports.
- Honor's students may be required to enter the Virtual Science Fair, whereas CP students may be encouraged to enter, but not required.
- All students should complete 2-3 research projects that analyze real data and help students to gain a real world view of course content. Honors' students may be assigned a project for each unit of study. Project ideas include:
- Locate and analyze the results of a recent clinical trial of a new medication. After studying the results, would you recommend this medication? Do its benefits outweigh its risks?
- Each week students must locate and write a brief summary of a Biology-related news article. Honors' students must choose 4 during the semester to elaborate on in a formal essay and additional research.
- Have students research a virus that currently infects record numbers of people. What are the recommended preventive measures? Is the development of a vaccine in progress?
- Have students study the latest in cancer research. What's something we are just now learning about cancer or cancer treatment? Why is this new information important?
- Have students research some of the most popular diet programs. What do these programs have in common? How are they different? Based on what students have learned about the energy of different biological molecules, which diet probably leads to the most (most rapid) weight loss?
- Have students research a trait that is common in their family and make a pedigree. Honor's students must research this trait to see how common it is in the USA and world, and maybe the origins of the trait.
- Have students research careers that are related to Biology. What majors and what schools would offer the best preparation?
- What is the basis of the debate about climate change? What evidence, for or against, do the biggest proponents use to bolster their argument?
- What endangered species live in our area? What factors are threatening these species? Have students develop a conservation plan for an endangered species that lives in our area.
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In December 2017, representatives from the SC Dept. of Education's Office of Assessment presented the information linked below to SCSELA (SC Science Education Leadership Association). The presentation breaks down state data from 2017 EOCEP and SCPASS. It shares the specific weakness noted through the test results. Teachers may use this information to inform their instruction for the future. See presentation.
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2021 SC Biology Standards
2021 SC Earth Science Standards
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2021 SC Physics Standards
2021 SC Chemistry Standards
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