counter
Curriculum: Grade 8, Biology
Ms. Benz
 
Welcome to the study of life!
Course: This year we will explore many realms of the biological sciences in order to understand the sustainable living world around us. Most importantly, we will integrate the issues and current topics in life science with fundamental concepts in biology.
 
One science credit will be received upon completion of this class. The prerequisite is acceptance and entrance to the Academic Center program.
 
Learning Objectives
You will be asked to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry through design, interpretation and analysis of several concepts in general biology. Our course is designed around a number of current topics in biology that are of importance in the world today. Through these current topics we get to explore the foundations of modern biology as well.
 
Learning Experiences
  • Establish safe laboratory practices, and organize data using charts, graphs and other displays.
  • Use the scientific method and inquiry-based activities to create solutions through experimentation, research and data collection.
  • Analyze results to produce conclusions and recognize error in scientific work- our own and others.
  • Reflect on, write about and explore our understanding of current issues in biology.
  • Interpret and present results of research and experimentation.
  • Apply honest standards to scientific research work.
  • Combine work in our class with scientific work in communities across the globe.
 
Projected Course Outline
Our course this year is organized around five major and current concepts in modern biology. In order to understand these concepts we will be developing our knowledge of the history, discovery and current work as it pertains to each major topic. You will notice that these concepts are being discussed worldwide and we will create a foundation of knowledge on each to be able to contribute to that global discussion.
Conservation, Sustainability and Environmental Biology
Cell Biology and Stem Cell Research
Genetic Technology, Cloning and Gene Therapy
Disease, Epidemics, and Population Growth
Evolution and Zoology
 
Course Overview
We will engage each other through laboratory activities, inquiry work, group discussion, elaborate projects and thorough questioning about a variety of topics in the biological sciences. It is my expectation that you will always come to class prepared to engage as thoughtful learners and members of our scientific community. If you have to miss class for any reason it is your responsibility to contact me and to make up your work in a timely fashion. Your grade will immediately reflect any missing assignments. This class will be a joint venture between us all and your full participation will lead to our success. Late work will not be accepted once a quarter is complete unless individual circumstances are considered in advance.
 English 1, Pt. 2

Social Studies (U. S. History)

Biology

Geometry (pdf) 114 kb

Foreign Language, Art, Music, or Computer

Physical Education