Course title

VIRTUAL Biology

Pre-requisite

None

Course description

Biology focuses on the mastery of basic biological concepts and models while building scientific inquiry skills and exploring the connections between living things and their environment.

The course begins with an introduction to the nature of science and biology, including the major themes of structure and function, matter and energy flow, systems, and the interconnectedness of life. Students then apply those themes to the structure and function of the cell, cellular metabolism, and biogeochemical cycles. Building on this foundation, students explore the connections and interactions between living things by studying genetics, ecosystems and natural selection, and evolution. The course ends with an applied look at human biology.

Scientific inquiry skills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students learn to ask scientific questions, form and test hypotheses, and use logic and evidence to draw conclusions about the concepts.

Lab activities reinforce critical thinking, writing, and communication skills and help students develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science. Students spend a little over an hour each week completing laboratory assignments.

This inquiry- and lab-based course is designed to support modern science curriculum and teaching practices. It robustly meets NGSS learning standards for high school biology. 

Lab materials note: Most hands-on labs employ relatively-common household materials. A few labs require specialized scientific equipment or materials, such as a microscope, slides, or biological samples.

Approximately 40% of student time in this course is devoted to true lab experiences, as defined by the National Research Council (2006, p. 3).

laboratory experiments list:

Lab: Modeling the Carbon Cycle

Use a simulation to model the carbon cycle. Duration: 3 hrs

Lab: Modeling Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Use models to investigate photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Duration: 3 hrs 

Lab: Investigating the Flow of Energy and Cycling of Matter

Investigate how energy flows and matter cycles through living systems. Duration: 3 hrs 

Lab: Engineering a Solution to Reduce Human Impact

Identify one way human activities have impacted an ecosystem, and design a solution to mitigate the impact. Duration: 3 hrs 

Lab: Modeling Cell Division and Differentiation

Use models to investigate cell division and differentiation. Duration: 3 hrs 

Lab: Modeling Organ System Interactions

Use models to investigate organ system interactions. Duration: 3 hrs

Lab: Investigating Homeostasis

Plan and conduct an investigation to discover how an organism maintains homeostasis. Duration: 3 hrs 

Lab: Modeling Protein Synthesis

Use models to investigate the process of protein synthesis. Duration: 3 hrs

Lab: Investigating Natural Selection

Use a simulation to investigate natural selection. Duration: 3 hrs

Lab: Analyzing Natural Selection

Analyze data gathered from a simulation to draw conclusions about natural selection. Duration: 3 hrs

Lab: Modeling Genetic Drift and Gene Flow

Use models to investigate genetic drift and gene flow. Duration: 3 hrs 

Lab: Engineering a Solution to Protect Species

Use a simulation to design solutions to protect species. Duration: 3 hrs

School country

United States

School state

Minnesota

High school

Apex Learning Virtual School

School / district Address

5600 W 83rd St, Suite 300, 8200 Tower

School zip code

55437

Requested competency code

Lab Science

Date submitted

Approved

Yes

Approved competency code

  • LBIO
  • Biology

Approved date

Online / Virtual

Yes