Course title
VIRTUAL BiologyPre-requisite
NoneCourse 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 StatesSchool state
MinnesotaHigh school
Apex Learning Virtual SchoolSchool / district Address
5600 W 83rd St, Suite 300, 8200 TowerSchool zip code
55437Requested competency code
Lab ScienceDate submitted
Approved
YesApproved competency code
- LBIO
- Biology