Honors Biology

Avon Lake City Schools 

Curriculum Framework

Honors Biology

Course Overview:

This course investigates the composition, diversity, complexity and interconnectedness of life on Earth. Fundamental concepts of heredity and evolution provide a framework through inquiry-based instruction to explore the living world, the physical environment and the interactions within and between them. The topics include Scientific Inquiry, Heredity, Evolution, Cells and Diversity and Interdependence of Life. The course uses a laboratory approach to help the student understand the areas presented in class. Additional work done out of the classroom including reports and projects during the school year and assigned summer reading is required. Prerequisites: Students will be recommended by their 8th grade science teacher and should have successfully completed Algebra I as an 8th grader. Students enrolled in Biology Honors 9 should have the following: a) “B” or better average in 8th grade science and b) 3.00 average in Algebra I. The student is responsible for having a notebook. Dissecting various organs and organisms is required. All students in this class will be required to take the State Test in Biology. This class meets seven periods per week for ½ unit of credit each semester. FEE: $30

Textbook (Title and Publishing Company): 

Holt Modern Biology 2002  

Online/Supplemental Materials:

Successmaker Online

Assessments: 

Ohio State Test

NWEA Map Growth

EnVision Topic Assessments




Content/Topics/Learning Goals

Subject to Pacing and Schedules

1st Quarter- 

Standards/Learning Goals:


SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY:

  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;

  • Design and conduct scientific investigations;

  • Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications;

  • Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);

  • Recognize and analyze explanations and models

  • Communicate and support a scientific argument.

CHEMISTRY: 

  • Atomic structure

  • Evolution of atomic models/theory

  • Electrons

  • Electron configurations

  • Periodic table (properties, trends)

  • Intramolecular chemical bonding (ionic, polar/covalent, representing compounds)

  • Acids and Base

BIOCHEMISTRY:

  • Structure and Function of organic molecules

  • Organic molecule applications

  • Metabolism

  • Enzymes

2nd Quarter- 

Standards/Learning Goals:


CELLS:

  • Structure, function and interrelatedness of cell organelles

  • Eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells

  • Cellular processes

  • Cell membrane structure and function

  • Cell transport (passive, active, osmosis, diffusion)

  • Characteristics of life regulated by cellular processes

  • Cell communication

  • Cell division and differentiation

3rd Quarter- 

Standards/Learning Goals:


HEREDITY:

  • Cellular genetics

  • Structure and function of DNA in cells

  • Genetic mechanisms and inheritance

  • Mutations (gene and chromosomal mutations with emphasis on common genetic disorders)

  • Mendelian and Non-Mendelian genetics

  • Modern genetics (biotechnology, genetic engineering)

EVOLUTION: 

  • Mechanisms

  • Natural selection

  • Mutation

  • Genetic drift (Hardy-Weinberg)

  • Gene flow (immigration, emigration)

  • Sexual selection

  • History of life on Earth

  • Diversity of Life

  • Speciation and biological classification based on molecular evidence

  • Variation of organisms within a species due to population genetics and gene frequency

4th Quarter -  

Standards/Learning Goals:

DIVERSITY AND INTERDEPENDENCE OF LIFE

  • Classification systems are frameworks created by scientists for describing the vast diversity of organisms indicating the degree of relatedness between organisms

  • Ecosystems

  • Homeostasis

  • Carrying capacity

  • Equilibrium and disequilibrium

BODY SYSTEMS (INCLUDES DISSECTIONS)

  • Identify parts and explain how the following systems work:

  • Circulatory system

  • Excretory system

  • Reproductive system

  • Nervous system

  • Digestive system

  • Endocrine system

Last Updated:

September, 2023