Biology CP-1

The new 2019 Miller & Levine Biology is here (Pearson Publishing Company). Developed by two preeminent biologists and passionate educators, Ken Miller and Joe Levine, this blended print and digital curriculum immerses high school students in biological inquiry.

Biology is a one-year course which is designed to meet the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in New Jersey which promotes interest in biology through some laboratory inquiry and investigation. This course emphasizes the newest areas of research and technology in the biological sciences, namely the molecular approach, genetic engineering and biotechnology.  Good study habits will be developed and are essential to understanding and learning the information presented in class.

The course blends core ideas, scientific and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts to support NGSS performance expectations. Students interact with natural phenomena through problem-based learning, scientific reasoning, case studies, and laboratory experiments.

• Ignite Curiosity: Authentic case studies and laboratory investigations drive inquiry-based learning. Students directly interact with science phenomena. They engage in real-world problem solving, science and engineering practices, and data analysis.
• Promote Understanding: Science textbooks challenge many students. Miller & Levine Biology provides critical reading support, visual aids, ELD strategies, performance-based assessment and self-monitoring tasks to improve understanding and enjoyment.
• Inspire Learning: Problem-based learning inspires students to seek out solutions. A new CISD Instructional Model (Connect, Investigate, Synthesize, Demonstrate) creates a learner-driven environment based on 21st century competencies.

Course Description:

Biology is an introduction to some of the most important and fascinating topics in the world of science. Within these topics, the students will be able to develop critical thinking skills by investigating the subjects with labs, projects, group work, and individual work. This year the students will learn about the following topics:

• Ecology: Biomes, Stability and change in ecosystems, Invasive species, Population dynamics Energy flow through ecosystems, Carbon and nitrogen cycles, Photosynthesis and cellular respiration, Symbiotic relationships, Predator–prey relationships. With issues focusing on sustainability from an ecosystems perspective, with a focus on humans’ impacts on ecosystems and making decisions regarding stewardship.
• Cell Biology: Cellular nature of life, Cell structure and function, Cell specialization and differentiation, Cell division and the cell cycle, Microbes and infectious diseases, Breakdown of cellular function in diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, Respiration, photosynthesis, and cellular macromolecules. With issues focusing on the disparities between developing and developed countries in terms of diseases’ impacts on life and making decisions about priorities for disease interventions to prevent or treat diseases that limit social, economic, and environmental progress
• Genetics: Sexual and asexual reproduction, Mitosis and meiosis, Genotype and phenotype, Mendel’s research, Genetic crosses, Punnett squares, and pedigrees, Patterns of inheritance Genes, alleles, chromosomes, and DNA Flow of genetic information, Selective breeding, Genetically modified organisms. With issues focusing on the comparison of selective breeding and genetic modification and the use of genetically modified organisms, particularly in the production of agricultural crops
• Evolution: Maintaining Diversity: Biodiversity, Ecosystem services and humans’ impact on species, Natural selection and adaptation, Darwin’s research, Geologic time Interpreting the fossil record, Phylogeny, Microevolution and macroevolution, Biological species concept and speciation, The genetic basis of evolution. With issues focusing on conserving genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity Ecosystems services and intrinsic value models for conservation