MELBA SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 136

Melba High School

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Subject Area: Science

Course Title: Biology

Course Length: Year

Grade Level: 10

Major Concepts: The major purpose of this course is to provide students a firm understanding of the fundamental concepts found within the biological field.

Content:

The content includes but is not limited to the following:

· Students will be able to critically analyze and design scientific experiments.

· Students will list the major cell structures and describe the functions of each.

· Students will understand the process of photosynthesis and the role plants play within the biosphere.

· Students will use the basic principles of Mendelian genetics to predict the results of simple and complex crosses.

· Students will demonstrate understanding of genes by outlining the step-by-step process of decoding DNA and constructing specific proteins.

· Students will have a basic understanding of evolutionary principles and they effects they have on all life (both living and extinct).

· Students will be able to identify different components found within a single ecosystem.

Intended Outcomes:

After successfully completing this course, the student will be able to:

· Recognize the importance of biological principles within their lives and the lives of others.

· Search out answers to questions independently and evaluate the information they find for reliability and accuracy.

· Use a compound microscope in a proper and effective manner.

Grading: Students will be graded on the following criteria:

Science Notebook............................... 15%

In-class work and projects................... 40%

Exams and quizzes............................... 35%

Semester Final..................................... 10%