Biology Class Overview:

Biology is the science of life, and this course will focus on the foundations of life as well as living organisms.

Students will discuss the following topics: cells, taxonomy, scientific method, chemistry of biology, genetics, bacteria, viruses, creation vs. evolution, biosphere, photosynthesis, invertebrates, vertebrates, plants, and ecology.

Students will perform labs and learn to write clear and effective lab reports. We will focus on understanding scientific inquiry, the scientific method, and analyzing and drawing conclusions.

Grade-Levels

8-12

Biology Prerequisites:

No pre-requisites are needed for this class.

Biology Curriculum

We will be using the Shepherd Biology book, 3rd edition.

Lab Kits

Students are asked to order our class lab kit as well.

Biology Course Outline:

• Week 1: Introduction to living organisms
• Week 2: Chemistry of life
• Week 3: Biomolecules
• Week 4: Cells and organelles
• Week 5: Cell function and transport
• Week 6: Metabolism
• Week 7: Photosynthesis
• Week 8: Cellular respiration
• Week 9: DNA and RNA
• Week 10: Protein Synthesis
• Week 11: Mitosis
• Week 12: Meiosis
• Week 13: Meiosis and Asexual Reproduction
• Week 14: Genes and Heredity
• Week 15: Inheritance Patterns
• Week 16: Inheritance Patterns in Human Genetics
• Week 17: Creation and Evolution
• Week 18: Taxonomy
• Week 19: Bacteria
• Week 20: Protista
• Week 21: Fungi
• Week 22: Plant Structure
• Week 23: Plant Physiology
• Week 24: Kingdom Animalia: Invertebrates
• Week 25: Kingdom Animalia: Invertebrates Continued
• Week 26: Kingdom Animalia: Vertebrates
• Week 27: Human Body Systems: Nervous System
• Week 28: Human Body Systems: Immune, Endocrine, and Excretory Systems
• Week 29: Human Body Systems: Digestive, Circulatory, and Musculoskeletal Systems
• Week 30: Ecology

Meet the Teacher

Melissa Lopez

Algebra 1, Biology, Physical Science, Study Skills, General Science, ACT/SAT Private Tutoring

Mrs. Lopez has been married to her husband for 11 years, and they currently live just outside of Dallas, Texas. They have three boys that they are currently homeschooling, so life at the Lopez house is never boring or quiet. Mrs. Lopez went to college at Baylor University where she [...]