If you look up the question, "Why study biology?" you see answers that vary from understanding humanity's place in the natural order to developing critical thinking skills. Perhaps your student is only taking biology because it is a requirement to graduate, but what if it sparked an interest in science?
The more you know, the more amazing science becomes! This is why we will use the detailed and award-winning Apologia Exploring Biology. This text doesn't gloss over information but dives deeply into biology. At the same time, it could be called a course in apologetics. While the text is from a creationist perspective, it also spends considerable time exploring Darwinism and evolution. This allows students to understand the arguments of both viewpoints and effectively defend their faith. At first glance this text looks overwhelming, but we will break down the text into manageable bites.
In class: -Students will participate in lectures and activities that present and enhance the curriculum. -Students will develop study habits. Different study techniques will be formally taught in class. -Students will learn how to approach standardized science tests. Students will also spend the first 10-15 minutes of class learning how to take the science portion of the ACT effectively. -Most weeks, students will participate in a lab or demonstration. -Students will learn how to internalize the scientific method by applying its principles to every lab. -Students will collaborate and interact with other students. -We will learn how to use a microscope. -We will dissect multiple specimens and learn how to identify major body systems. -We learn how to write a lab report.
At home: Students will be responsible for reading, reporting on their reading, and studying for their class. They will be given a detailed calendar that will help them move through the modules at a consistent pace. They will take tests and quizzes at home. This will allow modifications to be made for students with disabilities. It will also help reduce testing anxiety and wasted class time.
Required Text: Apologia Exploring Biology (I am currently examining the differences between the 2nd and 3rd edition to see if the changes in the 3rd edition justifies its increased cost. Please wait to purchase this text.)