Biology+Requirements


 * 9th Grade Biology Course Selection **

The purpose of this is to inform parents and students of the varying expectations and qualifications for each level. Please read over the prerequisites and expectations for each course. __Course expectations are based on the high school Biology teacher’s course curriculum__.

__ Prerequisites __ :
 * __ Honors 391 __**** : **
 * 1) The recommendation of current science teacher.
 * 2) Superior science grades in the current year-an “A” average for the first half of the 8th grade school year.
 * 3) An “A” average of 92% or higher on tests and quizzes.
 * 4) An “A” average of 92% or higher for class grades.
 * 5) A score of **Advanced** in Reading and Math PSSA’s is recommended.
 * 6) Consistent completion of homework and classroom activities.
 * 7) A genuine interest and love of science as demonstrated through class participation.

__ Expectations __ :
 * Honors Biology is a fast-paced course, completing and testing a unit every 1.5-2 weeks (on average).
 * Students should be self-motivated, independent learners that are reading above grade level with comprehension, have a strong desire to learn, and have a high interest and aptitude in science and mathematics.
 * Honors students must demonstrate superior problem-solving and critical-thinking skills; these skills are expected (nearly assumed) of all students upon entering the Honors Bio course. Additionally, students should be able to synthesize and integrate difficult concepts.
 * Honors students already have the necessary study skills and habits to succeed in the course. A student is expected to independently read ahead, take notes if necessary, and bring questions to class for discussion. Teacher-provided study guides and review packets are not the norm.
 * Ability to write scientifically is important. Full lab report writing including hypothesis, procedure, data, analysis and conclusions.
 * Independent research project required. Includes choosing a question/problem, doing background research on the topic, developing a testable hypothesis, creating a procedure, gathering data, analyzing data, and drawing valid conclusions. Project begins first week of school and runs through to April. Final project will include written paper, log book, photos, etc. as is required for science fairs/competitions. Most students will take their projects to PJAS and MontCo science competitions.
 * Daily homework generally includes studying concepts recently covered in class and reading ahead. May also include specific written assignments from the text, lab reports, etc.
 * Textbook (BSCS Blue) is above grade level reading. Synthesizes concepts, more thematic. Doesn’t present information in the traditional sequence. For example, when studying protein structure, also covered are enzymes, enzyme structure and function, and digestion. Traditionally these would be in completely different chapters.

__ Prerequisites __ : __ Expectations : __
 * __ Level 392 __**** : **
 * 1) The recommendation of current science teacher.
 * 2) Science grades in the current year should be in the “A” to “B” range for the first half of the 8th grade school year.
 * 3) A “B” average or higher for tests and quizzes.
 * 4) A score of **Proficient** or **Advanced** in Reading PSSA’s.
 * 5) Consistent completion of homework and classroom activities.
 * Above-average college prep. Students who take this course should be above-average with a tendency towards math and science, but are not quite at the honors level.
 * Similar to honors, with some specific differences
 * Students are not expected to have the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills at the same level upon entering the course. Students should have a solid foundation, and through Bio392, those skills will be further developed.
 * Similarly the Bio392 student will have good study skills and work habits upon entering the course, but not at the level of an honors student, and will develop them (specifically for science) through the course. Teachers regularly provide study guides, review packets, and other handouts to help students structure their knowledge, organize their learning, gauge understanding, etc.
 * Some level of scientific writing ability, and this will be developed further through Bio392 course.
 * No independent research project is required. Students may choose to do a project and participate in science competitions.
 * Daily homework generally includes reading, completing assignments from the textbook or worksheets, lab reports, etc.
 * Students need to be able to go through the scientific process (develop hypothesis, procedures, etc.) on their own with some teacher assistance.
 * Textbook is rigorous, slightly above grade level reading. Traditional sequence of topics.

__ Prerequisites __ : __Expectations : __
 * __ Level 393 __**** : **
 * 1) The recommendation of current science teacher.
 * While this is our lowest level available, **it is classified as “academic college prep**.” It should be the course that the average student takes, particularly an average student whose tendency isn’t towards math and science.
 * Same skills and concepts planned as in Bio392, but at a slower pace. Depending on the pace and needs of the particular class, less overall concepts may be covered than in Bio392.
 * Compared to 392, students are provided with more assistance in developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
 * Similar high level of assistance in developing study skills and habits.
 * Much more differentiation to meet the varied abilities of the students in the class.
 * Vocabulary strategies and scaffolding for reading and writing assignments.
 * Students are guided through the process of writing scientifically (lab reports).
 * Textbook is rigorous reading, but more supplements and online resources are available to help students of a lower verbal ability.