Biology Syllabus

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The Plan for the year in Biology

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What is science? Color spectrum and symmetry , August 3 to August 7

Chapter 1

Process of science, what biology is, why we explore our world and why it is healthy to question everything including science itself.

What is life made up of? Macromolecules. DNA, what is it? August 10 to August 14 

Chapter 2

Chemistry and molecules of life: what do we consider “life”, elements that make up living organisms, how elements bond to organize and become part of living beings

How do cells work? More on DNA, Parts of a cell, August 17 to August 21

Chapter 3

Cell Function and Structure: What a cell is, what cells are made of, parts of cells, how cells work, types of transport

Nutrition, metabolism, Enzymes, August 24 to August 28

Chapter 4

What there is in the food we eat, types of nutrients, enzyme reactions.

Microorganisms, Energy Transfer, August 31 to September 4

Chapter 5

Algae, cyanobacteria, types of fuel and how energy is transferred

September 7 : off

Food Chains, Dietary Energy and Cellular Respiration, September 8 to September 11

Chapter 6

Our culture of eating, nutrition issues, food webs, what is cellular respiration


DNA Replication and Protein Synthesis, September 14 to September 18

Chapter 7 

DNA Structure and Replication: what is DNA and how does it multiply


How genes are expressed into proteins, September 21 to September 25

Chapter 8

Genes to proteins and Amino Acids, tissue formation using cells


Energy transfer for cell division and uses of plants, September 28 to October 2

Chapter 9 and 10

Cell Division and Mitosis: Chromosomes, cell division

School Break: October 7 to October 16

The Study of genetics, human and animal genetics, October 19 to October 23

Chapter 11 & 12

Gregory Mendel’s research on genetics, what is a Punnett Square and how do we use it? Natural selection and adaptation: insects and plants adapting to chemicals, how organisms find ways to survive.


Technologies in Biology: Stem Cell Research, October 26 to October 30

Chapter 13, 14

What are some good and bad things within biology research? We are learning how to regrow tissues and replace organs and are also learning that some bacteria are becoming superbugs.

Examples of Adaptations, Ancient Archaea, November 2 to November 6

Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18

Evolution, How Fossils are Dated, Evidence of Adaptation, how species move around the world

Eukaryotic Evolution, Diversity, November 16 to November 20

Chapter 19, 20

Ancient fossils give us clues of what types of animals there were in the part and where they are now.

November 23 to November 27: Break

Types of migrations, genetic exchange, what is symbiosis? November 30 to December 4

Chapter 21, 22

Population Ecology: population distribution patterns, food chain, how ecosystems work
Fibonacci sequence and how it applies to population growth.  Community Ecology: animal societies,   why we need pollinators, symbiosis, competition

Global cycles, global climate change.  December 7 to December 11

Chapter 23

Biomes and what parts of the world they are found in, types of climate, rainfall, water cycles, carbon cycle, temperature, ways to reduce climate change, environmental impact.
Ecosystem Ecology: how rising temperatures affect populations, the Carbon Cycle
Environmental systems and how they work together

What can we do to help? December 14 to December 18

Chapter 24

Sustainability: thinking of the future, ways to reduce waste, energy sources that we could use. Group project: Teach us about an alternative energy source or material (bioplastic).

December 21 to January 6 Break

January 7 to January 15

Types of biomes and who lives there, and how: Desert, Tundra, Ocean, Arctic

January 18 Break

January 19 to January 22: Review                                 

Homeostasis and Anatomy, endotherm vs ectotherm, osmosis January 25 to January  29

Chapter 25

How many species adapt and stay cool or warm, how we maintain balance within our system.

Digestion, nutrient absorption, active and passive transport, February 1 to February 5  

Chapter 26, 27

How do particles move within cells? functions of digestive organs, absorption, obesity.  Nervous system anatomy, nerve function, how drugs affect nerves, December.

Coral Reef and Mangrove ecosystems, Reconnect and Review, February 8 to February 12                               
February 15 Off 

Ocean Life and the Connection to Land, Continents, February 16 to February 19

Examples of ecosystems and biolife interactions, February 22 to February 25

Watersheds and PH, Case Study March 1 to March 5

Reproductive Systems, March 8 to March 12                            

Chapter 28

How organisms work, cell membrane, sodium potassium pump, March 15 to March 19   

Chapter 29

Write a paper on a biology topic that you select. 

Spring Break: March 22 to April 2

Body Systems:

Digestive system,Circulatory system, Nervous system: April 5  to April 9

Skeletal and muscle system: April 12 to 16

Year long review: April 19 to April 23 

Peer Review Paper: April 26 to April 30 

Looking and test questions and graphs: May 3 to 7

Discussion on how learning biology can improve the world: May 10 to May 14 

Exam: May 17 to May 21

​College preparedness, how classes are scheduled, how to buy books: May 24 to May 28 

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