Biology Honors

Science course in NorthStar Academy's self-paced NSA flex program

Name:
Biology Honors (BIOL250)
Department:
Science
Credits:
1.0 (yearlong course)
Suggested Prerequisites:
Physical Science (PHSC100) or equivalent; a grade of an 85% or higher in the subject area course taken the previous year

Biology Honors

Description:

In this course, students will expand their understanding of God’s complex creation. Students will classify systems to survey living organisms. They will participate in lab activities and simulations to examine the structures and processes in living organisms. By applying concepts in statistics and probability, students will explore the mechanisms for inheritance and variation. Students will also analyze interactions within ecosystems and the effects of human activity.

This course has a lab component.

NOTE for Honors: Biology Honors (BIOL250) is an enriched version of BIOL200. The supplemental reading and activities in the Honors course allow students the opportunity to reinforce their learning as they gain a deeper understanding of the material. Students are supported by the teacher and by the lessons themselves as they work through the course. Students in the Honors course can expect an average of 1-2 hours of work per week in addition to the regular course content.

Special Notes:

This course is a part of the honors track, and intentional focus will be on the required knowledge and critical thinking and analytical skills to prepare a student to be successful in future upperlevel and Advanced Placement® (AP®) courses.

FROM THE TEACHER

Exploring the wonders of biology offer an exciting journey, whether it is studying how living organisms thrive in their natural habitats, investigating the intricate microworld of the cell, unraveling the secrets of genetics, decoding the complexities of animal behavior, or understanding the dynamic interactions within populations. The study of biology presents a unique opportunity to unravel some of the many intricate mysteries of God’s amazing living creation. Please join us as we explore the fascinating world of biology together.

If there are books and materials for this course, they can be purchased from our Online Bookstore.

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Student Feedback

I feel this class was well put together.
Olivia

There were videos that helped me better understand the topic of the week and the lesson.

Explore Biology Honors

Biology Honors is a college-preparatory course for high school students who have completed Physical Science or an equivalent course and want additional depth and challenge. An 85% or higher in the previous year’s science course is required.

Students develop a broad understanding of living organisms, cellular processes, genetics, ecosystems, biodiversity, and human impact on the natural world while examining biology through a biblical worldview. They also gain practical experience with scientific investigation, hands-on and virtual labs, data analysis, and applying biological concepts to real-world situations.

What Students Will Study

Unit 1: Why Study Biology? — Weeks 1–2
The nature and study of biology, scientific investigation, and the relationship between biology and a biblical worldview.
Unit 2: Structure and Function — Weeks 3–6
Cell structure and function, cellular processes, mitosis, cellular organization, and homeostasis.
Unit 3: Cycling Matter and Energy — Weeks 7–11
Photosynthesis, cellular respiration, cycles of matter, and the flow of energy through living systems.
Unit 4: Genetic Variation — Weeks 12–16
DNA, chromosomes, genetics, inheritance, variation, and probability and statistics related to inheritance.
Unit 5: Intelligent Design and Evolution — Weeks 17–19
Biological evidence and explanations of origins, common ancestry, evolutionary evidence, common design, intelligent design, and biblical worldview considerations.
Unit 6: Biodiversity and Population Dynamics — Weeks 20–25
Biodiversity, population dynamics, ecosystems, and the role of group behavior in survival.
Unit 7: Life and Earth Systems — Weeks 26–29
Interactions between living organisms and Earth systems, Earth-system feedbacks, and human impacts on natural systems.
Unit 8: Sustainability and Responsibility — Weeks 30–32
Sustainability, environmental impacts of human activity, technological solutions, stewardship, and responsibility.

Format and Materials

This online, self-paced course runs for approximately 32 weeks across two semesters. Students complete weekly lessons and assignments independently with teacher support.

CK-12 OER Biology textbook
Hands-on and virtual labs
Class discussions and media-choice activities
Quizzes, unit tests, and projects
Teacher feedback and support
Honors supplemental reading and activities

Some labs require common household materials. Early activities may require a camera, fresh lollipop, beaker or drinking glass, eyedropper, and water source.

Support and Assessment

Students receive support through the Teacher’s Office module and regular teacher communication. They should contact their teacher when they have questions or difficulty progressing and regularly review teacher feedback, messages, and course postings.

Learning is assessed through weekly assignments, labs, discussions, quizzes, projects, work products, and unit tests. The course does not prepare students for an external certification or AP exam and does not include comprehensive semester exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Biology Honors self-paced?
Yes. Students work independently according to their assigned pacing while receiving teacher support and feedback.
How much time should students plan each week?
Students should plan for approximately five hours of work per week. Honors students should expect an additional one to two hours for supplemental reading and activities.
Does the course include labs?
Yes. The course includes both hands-on and virtual laboratory activities. Some labs use common household materials.
What textbook is used?
The CK-12 OER Biology textbook is the primary resource and is provided through NorthStar Academy.
How is learning assessed?
Students complete weekly assignments, labs, discussions, quizzes, projects, work products, and unit tests based on the daily course assignments.