Join this high school biology course and fully prepare your student in the basics of biology, with topics in the biology and chemistry of life, cells, photosynthesis, genetics, DNA and the human genome, Darwin’s theories, and more.

How to get the most out of Biology I, Part One with MacBeth Derham:

• First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

• Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes during the recorded class.

• Read assignments before class meetings

• Watch that class recording again if you need to revisit information.

• Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week.

• Once the course is completed to the parent's satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Special Notes:  This is Part One of a two-part course. Students are expected to sign up for Part Two in the Spring.

Total Classes: 14

Duration: 70 minutes

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

Suggested Credit: One full semester Biology or Science

Instructors: MacBeth Derham

Course Description: 

This biology course is a general overview of high school biology presented from a Catholic perspective. Students will be completing vocabulary sheets every class for a better understanding of the material. This course prepares students for ACT/SAT science. Students are expected to take notes during class and ask questions. Notes will help with class quizzes, as quizzes are open book. There will be 7 required labs that are explicitly aligned with the Biology Part One classes. Biology Part One Labs are to be performed with minimum equipment and will consist of common household supplies.

Course Outline:

• Class 1 The Science of Biology

• Class 2 The Chemistry of Life

• Class 3 Ecosystems and Communities

• Class 4 Humans and the Biosphere

• Class 5 Cell Structure and Function

• Class 6 Photosynthesis

• Class 7 Cellular Respiration

• Class 8 Cell Growth and Division

• Class 9 Genetics

• Class 10 DNA and RNA

• Class 11 The Human Genome

• Class 12 Darwin’s Theory

• Class 13 History of Life

• Class 14 Classification

Lab sequence:

1. Osmosis Lab – In this investigation, we will use a hen’s fresh egg to determine what happens during osmosis and diffusion across membranes.

2. Fermentation – We will set up a fermentation in a closed system and capture the generated carbon dioxide to carbonate root beer.

3. Mitosis Flip Book – We are drawing our own moving cell division!

4. Punnett Square – Applying our knowledge of phenotypes and genotypes to complete a worksheet.

5. Genetic Match – Students will determine the presence of certain high-frequency traits in themselves and their family members.

6. DNA Extraction – We will be creating a mixture to extract DNA from a strawberry!

7. M&M Lab – Activity to simulate the process of radioactive decay and to illustrate the concept of half-life.

Course Materials: Prentice Hall Biology ISBN-13: 978-0131662551 or ISBN-10: 0131662554 (www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0131662554/catholictreas-20 or bookfinder.com)

Lab: LAB booklet for purchase at https://amzn.to/3GJkNAq

Homework: Expect to spend approximately two-plus hours each Class outside of the classroom on vocabulary study, reading, and quizzes. Vocabulary is assigned alongside the reading for better understanding of the material and to prepare the student for the live lecture. Most of the computer-graded quiz material is based on vocabulary and what is presented in class. The sequence of events for each class is as follows:

1. Read the assigned chapter(s)

2. Write the provided vocabulary words in your notebook

3. Watch the recording.

4. Take the weekly computer-graded quiz

Lab Homework: Students will perform labs at home after class when assigned; labs require ½-1 hour.

Technical Help: If you have any technical trouble or questions about course content, please email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com.

©2023 Homeschool Connections and MacBeth Derham. All rights reserved.

This course is designed by MacBeth Derham. 

• This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the seventh commandment (yes, the 7th commandment) and in violation of US and International copyright laws.

• You may print or download to local hard disk extracts for your personal homeschool and non-commercial use only. This is not to be used for homeschool co-ops without express written permission from Homeschool Connections.