Using Classical Academic Press’s General Biology (Novare Series), we will combine up-to-date science with a Catholic worldview. The textbook starts at the atomic level and progresses to ever larger scales: cells, genes, microorganisms, plants, animals, and human organ systems. The final chapters survey ecology and the theory of evolution.

How to get the most out of Biology with Lab (Novare), Part Two with MacBeth Derham:

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

• Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each live session.

• Read assignments before class meetings

• Watch that week’s recording if you need to revisit information from our live session.

• 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 Two of a two-part course. If you would like to join us midyear, please email for permission from the instructor. The required lab work is integral to this course. However, a virtual dissection option can be used for students if needed.

Total Classes: 14

Duration per class: 70 minutes
Prerequisite: Biology with Lab, Part One
Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

Suggested Credit: One full semester Science or Biology with Lab

Instructor: MacBeth Derham

Course description: For Part Two, we will continue to increase the scale of our study of biology, identifying and classifying life from viruses to humans, the organs and organ systems of humans, and conclude with ecology and evolution. We continue to use the Novare method—learn, master, retain—as the goal for students in this course for the study of Biology. This course prepares students for ACT/SAT science. Students are expected to take notes during class and ask questions. Notes will help with weekly quizzes, as quizzes are open book.

Course outline:

Class 1: Taxonomy
Class 2: Viruses
Class 3: Prokaryotes
Class 4: Protists
Class 5: Fungi
Class 6: Plants Part 1
Class 7: Plants Part 2
Class 8: Invertebrates
Class 9: Chordates
Class 10: Brawn and brains—Musculoskeletal and nervous systems
Class 11: Circulation, Respiration, Digestion
Class 12: Kidneys and excretion; Reproduction
Class 13: Ecology
Class 14: The theory of evolution

Lab sequence: (Note: Labs are alternate weeks; Labs will require purchase of specimens for dissection.)

1. Bread Mold: We get to grow our own mold colony on a slice of bread!
2. Crayfish: Identify the external and internal anatomical features of a typical crustacean.
3. Perch: Observe the external and internal features of the fish and their relationship to one another.
4. Clam: Locate the external and internal features of the clam and be able to explain their purpose.
5. Eye: Explore the structure and function of the bovine eye.
6. Frog: Dissection giving the student an overview of organ systems of complex living things.
7. Worm: Investigate basic anatomy and simple organ systems.

Course materials: General Biology 1st ed. by Rogstad and Ayala from Novare ISBN: 9781732638433 Dissection supplies: https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/apologia-biology-dissection-lab-kit/.
PLUS the bovine eye: https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/cow-eye-dissection-kit/.
Lab booklet for purchase at: https://amzn.to/3RSzUyD

Homework: Expect to spend approximately two-plus hours each week outside of the classroom on vocabulary study, reading, and quizzes. Vocabulary is assigned alongside the weekly 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 week is as follows:
1. Read the assigned chapter(s)
2. Write the provided vocabulary words in your notebook
3. Come to class
4. Take the weekly computer-graded quiz
Labs to be completed on alternate weeks will require 1-1½ hours.

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

©2024 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.