In this year-long course students will learn start small and end by looking at the entire biosphere. Topics covered include: cells, genetics, single cell-organisms, fungi, plants, animals, and ecosystems. Students will perform experiments along in each chapter to reinforce concepts being studied. Students will be expected to read the text daily, complete a lab report weekly, and take online tests every other week. Most students should expect to spend 45-60 minutes per day on this class. Some students may need to spend more than an hour each day to be successful.

The course is recommended for students in 9th-12th grades. Students younger than 9th grade need teacher permission. This is a challenging class and not all 9th graders will be ready for it.

There is the option of making this course an honors class. Honors students will need to complete additional labs and lab reports, write out answers for vocabulary questions (rather than multiple choice), as well earn a B or higher in the class to receive honors credit. Please indicate on your registration if you desire this option.

The course fee is $350 with a lab fee of $50, for a total cost of $400. A non-refundable $100 deposit is required in order to complete your registration. An early bird discount of $25 will be applied if registration is completed by May 31. Instructions for submitting that payment will be emailed to you after you submit your registration. The balance of the course fee is due August 13, unless a payment plan has been arranged with the teacher by that date.

Required supplies: Discovering Design with Biology (answer key is not needed), spiral notebook, and a scientific calculator

Book may be purchased anywhere, but here is a link to clarify which book is needed. Discovering Design with Biology

Preferred calculator: Amazon.com : Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS Scientific Calculator, Black with Blue Accents : Office Products

Books are available to rent for a non-refundable $25. Books will not be reserved until the fee has been paid.