Honors Science Course Progression:

Year / Course Progression / Electives / Math
(minimum)
SO - SR / JR - SR / SR
Freshman / Honors Biology / Geometry
Sophomore / Sophomore Chemistry
(requires ≥ concurrent Algebra II)
(& Anatomy) / Anatomy
Earth Space
Field Bio ½
Zoology ½
PLTW-POE
PLTW-IED / Algebra II
Junior / Physics
(≥ concurrent Precalculus)
(& AP Chem or AP Bio) / AP Chemistry
AP Biology
Meteorology ½
Astronomy ½
CAPS-PLTW
CAPS-BioSci
CAPS-SportMed / Precalculus
Senior / AP or Reg Science Elective / AP Physics / Calculus(recommended)

PLTW = Project Lead The Way (Pre Engineering),

CAPS = Center for Advanced Professional Studies (½ day, M – F)

Regular Science Course Progression:

Year / Course Progression / Electives / Math
(minimum)
SO - SR / JR - SR / SR
Freshman / Biology
Sophomore / Earth Space / Anatomy
Field Bio ½
Zoology ½
PLTW-POE
PLTW-IED
Junior / Chemistry
(requires ≥ concurrent Algebra II) / Meteorology ½
Astronomy ½
CAPS-PLTW
CAPS-BioSci
CAPS-SportMed / Algebra II
Senior / Physics
(≥ concurrent Precalculus) / AP Chemistry
AP Biology / Precalculus

Minimum Science Graduation Requirements: 3 Credits (1 life, 1 physical, 1 elective)

Year / Course Progression / Electives
SO - SR / JR - SR / SR
Freshman / Biology (life)
Sophomore / Earth Space (physical) / Anatomy
Field Bio ½
Zoology ½
Junior / One Elective / Physical Science
Meteorology ½
Astronomy ½
Senior / Chemistry
(≥ concurrent Algebra II)

From the BVSD Course Description Guide:

SC1100, SC1101 Biology / Prerequisite: None / Grade: 9, 10 Credit: 1

Biology is the study of all living things and how they interact with their environment. This introductory course is designed for students who desire a general overview of biology including the survey of plants, animals, human beings, ecology and genetics. Laboratory experiences include microscopic work, technology applications, dissection and basic laboratory skills. The course satisfies the graduation requirement of one unit of Biological Science.

SC1102, SC1103 Honors Biology /Prerequisite: None / Grade: 9, 10 Credit: 1

This is a weighted grade course and requires more in-depth study of the curriculum. Students should carefully consider the extra time needed for this more challenging course.

Honors Biology covers the same subject matter as Biology but in more detail. Emphasis is given to the process of science. This course is for those students who possess either a high interest or ability in science and plan to enroll in advanced science courses. This course satisfies the graduation requirement for one unit of Biological Science.

Thank you for attending the enrollment information meeting this evening. The science teachers, and specifically the freshman biology teachers, welcome the opportunity to talk briefly about the Honors Biology program. The teachers of Honors Biology are proud of the high achievement that our students attain.

Perhaps the most important attribute for success in Honors Biology is that your student knows how they learn. This may sound unusual, but it is especially important in higher level classes that students know their learning patterns. Sometimes, students who do not understand the material will say, “But I did it.” It is not enough to just do it. What is important is what they learned from doing it. It might be interesting to ask your student(s) this evening when you get home: What do you do to learn the material that is required?

Successful students in the Honors Program have demonstrated academic abilities, which includes high grades (As or Bs) in middle school science courses.Though not unique to Honors Biology-time management, organizational skills, and self-motivation to learn (not for a grade) are very important.

Specifically:

  1. In Honors Biology, higher level thinking skills such as application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation are stressed. Students must go past developing a thorough understanding of the main concepts of biology by applying these concepts to new situations. For example, how the results of the Human Genome Project has application to their lives and lives of their peers. Relevancy and scientific literacy are very important as well.
  1. In Honors Biology, the pace is faster and often more in-depth with more homework which includes reading, writing, completing on-line activities, and preparation for labs. When reading is assigned, the student is expected to read and take notes on the reading.
  1. In Honors Biology, students need to work effectively alone and also in groups to complete projects. Competency in the process of science skills is important. Also, contemporary hot areas of science research such as stem cell research, cloning, genetic engineering, gene therapy, etc are stressed.
  1. In Honors Biology, tests are more extensive and involve applying higher level thinking skills as students evaluate generalizations, do problem solving, and complete performance assessments, which are often hands-on.
  2. Honors Biology includes district-required Honors Components, which include reading and reporting on science researcharticles, completion of a science research project, extensive use of computer searches and reports, other class projects, etc.

I hope this gives you some basis of understanding of how Honors Biology differs from regular Biology. No matter your course choice, we will involve your student in a thorough study of biology, and have some fun along the way. We look forward to working with your student to achieve a high level of success. After all, student success is what we all about—that’s why we are here. If you have questions, please contact us through e-mail. Thank you.

-Mike Alsin (Department Chair), Physics Teacher:

-Ken Bingman, Honors Biology / AP Biology Teacher:

-Allison Johnson, Honors Biology / Biology Teacher:

-Greg Schell, Honors Biology / Biology Teacher: