This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
The cell is quite the place! From its membrane to its organelles to DNA, it has fascinating structures. And then there are its amazing functions, from photosynthesis and respiration to cell division and protein synthesis. We will also explore how DNA passes on traits to offspring in specific inheritance patterns.
Total classes: 12 class meetings
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: Middle School (though probably best for grades 7 through 9)
Suggested credit: 1 trimester (1/3 credit of middle school biology)
Description
The cell is quite the place! From its membrane to its organelles to DNA, it has fascinating structures. And then there are its amazing functions, from photosynthesis and respiration to cell division and protein synthesis. We will also explore how DNA passes on traits to offspring in specific inheritance patterns. This course aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for middle school life science.
Outline
Class 1: The Microscope and The Chemistry of Living Things
Class 2: Cells and Their Structures
Class 3: Cell Transport
Class 4: Photosynthesis
Class 5: Cellular Respiration
Class 6: Cell Division (Mitosis)
Class 7: Reproduction (Meiosis)
Class 8: The Genetic Code
Class 9: Protein Synthesis
Class 10: Father Mendel’s Peas
Class 11: Punnett Squares
Class 12: Other Inheritance Patterns (Pedigree Charts)
Materials and Homework
Course materials: A coursebook is provided. Because this is an interactive class, a microphone is required, and video capabilities preferred. A microscope is preferred but not required. A list of required lab supplies (available at any grocery store) is posted in Moodle.
Homework: While the class has only one live meeting each week, it is taught in a flipped-classroom format. Students are expected to gain familiarity with the assigned media (print, audio, video) prior to class. This includes up to 3 recorded lectures of up to 20 minutes each and other activities. Meeting time is spent engaging students with the material using the Socratic Method and other active learning approaches. It is also spend reviewing lab instructions and discussing finished results.
Each week, students will need to prepare for class by reading the book and watching the videos and other assignments. They will complete 5 labs throughout the course. Approximately 4 to 5 hours each week will be needed to prepare for class and complete the labs.
