Regular Biology Honors Biology

Intended for all incoming 9th grade students regardless of prior strength in
science. Course will cover the same major topics as honors biology, but in
less detail. While the level of rigor and preparation outside of class are not
as demanding as honors biology this course is still challenging. Success will
require students to participate in class and study on a regular basis.
Intended for students that show a strong aptitude and interest for science.
Course will cover the same major topics as regular biology but will go into
greater detail and move at a faster pace. Course presents a high level of rigor
and students are expected to learn a great amount through collaborative
work with their peers and independent study outside of class.

 Expectations for students are high, but not as high as honors
o Students do not need prior knowledge to be successful
o Most topics are covered in class to some extent
 Same major topics will be covered, but at a lower level of detail
 Slower pace than honors with more teacher guided instruction
 Some points will come from homework completion and labs/projects,
but the majority of student’s grade comes from assessment performance
 Has higher expectations for students
o Prior knowledge is not essential but will be helpful
o High level of independent learning outside of class
 Greater depth and detail with topics
 Faster pace
 Very little points come from “homework”. Some points will come from
labs/projects and most points will come from assessment performance

Common Characteristics:
Both courses . . .
Will cover the same major biological themes
(*NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas)
 Employ an inquiry-based style of learning
 Require students to collaborate with peers and be actively engaged every day
 Require students to demonstrate understanding and application of biological ideas (not just memorization)
 Emphasize scientific reasoning and literacy
 Will be challenging. Be ready to work hard!

Next Generation Science Standards

Disciplinary Core Ideas for High School Life Science
 From Molecules to Organisms : Structures and Processes
 Ecosystems : Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
 Heredity : Inheritance and Variation of Traits
 Biological Evolution : Unity and Diversity