Enrichment Experience Mandala (Grades 9-12)
- coursework
- experiences
- projects
Course Description: The biology course is a lab course and guides students through the study of living and non-living systems and how they interact with one another. Students explore the world they live in by posing questions and seeking answers through scientific inquiry. Discovery takes place through observation and data collection. The students will be introduced to the structure, function, diversity, and evolution of living matter. This is a course with real relevance. It encourages curiosity and provides opportunities for students to work on hands-on lab activities and develop relationships through collaborative learning. Engaging in the study of biological science broadens the picture of the world around us.
Note: content varies depending on the course version. For currently enrolled students, please refer to the syllabus located in the course information area for curriculum specifics.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of foundations of biology by describing the scientific method, explaining elements of the chemistry of life, and describing Earth’s early atmosphere.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of cell structures and processes by analyzing properties of water, describing cell structure and function, explaining processes of cellular transport, and explaining cellular energy.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of heredity and cell reproduction by comparing types of cell division, describing heredity and genetic mutations, explaining the process and applications of DNA replication, and explaining the process of protein synthesis.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of ecological systems by describing fundamentals of ecology, summarizing the characteristics of the biosphere, describing elements of ecosystems, and explaining the impact of changes on ecosystems.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of evolution and natural selection by explaining the theory of evolution and describing the process of natural selection.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of classification and diversity by explaining the classification of organisms and describing the features specific to organisms in each kingdom.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of systems of the human body by describing the structure and function of the human body systems and comparing body system actions.
Please also review the competency statements to learn more about the major topics and concepts covered in this offering.
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
Module 6
Module 7
Projects allow students to demonstrate competence and understanding of concepts and skills by completing a career-related task. For example, the assignment might be to create a mural, a package design, a speech, a film review, or a movie set – you name it! These creative projects are about applying your learning acquired through in-depth research to real-world career tasks.
Each competency will be addressed through a project that is based on a real-life career task. Here are the careers you will explore: Biochemist, Water Resource Specialist, Puzzle Design Artist, Environmental Specialist working for a land preservation trust, Wildlife Biologist, and Digital Designer/Editor for an ecological protection group.
Please review the competency statements to learn more about the major topics and concepts covered in this offering.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of foundations of biology by describing the scientific method, explaining elements of the chemistry of life, and describing Earth’s early atmosphere.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of cell structures and processes by analyzing properties of water, describing cell structure and function, explaining processes of cellular transport, and explaining cellular energy.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of heredity and cell reproduction by comparing types of cell division, describing heredity and genetic mutations, explaining the process and applications of DNA replication, and explaining the process of protein synthesis.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of ecological systems by describing fundamentals of ecology, summarizing the characteristics of the biosphere, describing elements of ecosystems, and explaining the impact of changes on ecosystems.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of evolution and natural selection by explaining the theory of evolution and describing the process of natural selection.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of classification and diversity by explaining the classification of organisms and describing the features specific to organisms in each kingdom.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of systems of the human body by describing the structure and function of the human body systems and comparing body system actions.
Experiences allow you to explore a career field you’re curious about while mastering competencies for school credit. Through experiential learning, you will learn skills and apply them to tasks you would complete as part of a career rather than completing traditional assessments like essays or tests. During your Experience, you’ll work with a professional in the field to support your learning whom we call an “outside expert.” You’ll earn a badge for your accomplishments to share on social media and higher education platforms, or with colleges, potential employers, peers, and colleagues to display your qualifications.
Here’s how Experiences work:
Obtaining an Outside Expert: Prior to enrollment, please have an idea for an outside expert in mind or consult with our counseling department by emailing [email protected] for help in identifying one. Also, a parent/guardian permission form and background check of the outside expert are both required for students to work with outside experts without parental supervision.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of foundations of biology by describing the scientific method, explaining elements of the chemistry of life, and describing Earth’s early atmosphere.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of cell structures and processes by analyzing properties of water, describing cell structure and function, explaining processes of cellular transport, and explaining cellular energy.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of heredity and cell reproduction by comparing types of cell division, describing heredity and genetic mutations, explaining the process and applications of DNA replication, and explaining the process of protein synthesis.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of ecological systems by describing fundamentals of ecology, summarizing the characteristics of the biosphere, describing elements of ecosystems, and explaining the impact of changes on ecosystems.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of evolution and natural selection by explaining the theory of evolution and describing the process of natural selection.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of classification and diversity by explaining the classification of organisms and describing the features specific to organisms in each kingdom.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of systems of the human body by describing the structure and function of the human body systems and comparing body system actions.
Discover how you can customize your learning based on your needs, interests, and talents.