High School Science

Redesigned High School Biology Course

The redesigned BSCS Biology: A Human Approach curriculum was field tested during the 2004–2005 school year and is now being implemented in all high schools during the 2005–2006 school year. The new curriculum:

Focuses on nine principles (big ideas) of biological literacy;
Incorporates an research-based, constructivist approach to learning;
Includes embedded formative assessments;
Teaches science as inquiry;
Aligns with Colorado science standards and CSAP science assessment frameworks; and
Includes materials for hands-on learning.

Curriculum Matrix

The following table describes unifying concepts and units of study, which are part of the redesigned high school biology course.

UNIFYING CONCEPTS	Abilities to do Scientific Inquiry Inquiry involves engaging in scientifically oriented questions, giving priority to evidence in responding to questions, formulating explanations based on evidence, connecting explanations to scientific knowledge, and communicating and justifying explanations.
	Understandings about the Nature of Science The development of scientific knowledge is based on questioning current knowledge, using empirical facts to develop logical theories, and verifying observations and claims.
	Personal and Social Dimensions of Biology Biological literacy includes understanding issues important to humans as individuals such as personal health and focusing on social issues such as bioethics.
UNITS OF STUDY	FIRST SEMESTER	SECOND SEMESTER
	Unit 1—Evolution: Patterns and Products of Change Living systems change through time by the process of natural selection whereby individuals best adapted to their environment survive and reproduce successfully.	Unit 4—Genetic Continuity and Reproduction Living systems are related to other generations by genetic material made of DNA that is passed on through reproduction.
	Unit 2—Maintenance of a Dynamic Equilibrium Living systems maintain a relatively stable internal environment through their regulatory mechanisms and behavior.	Unit 5—Growth, Development, and Differentiation Living systems grow, develop, and differentiate during their lifetimes based on a genetic plan that is influenced by the environment.
	Unit 3—Energy, Matter, and Organization Living systems are complex and highly organized, and they require matter and energy to maintain this organization.	Unit 6—Interaction and Interdependence Living systems interact with their environment and are interdependent with other systems.

Materials

BSCS Biology: A Human Approach was developed by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and is published by Kendal/Hunt Publishing Company.

If you have technical questions about this Web site, contact Joel' Bradley-Hess at
joel_bradley-hess@dpsk12.org or 720-423-3723.