Biology
(Available 2025-2026)

Students will gain a basic knowledge of biology and learn current applications as to why this science is important to society. Students will study influential scientists to learn valuable characteristics that helped them become successful; students will research areas of interest to help develop passions; and students will perform a variety of labs and activities to solidify biology concepts being studied. From molecular biology and the organization of a cell, to ecosystems and how organisms and the physical environment interact, we’ll explore many areas of biology that will help us appreciate our world, and the need to take care of it. Students will also study systems of their body, learning the value of healthy living. Dissections of a wide array of animals will help students learn how systems work within animals, and within ourselves too. This class will have field trips, and many hand-on experiences to enjoy.

Class Information

Concepts Studied

The science of biology
Chemistry of life
Cell structure and function
Introduction to Genetics
DNA, RNA and Protein Synthesis
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
Ecosystems and Biomes
Viruses and Prokaryotes
Protists and Fungi
Introduction to Animals
Digestive System and overall health
Nervous Systems
Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary Systems
Circulatory and Respiratory Systems

Projects Completed

1 Experiment Project on an area of interest
1 Research Project on an area of interest
1 presentation on a scientist of interest
Various short presentations on current scientific events and biology topics
Dissections of cow eyeball, sheep heart, frog, perch, sheep brain

Skills developed

Read a textbook to gain basic understanding
Maintain a lab notebook
Understand and write scientific papers
Presentation skills
Self-directed learning in areas of interest
Creating science projects
Cultivate internal motivation
Learning to work with a group
Produce quality work

Abilities developed

Looking at systems as a whole, not isolated
Making connections between different areas of science
Cultivate internal motivation
Take personal responsibility

Student Expectations

Come to class with assigned reading/problems/presentations complete
Come prepared with questions from assigned reading/problems
Read weekly emails and take the time to ponder given question and be prepared for a discussion
Always come with a positive attitude
Be respectful of all other students

Class Information

When: Tuesdays, 12:15-2:15

Who: Minimum of 5 students, maximum of 8 students

Age Recommendation: 14+

Where: Sarah's Home (Philomath), or Zoom

Lab Fee (non-refundable): $125, paid at checkout to hold your spot

Includes all material and supplies for the year needed for labs, activities, field trips, and dissections

Class Fee (last day to withdraw Sept 30): $26/2-hour class, 27 week course, monthly payment option available at checkout.

excludes
- required books and supplies needed
includes
- Class preparation and instruction, mentoring, presentation feedback, weekly emails, end-of-class certificates and portfolio information

Required Books

Biology by Miller and Levine, 2014 student edition (buy used)
Biology 2010 Laboratory Manual A (paperback)
Choose between:
- Death in the River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Amazon Adventure by Samantha Seiple (Juvenile edition)
- The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey by Candice Millard (unabridged)

Supplies Needed

Lab Notebook and pencil
Colored pencils

Class Schedule

Available upon request

Biology (Available 2025-2026)

Class Information

Required Books

Supplies Needed

Class Schedule

Biology
(Available 2025-2026)