NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Honors Biology
Information Packet
Norwalk High School
Revised 2015
Course Description:
3329 Honors Biology
Grades 9*, 10, 11, 12
1 Unit
Honors biology will cover topics to those covered in the college prep
biology class: the principles and inter relationships of living forms with
reference to the balance of nature and realistic concern for the
environment. These topics will e covered in greater depth, placing more
emphasis on the self-reliance of the student. Biochemistry will be
emphasized, and students will be expected to write science papers and
work on science projects.
Prerequisite: Physical Science/Earth-Recommended: Mark of “B” or
better in preceding science course for success in this program.
Recommendation from previous science teacher, department chairperson
and counselor.
* Open to incoming 9th grade students who meet the following criteria:
1. Grades of “A” in 7th and 8th grade science and 8th Grade science
teacher recommendation (based on student’s interest and
motivation.)
2. Reading Goal on 7th Grade CMT in Math & Reading.
3. Students taking and obtaining a grade of “B” or better in
Algebra in 8th grade.
Dear Honors Biology Students,
During the year we will study interesting topics that will be relevant to your future careers and
personal lives. In addition, sophomore year is the year you will take CAPT tests so we will
prepare for them throughout this course. This course is designed for students who wish to
prepare for college. It is important that each student understand that he or she is expected to
complete a variety of independent learning tasks, quarter projects and rigorous testing. Tests
account for 50% of your grade each quarter, homework/class work/quizzes account for 20%, and
labs/projects/papers account for 30%. During the year, you will be responsible and accountable
for everything you do.
Honors Biology is a Pre-AP Biology course. After taking a year of chemistry, you will be
prepared to take AP Biology. This course will also prepare you for the SAT II: Biology E/M
subject Test. You should find out about requirements of various colleges you are considering
regarding the SAT II subject test. The College Board (www.collegeboard.com) recommends you
take the test after you complete this course, while the material is still fresh in your mind. If you
plan to take AP Biology, you may take the test in November/December of your senior year. If
you do not plan to take AP biology, you should take the test in June, after your year of Honors
Biology. It would be to your benefit to purchase a SAT II Biology E/M practice book. Not only
will it help you prepare for the SAT II we often use the test bank questions for our quizzes, tests,
mid-term and final.
Major Units of Study
Scientific Method and Measurement
The Chemistry of Life
Ecology
The Cell—Form and Function
Cellular Energy
Heredity
Evolution
Plants
The Structure and Function of Living Organisms
These concepts will be covered on several different tests throughout the year.
Resources
www.visionlearning.com
www.chemguide.co.uk
www.biology4kids.com
(see chemistry section)
www.chem4kids.com
Objectives:
Core Scientific Inquiry, Literacy and Numeracy
How is scientific knowledge created and communicated?
Content Standards
Expected Performances
SCIENTIFIC LITERACY
discuss and present coherent ideas about science.
scientific investigation (use of scientific method).
and assess the relevance and credibility of scientific
information found in various print and electronic media.
those that are kept constant and those used as controls.
ing
data, and present relationships between variables in
appropriate forms.
SCIENTIFIC NUMERACY
mathematical operations and procedures to calculate,
analyze and present scientific data and ideas.
Core Themes, Content Standards and Expected Performances
Strand II: Chemical Structures and Properties
Content Standards
Properties of Matter – How does the structure of matter
affect the properties and uses of materials?
Atoms react with one another to form new molecules.
Expected Performances
how the properties of the first 20 elements in the Periodic
Table are related to their atomic structures.
negatively charged electrons.
properties of the materials.
transferring electrons (ionic bonding) or sharing electrons
(covalent bonding).
and explain the change of pH in neutralization reactions.
Properties of Matter – How does the structure of matter
affect the properties and uses of materials?
Due to its unique chemical structure, carbon forms
many organic and inorganic compounds.
and branching networks to form a variety of structures,
including fossil fuels, synthetic polymers and the large
molecules of life.
type of bonds it forms in organic and inorganic molecules.