This is a comprehensive biology class with a laboratory component and an optional microscopy lab component. The course is split into two parts – this listing is for Semester 1 (14 weeks). There is a separate listing for Semester 2 (18 weeks). The course uses the R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Biology 2 as a textbook, laboratory book, and student workbook.Â
| Age Range | 12+ |
| Class Type | Live |
| Class dates | September 6 - December 13, 2022 |
| Class Size | 8-16 Students |
| Day & Time | Tuesdays 3:00-4:00 pm EST |
Pricing Information
| Biology (Semester 1) | $350 per student |
| Bundle (Biology Semester 1 and 2) | $625 |
| Payment Plan (Semester 1) | $120 per month for 3 months |
| Payment Plan (Semester 1 and 2) | $105 per month for 6 months |
Biology 2 Middle School & High School Lab Class
This Biology class is the first part of a two-part, year-long (32 week) biology class.Â
Major biological concepts for student focus include the diversity of organisms; the cell; heredity; matter, energy, and organization of living systems; evolution of living systems; physiology; the biosphere and interdependence of abiotic and biotic factors.Â
In the first semester, the class will learn, discuss, and complete activities on the following topics:
Weekly Schedule
Week 1 – Introduction
Week 2 – Cell Theory
Week 3 – Inside Cells
Week 4 – Biochemistry
Week 5 – Active & Passive Transport
Week 6 – Photosynthesis & Respiration
Week 7 – Structure & Function of Genetic Material
Week 8 – Mitosis
Week 9 – Meiosis
Week 10 – Heredity
Week 11 – From Cell to Multicellular Organism
Week 12 – Plant Anatomy & Reproduction
Week 13 – Nervous & Sensory Systems
Week 14 – Integumentary, Digestive & Urinary Systems
This rigorous, comprehensive course will engage students as they develop a deeper understanding of biology. Students will be challenged to apply their knowledge and skills to a variety of hands-on activities in class and outside of class. The class will focus on active student participation, hands-on laboratory assignments, and the development of critical thinking skills.Â
Students will not only be learning science, they will be DOING science.Â
Class will meet live on Zoom weekly for one hour to discuss and learn about that week’s biology topics. There will be a live lecture with slideshow, class discussion, and cooperative learning. Outside of class, students will use hands-on investigation and scientific modeling to learn about the wonderful world of biology, from cells to ecosystems.Â
This course is open to middle school and high school students. When used for High School Biology, this meets the Grades 9-12 life science graduation requirement. Middle grade students who are not taking this for high school credit will have less work to turn in as a part of their evaluations, but the content will be the same.
All assignments will receive specific, individualized feedback and from the instructor. Grades will be provided upon request.Â
Please contact Alison Blanco at MsAlison.SEA@gmail.com with any questions about this course.
Live Classes
Classes will meet via Zoom on Tuesdays at 3:00 pm EST. The class will meet for approximately one hour.Â
Time Commitment
Students will need to allocate approximately 3-5 hours of time for work outside of live class times. Assignments each week include readings, lesson activities, laboratory work, microscopy lab, chapter review problem sets, and on some weeks, there are unit tests.Â
Schedule
Semester 1: 14 weeks – every Tuesday from 9/6/22 to 12/13/22 (excluding 11/22/22)
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Skills Needed
The RSO Biology 2 curriculum is geared toward students 12 and up, so all participants should be able to read, write, and complete assignments at this level. (Please talk to the instructor ahead of time if significant accommodations are needed, so that the parent, student and teacher can develop a plan for success.)
Students should be able to compute basic math skills, such as multiplication, division, decimals, and rounding.Â
Skills Gained
Students in this class will obtain a deeper understanding of the living world through readings, lecture, activities, and laboratory work. We will also work to develop the following skills:
Writing a high quality lab report
Research of non-fiction scientific topics
Evaluation of sources and materials
Using and recognition of proper lab technique and skills
Analyzing current events in biology and recognizing bias
Supplies
To participate in this class, learners will need the following:
- R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Biology 2 student text and workbookÂ
- Internet access
- A computer with microphone and camera for in-class participation
- Lab materials: most are commonly found items. A few items (such as dissection specimens) are easily obtained from science supply vendors. A complete list is available on curriculum page once enrolled, or available upon request.Â
- Microscope (optional)Â
- Zoom (free account)
- Google account (free) for use with Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Jamboard.Â
Alison Blanco, M.S.
Alison Blanco is an environmental scientist and a science educator. She has an M.S. in Environmental Science from Florida Gulf Coast University and a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Florida. Alison has a passion for all things related to science and nature.
Alison has taught in various forms for the past 20 years. She began as a public school teacher, and now teaches at homeschool co-ops, where she focuses on hands-on learning, and on online platforms, in which she seeks to engage students through active participation. She also has four children of her own, all of whom are homeschooled.Â
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Alison Blanco is a great teacher who teaches a great course
Teacher: Alison Blanco
My daughter has studied science with Alison for over six years and has loved it! Alison is a natural. She takes complex information and breaks it down into understandable and usable chunks. Last year I was so thrilled with the Big History Project curriculum and the way in which Alison taught the class. She made it fun and interesting for the students. Each week she had breakout sessions so the kids could develop their teamwork and cooperation skills while learning Big History in a unique way. Sandra J.
Alison takes complex information and breaks it down into understandable and usable chunks
Teacher: Alison Blanco
Ms. Alison is a really great teacher and has the ability to teach complex subjects in an easy to understand way, while also making it fun and interesting. Over the year we learned about many different scientists, human evolution, what the world was like thousands of years ago and many more things, all of which Ms. Alison taught in an interactive and entertaining way that made it enjoyable and memorable. M.J.K.
Ms. Alison is a really great teacher and has the ability to teach complex subjects in an easy to understand way
Teacher: Alison Blanco