II. BIOLOGY TOPICS

1. Inquiry, Reflection, and Social Implication
2. Organization and Development of Living Systems
3. Interdependence of Living Systems and Environment
4. Genetics
5. Evolution and Biodiversity

High School

B1.1 Scientific Inquiry
Science is a way of understanding nature. Scientific research may begin by generating new scientific questions that can be answered through replicable scientific investigations that are logically developed and conducted systematically. Scientific conclusions and explanations result from careful analysis of empirical evidence and the use of logical reasoning. Some questions in science are addressed through indirect rather than direct observation, evaluating the consistency of new evidence with results predicted by models of natural processes. Results from investigations are communicated in reports that are scrutinized through a peer review process.

1. Chaos Gallery
   Can the chaotic dynamics of math, physics, and other sciences yield stunning works of modern art? Apparently so. Grade level is high school.
2. Evidence: The True Witness
   Become KC Rogers, the forensic detective without a clue. Apply your newfound knowledge of forensic science to search for a kidnapper, case a house for evidence, process evidence in the lab, and interview suspects. Reference and glossary sections help keep you on the trail, and a careers section is included in case you get really good.
3. ExploraVision
   ExploraVision is a competition for all students in grades K-12 attending a public, private or home school in the U.S., Canada, or U.S. Territories. It is designed to encourage students to combine their imagination with their knowledge of science and technology to explore visions of the future. ExploraVision is more than a contest. It can be a spark to ignite every student's enthusiasm for science.
4. Science Research New
   Outstanding! Your one-stop source for scientific research, access to numerous scientific journals and public science databases.
5. The Biology Project - Blackett DNA Activity
   This website provides students with information and activities on maternity and paternity testing, how investigators use DNA to find a missing person, and how you can construct a pedigree. Some of the terms are a little technical, but there is a lot of information for support. Also, at the bottom of the page you can choose "Human Biology", which includes two activities of Karotyping, blood typing, and links to other sites including the Center for Disease Control.
6. Virtual Science Comes Alive
   This site has a number of interactive science animations available. This site is part of "The Why Files" site. This is an outstanding interactive site.

B1.2 Scientific Reflection and Social Implications
The integrity of the scientific process depends on scientists and citizens understanding and respecting the “nature of science.” Openness to new ideas, skepticism, and honesty are attributes required for good scientific practice. Scientists must use logical reasoning during investigation design, analysis, conclusion, and communication. Science can produce critical insights on societal problems from a personal and local scale to a global scale. Science both aids in the development of technology and provides tools for assessing the costs, risks, and benefits of technological systems. Scientific conclusions and arguments play a role in personal choice and public policy decisions. New technology and scientific discoveries have had a major influence in shaping human history. Science and technology continue to offer diverse and significant career opportunities.

1. ETE Teacher Pages: Problem-Based Learning - Science Process - Reflecting
   A teacher's guide for using problem based learning in the classroom.  This site provides a lot of good information on this subject including, a definition of problem based learning, goals and objectives and steps that should be followed during instruction.
2. How Stuff Works
   Descriptions of how a TV or alkaline battery works tend to be brief and impart only a very cursory sense of what's going on inside. Not here. You get detailed yet understandable explanations married with plentiful illustrations and pictures of how everyday technologies such as engines, VCRs, cellphones, refrigerators, and smoke detectors work
3. Secrets of the Sequence Videos/Lessons
   These videos and accompanying lesson plans take you and your students to laboratories where scientists are investigating fascinating questions. SOSq creates an avenue for students to learn from leading scientists and ethicists about the profound moral, ethical and legal impact of recent discoveries in the life sciences. With increasing public awareness of the technical and bioethical issues surrounding the life sciences discoveries of the 21st century, Secrets of the Sequence videos and accompanying classroom-tested lesson plans are designed to help teachers expand their students’ knowledge. Lesson plans are designed to walk teachers through videos, provide disscussion questions, and student follow-up activities. Short and current videos!
4. The Love Canal Debate
   This is a great site for an advanced science class that wants to learn about hazardous waste dumping and how it affects the area around it as well as the people.  Students become active in this site by researching different interests concerning the issue.
5. The Biology Project - Blackett DNA Activity
   This website provides students with information and activities on maternity and paternity testing, how investigators use DNA to find a missing person, and how you can construct a pedigree. Some of the terms are a little technical, but there is a lot of information for support. Also, at the bottom of the page you can choose "Human Biology", which includes two activities of Karotyping, blood typing, and links to other sites including the Center for Disease Control.
6. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
   Serious about laying your claim to a great invention? This site, or the office of a good patent attorney, should be your first stop. The U.S. Patent Office posts a wealth of information about issued patents and patent applications, and you can search its vast patent database to see if your idea's already been taken.
7. Your Genes, Your Choices
   "Your Genes, Your Choices" describes the Human Genome Project, the science behind it, and the ethical, legal, and social issues that are raised by the project. This site was based on a book that was written as part of the Science + Literacy for Health project of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
8. Whelmers
   Whelmers offers a selection of science activities which are designed to "catch the eye and mind of even the most indifferent student". Most materials are simple and easily obtainable. Activities have been aligned with the National Science Education Standards.