BIOLOGY

Goals
The biology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations and deepen student understanding of the biological sciences. High school instruction should include concepts introduced in grades K-8 at a more abstract level. In-depth study of the following concepts is included: the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, the interdependence of organisms, matter, energy and organization in living systems, and the adaptive responses of organisms. For instruction, the program strands and unifying concepts should be woven through the content goals and objectives of the course. The following explanation introduces teachers to the program strands and unifying concepts. Supplemental materials, providing a more detailed explanation of the goals, objectives, unifying concepts and program strands, with specific recommendations for classroom and/or laboratory implementation, are available through the Department of Public Instruction's Publications Section.