High school biology is a fascinating journey that will aid students in understanding what life is and how it works.  Whether it is looking into the microscopic world of DNA or the vast array of animals and how they interact on this planet, students will appreciate the great design of God as the author and creator of all life.  Fall semester is dedicated to microbiology and includes topics such as characteristics of life, biomolecules, cells, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, DNA, protein synthesis, and cell reproduction.  Spring semester will focus more on macrobiology and includes topics of evolution and creation, classification of organisms, and study of the kingdoms of life including bacteria, protista, fungi, plants, and animals.  Students will participate in labs throughout the year to further their understanding of topics.  Labs will include some virtual online labs as well as some hands-on labs done at home.  Students will also learn how to write a lab report and will turn in several of these lab reports throughout the year.  Students will be tested over approximately 9 units over the year.  For each unit presented the fall semester, students will be given a note packet specifically for that unit.  Students will complete note packets by coming to class and filling in missing information in the notes as it is presented by the teacher.  This allows students to be able to see what information is most important to know and to then concentrate on what is being taught while filling in some notes. This not only relieves the pressure of knowing what to write down and how to study for tests, but it also provides a good experience for students learning how to take notes. By the second semester, students will begin practicing taking notes on their own as the note packets become less complete and students are required to take more notes on their own.