Dear Parents,
A word of warning. If your student is coming home at night and not studying biology, they are making major grounds to failing the course. The biology course provides extensive review of the biological concepts generally introduced throughout middle school. However, this extensive review is exactly that, extensive. This does not mean they are not learning new concepts or new terms for concepts introduced at a basic level. Students need to do more than just recall this information. Students must be able to do the following in addition to simply knowing the concepts and terms:
1. Understand the meaning and interpret the information into their own words. The student can explain the concept other than to repeat what they know. (Comprehension)
2. Use a concept in a new situation. This means the student can apply what was learned in the classroom into new situations. (Application)
3. Break down concepts to its basics and distinguish between known facts and inferences. (Analysis)
4. Build, draw, or create something using the knowledge gained with each concept. (Synthesis)
5. Review their own work, finding and fixing errors. Students need to be able to make judgments about what they've learned and their new ideas, selecting the best solutions. (Evaluation)
The work provided in class will be at this level. This means they will likely have homework, as they will not have enough time in class to do all of their assignments.
So be warned that if you do not see your student working on biology at home, they are not likely applying themselves to the level they need. Please keep up with the lesson plans as I post them and stay on your student.
Thanks,
Mr. Ison
