Biology Classes

Biology I

Biology 1 & 2 are the study of living creatures and the interdependence of all life. The course should help the students to understand the environment in which they live and how to relate themselves to the environment. The course includes both factual knowledge and the processes of science. The course stresses the nature, growth and function of scientific theories. This course is primarily a laboratory course with emphasis on investigation rather than illustrative work.

Prerequisite: none

Biology I Honors

This course is for the above average student who has demonstrated outstanding performance in science. It includes both the concepts of life science and the processes related to them. This course is primarily a laboratory course with emphasis on investigation rather than illustrative work.

Prerequisite: 9th graders selecting this course must be reading above grade level and have A or B grades in 8th grade math and science. Students in grades 10-12 must have A or B grades in the last science course they have taken.

Biology II, Anatomy & Physiology

The second year of Biology will focus on human anatomy and physiology for students who are considering training in careers such as emergency medical technician, a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, certified medical assistant, physician, veterinary medicine, forestry or agriculture. The purpose of this course will be to provide students who are considering careers in these fields of medical science an opportunity to examine the various levels of structural and functional organization within the human body or for those who desire a strong science program. This course is part of the health occupations strand of technology preparation courses.

Prerequisite: Biology 1 & 2 with teacher recommendation

Biology II

Biology 3 and 4 are continuation of Biology 1 & 2. The course is designed to meet the needs of those students who are especially interested in nursing, medicine, agriculture, forestry and research. This is also for capable students who may not go on to college but who desire a strong science program. It provides students further opportunity for individual investigation, critical observation, and controlled experimentation.

Prerequisite:Biology 1 & 2 with grades of "C" or better and teacher recommendation.

Biology II Honors

This course is for the above average student who has demonstrated outstanding performance in Biology 1 & 2. It is a continuation of Biology 1 & 2 and is designed to meet the needs of the highly motivated student in science. Individual project and experiments will be emphasized.

Prerequisite: Biology 1 & 2 with grades of B or better and teacher recommendation.

Biology II Advanced Placement

This course is for the student who has demonstrated outstanding performance in Biology 1 & 2 (Honors). AP Biology is a continuation of Biology 1 & 2 (Honors) and is designed to help the highly motivated science students.

Prerequisite: Biology 1 & 2 (Honors) with grades of B or better and teacher recommendation.

Riley's Ecology class is a year long class in which students study nature and the environment. In this class, students undergo a gallon jar ecosystem study (finding scummy pond water is the student's task) in which they then identify all of the organisms within the jar. Also during this class students will learn about and be able to identify ninety-one species of indigenous birds and 34 reptiles and amphibians. Students also will get the chance to go on 3 different field trips to Mud Lake Bog, Potato Creek, and Rum Village throughout the year to study wildlife.

Length of class: 2 semesters

Taught by: Mrs. Kensinger

Earth & Space Science

Earth and Space science is a class that will teach students much about earth. The class will learn about different rocks and minerals as well as landforms, cartography, and a number of other lessons about the planet we call home.

Taught by: Janus Horral

Astronomy and Meterology

In Astronomy the students learn about the planets and stars, as well as the possibility of life existing on other planets. The class also touches base on some Astrology as well as some constellations.

Taught by: Janus Horral

In Meterology, students will study the causes of weather, prediction techniques, and the ecological implications of weather patterns. Weather information will be gathered and integrated into the classroom through the use of computers, the internet, and Riley's own weather station.

Taught by: Janus Horral

Human Genetics & Bio Technology

This course is designed as a semester elective in science. Human genetics includes the study of traditional genetic concepts as well as contemporary biotechnology as it applies to the personal lives of students. This course will augment the background of the college bound individual as well as attract the student who is curious about his/her own genetic heritage or personal uses of the modern technology. The bank of knowledge in Human Genetics is currently doubling every eighteen months. This research has opened many new doors, some of which include the ability to resolve previously hopeless medical problems and provide technological window into the future.