This lab-based course covers the foundational principles of modern life science as outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). It also includes approximately a third of the Earth and Space Science standards, primarily those connected to environmental science and ecology. The course emphasizes all three dimensions of the NGSS, with special attention to the crosscutting concepts of Patterns and Energy and Matter. Additionally, scientific inquiry and engineering design practices are emphasized throughout the course. The course is designed to follow a chemistry course and so builds on student understandings of molecules as they explore the biomolecular underpinnings of life's functions, the evolution of life, and the interactions of life in ecosystems. Technological, historical, political, and environmental aspects of biology will also be addressed. Critical thinking, data analysis, and argumentation from evidence are also emphasized.

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In this lesson, students describe how abiotic and biotic factors can affect the size of a deer herd. Students will explain and simulate the management of a deer herd.

Students investigate the interconnectedness of the ocean and Earth's physical and human systems through videos, discussions, writing, and mapping. They make personal connections to their own lives and are introduced to the concept of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

In this lesson, students use Internet resources to explore relationships between habitats and species as well as the effect of physical and human forces on living things and their environment.

This is an encyclopedia entry for "biosphere." The biosphere is made up of the parts of Earth where life exists. The biosphere extends from the deepest root systems of trees, to the dark environment of ocean trenches, to lush rain forests and high mountaintops. Text for this entry is appropriate for the middle and high school grade levels.

This is an encyclopedia entry for the term "ecosystem." An ecosystem is a geographic area where plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as weather and landscape, work together to form a bubble of life. Text for this entry is appropriate for the middle and high school grade levels.

This is an encyclopedia entry for the term "groundwater." Groundwater is all the water found underneath the Earth?s surface. Text for this entry is appropriate for the middle and high school grade levels.

This is an encyclopedia entry for the term "marine sanctuary." A marine sanctuary is a general type of marine protected area (MPA). The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Animals are featured. Text for this entry is appropriate for the middle and high school levels.

This is an encyclopedia entry for "marsh." A marsh is a wetland, an area of land where water covers ground for long periods of time. Text is appropriate for middle and high grade levels.

This is a comprehensive encyclopedia entry that contains information about marine ecosystems, ocean zones, ocean currents, marine resources, and environmental issues associated with oceans. Text for this entry is appropriate for the middle and high school grade levels.