Biology Credit Recovery (CR)
Cost: $199 per semester
Prerequisites: Previously failed the course
Length: Two semesters (8 weeks each)
Semesters 1 and 2: Optional
- This course includes the option of either hands-on or dry lab activities. Dry labs require no additional lab materials. Hands-on labs require specified materials. For a list of hands-on lab materials, go to http://support.apexlearning.com/materials.
Course Description: Market Square Education’s online Credit Recovery Biology course features pretests at the beginning of each unit, allowing students to test out of mastered concepts and instead focus where they need the most support. Credit Recovery eliminates teacher scored work with the exception of teacher scored tests at the end of each unit. Passing score is 70% or greater with the completion of all unit tests. Students will not pass without completing all tests.
Biology focuses on the mastery of basic biological concepts and models while building scientific inquiry skills and exploring the connections between living things and their environment.
The course begins with an introduction to the nature of science and biology, including the major themes of structure and function, matter and energy flow, systems, and the interconnectedness of life. Students then apply those themes to the structure and function of the cell, cellular metabolism, and biogeochemical cycles. Building on this foundation, students explore the connections and interactions between living things by studying genetics, ecosystems and natural selection, and evolution. The course ends with an applied look at human biology.
Scientific inquiry skills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students learn to ask scientific questions, form and test hypotheses, and use logic and evidence to draw conclusions about the concepts.
Lab activities reinforce critical thinking, writing, and communication skills and help students develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science.
This course is built to the National Science Education Standards (NSES) and is aligned with state standards.
Biology Regular (RE)
Cost: $399 per semester
Prerequisites: None
Length: Two semesters (18 weeks each)
Semesters 1 and 2: Optional
- This course includes the option of either hands-on or dry lab activities. Dry labs require no additional lab materials. Hands-on labs require specified materials. For a list of hands-on lab materials, go to http://support.apexlearning.com/materials.
Course Description: Market Square Education’s online Biology course focuses on the mastery of basic biological concepts and models while building scientific inquiry skills and exploring the connections between living things and their environment.
The course begins with an introduction to the nature of science and biology, including the major themes of structure and function, matter and energy flow, systems, and the interconnectedness of life. Students then apply those themes to the structure and function of the cell, cellular metabolism, and biogeochemical cycles. Building on this foundation, students explore the connections and interactions between living things by studying genetics, ecosystems and natural selection, and evolution. The course ends with an applied look at human biology.
Scientific inquiry skills are embedded in the direct instruction, wherein students learn to ask scientific questions, form and test hypotheses, and use logic and evidence to draw conclusions about the concepts.
Lab activities reinforce critical thinking, writing, and communication skills and help students develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science.
This course is built to state standards and informed by the National Science Education Standards (NSES).
Biology Honors (HR)
Cost: $399 per semester
Prerequisites: None
Length: Two semesters (18 weeks each)
Semesters 1 and 2: Optional
- This course includes the option of either hands-on or dry lab activities. Dry labs require no additional lab materials. Hands-on labs require specified materials. For a list of hands-on lab materials, go to http://support.apexlearning.com/materials.
Course Description: Market Square Education’s online Biology course is an in-depth course that furthers mastery of scientific skills, fosters a deep understanding of key concepts, and promotes the application of the scientific method to biological topics.
The course begins with an introduction to the nature of science and biology, including the major themes of structure and function, matter and energy flow, systems, and the interconnectedness of life. Students then apply those themes to the structure and function of the cell, cellular metabolism, and biogeochemical cycles. Building on this foundation, students explore the connections and interactions between living things by studying genetics, ecosystems and natural selection, and evolution. The course ends with an applied look at human biology.
Lab activities reinforce critical thinking, writing, and communication skills and help students develop a deeper understanding of the nature of science.
Biology students are frequently asked to respond to scientific problems and issues via written assignments. Moreover, Exploration activities challenge Honors students to deconstruct scientific claims, analyze scientific articles, and suggest follow-up experiments or topics for further research.
This course is built to state standards and the National Science Education Standards (NSES).
AP Biology
Cost: $499 per semester
Prerequisites: Biology
Length: Two semesters (18 weeks each)
Required Course Materials: AP Biology requires a college-level biology textbook. Students may use any college-level biology textbook to successfully complete the course. Resources are provided in the course to support students using either of the following texts:
- Campbell Biology, 11th ed. Lisa Urry et al. (Pearson, 2016) / $325.00
ISBN-10: 0134093410 / ISBN-13: 9780134093413
Acceptable alternate: 12th ed. (2020). ISBN-10: 0135188741
Acceptable alternate: 10th ed. (2013). ISBN-10: 0321775651
– OR –
- Principles of Life, 3rd ed. David M. Hillis et al. (W. H. Freeman, 2019).
ISBN-10: 1319017711 / ISBN-13: 9781319017712 / $280.00
Acceptable alternate: 2nd ed. (2014). ISBN-10: 1464109478
Acceptable alternate: 1st ed. (2011). ISBN-10: 1429257210
AP Biology requires the completion of hands-on lab activities and has been approved by the College Board as meeting all requirements for a laboratory science course. For a list of hands-on lab materials, go to http://support.apexlearning.com/materials.
Course Description: Market Square Education’s online AP Biology course builds students’ understanding of biology on both the micro and macro scales. After studying cell biology, students move on to understand how evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. Students will examine how living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information and how organisms utilize free energy. The equivalent of an introductory college-level biology course, AP Biology prepares students for the AP exam and for further study in science, health sciences, or engineering.
The AP Biology course provides a learning experience focused on allowing students to develop their critical thinking skills and cognitive strategies. Frequent no- and low-stakes assessments allow students to measure their comprehension and improve their performance as they progress through each activity. Students regularly engage with primary sources, allowing them to practice the critical reading and analysis skills that they will need in order to pass the AP exam and succeed in a college biology course. Students perform hands-on labs that give them insight into the nature of science and help them understand biological concepts, as well as how evidence can be obtained to support those concepts. Students also complete several virtual lab studies in which they form hypotheses; collect, analyze, and manipulate data; and report their findings and conclusions. During both virtual and traditional lab investigations and research opportunities, students summarize their findings and analyze others’ findings in summaries, using statistical and mathematical calculations when appropriate. Summative tests are offered at the end of each unit as well as at the end of each semester, and contain objective and constructed response items. Robust scaffolding, rigorous instruction, relevant material and regular active learning opportunities ensure that students can achieve mastery of the skills necessary to excel on the AP exam.
This course has been authorized by the College Board® to use the AP designation.