Description

Exploring Creation with Biology is a high school level textbook that offers an understandable approach to the study of biology. It covers the major topics of biology: the scientific method, the three-domain classification scheme, a study of the organisms belonging to each of the kingdoms of living things through microscopy and dissections, cellular biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, Mendelian genetics, the evidence for biblical creation versus Darwinian evolution, and ecology. The textbook includes engaging and relevant experiments that are easy for students to perform at home.

Reason For Teaching

This particular textbook was chosen because it teaches a manageable volume of solid biological science from a Christian, biblical-based worldview.

Disclaimer

This textbook is solid in its teaching of biblical-based creation. It includes discussions of Darwinian evolution and theories that attempted to blend biblical creation with evolution (old earth theories such as the gap theory, day-age theory, and theistic evolution). It is critical to discuss these theories in class so that students can engage in a thoughtful defense of biblical creation. The text also includes conversations around topics families may have strong views about, like global warming. Students are expected to engage thoughtfully with the content.

Description

This Biology with Lab course will include both virtual and at home labs for students to complete. The virtual lab simulator provides students access to award winning laboratory simulations also used by a variety of colleges and universities.

Completing virtual labs is a required part of this course, as well as several hands-on labs designed to be completed at home. Home labs will be conducted using common house-hold items (supply list will be provided in the course).

Reason For Teaching

Virtual laboratory sessions will provide all students with the opportunity to see and virtually interact with equipment they may not have access to otherwise, like microscopes, testing agents, blood typing, etc. These will allow students to not only be able to do “dry run through” practices if they are wanting to physically do the dissection labs, but also allow students the ability to explore multiple approaches without needing to purchase multiple samples. Additionally, virtual labs provide teachers with a clearer picture of student understanding. The home labs will provide students an opportunity to physically interact with various aspects of their studies. Combined, the virtual and home labs will work together to support student learning in a rich, interactive way.

Disclaimer

The publisher, McGraw Hill Connect, is a secular organization so students may hear or see references to evolution. Students will be interacting with a biblical worldview to biology through the selected textbook, live class sessions, and homework assignments. As this is a lab simulator, dissections are included. Students will not physically interact with the chemicals, smells, or sharp tools, but they will be able to see the organism they are dissecting.

Description

This kit includes the preserved specimens necessary to complete the laboratory experiments in the text, as well as full-color dissection guides to help students identify anatomical structures. It does not contain a fetal pig, so the fetal pig specimen should be purchased separately.

Reason For Teaching

This is an optional, but highly recommended kit for students wanting to complete more hands-on dissection labs to supplement the virtual experience.

Disclaimer

Some students may find the dissection of preserved specimens objectionable. Additionally, the specimens are preserved in a toxic holding solution that could be a respiratory, skin, or eye irritant. The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available from the supplier outlines pertinent safety information. The dissection kit also includes a scalpel blade and handle, which could cause physical injury if used carelessly or improperly.