Why This Class

As a parent, you want your student to appreciate the miracle of life in its full complexity. You also want them to hang onto their youthful curiosity—the habit of always asking “How?” or “Why?” This course helps with both by exposing your student to the wonders and intricacies of biology.

Mentors in this course guide students on an exploration of the concepts of cells, cellular reproduction, metabolism, and genetics. In labs, students use the scientific method to create experiments that teach them more about life through observation, hypotheses, data gathering, and analysis. Mentors also demonstrate the use of data to validate—or question—scientific conclusions. Students apply all of these skills as they debate findings in evidence-based discussions with their peers.

Students emerge from this course with an elevated understanding of what’s known and unknown about how living organisms function. They are more motivated than ever to ask questions about life and use scientific thinking to find meaningful answers.

Overarching Questions

What are the building blocks of life that make us who we are?

What are the parts of a cell and what do they do?

How does photosynthesis produce energy?

What did Mendel teach us about genetics?

How does DNA carry and distribute genetic information?