Biology for Life

IBBiology @Skyline High School

Welcome to Biology for Life

This site is designed for students enrolled in IB Biology at Skyline High School in the Issaquah School District. The IB Biology Higher Level (HL) course is outlined by the International Baccalaureate Organization. It is a two year series that meets the objectives of general biology courses on the college level. The objectives include studying the characteristics, unity, and diversity of living things; the concept of evolution as an explanation of unity and diversity; the nature of science as a human enterprise; collection, analysis and interpretation of data; and the application of biological concepts to new situations including those involving human society and populations. The aim of the course is to develop an understanding and appreciation of the vast array of biological knowledge.

Units of Study

Science of biology

Cell structure & function

Basics of biochemistry

DNA structure & technology

Cell cycle & DNA replication

Protein synthesis

Genetic engineering

Proteins and mutations

Classification & phylogeny

Origin and Speciation

Ecosystems & populations

Plant structure

Plant growth & reproduction

Featured News

IB BIO I (2 Sep 10)

Today in class we worked on the scientific process packet (.doc). Be sure to complete the biology for life web assignment (.doc) tonight. It's due at the BOP tomorrow. READ MORE

IB BIO II (1 Sep 10)

We and discussed the Hardy-Weinberg simulation (.doc) by analyzing the data using Excel (.exc). Then we took notes on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (.doc). READ MORE

Field Expeditions for Students

LEATHERBACK TURTLES

We went to Trinidad to tag and measure leatherback turtles. View pictures from our trip! Click here to learn about our 2011 trip. Click to sign up (right click & save).

CORAL REEF SURVEY

We went on an expedition to help monitor coral bleaching and changes in the reef structure. Read about our adventures in the Issaquah Press or in the Earthwatch Newsletter.

Extracurricular

Click for information about biology club or Link Crew. You can also get information about the brain based teaching professional development staff meetings that Ms. vB is leading for the school staff.

About Ms. vB

I hope that my experience and enthusiasm creates student excitement and curiosity about the abundance of natural phenomena and the wonderful relevance of biology daily life.

Hormones & homeostasis

Meiosis

Gametogenesis

Reproduction

Reproductive technology

Supplemental Reading Books

For IB Bio I supplemental reading, click here.

Remarkable Creatures

IB Biology 2: Here is a link to your first semester extra credit reading assignment. Click on the book to be taken to the Amazon page for purchase. It is also available at local bookstores and through the library system.

Your Inner Fish

IB Biology 2: Here is a link to your second semester extra credit reading assignment. Click on the book to be taken to the Amazon page for purchase. It is also available at local bookstores and through the library system.

Recommended Textbooks

The following books are not required, but are great resources for IB Biology.

Click the photos below to link to more information about the books or order from Amazon.

"When we tug at a simple thing in nature, we find it attached to the rest of the world." John Muir