Honors Biology Requirements - 2022/2023

Freshman biology students at SRMS have the opportunity to achieve an “Honors” designation for biology at the end of each quarter. Following are the requirements:

1. Achieve “proficient” (level 3) or above on all Lab Books and Assessments.
2. Complete all “advanced” (level 4) objectives, at a Level 3 Proficiency or above, for each quarter.
   1. Standard 1 – Ecology
      1. Design a solution that reduces the impact caused by human activities on the environment and biodiversity by doing the following: 1) define a problem, 2) identify criteria and constraints, 3) develop possible solutions using models, 4) analyze data to make improvements using mathematics and computations, and 5) optimize a solution. (Examples may include, but are not limited to: urbanization, building dams, pollution, deforestation, introduction of invasive species.)
   2. Standard 2 – Structure and Function
      1. Build a 3D model to illustrate the shape, size, quantity, structure and function of the major cell organelles: cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, ribosome, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, lysosome, centrosome, vacuole, cell wall, and chloroplast.
      2. Construct an explanation and use a model to illustrate the role of meiosis for gamete production during the process of sexual reproduction.
      3. Plan and carry out a student-designed investigation and demonstration to illustrate asexual reproduction. Include a written explanation of the specific organism and process. (Examples may include, but are not limited to: budding in yeast, binary fission in bacteria, propagation in plants.)
   3. Standard 3 – Genetics
      1. Evaluate biotechnology design solutions used to identify and/or modify genes, identify criteria and constraints, analyze available data on proposed solutions, and determine an optimal solution in order to solve a genetic problem. Engage in argument from evidence that focuses on the effectiveness of a genetic biotechnology solution.
   4. Standard 4 – Evolution
      1. Define a real-world natural selection/adaptation problem, identify criteria and constraints, analyze available data on proposed solutions, and determine an optimal solution. (Examples may include, but are not limited to: bacterial resistance to drugs, plant resistance to herbicides, the effect of changes in climate on food sources and pollinators.)
3. Earn a Quarterly Proficiency Level 3.25 or Above
   1. 3.25 - 3.36 Proficiency Score Totals = B+
   2. 3.37 – 3.49 Proficiency Score Totals = A-
   3. 3.50 – 4.00 Proficiency Score Totals = A
4. Maintain a citizenship grade of "H" (Honors) or "S" (Satisfactory).
5.  Undertake an independent project – investigation, experiment, or experience – aligning with the current quarter’s learning goal (standard).
   1. First Quarter – Ecology
   2. Second Quarter – Structure and Function
   3. Third Quarter – Genetics
   4. Fourth Quarter – Evolution
      1. Obtain pre-approval for your topic from your teacher.
      2. Include multiple types of data, mathematics and analysis in your final product (maps, tables, graphs, images, etc.)  
      3. Complete a written report.
         1. Report Format:
            1. Use a report cover
            2. Typed and printed
               1. Double-spaced
               2. Font
                  1. Times New Roman
                  2. 12 point
               3. Margins – 1 inch
               4. Indented paragraphs
               5. Page numbers
                  1. Lower right
                  2. Page number only
                  3. Include page numbers on graphs, charts, etc.
            3. Include the following pages:
               1. Title page [1 page]
                  1. Name
                  2. Period and class (i.e., 1st Period Biology)
                  3. Report title
                  4. Date (format – 10/22/19)
               2. Table of contents [1 page]
               3. Questions, inquiry, and hypothesis [1 page]
               4. Materials list (if applicable) [1 page]
               5. Experimental procedure (if applicable) [1 page]
               6. Data analysis and discussion [3 pages]
               7. Conclusion [1 page]
               8. Bibliography [1 page]
         2. Typed report will be 8-10 pages, depending on the type of project.
            1. Charts, graphs, etc., must be included, but do not count toward the page total.
         3. Final work and report are due the last day of each quarter, by 3:00 p.m.
            1. Where should you start?
               1. Start with the questions you have about the current learning goal.
                  1. Where can you find the information?
                  2. What new research is being done in that subject?
                  3. Are there current events that interest and inspire you?
                  4. Have you had a recent experience that made you curious about something?
                  5. What questions do you have that were not covered in class?
         4. Examples of Independent Project Reports can be found on the “Yee Haw” board at the back of the classroom.
            1. Here is a link for an example written by Mrs. C.
6. Four Honors Biology field trips planned - one for each quarter:
   1. 1st Quarter - Hike and explore Timpanogos Trail and Caves
   2. 2nd Quarter - Snowshoe at Round Valley, Park City
   3. 3rd Quarter - Bird watch at Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, Layton
   4. 4th Quarter - TBD (maybe Split Mountain rafting trip at Dinosaur National Park, Vernal)