NAME:
Mrs. Cathy Greco
SCHOOL:
St. Joseph High School
CLASS:
Biology, CHS Biology (SHU), Science Research
SCHOOL PHONE:
Mrs. Greco teaches Biology, CHS Biology, and Science Research in Room 215 in the
Science and Technology Center.
She is the sponsor for PJAS, PRSEF, ISEF, PA-JSHS and CAUSE.
She is the faculty advisor for the Pro-Life Group.
Mrs. Greco has a senior homeroom.
Biology
Biology is a junior level lab-oriented course, exploring life at all levels,
from molecules and cells to ecosystems and the biosphere.
Student exploration, research and problem solving are emphasized throughout
the course. Students learn to communicate in a concise and technical manner
both orally and in a written format.
Methods used include teacher and student presentations, labs (both cook book
and inquiry), web based activities, and case studies.
The course is divided into the following ten units:
Unit 1: Safety and Lab Conduct
Unit 2: The Ten Themes of Biology
Unit 3: Biochemistry
Unit 4: Cell Structure and Function
Unit 5: Genetics
Unit 6: Microbes, Protists and Fungi
Unit 7: Plants
Unit 8: Animals
Unit 9: Ecology
Unit 10: Human Reproduction
Science Research
Science Research is an elective for freshman and sophomores. Students will
study current science research. Students will how to conduct their own
science research project. Students will present their work in the form of a
formal paper, a presentation board and a powerpoint presentation. Students
will present their work at PJAS or PRSEF. Students will also have the
opportunity to present their work at additional competitions.
Activities will include presentations by both the teacher and guest speakers,
assignments that involve practicing skills needed to complete a science
research project, and whole group discussions in which students share the
progress of their individual projects.
College in High School Biology
Credits Earned: 4 from Seton Hill University
Prerequisites – Biology (B average), Chemistry (B average)
Course Description:
This year long course will cover material offered in one semester of an
introductory college level biology class. Biological concepts will be
explored through readings, lecture, activities and labs. In addition, all
students will complete an independent research project resulting in a written
paper and a poster presentation. Some students will also prepare an oral
presentation. Projects can be carried out in the school lab but students will
be encouraged to use professionals from the scientific community as resource
people in order to expand beyond the high school laboratory. It is expected
that students will need to spend time outside of the class to complete the
project work. The text used is Campbell and Reece. Students must earn at least
a C average to earn the college credits.
Philosophy:
Students will be exposed to college level work and the demands of a college
level course. In recognition of the fact that they are preparing for college
but are still high school students, the work will be spread out over a year.
Students will master the concepts presented in a first semester general
biology class. Emphasis will be placed on the development of science research
skills and laboratory skills, the analysis of written information, problem
solving and the ability to communicate both orally and in a written format. In
addition to gaining an understanding of basic biological concepts, the goal is
that the students develop into mature and responsible learners capable of
independent learning. The students should have the knowledge and skills
necessary to be citizens able to collect and analyze information in order to
make informed choices.
Student assessments will include written tests, lab reports, essays,
performance in lab, participation in discussions, preparation and presentation
of a power point presentation and the completion of an independent research
project.