These sequential courses focus on unifying concepts in biology. They build on concepts developed in integrated science with a strong emphasis on the development of problem-solving, critical-thinking, and inquiry skills. Core units include Evolution: patterns and change in living systems; Homeostasis: Maintaining dynamic equilibrium in living systems; Energy, Matter and Organization: Relationships in living systems; Continuity: Reproduction, inheritance in living systems; Development: Growth and differentiation in living systems; Ecology: Interactions and interdependence in living systems.

These courses meet benchmarks identified, in Seattle Public Schools science standards and Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements in Science, as necessary for graduation.

Benchmarks included in these courses:
The student understands and uses scientific concepts and principles:

Biological Evolution (life 1.3.8)
Investigate and examine the scientific evidence used to develop theories for evolution, speciation, adaptation, and biological diversity.

History and Evolution of the Earth (earth 1.3.4) (review and apply)
The student understands that fossils and radioactive elements can be used to correlate and determine the sequence of geological events.

The Biological Basis of Diversity (life 1.1.5)
The student will classify organisms into distinct groups according to structural, cellular, biochemical and genetic characteristics

Structure of Matter (phy 1.2.4) (review and apply)
The student will relate the structural characteristics of atoms to the principles of atomic bonding.

Physical and Chemical Changes (phy 1.2.5) (review and apply)
The student will analyze and explain the factors that affect physical and chemical changes, and how matter and energy are conserved in a closed system.

System (phy1.2.3) (review and apply)
The student will analyze systems, including the inputs and outputs of the system and its subsystems

Human Biology (life 1.2.10)
The student will compare and contrast the specialized structural and functional systems that regulate and maintain human growth and development and maintain health.

Structure-Organization of Living Things (life 1.2.8)
The student will understand that specific genes regulate the functions performed by structures within the cells of multicellular organisms.

The Molecular Basis of Heredity (life 1.2.9)
The student will describe how genetic information (DNA) in the cell is controlled at the molecular level, and provides genetic continuity between generations.

Life Processes - Flow of Matter and Energy (life 1.3.7)
The student will explain how organisms can sustain life by obtaining, transporting, transforming, releasing and eliminating matter and energy.

Nature and Property of Earth Materials (earth 1.1.4) (review and apply)
The student will correlate the chemical composition of earth materials-rocks, soils, water, gases of the atmosphere-with properties that determine their use to humans.

The student knows and applies the skills and processes of science and technology:

• Questioning
• Studies and analyzes questions and related concepts that guide scientific investigations
• Designing and conducting investigations
• Designs, conducts, and evaluates systematic and complex scientific investigations using appropriate technology, multiple measures, and safe approaches
• Evidence and explanation
• Formulates and revises scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence; recognizes and analyzes alternative explanations and predictions
• Modeling
• Uses mathematics, computers and/or related technology to model the behavior of objects, events, or processes
• Communication
• Researches, interprets, and defends scientific investigations, conclusions, or arguments; uses data, logic, and analytical thinking as investigative tools; expresses ideas through oral, written, and mathematical expression
• Identifying problems
• Studies and analyzes challenges or problems from local, regional, national, or global contexts in which science/technology can be or has been used to design a solution
• Designing and testing solutions
• Researches, models, simulates, and tests alternative solutions to a problem
• Evaluating potential solutions
• Proposes, revises, and evaluates the possible constraints, applications, and consequences of solutions to a problem or challenge
• Intellectual honesty
• Analyzes and explains why curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism are integral to scientific Inquiry

The student understands the nature and contests of science and technology:

• Limitations of science and technology
• Identifies and analyzes factors that limit the extent of scientific investigation
• Dealing with inconsistencies
• Compares, contrasts, and critiques divergent results from scientific investigations based on scientific arguments and explanations
• Evaluating methods of investigation
• Analyzes and evaluates the quality and standards of investigative design, processes, and procedures
  Evolution of scientific ideas
• Knows that science involves testing, revising, and occasionally discarding theories; understands that scientific inquiry and investigation lead to a better understanding of the natural world and not to absolute truth
• All peoples contribute to science and technology
• Analyzes how scientific knowledge and technological advances discovered and developed by individuals and communities in all cultures of the world contribute to changes in societies
  Relationship of science and technology
• Analyzes how the scientific enterprise and technological advances influence and are influenced by human activity (e.g., societal, environmental, economical, political, ethical considerations)
• Careers and occupations using science, mathematics, and technology
• Investigates the scientific, mathematical, and technological knowledge, training, and experience needed for occupational/career areas of interest