Biology in a Box Units
Biology in a Box is a fun and challenging way for entire schools to enhance their life sciences curriculum at all grade levels, and to encourage student interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines. The program employs a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to teach the wonders of the living world, as well as introducing the scientific methods and math skills we use to understand that world.
Each Thematic Unit has exercises that are designed to enrich science curriculum content for students from the elementary grades through high school. The exercises often have separate versions for lower and higher grades, although, most exercises can easily be tailored to fit any grade level. The goal of each unit is to pique the interest of even low-ability students, however advanced activities are included that have been designed as curriculum enrichment for very bright students who need additional challenge.
Topics Covered
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The Fossil Record
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Geological Time Scale
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Identification of Fossils
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Fossil Dating Methods
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Change in Organisms over Time
Topics Covered
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Functional Anatomy
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The Skeletal System
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Diet Types And Adaptation
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Qualitative & Quantitative Methods
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Morphometrics
Topics Covered
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Body Coverings
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Insulating Mechanisms of Body Coverings and Other Materials
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Adaptation
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Thermodynamics
Topics Covered
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Physical Properties
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Physical Properties and Their Significance to Biology
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Newtonian Physics
Topics Covered
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DNA Structure & Function
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Mendelian Genetics
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Mechanisms of Inheritance
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Basic Probability
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Epistasis
Topics Covered
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Biodiversity
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Animal Body Parts
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Development
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Life Cycles
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Taxonomy/Classification
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Phylogenetic Relationships
Topics Covered
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Organisms of Tennessee
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Using Taxonomic Keys
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Identifying Animal Signs
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Biomechanics
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The Science of Sound
Topics Covered
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Variability in Nature
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Basic Statistics
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Comparing Populations
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Partitioning Organisms into Groups based on Trait Similarities
Topics Covered
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Trees & Forests
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Wildlife Importance
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Economic Importance
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Tree Structure
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Tree Growth
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Identification of Common Tree Species
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Succession
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Forest Pests
Topics Covered
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Stimuli & Responses
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Sensory Capabilities
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The Scientific Method
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Animal Communication
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Analyzing Behavior
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Mimicry
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Learning & Memory
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Environmental Influences
Topics Covered
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Biomimetics
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Skeletons and Bridges
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Jaws, Beaks and Levers
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Projectile Motion
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Aerodynamics
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Seed Dispersal
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Sound Production
Why is Biology in a Box beneficial?
The Biology in a Box program is especially valuable to teachers in schools that have limited resources for extra materials. The materials needed for completion of the exercises, presented in each thematic unit, are totally reusable and are generally not commercially available. It is also an excellent program for schools with a limited science faculty, since no prior knowledge of the subject matter is needed for a teacher to explore a box theme with his or her students.