Curriculum Map

Biology

Explore life at every scale — from molecular biochemistry and cell biology through genetics, evolution, ecology, and human body systems. Interactive Desmos models for population dynamics and enzyme kinetics. TEKS §112.42 aligned.

14 Units

Early Units (Foundation)

Building Skills

Advanced Concepts

Capstone/Synthesis

The Nature of Life and Scientific Investigation

Examine what defines life, how scientists design reliable investigations, and why biology matters far beyond the classroom.

3-4 days

Chemistry of Life

Investigate the chemistry that powers every living thing — from water's unique properties to macromolecules and the enzymes that catalyze life's reactions.

4-5 days

Cell Structure and Function

Explore the internal architecture of cells — from the simplicity of prokaryotes to the compartmentalized complexity of eukaryotes — and understand how organelle structure drives cellular function.

4-5 days

Cell Transport and Homeostasis

Understand how cells move molecules across their membranes — from passive diffusion and osmosis to energy-driven active transport — and why this movement is essential to homeostasis.

3-4 days

Cellular Energy

Trace the flow of energy through living systems — from sunlight captured by photosynthesis to the ATP produced by cellular respiration — and understand how these two processes are interconnected.

4-5 days

Cell Growth and Division

Explore why cells divide, how the cell cycle regulates growth, and how mitosis and meiosis produce the cells organisms need — from wound healing to sexual reproduction.

4-5 days

Mendelian Genetics

Learn the foundational principles of heredity discovered by Gregor Mendel — dominance, segregation, and independent assortment — and apply them through Punnett squares and probability.

4-5 days

Molecular Genetics

Explore DNA structure, replication, and the central dogma of molecular biology — how genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein through transcription and translation.

4-5 days

Evolution and Natural Selection

Investigate the evidence for evolution and understand how natural selection, genetic variation, and environmental pressures drive the diversification of life over time.

4-5 days

Classification and Taxonomy

Learn how scientists organize the diversity of life using hierarchical classification, binomial nomenclature, phylogenetic trees, and dichotomous keys.

4-5 days

Plant Biology

Examine plant structure and function — from photosynthesis at the cellular level to whole-plant anatomy, transport systems, and reproductive strategies.

4-5 days

Animal Body Systems

Examine how the nervous, endocrine, immune, and circulatory systems work together to maintain homeostasis in complex organisms.

4-5 days

Ecology and Ecosystems

Investigate how energy flows and matter cycles through ecosystems, how populations grow and are regulated, and how species interactions shape biological communities.

4-5 days

Human Impact and Bioethics

Examine how human activities affect biodiversity and climate, explore genetic engineering technologies like GMOs and CRISPR, and consider the ethical dimensions of using biology to reshape the living world.

4-5 days

Learning Progression

This course is designed to be taken sequentially. Earlier units establish foundational concepts that later units build upon. While you can explore units in any order, following the numbered sequence provides the most coherent learning experience.