REAL Science Odyssey – Biology Level 2 Workbook

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REAL Science Odyssey Biology Level 2 is contained in three books–Biology 2 textbook, student Workbook (this item), and Teacher Guide. Together they form a year-long, secular homeschool science curriculum. The Workbook rounds out each lesson with independent research and hands-on activities, guiding students to EXPLORE, ABSORB, and LEARN more than they can from reading alone.

REAL Science Odyssey- Biology Level 2 Workbook

Pages: 480

Grade level: 6th – 10th grade

Course type: workbook

Author: Blair H. Lee, M.S.

 

What is Biology Level 2 Workbook?

REAL Science Odyssey Biology Level 2 is contained in three books–Biology 2 textbook, student Workbook (this item), and Teacher Guide. Together they form a year-long, secular homeschool science curriculum. The Workbook rounds out each lesson with independent research and hands-on activities, guiding students to EXPLORE, ABSORB, and LEARN more than they can from reading alone.

EXPLORE – Each lesson is followed by at least one hands-on lab. Students apply the scientific method, collect and interpret data, and build models. They get outside to observe their local biome, dissect a frog, and build a model animal cell.

The included microscope labs are optional, but encouraged. Microscopes expose us to the vast diversity of life that is too small for us to see with our eyes alone. Plus, microscopy gives students an exciting peak into some of the more specialized methods that lab scientists use, as they prepare and mount their own samples for viewing.

ABSORB— Students take on their own, independent research with the Famous Science Series (FSS). Each FSS project introduces a scientist or discovery related to the lesson. From Antony von Leuwenhoek’s revolutionary microscope lenses to the Polio vaccine, students engage with the history, personalities, and pathogens that shaped our understanding of biology.

LEARN—Show What You Know (SWIK) quizzes and assessments help you determine what your student has mastered, and what they still need to review. You can use these as formal, written assessments, or as the basis for conversations that help you gauge your student’s understanding of key concepts.

These labs, projects, and activities are an essential part of middle and high school biology. In addition to giving students the opportunity to learn by doing, the workbook serves as course record when complete

 

Lab Experiments

No homeschool science curriculum would be complete without hands-on experiments! Your student will apply the scientific method and experience how the concepts from each lesson play out in real life. They will build models, make observations, and think critically about how to interpret results.  RSO Biology Level 2 includes two types of labs: General and Microscope. In the general labs, your student will:

  • Build a model of an animal cell with organelles
  • Dissect a frog, giving them first-hand knowledge of the anatomy of a multicellular organism
  • Observe organisms and map the food web in your local biome

Microscope labs are optional, especially at the middle school level, but highly recommended. Most life on Earth exists on the microscopic scale, and even larger organisms are composed of parts too small for the naked eye to perceive. In the microscope labs, your student will have the thrill of making the invisible visible, as they:

  • Collect, prepare, and view a sample of strands of their own DNA
  • View the chloroplasts in a plant cell and consider their function in the organism
  • Collect, prepare, and view the microscopic structure of different types of tissue from a chicken wing
  • Examine the damaging effects of acid on plant cells

These are just a few examples of the exciting experiments your student will encounter in the course. Each week provides a new chance to DO science, not just read about it.

 

Course Structure

RSO Biology Level 2 homeschool science curriculum consists of three products:

  • The Textbook, containing 32 progressive, narrative lessons designed for your middle or high school student to read independently.
  • The Workbook (this product), containing labs, Famous Science Series independent research projects, Show What You Know Quizzes, and unit assessments.
  • The Teacher Guide, containing lesson plans, materials lists, scheduling suggestions and more.

Each lesson follows the same general format:

  • A reading in the textbook that introduces key concepts and vocabulary in context.
  • Hands-on labs, research projects, and quizzes found in the Workbook.
  • Six Unit assessments are included in the workbook as well, which you may treat as tests, or simply use for review.

Biology Level 2 allows flexibility within this format. You can choose how many times per week to teach biology. You may choose to skip some or all the microscope labs for middle school. You can allow notes with the exams or not, or simply use them to review. No two homeschools are alike, and we make it easy for you to adapt the course to your needs.

 

Important Copyright Information

If you choose the eBook version of this course, you are purchasing a license to use the PDF for your own children. You may make copies for your own children, but you may not share (email, download, print and distribute, resell, etc.) this eBook or any portion of this eBook to others.

Licensing is available for group, school, and co-op use. Please contact Pandia Press for details on group licensing (info@pandiapressbooks.com).

Many of the supplies for Biology Level 2 are likely already in your household. Others, you can find them at big-box retailers, grocery, or craft stores. A complete supply list is found in the Teacher Guide—you can review it before purchase by downloading the Try Before You Buy pages. Biology for middle and high school students does require some specialized equipment though, especially if you plan to include the microscope labs from the Workbook. These supplies can be found at online science supply companies. If you choose to include the microscope labs, you will also a need a good quality, student microscope.

Uncommon Supplies Needed for Course Labs:

Microscope– Choose either monocular or binocular, and either oil immersion or not. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a microscope, but avoid toy microscopes and those priced under $80 (new).
Microscope slides with covers
Dissecting pins
Dissecting tray or small pan
Forceps (for microscope specimens) or large tweezers
Lens wipes
Prepared slide of an allium (onion) root tip
Methylene blue dye
Oil for oil immersion slide (if applicable and if not included with microscope)
Prepared slide of a lilium (lily), anther meiosis
Legume inoculant (rhizobacteria)

Home Science Tools offers supply kits for all RSO courses.