Aligned to Florida's NGSSS-Science Standards (Biology 1, SC.912.L / SC.912.N strands) Standards note for parents: This course is aligned to Florida's Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Science (NGSSS-Science) — the standards Florida actually uses for Biology 1, including the Biology 1 EOC. These are distinct from the national NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards); Florida did not adopt NGSS. Aligning here means this course matches what FL umbrella schools, evaluators, and virtual programs expect. Benchmark codes (e.g., SC.912.L.14.6) are noted per unit so you can cross-reference the official FLDOE Biology 1 course description if needed. Course Overview - Grade level: 9th–10th (can flex to 11th/12th for late starters) - Credit: 1 full high school science credit (lab science) - Length: 36 weeks / 2 semesters - Format: Reading + guided notes, labs (hands-on and virtual), unit assessments, EOC-style review - Reporting categories covered (per FLDOE Biology 1 test specs): 1. Molecular and Cellular Biology 2. Classification, Heredity, and Evolution 3. Organisms, Populations, and Ecosystems Semester 1: Foundations, Cells & Molecular Biology Unit 1 — The Nature and Practice of Science (Weeks 1–2) - Scientific method, controlled experiments, variables - Theories, laws, hypotheses, and models - Peer review, scientific bias, and the limits of science - Lab: Designing a controlled experiment - Benchmarks: SC.912.N.1.1, N.1.3, N.1.6, N.2.1 Unit 2 — Chemistry of Life (Weeks 3–4) - Atoms, bonding, water's properties - Macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids - Enzymes and activation energy - Lab: Testing for macromolecules (Benedict's, Iodine, Biuret) - Benchmarks: SC.912.L.18.1, L.18.9, L.18.10, L.18.11, L.18.12 Unit 3 — Cell Structure and Function (Weeks 5–6) - Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells - Organelles and their functions - Cell membrane structure, transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport) - Lab: Microscope skills; onion cell / cheek cell slides - Benchmarks: SC.912.L.14.1, L.14.2, L.14.3

Hi everyone, and welcome! 👋 I'm so glad you're here. This community is a home base for Florida homeschool parents teaching high school Biology — whether this is your first year tackling science at home or you've been at it for a while. Here's what you'll find as we go: 🧬 Full unit bundles — lesson plans, slide decks, printable labs and activities, and parent/instructor guides written so you don't need a science background to teach with confidence ✅ EOC-style assessments — practice tests that actually match Florida's Biology 1 EOC format, plus answer keys, so you know your student is prepared 📚 Everything aligned to Florida's NGSSS-Science standards, unit by unit, so you can teach with a clear roadmap I'll be rolling out units throughout the year, starting with Unit 1: The Science of Biology. Each unit will land here as it's ready. A couple of ways to jump in: - Introduce yourself below! Tell us what grade your student is in and what you're most nervous (or excited) about teaching this year. - Got a specific topic you're dreading — genetics, evolution, dissections? Drop it in the comments and I'll make sure it's covered well. So glad to have you here — let's make this a great year of biology. 🔬🌱