This academic course looks at the evolutionary trends throughout the spectrum of living things and the traits that unite them. Students will learn about microorganisms, simple unicellular life, plants and focus on the evolution of animals. The course includes microscope work, varied labs, dissections and explorations of local organisms and ecosystems.

The Big Ideas for this course are: 

• Characteristics of Living Things: All living things have common characteristics. 
• Process of Evolution: Living things evolve over time. 
• Taxonomy: Organisms are grouped on the basis of identifiable similarities. 

Evaluation is based on (but not limited to): assignments, lab reports, project work, tests, quizzes and a school-wide final examination.

Recommended: Science 10 with at least a C+