• Welcome to Mr. Taylor's Classroom!!

    Chemistry:

    Chemistry is the study of the composition of materials. The areas covered in this class include the basic structure of atoms, how atoms combine to produce molecules, and how symbols and formulas are used to write chemical equations. The prerequisite for this class is Algebra 1-2. The skills will be assessed individually and collectively multiple times throughout the semester in order to determine student growth and achievement.  Students are encouraged to work toward the highest level of achievement and to challenge themselves to grow and learn to their highest ability. Please check Canvas or Powerschool and the BGHS / course website for the Standards, Performance Objectives and Rubrics for grading.

    IB Biology:

    Biologists investigate the living world at all levels using many different approaches and techniques. 

    At one end of the scale is the cell, its molecular construction and complex metabolic reactions. At the other end of the scale, biologists investigate the interactions that make whole ecosystems function. Many discoveries remain to be made and great progress is expected in the 21st century.

    Through studying a science subject, students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, the emphasis is on a practical approach. In addition, through the overarching theme of the “Nature of Science” this knowledge and skills will be put into the context of the way science and scientists work in the 21st Century and the ethical debates and limitations of creative scientific endeavour.

    The sciences are taught practically. Students have opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings. The investigations may be laboratory based or they may make use of simulations and databases. Students develop the skills to work independently on their own design, but also collegiately, including collaboration with schools in different regions, to mirror the way in which scientific research is conducted in the wider community.

    Biology syllabus outline:

    Higher level (240 hours)

    • Internal assessment (individual investigation): 20%
    • External assessment: 80%

     Key features of the curriculum and assessment models

    • The minimum prescribed number of hours is 240 for HL
    • Students are assessed both externally and internally.
    • Biology students at HL undertake a common core syllabus and a common internal assessment (IA) scheme.
    • While there are core skills and activities common to both SL and HL students, students at HL are required to study the options and some topics in greater depth as well as some additional topics.  The distinction between SL and HL is one of breadth and depth.
    • A practical approach to the course delivery is emphasised through the interdisciplinary group 4 project and a mixture of both short-term and long-term experiments and investigations.
    • Internal assessment accounts for 20% of the final assessment and this is assessed through a single individual investigation. This investigation may involve a hands-on approach, use of databases, modelling, simulation or a hybrid. Student work is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB.

    The external assessment of biology consists of three written papers.  In paper 1 there are 30 (at SL) or 40 (at HL) multiple-choice questions. Paper 2 contains short-answer and extended-response questions on the core (and Additional Higher Level (AHL) material at HL). Paper 3 has two sections; Section A contains one data-based question and several short-answer questions on experimental work on the core (and AHL material at HL). Section B contains short-answer and extended-response questions from each of the four options.
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