BSCS | Curriculum Development | Frequently Asked Questions

Curriculum Development > High School 9-12 > Comprehensive Programs > BSCS Biology: An Ecological Approach > Frequently Asked Questions

BSCS Biology: An Ecological Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs

BSCS Green Version, 10th Edition (introductory biology: Kendall/Hunt Publishing 2006)

What is the reading level?
For what ability level is Green Version intended?
What is the scope and sequence of the program?
Is the program aligned with the National Science Education Standards?
Can the program be used without the technology components?
How does the program evaluate student learning?
Is implementation support available for teachers?

What is the reading level?
The reading level of Green Version is appropriate for first-year high school students. (See Chiang-Soong, B. and Yager, R.E. 1993. Readability levels of the science textbooks most used in secondary schools. School Science and Mathematics, January issue.)

For what ability level is Green Version intended?
BSCS Green Version is appropriate for all first-year biology students. It is adaptable to a broad range of student abilities because of its flexible instructional model. The program contains teacher support materials, optional activities and other challenges to address the needs of highly motivated students. Several levels of biological understanding are incorporated into the program and our implementation/assessment strategies guide teachers in adapting the course for a wide range of students.

What is the scope and sequence of the program?
The Table of Contents summarizes the scope of the program. The content is organized around ten basic themes. Chapters are grouped into five units, each exploring several themes. Student-centered investigations in each chapter complement the information provided in the text and engage students by involving them in scientific inquiry.
Green Version provides teachers with more information and activities than can be taught in one school year. Therefore, BSCS provides teachers with suggested schedules for different areas of emphasis-an ecology emphasis, a physiological and cellular emphasis or a diversity and evolution emphasis.

Is the program aligned with the National Science Education Standards and the Benchmarks for Science Literacy?
The 9th edition of Green Version is more closely aligned with the voluntary National Science Education Standards (National Research Council, 1996) and the Benchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS, 1993) than previous editions. BSCS did not have to change any of Green Version's central assumptions to align it with these documents because the Standards and Benchmarks are largely congruent with the approach to science education that BSCS has promoted since 1958. Changes include minor revision of content and the addition of several new features such as "Pioneers," which address important standards-based themes. Furthermore, Green Version provides students with opportunities to devise and implement full-fledged scientific investigations, a standard not addressed by many other high school curricula.

Can the program be used without the technology components?
Yes, Green Version can be used without the CD-ROM activities and the NSTA SciLinks technology components, but we encourage all teachers to incorporate technology-based learning into their programs because today's students will be entering a technology- and information-based world that requires technological proficiency.

How does the program evaluate student learning?
Green Version uses authentic assessment strategies where the evaluation instrument matches the understanding or the ability being evaluated. For example, when evaluating lab skills, students must design or conduct a lab experiment.

The program recommends a wide variety of assessment instruments that permit formative and summative assessments of student understandings and abilities. These instruments include reports, projects, discussions, essays, multiple-choice/essay/short answer exams, presentations, posters and portfolios.

Is implementation support available for teachers?
Both BSCS and Kendall/Hunt are committed to teacher education and development. BSCS offers implementation support through the publisher, Kendall/Hunt, including workshops. These are conducted by BSCS staff or Green Version teachers who have been approved as trainers by BSCS. Kendall/Hunt offers an incentive program for defraying the cost of training. Contact Kendall/Hunt for more information and schedules.

This project originally received funding from the National Science Foundation