Syllabus for a course in practical biology for secondary schools

Abstract

Scope of Study: Any attempt to change the rigid curriculum of academic biology for secondary schools is at most rather controversial. This report involves the compilation of a syllabus in practical biology for secondary schools and is designed to be as much nontechnical as feasable and yet present the true concepts of the field of biology to the student. It is planned primarily for those students who will make their high school biology a terminal course. The course, as planned, will in no way, however, hinder the student who plans to further his education in college. Non-technical portions of various biology textbooks were used in compiling the syllabus and are referred to throughout the report.

Findings and Conclusions: Most of the textbooks written for biology in the secondary schools are designed in a technical manner and intended primarily for students who plan to further their education in college courses in biology. The use of any one of these textbooks for a practical course in biology is really not feasable. By using portions of several books, biology can be practical to the non-college student.