Science · Suggested grades 9–10

Biology
Course map.

Explain living systems using models and evidence, from cells and inheritance to ecosystems.

Grade ranges and the sequence below are suggestions, not graduation requirements. Choose by readiness and your school’s course plan.

Before this course

Middle school life science.
Read graphs, proportional comparisons and simple probability models.

Where it can lead

Connects to environmental science, health-related study and evaluating claims about living systems. NGSS links identify high school band contributions.

A suggested progression

Cell systems and processes
Inheritance and variation
Ecosystems and evidence

Six starter mini-lessons sample selected skills. This is not a full year of daily instruction, complete standards coverage, an accredited course or graduation credit. Grade placement and unit order are planning guidance, not requirements.

Unit → Lesson

Your learning path

3 units · 6 starter lessons

Unit 1: Information and Living Systems

Connect genetic instructions with the organization of interacting body systems.

Before this unit: Recognize cells and read a flow diagram.

From DNA Instructions to Cell Function35 minutes · HS-LS1-1 · RST.9-10.1
Model Oxygen Delivery Across Systems40 minutes · HS-LS1-2 · RST.9-10.7

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Unit 2: Matter and Energy in Organisms

Model photosynthesis and cellular respiration as different matter and energy processes.

Before this unit: Distinguish atoms from molecules and matter from energy.

Where Does Plant Carbon Come From?35 minutes · HS-LS1-5 · RST.9-10.7
Food, Oxygen and Energy Transfer40 minutes · HS-LS1-7 · RST.9-10.1

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Unit 3: Populations and Biological Evidence

Use proportional models and evaluate explanations of changing populations.

Before this unit: Use ratios and distinguish individuals from populations.

Build an Ecosystem Energy Budget35 minutes · HS-LS2-4 · RST.9-10.7
Explain a Population Shift Without Intent40 minutes · HS-LS4-2 · RST.9-10.1

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A course map. A practical starting point.

These 138 original mini-lessons sample 23 courses for grades 9–12. They do not provide a full year of daily lessons, complete standards coverage, accredited courses or graduation credit. Suggested grade ranges, prerequisites and unit order are planning guidance; school pathways and elective availability vary. Calculus is excluded.

Subject-content contribution identifies a selected math, English, science or world-language skill. Common Core high school math uses conceptual categories, not universally assigned courses or grades. Mapping a skill to a course is an instructional choice. (+) Additional preparation identifies standards the official source marks for advanced study.

English uses the 9–10 and 11–12 bands; there are no separate Common Core English 9, 10, 11 or 12 codes. NGSS references identify the high school band and partial performance-expectation contributions.

Supporting Common Core literacy connection applies only to an actual reading, writing or communication activity. It does not establish science, social studies or elective subject-content alignment. Unverified subject-content mappings are labeled explicitly.

Spanish uses World-Readiness language standards, identified by their official names in the current summary. Common Core does not measure Spanish proficiency. Supported lesson practice is distinct from an independently assessed proficiency rating and from the course title.

Use North Carolina’s Standard Course of Study ↗ for local planning. No NC alignment is claimed without a verified crosswalk. Each mapping links to official wording, records its verification date and explains the part practiced.