The Riot And The Dance: Foundational Biology

Description

The Riot and the Dance: Foundational Biology, takes a different approach to life science. It is from a Biblical worldview, with a tongue and cheek humor appreciated by some. There are two parts to the book - The Living Cell and Diversity of Life (29 chapters in all). Since a lot of chemistry takes place in the life sciences, the author begins by reviewing the basics of chemistry - good idea! He teaches about atoms and bonding and other basics that will help your student better understand the processes occurring in living things. Black and white illustrations are scattered throughout the text, along with some colored photos to help the reader better understand concepts. Each chapter concludes with a set of review questions that are based on chapter content. There are no answer keys for these questions, so the parent/teacher may need to read the chapter for grading purposes. The language and explanations used in the text are pretty straightforward to ease understanding and Bible references are used throughout to show the relationship between science and the Bible. Appendices include A Creationist Manifesto, Natural Selection, and a Periodic Table of the Elements. This curriculum written by Dr. Gordon Wilson and published by Canon Press takes you systematically and humorously through biomolecules; history of microscopy; introduction to cell basics; organelles of the Eukaryotic cell; basics of metabolism; photosynthesis; cellular respiration; DNA and genes; DNA technology and genetic modification; mitosis; meiosis; and basics of Mendelian Genetics.

The Teacher Guide is the quiz and exam companion for the course. Divided by chapters and objectives are stated. One quiz per chapter and one exam per unit are printed on perforated pages for easier access (quizzes and tests are non-reproducible). Quizzes consist of fill-in-the-blank, short answer, drawing, labeling, naming, listing and multiple choice. Unit exams are a review of the chapters and include many of the same questions as the quizzes - review is key in this program. The answer keys for quizzes and exams are found at the back of the teacher guide.

The Lab Manual offers a suggested schedule to get you started - five days a week for 32 weeks. There are 25 labs and each includes a materials list, objectives, written exercises and lab instruction. You will need a compound microscope, glass slides and cover slips, methylene blue - just to mention a few (give us a call for the complete list). There are no suggested answers for the activities in the lab manual. Information and answers would need to be found within the labs or the textbook. ~ Donna

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.