Online High School at Forest Trail Academy
Grade 10 Biology Curriculum
The Online High School Biology course incorporates new perspectives and understanding across major subdisciplines of biology. Genetics, cell biology, development, behavior and immunology are some of the areas covered. The concept of evolution is seen as the central organizing theme of biology. The focus of the course is on molecular biology. As an introductory course in biology, students are prepared for college.
Grade 10 Biology Online Course Outline (1.0 Credit)
As an introductory course in online high school biology at Forest Trail Academy, students are prepared for college and advanced placement courses. Students will be sensitized to various moral and environmental issues being brought to the fore by research in bioengineering and other areas of biological research. They will be provided with tools with which to make educated decisions regarding these new technologies and developments.
Grade 10 Biology Online Course Learning Activities
Students enrolled in the Grade 10 Biology online course at Forest Trail Academy participate in structured learning activities designed to introduce core biological concepts while strengthening analytical and scientific thinking skills. Learning activities include:
Studying foundational biological principles through guided lessons
Exploring real-world examples related to genetics, cell biology, and evolution
Completing written assignments and assessments to demonstrate understanding
Examining ethical, environmental, and scientific issues in modern biology
Applying scientific reasoning to research-based topics
These activities support a strong academic foundation in biology while preparing students for advanced science coursework in an online learning environment.
Core Topics Covered in the Grade 10 Biology Curriculum
The Grade 10 Biology curriculum introduces students to major subdisciplines of biology, with a strong emphasis on molecular biology and scientific inquiry. Core topics include:
Cell Biology – Cell structure, function, and essential cellular processes
Genetics – DNA, inheritance patterns, and genetic variation
Development & Behavior – Growth, development, and biological responses
Evolution – Evolution as the central organizing theme of biology
Immunology & Biotechnology – Emerging concepts and modern biological research
These topics from online high school biology provide a comprehensive understanding of biological systems and prepare students for more advanced studies in life sciences.
Scientific Thinking & Decision-Making Skills
Throughout this online high school biology course at Forest Trail Academy, students develop essential academic and critical thinking skills by learning how to:
Analyze biological information and scientific research
Evaluate ethical and societal issues related to biotechnology
Understand the impact of biological research on the environment
Make informed decisions based on scientific evidence
This focus builds scientific literacy and encourages responsible, evidence-based reasoning.
College & Advanced Course Preparation
As an introductory high school biology online course, Grade 10 Biology here at Forest Trail Academy prepares students for:
Advanced placement and upper-level science courses
College-level biology and life science programs
Independent learning and research-based academic work
The course structure balances academic rigor with flexibility, making it well-suited for students learning in an online high school setting.
Course Credit & Goal
The Grade 10 Biology online course (1.0 credit) is designed to ensure students:
✔ Gain a solid understanding of essential biological concepts
✔ Develop strong scientific reasoning and analytical skills
✔ Are prepared for college and advanced science coursework
By the end of the course, students complete the program with the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in future biology and life science studies at Forest Trail Academy.
Why Forest Trail Academy Is The
Perfect Online School For You
- Proven Track Record: We are an established online school boasting 10,000+ successful students since 2007.
- Flexible Learning: Enjoy 100% online, self-paced learning from Kindergarten to High School with no live classes.
- University-Ready Graduates: Prepare for higher education with a curriculum designed to help students gain acceptance at top universities and colleges worldwide.
- Credible & Accredited: Learn with confidence from a regionally, nationally, and internationally accredited institution.
- Higher Achievement: Students consistently achieve higher than average SAT and ACT scores.
Course Outline
Course Introduction
- Course Description
- Introduction
- Course Links
- Understanding Plagiarism
- Pretest
- Assignment: Pretest
- MLA Formatting
- MLA Formatting MSWord
- MLA Documentation
- MLA Citation
- MLA Incorporating Sources
Introduction
- What is Science?
- Scientific Methodology
- Handout: Scientific Methodology Matching Exercise
- Handout: Identifying Control and Experimental Groups
- Assignment: Scientific Methodology Matching Exercise
- Assignment: Identifying the Control and Experimental Groups
- Graphing Data
- Types of Graphs
- The Application of Science
- Quiz: Science Test
Standards of Measurement
- The Metric System
- Handout: Metric Conversion
- Assignment: Metric Conversion
- Instruments Used in Measurement
- Handout: Instruments Used in Measurement
- Assignment: Instruments Used in Measurement
- Metric System Conversions
- Quiz: Standards of Measurement Test
Tools of a Biologist: Microscopes
- Microscope History
- Vocabulary
- Compound Light Microscope
- Handout: Instructional Virtual Compound Light Microscope
- Assignment: Instructional Virtual Compound Light Microscope
- Electron Microscopes
- Essay: Structure and Function of Microscopes
- Quiz: Tools of a Biologist Test
Chemical Basis of Life
- Properties of Water
- Water’s Cohesive and Adhesive Behavior
- Water and Temperature
- Handout: Properties of Water
- Assignment: Properties of Water
- Mixtures, Solutions, and Suspensions
- Adics, Bases, and the pH Scale
- Handout: Acids and Bases: Reading pH
- Assignment: Acids and Bases: Reading pH
- Organic Compounds: Chemistry of Life
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Proteins: Enzymes
- Nucleic Acids
- Handout: Organic Molecule Chart
- Handout: Identifying Organic Compounds
- Assignment: Organic Molecule Chart
- Assignment: Identifying Organic Compounds
- Quiz: Chemical Basis of Life Test
Cell Biology
- The History of the Cell Theory
- Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells
- Cell Structure and Function of Animal Cells
- Handout: Structures of the Cell
- Handout: Functions of the Cell
- Assignment: Structures of the Cell
- Assignment: Functions of the Cell
- Cell Structure and Function of Plant Cells
- Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells
- Handout: Differences and Similarities between Animal and Plant Cells
- Assignment: Differences and Similarities between Animal and Plant Cells
- Quiz: Cell Biology Test
Cell Transport
- Cell Membrane
- Movement through the Cell
- Passive Transport
- Handout: Osmotic Solutions
- Assignment: Osmotic Solutions
- Active Transport
- Handout: Movement of Materials through the Cell Membrane
- Assignment: Movement of Materials through the Cell Membrane
- Quiz: Cell Transport Test
Cell Chemistry
- Cell Chemistry
- Enzymes
- Enzymes in the Body
- Life Applications of Enzymes
- Handout: Enzymes
- Assignment: Enzymes
- ATP
- Handout: ATP Cell Energy
- Assignment: ATP Cell Energy
- Quiz: Cell Chemistry Test
Cellular Respiration
- Cellular Respiration
- Glycolysis
- Krebs Cycle
- Electron Transport Chain
- Handout: Cellular Respiration
- Assignment: Cellular Respiration
- Anarobic Respiration
- Handout: Cellular Respiration-Fermentation Flow Chart
- Assignment: Cellular Respiration-Fermentation Flow Chart
- Quiz: Cellular Respiration Test
Photosynthesis
- Photosynthesis
- Handout: Photosynthesis
- Assignment: Photosynthesis
- Light and Dark Reactions
- Handout: Light and Dark Reactions
- Assignment: Light and Dark Reactions
- Quiz: Photosynthesis Test
Mid-Term Exam
- Midtest
- Assignment: Midtest
- Quiz: Mid-Term Exam
The Genetic Code
- Genes
- DNA
- Handout: The DNA Molecule
- Assignment: The DNA Molecule
- Rosalind Franklin
- DNA Replication
- Handout: DNA Replication
- Assignment: DNA Replication
- RNA
- Handout: DNA and RNA Comparison
- Assignment: DNA and RNA Comparison
- Protein Synthesis
- Transcription
- Translation
- Building a Protein
- Handout: Protein Synthesis
- Assignment: Protein Synthesis
- Quiz: The Genetic Code Test
Cell Reproduction
- Cell Reproduction
- Handout: Cell Reproduction
- Assignment: Cell Reproduction
- Cell Cycle and Interphase
- Mitosis
- Handout: Cell Cycle
- Assignment: Cell Cycle
- Meiosis
- Meiosis I
- Meiosis II
- Assignment: Introduction to Mitosis and Meiosis
- Chromosome Numbers
- Handout: Chromosome Numbers
- Assignment: Chromosome Numbers
- Quiz: Cell Reproduction Test
Basic Genetics
- History of Basic Genetics
- Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance
- Determining Gene Expression
- Rules of Probability
- Multiple Alleles
- Sex-Linked Genes
- Other Types of Inheritance
- Assignment: Punnett Squares
- Quiz: Basic Genetics Test
Applied Genetics
- Chromosomal Mutations
- Mutagens
- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
- Handout: DNA Fingerprinting
- Handout: Interpreting a Human Pedigree
- Assignment: DNA Fingerprinting
- Assignment: Interpreting a Human Pedigree
- Heredity and Personal Health
- Quiz: Applied Genetics Test
Evolution
- The Theory of Evolution
- Darwin and Natural Selection
- Evidence to Support Evolution
- Handout: Determining the Age of Fossils
- Handout: Homologous and Analogous Structures
- Assignment: Determining the Age of Fossils
- Assignment: Homologous and Analogous Structures
- Origin of Life on Earth
- Hominid Evolution
- Handout: Human Evolution
- Assignment: Human Evolution
- Quiz: Evolution Test
Classification & Kingdoms
- Why Classify?
- Taxonomy
- Linnaeus’ System of Classification
- Handout: Taxonomy: Interpreting Diagrams
- Assignment: Taxonomy: Interpreting Diagrams
- Viruses
- Kingdoms of Life
- Kingdom Monera
- Kingdom Protista
- Handout: Kingdom Protista
- Assignment: Kingdom Protista
- Kingdom Fungi
- Kingdom Plantae
- Kingdom Animalia
- Handout: Animal Phylum Matching
- Assignment: Animal Phylum Matching
- Assignment: Exploring Taxonomic Groups
- Quiz: Classification and Kingdoms Test
Ecology
- Ecology
- Abiotic Factors
- Biotic Factors
- Handout: Abiotic and Biotic Factors
- Handout: Food Webs
- Assignment: Abiotic and Biotic Factors
- Assignment: Food Webs
- Interrelationships of Organisms
- Handout: Symbiotic Relationships
- Assignment: Symbiotic Relationships
- Biomes
- Life in Aquatic Systems
- Handout: Biomes
- Assignment: Biomes
- Interruptions in an Ecosystem
- Non-Renewable Natural Resouces
- Renewable Resources and Disadvantages of Implementation
- Quiz: Ecology Test
The Human Body
- Cardiovascular System
- Handout: The Cardiovascular System
- Assignment: The Cardiovascular System
- The Human Brain
- Handout: The Anatomy of the Brain
- Assignment: The Anatomy of the Brain
- The Reproductive System
- Handout: The Reproductive System: Is it for a Girl or Boy?
- Assignment: The Reproductive System: Is it for a Girl or Boy?
- Human Development
- Quiz: The Human Body Test
Final Exam
- Post-test
- Assignment: Post-test
- Quiz: Final Exam
Programs for Diverse Student Needs
Forest Trail Academy, proudly accredited by Cognia, MSA-CESS, Accreditation International (Ai), and NCPSA, offers flexible and inclusive online high school programs designed to support students from diverse backgrounds, regions, and learning goals. Our online school delivers the hallmark of truly effective traditional education programs through certified instruction, a standards-aligned curriculum, and personalized academic support. This structured yet adaptable learning experience allows students worldwide to earn a U.S.-recognized high school diploma while progressing at a pace that fits their individual needs and preparing for college and future opportunities.
This online high school program is ideal for student athletes and performers who need flexible scheduling to balance academics with training, competitions, or performances. As an accredited online school, students are able to learn at their own pace while maintaining academic progress without sacrificing professional or athletic commitments. This flexible structure supports consistent learning and makes the program well suited for students managing demanding schedules.
Our American online high school program supports Asian students who want access to a U.S.-based education while studying from their home country. Forest Trail Academy offers an accredited curriculum aligned with U.S. standards, helping students build strong academic foundations, improve English proficiency, and prepare for college admissions worldwide through our flexible online school environment.
European students benefit from an internationally accessible online high school program that delivers a U.S.-recognized diploma through a fully accredited online school model. Flexible pacing, instruction from certified teachers, and a globally recognized curriculum support academic progress and university preparation in the United States, Europe, and other international destinations.
This online high school program allows Latin American students to earn a U.S. high school diploma without relocating. Our online school emphasizes academic consistency, English-language development, and college readiness, making it easier for students to transition into higher education while studying in a supportive and flexible learning environment.
Middle Eastern students can enroll in an accredited online high school to access a high-quality American education from anywhere. The program offers a structured yet flexible online learning experience that supports diverse educational needs while preparing students for international college pathways and future career opportunities.
This program provides African students with access to an internationally recognized U.S. curriculum through our accredited online school. Our online high school program supports academic growth, critical thinking, and college preparation while allowing students to study remotely with flexibility and personalized guidance from certified educators.
