Savvas Miller Levine Biology Kit

Looking for a traditional, secular textbook approach to Biology? Published by Savvas, and written by noted authors Miller and Levine, Biology provides inquiry-based lessons using authentic case studies, compelling text, marginal key questions and reading checks. It also provides interactive online resources like study guides, labs, assessments, and more. Purchasers of the hardcover textbook will receive access to the Savvasrealize.com platform for one year. The online access provides the student text in a searchable e-Book format (with audio readings of text pages). Teacher resources include a Teacher Guide in searchable e-Book format with teaching suggestions, editable printable student activity pages and quizzes/tests, and the answers to reading checks, reviews, and assessments. If you prefer to use the digital platform format, student and teacher textbooks are available and organized by topic. The teacher portal provides printable student worksheets, teaching information, interactive quizzes, interactive lab activities, and the answers to all activities. No daily lesson plans are included. The Teacher Guide offers chapter pacing guides that may be helpful. You will also find the lab supply lists and lab simulations. Many of the included labs may be challenging to do at home. Online labs through Labster are mentioned, but are not available to homeschool families.

The hardcover textbook is what you might expect from a traditional school text, over 1000 pages filled with an abundance of illustrations, diagrams, charts, and vocabulary terms highlighted. At first glance, it may seem overwhelming, but the ample white space and appealing illustrations help text pages appear manageable. The online content is where parents and teachers will find the resources to use the text effectively. For the student, colorful icons in the margins of the text direct the student to the corresponding online video or activity. There is also a recommended app to download for additional student content. The textbook contains 27 chapters divided into 6 units. The first unit, The Nature of Life, covers science and the science of biology and introduces biochemistry. Unit 2, Ecology, covers the biosphere, ecosystems, populations, communities and ecosystems, and humans and global change. In Unit 3, Cells, students learn cell structure and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration and cell growth and division. Introducing Genetics in Unit 4, students study DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, the human genome, and biotechnology. Unit 5 delves into Evolution, Biodiversity and Classification, and the history of life. Diversity of Life concludes the text and studies microorganisms, plants, animals, and the human body. The text writing is engaging, and the inclusion of chapter case studies create curiosity and help even the most reluctant student to want to read the entire chapter. For example, chapter 19 Biodiversity and Classification: “It’s a duck! No, it’s a beaver! No, it’s a platypus!” explores the evolution of the platypus. Textbook chapters also include reviews, study guides and assessments, with answers found online. Let’s take a look at the online resources.

With the purchase of the text, you receive an activation postcard with instructions to activate the online content. Access is one year, so you have flexibility to begin the course when you need it. The digital component is assessed through the Savvasrealize.com platform. Parent teaching resources include a Teacher Guide in searchable e-Book format with teaching suggestions, editable printable student activity pages and quizzes/tests, and the answers to reading checks, reviews, and assessments. If you prefer to use the digital platform format, Teacher Resources are organized by topic and include printable student worksheets, teaching information, interactive quizzes, interactive lab activities, and the answers to all activities. You will also find the lab supply lists and lab simulations. Many of the included labs may be challenging to do at home. Online labs through Labster are mentioned, but are not available to homeschool families. If your high schooler plans to study science at the college level or laboratory hour credits are required for a transcript, you may wish to supplement with a homeschool friendly lab resource like Experiences in Biology. The digital platform is editable, allowing you to add links, upload files, or write notes to the student. You can also remove parts of the lessons. This allows each homeschool instructor the flexibility to create a science course that fits the needs of their student! Student resources include the worktext in both an e-book and individual chapter pdf format, which provides a great alternative for on-the-go learning. On the digital platform, the interactive student resources offer interactive vocabulary words and definitions, a digital notebook, and interactive quizzes. There is also an optional audio reading of the text. If you are unfamiliar with the Savvas platform, I would encourage you to spend time learning the portal. There is an abundance of resources, as it has been created to meet the diverse needs of student and teacher. You are in control, and can chose the lessons and activities that meet your student’s needs.

This is an excellent option for homeschool families seeking a traditional, secular Biology credit that meets the current Next Generation Science Standards. Purchase of the program provides one textbook and resources for one student. Additional students will need their own text and account. Currently, renewal codes are not available for additional students. ~Deanne