Jacaranda Nature of Biology

 

FOR THE VCAA STUDY DESIGN YEARS 11 – 12

Victoria’s most trusted VCE Biology online and print resource

The Jacaranda Nature of Biology series has been rewritten for the VCE Biology Study Design (2022-2026) and offers a complete and balanced learning experience that prepares students for success in their assessments by building deep understanding in both Key Knowledge and Key Science Skills.

Won: Student Resource – Senior 2022
Mathematics/Science
Australian Education Publishing Awards (EPAA)

How we are different

  • Exam Prep

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    Prepare students for all forms of assessment

    Preparing students for both the SACs and exam, with access to 1000s of past VCAA exam questions (now in print and learnON), new teacher-only and practice SACs for every Area of Study and much more.

     

  • Videos

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    Videos by experienced teachers

    Students can hear another voice and perspective, with 100s of videos where expert VCE Biology teachers unpack concepts, VCAA exam questions and sample problems.

     

  • All Abilities

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    For students of all ability levels

    All students can understand deeply and succeed in VCE, with content mapped to Key Knowledge and Key Science Skills, careful scaffolding and contemporary case studies that provide a real-word context.

  • Digital Resources

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    eWorkBook and eLogbook

    Resources to support learning (eWorkbook) and the increased requirement for practical investigations (eLogbook), which includes over 80 practical investigations with teacher advice and risk assessments.

Titles in this series

Digital

Select Plan

Title: Jacaranda Nature of Biology 1 VCE Units 1 & 2 6e learnON
ISBN: 9780730387817
Publication Date: 2021
RRP: $50

Digital + Print

Select Plan

Title: Jacaranda Nature of Biology 1 VCE Units 1 & 2 6e learnON + Print
ISBN: 9780730388050
Publication Date: 2021
RRP: $90

TIP: Expand the sample for the best viewing!

Digital

Select Plan

Title: Jacaranda Nature of Biology 2 VCE Units 3 & 4 6e learnON
ISBN: 9780730371274
Publication Date: 2021
RRP: $50

Digital + Print

Select Plan

Title: Jacaranda Nature of Biology 2 VCE Units 3 & 4 6e learnON + Print
ISBN: 9780730371267
Publication Date: 2021
RRP: $90

TIP: Expand the sample for the best viewing!

Learn about the changes to the VCE Biology Study Design (2022-2026)

Read our Teacher’s Guide to the VCE Biology Study Design (2022-2026) to learn more about:

  • The differences between the new and old VCE Biology Study Designs
  • Key considerations for teachers implementing changes in 2022
  • An introduction to the new Jacaranda Nature of Biology series and the passionate team of authors writing the new editions
  • Series features

    The Jacaranda VCE Nature of Biology series includes these key features:

    • VCAA Exam Questions: Access to every past VCAA exam question since 2006 within each subtopic and topic in the print; and available in learnON and an exam question booklet. Additional exams and topic tests with solutions. Fully worked solutions for every question.
    • Updated SACs: Annually updated SACs with marking rubrics, customisation tips, risk assessments, and sample responses.
    • Practical investigation support: Sample investigations with teacher and student-facing versions in customisable digital eLogbooks. Full risk assessments and laboratory advice. Dedicated topics to support students in scientific investigations and bioethical research linked to both Outcome 3 and Key Science Skills.
    • Aligned to the Study Design (2022-2026): Content tailored to all the Key Knowledge and Key Science Skills.
    • Teacher-led videos: A suite of hundreds of videos, led by experienced teachers guiding students through VCAA exam questions, sample problems, and key concepts.
    • Rich learning framework: Designed to provide a rich and deep learning experience, support students of all abilities, and allow them to learn and contextualise key Biology concepts.
    • Additional features: A free customisable eWorkbook, summaries, embedded glossary terms, and contemporary case study boxes.
    • LearnON: Provide immediate, corrective feedback for students and instant reports provide visibility into student progress and performance.
    • Custom test maker: For teachers to create assignments from a large pool of questions for immediate, spaced, and mixed practice.

  • Authors

    Judith Kinnear and Marjory Martin

    As the original authors of Jacaranda’s Nature of Biology, Judith Kinnear and Marjory Martin’s lifelong interest in, and passion, for the biological sciences and education are the driving forces in their continuing academic studies and professional achievements. Having taught at both school and university levels, with experience in both curriculum development and academic research, their continuing aim is to produce resources that engage students in the many facets of biology and encourage them to understand the living world as a dynamic, evolving science.

    For the brand new sixth edition, Judith and Marjory will be joined by a passionate team of experienced VCE Biology educators:

    Sarah Beamish

    Sarah has a Bachelor of Science (Plant Physiology and Honours in Meteorology), and a Diploma of Education. Formerly a research scientist, Sarah’s rich passion for teaching, education, and communicating complex scientific concepts, led her to become a teacher. Having taught for over 13 years, Sarah is currently the Assistant Head of Science at St Kevin’s College in Toorak where she is a teacher of VCE Biology, Science and Geography. Sarah has also been a VCAA assessor for VCE Biology.

    Lucy Cassar

    After completing a Doctorate in Medicine (Immunology) from Monash University, Lucy spent time as a research scientist investigating areas from cancer research to gene therapy. Currently a senior Biology teacher at an independent school in Melbourne’s west, Lucy is committed to inspiring the next generation of students to appreciate Biology and the scientific world around them, instilling a passion for learning as well as hoping to inspire the next generation of scientists.

    Nick Hamer

    Originally from England, Nick’s passion for Science, specifically the practical work of data collecting and being able to use evidence to test the theories, led him to study a Bachelor of Science (Honours in Genetics) from the University of Liverpool. After working as a research scientist for the UK Government, Nick completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, and taught GCSE Science and A-level Biology. Since emigrating to Australia in 2013, he has taught VCE Biology at regional and metropolitan schools in Victoria.

    Elise Meehan

    Elise has a Science degree focused in Conservation and has recently completed a Masters in Clinical Teaching. Elise has over 15-years’ experience working in secondary education, having taught in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom. Currently the Head of Science at Saint Ignatius College Geelong, Elise has a passion for developing curriculum which incorporates evidence-based learning that caters for all students.

    Sacha O’Connor-Price

    Sacha discovered her passion for science during high school, leading her to embark on a career in teaching and inspiring VCE Biology students. She has been a senior Biology teacher since 2009, teaching in both rural and city schools, and across sectors. Currently the Head of House at a grammar school in Melbourne, Sacha teaches VCE Biology, and has been VCAA assessor since 2014.

    Ritu Tyagi

    Ritu graduated from Delhi University (India) with a Bachelor of Microbiology (Honours) and completed her Diploma of Education from University of Melbourne. Ritu has been teaching Maths, Science and VCE Biology at Roxburgh College for the past 11 years. Currently at Roxburgh College, she is dedicated to continuously improving student literacy outcomes.

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