The first several days…
Mr. B starts the course in a way similar to his friend Mr. P, the eighth grade Physical Science teacher (first reading at least the introductory part of the article A Sound Beginning: Mr. P and Physical Science is recommended). He greets the students as they meander into his Biology class. Administrative details take up about half the first class and then the real teaching begins.
The logical starting place is for Mr. B to explain what Biology is and why it is worthwhile to study it. Engaged students wonder how they will be approaching the subject and how it relates to what else they will be learning in other classes. They are expecting Mr. B to say something about this. Less engaged students are, for the most part, at least open to hearing whatever Mr. B has to say. It is the first day, after all.