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A biology teacher at Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton has been selected as the lead author of “Teacher’s Guide to Campbell Biology, 13th Edition,” a forthcoming biology textbook widely used in college and Advanced Placement courses.
Diane Sweeney, an AP biology teacher, holds 30 years of experience in the classroom and has prior experience as a molecular biologist. She is part of a cohort of individuals who were invited to consult on the new book, which is expected to publish in the summer 2026.
In the 1990s, Sweeney received a teaching award at the National Association of Biology Teachers conference and was approached by renowned biology textbook author Neil Campbell to write for “Pearson’s Biology: Exploring Life.” This marked her first experience in curriculum development.
Sweeney has also written for various publications and co-created “Author of Life,” a documentary series that blends faith and science education.
For the upcoming textbook, Sweeney will be highlighting hands-on activities, a teaching approach that she champions. By turning complex concepts into sensory learning, Sweeney’s lessons will include play-acting cellular processes, baking bread in the teaching kitchen and using hand motions to teach molecular structures.
“I used to call them ‘visual tattoos’ — a way of engaging students’ brains in a way they won’t soon forget,” said Sweeney in a written statement.
Through her contribution to the upcoming book, Sweeney will be able to share her signature teaching methods to educators around the world.
“I am delighted to share this legacy of my 30 years’ teaching AP Biology with a larger audience,” she said.
