Curriculum Overview
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Subject: Science |
Course: Biology/Honors (224) |
Grade Level: 9-12 |
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Concepts |
Topics/Units |
Content/Skills |
Essential
Activities/Agreements |
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Students will: ·
examine systems
from the molecular level, organ level, and at the level of organisms and
populations ·
demonstrate a
solid understanding of the processes of life ·
Explain why
there are so many different kinds of organisms on earth ·
Explain why
organisms of distantly related species share biochemical, anatomical, and
functional characteristics ·
Explain why
species become extinct, and how different kinds of organisms are related to
one another. ·
make informed
decisions related to their health, and to the health of the planet |
Introduction:
Definition of life, Darwinian theory, Microscopy, Measurement The Cell: Cell
theory, Cell organelles,
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic, Plant vs. animal cells, Membrane systems,
Transport Chemistry of Life: Organic vs. inorganic molecules, pH scale, buffers, dehydration
synthesis, hydrolysis, molecules of life (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) Genetics I: Prokaryotic
vs. Eukaryotic cell cycles, DNA, RNA, Protein synthesis, Mutations, Gene
regulation, Asexual vs. sexual reproduction, mitosis vs. meiosis Genetics II: Inheritance,
Punnett square analyses, probability theory,
biotechnology, genetic diseases, medial ethics Evolution: Origin
of life, Evidence for evolution, Mutations, Hardy-Weinberg theory, gradualism
and punctuated equilibrium, origins of the eukaryotic cell Taxonomy: Taxonomic
hierarchy, Contributions of Aristotle and Linnaeus, 5 kingdoms, consideration
of a 6 kingdom scheme Photosynthesis and Cell Respiration: Enzymes, ATP, stages and
purpose of respiration and photosynthesis Systems of the Human Body: Circulatory, Respiratory, Digestive, Excretory,
Nervous, Endocrine, and Reproductive systems |
Students will: ·
Apply the
principles of the scientific method ·
Perform
organelle identification and description of function ·
Demonstrate
correct microscope technique, slide prep, and staining ·
Identify and
describe the principle organic compounds in living systems ·
Explain the
importance of buffers in living systems ·
Identify types
of reactions ·
Compare and contrast cell cycles of
prokaryotes and eukaryotes
·
Explain the
function of mitosis ·
Compare and
contrast RNA and DNA ·
Explain the
steps of protein synthesis ·
Compare and
contrast asexual vs. sexual reproduction ·
Compare and
contrast mitosis and meiosis ·
Use Punnett squares to illustrate monohybrid and dihybrid crosses ·
Examine
incomplete dominance, codominance, multiple
alleles, polygenic inheritance, gene interactions, and environmental
influence ·
Solve genetics
problems using probabilities ·
Discuss the
importance of genetic diversity ·
Examine basic
concepts of Biotechnology ·
Interpret simple
pedigrees ·
Examine some
genetic diseases ·
Discuss ethical
issues in medical genetics ·
Discuss
contributions to theories of evolution ·
Explain how
mutations contribute to variability in a species ·
Discuss the
history of life on earth, including origins of various life forms ·
Solve and
construct dichotomous keys ·
Discuss the
importance of ATP ·
Describe the
function and importance of cell respiration and photosynthesis ·
Understand basic
structure and function of human body systems ·
Perform
dissection |
Common Laboratory Experiments: ·
Introduction to
the Microscope ·
The Cell ·
Diffusion ·
Surface area to
Volume Ratio ·
Osmosis ·
Molecular
Modeling ·
Homeostasis and
Buffers ·
Biologically
Important Molecules ·
DNA Structure ·
DNA Replication ·
Protein
Synthesis ·
The Human Face
(Genetics) ·
Dichotomous
Keys ·
Influence of
temperature on enzymatic action ·
Examination of
leaves ·
Cycling of
Energy ·
Circulatory
System ·
Earthworm
dissection ·
Fish dissection ·
Frog dissection ·
Energy content
in foods ·
Nutrition in
paramecium ·
Reproduction in
plants Other Essential Activities: |