Curriculum Overview

Subject: Science

Course: Biology (222)

Grade Level: 10

                                                                                                                       

Concepts

Topics/Units

Content/Skills

Essential Activities/Agreements

 

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, Microscopy & Measurement, Descriptive chemistry

 

The Cell

Cell theory, Eukaryotic versus prokaryotic cells, Cell organelles, Plants and animals, Membranes, Transport

 

Digestion

Multicellular organization, Nutrients, Mechanical versus chemical digestion

 

Circulation, Respiration, and Excretion

Components and functions of circulatory, respiratory, and excretory systems

 

Ecology

Photosynthesis, respiration, ATP, Food webs

 

Evolution and Classification

Spontaneous generation, Evidence for evolution, Natural selection, Taxonomy

 

Reproduction

Mitosis, Meiosis, Gametogenesis, Fertilization, Human reproductive organs

 

Introduction to Genetics

Traits, Heredity, Mendelian Genetics, Dyhybrid cross, Incomplete dominance and Codominance, Multiple alleles, Sex linkage

 

Modern Genetics

DNA and RNA, Replication, Transcription, Translation, Mutation, and Evolution

 

Students Will:

 

·         Demonstrate proper use of microscope

·         Make careful measurements using the metric system

·         Use correct dissection techniques

·         Construct graphs and interpret data

·         Formulate a clear definition of life

·         Identify organelles

·         Measure/calculate the number of cells in the human body

·         Analyze trophic levels and construct food webs

·         Calculate energy flow through ecosystems

·         Use the scientific method including interpretation of experimental results

·         Distinguish between Darwinian and Lamarckian evolution

·         Construct dichotomous keys

·         Extrapolate data from observed specimens

·         Understand genetic (chromosomal) continuity of life

·         Analyze Punnett squares

·         Predict offspring of crosses

·         Perform calculations using ratios

·         Construct a human face from multiple independent traits

·         Analyze the structure of DNA and RNA

·         Demonstrate familiarity with genetic code

·         Understand protein synthesis

·         Understand mutation as a source of variation acted upon by natural selection

·         Understand DNA and the flow of life

 

Common Laboratory Experiments:

 

·         Introduction to the Microscope

·         Cell Types Lab

·         Diffusion Rate Lab

·         Osmosis Lab

·         Earthworm Dissection

·         Circulation Lab

·         Respiration Lab

·         Photosynthesis and Solar Energy Lab

·         Cell Respiration Lab

·         Mitotic Figures Lab

·         Extensive Dissection

·         Human Face Lab (Genetics)

 

Other Activities:

 

·         Molecular Modeling

·         Construction of a Food Web