August 2009 Archives

Unit

Topic

Duration

1**

Introduction to Biology, Lab Safety and Science Skills: Chapters 1-2

~ 2.5 weeks

**These GPS are initially addressed in this unit and re-addressed on a regular basis througout the year.**

• GPS - SCSh1: Students will evaluate the importance of curiosity, honesty, openness, skepticism in science.

• GPS - SCSh2: Students will use standard safety practices for all classroom laboratory and field investigations.

• GPS - SCSh3: Students will identify and investigate problems scientifically.

• GPS - SCSh4: Students will use tools and instruments for observing, measuring and manipulating in scientific equipment and materials.

• GPS - SCSh5: Students will demonstrate the computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and developing reasonable explanations.

• GPS - SCSh6: Students will communicate scientific investigations and information clearly.

• GPS - SCSh7: Students will analyze how scientific knowledge is developed.

• GPS - SCSh8: Students will understand important features of the process of scientific inquiry.

• GPS - SCSh9: Students will enhance reading in all curriculum areas.

2

Biochemistry: Chapter 3

~ 2.5 weeks

GPS - SB1: Analyze the nature of the relationship between structures and function in living cells.

• SB1c: Identify the function of the four major macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids)

• SB1b: Explain how enzymes function as catalysts. (Explain how enzymes relate to protein structure)

Ecology: Chapters 4-6

~ 3.5 weeks

GPS - SB4: Assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of energy and matter within their ecosystems.

• SB4a: Investigate relationships among organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes

• SB4b: Explain the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems by:

  • Arranging components of a food chain according to energy flow.

  • Comparing the quantity of energy in the steps of an energy pyramid.

  • Explaining the need for cycling of major nutrients (C, O, H, N, P).

• SB4c: Relate environmental conditions to successional changes in ecosystems.

• SB4d: Assess and explain how human activities influence the environment and modify the environment such as global warming, population growth, pesticide use, and water and power consumption.

• SB4e: Relate plant adaptations, including tropisms, to the ability to survive stressful environmental conditions.

• SB4f: Relate animal adaptations, including behaviors, to the ability to survive stressful environmental conditions. (This includes some chapter 33 concepts)

3

Cellular Structure & Cellular Energy: Chapters 7-9

~ 4.5 weeks

GPS - SB1: Analyze the nature of the relationship between structures and function in living cells.

• SB1a: Explain the role of cell organelles for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the cell membrane, in maintaining homeostasis and cell reproduction.

• SB1b: Explain how enzymes function as catalysts.

• SB1d: Explain the impact of water on life processes (i.e. osmosis, diffusion)

GPS - SB3: Students will derive the relationship between single-celled and multi-celled organisms and the increasing complexity of systems.

• SB3a: Explain the cycling of energy through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.

Mendelian Genetics: Chapters 10-12

~ 4 weeks

GPS - SB2: Analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations.

• SB2c: Using Mendel's laws, explain the role of meiosis in reproductive variability.

• SB2e: Compare the advantages of sexual and asexual reproduction in different situations.