BIOLOGY

 

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

1. The learner will collect and interpret data utilizing various sources and techniques.

2. The learner will apply the solutions from the study of biology to real world problems.

3. The learner will devise ad conduct experimentation following appropriate scientific procedures and using biological instrumentation to gain an understanding of a controlled experiment.

4. The learner will research characteristics of living and non-living things in order to debate difficult examples of whether an organism such as a virus can be classified as living.

5. The learner will work with various chemical and physical aspects that are common to all life.

6. The learner will use microscopic instrumentation to observe the structure of various cells to assist them in understanding concepts pertaining to the function of cells and their environments.

7. The learner will develop a model to demonstrate energy relationships in living organisms.

8. The learner will gain an understanding of cell growth and reproduction through observation and model development.

9. Given a set of genetic data, the learner will use appropriate methods (Punnett squares, etc.) To determine genotypic and phenotypic ratios.

10. The learner will collect and interpret data essential to supporting or refuting various theories of evolution.

11. Given hypothetical organism, the learner will develop reasoning for an appropriate classification.

12. Given a situation where human activity has had an impact on the environment, the learner will investigate different ecological relationships to develop appropriate activities to provide a healthy environment for all existing organisms.

 

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

 

The learner will:

A. SCIENCE PROCESSES AND SKILLS

1. Develop skills in observing, classifying, predicting, making inferences, measuring, communicating findings to others, and collecting, interpreting and recording data.
2. Engage in scientific experimentation including formulation of hypotheses, decision making skills, drawing conclusions and the development of models.
3. Distinguish necessary science skills that will be useful in the world of work.
4. Describe and recognize the need for a controlled experiment.
5. Analyze the behaviors in science that reflect a search for truth.

B. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES AND BIOLOGICAL CAREERS

1. Define biology and identify skills needed to biological careers.
2. Recognize the importance of careers in biology, different career opportunities, and educational needs for a career in biological sciences.
3. Explore typical working conditions and the decisions that need to be made for a variety of careers in biological science.

C. BIOLOGIST TOOLS

1. Develop skills needed to use apparatus needed or required to complete scientific investigations.
2. Use the International System of Units (SI) in all biological investigations and communications.
3. Identify and explain the implication for technological developments in biology.

D. LIVING AND NON-LIVING CHARACTERISTICS

1. Evaluate the historical explanations of biogenesis and spontaneous generation.
2. Distinguish the basic features of life common to all living things.

E. CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURES OF LIFE

1. Develop a basic understanding of chemistry and physics to relate their relationship[ to the study of living things.
2. Develop an understanding of the structure of atoms and ions to relate to the physiology of living things.
3. Differentiate between a molecule of an element and a molecule of a compound.
4. Distinguish between ionic and covalent bonding.
5. Compare and contrast neutral, basic and acidic solutions and relate these to the pH scale.
6. Compare and contrast physical and chemical changes.
7. Demonstrate the ability to relate chemical reactions to a chemical equation.
8. Differentiate between kinetic and potential energy.
9. Demonstrate the ability to use the law of conservation of matter and energy.
10. Compare and contrast the biological uses of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

F. CELL STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND ENVIRONMENT

1. Develop an understanding of the cell theory and its advancement since inception.
2. Recognize various cell organelles and gain an understanding of their functions.
3. Distinguish between cell membrane and cell wall according to their structure and function.
4. Describe the processes by which materials enter and exit the cell.
5. Distinguish characteristics and functions of eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

G. ENERGY USAGE BY ORGANISMS

1. Recognize how organisms obtain usable energy.
2. Recognize the importance of enzymatic action in cellular reactions.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of photosynthesis as the process by which light energy is absorbed and converted to chemical energy.
4. Demonstrate and understanding of cellular respiration ad the process by which a cell releases energy.

H. CELL GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION

1. Construct a model showing the differences between mitosis and meiosis.
2. Contrast the outcomes of meiosis and mitosis with respect to chromosome number.
3. Investigate the differences between a zygote, sperm and egg.

I. GENETICS

1. Describe how Mendel's theories apply to the behavior of chromosomes and genes.
2. Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate methods (including Punnett square) to solve genetic problems.
3. Recognize t he difference between genotypic and phenotypic ratios.
4. Describe the structure and replication of DNA and relate this to the process of mitosis and meiosis.
5. Recognize how differences in enzymes and other proteins can cause differences among cells.
6. Compare and contrast the structure and functions of DNA and RNA.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the transmission of various human traits and the factors which may influence them.

J. EVOLUTIONARY CONCEPTS

1. Investigate the reasoning that led to the theory of natural selection.
2. Compare and contrast natural selection versus artificial selection.
3. Investigate the nature of an evolutionary event.
4. Demonstrate the use of the Hardy-Weinberg principle.
5. Identify mutation as the basic source of change in hereditary characteristics.
6. Explain the phrase "survival of the fittest".
7. Recognize the role of geographic isolation in permitting the development of genetic traits that might lead to reproductive isolation.
8. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the term clone.
9. Identify problems which involve conflict of thoughts, feelings and emotions involving evolution.

K. CLASSIFICATION

1. Describe the binomial nomenclature system and how it was developed.
2. Identify factors used to classify organisms.
3. List the classification categories in order from general to specific.
4. Realize that various classification schemes exist.

L. KINGDOMS OTHER THAN PLANT OR ANIMAL

1. Describe the general characteristics of these organisms and list the major groups.
2. Identify the characteristics of blue-green algae, green algae, fungi, slime molds, bacteria, viruses and protozoans.
3. Identify examples of the wide distribution of these organisms and their related diseases.

M. PLANT KINGDOM

1. Describe the characteristics of vascular and nonvascular plants.
2. Compare the reproductive cycles of vascular and nonvascular plants.
3. Identify the major functions of flowers, roots, stems, and leaves.
4. Describe the ecological relationship to the plant and its environment.

N. ANIMAL KINGDOM

1. Differentiate between invertebrates and vertebrates.
2. Identify characteristics of animals classified in the phyla Porifera, Coelenterates, Platyhelminthes, Nematodes, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, and Echinodermata.
3. Identify the characteristics of the phylum Chordata.
4. Identify the characteristics of the subphylum Vertebrata.
5. Identify classes of vertebrates.
6. Describe the similarities and differences of the classes of vertebrates.
7. Compare the reproductive cycles of all phyla.

M. ECOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS

1. Compare and contrast the abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem.
2. Describe the bio-geochemical cycles.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the human impact on ecosystems and the biosphere.
4. Recognize the place of humans in the biosphere and how human influence on the environment can affect the density of humans and other organisms.