Biology
Curriculum
Topics include genetics, ecology, evolution, human biology,
plant and animal kingdoms, and microbiology.
Science process: Ongoing
Concept and Skill Development
Enduring
Understanding:
Scientific reasoning is an important skill to have when solving
problems. It is important to be able to recognize the unifying characteristics
of all living things and to be able to critically evaluate claims based on
evidence to determine the truthfulness of the claims.
Essential
Questions:
Why is science a continuous process of understanding?
What is the connection between pure and applied science, and how
does it relate to society?
What makes living things different from non-living things?
How do scientists find answers to their questions?
The
Cell
Enduring
Understanding:
Cells are the basic unit of life and are composed of specialized
structures within which chemical reactions occur to maintain life. They
regulate their internal conditions.
Essential
Questions:
What are the functions of the major cell parts?
How do cells respond to their environment?
How do things get in and out of cells?
Why do plants wilt?
What is cancer?
Where do new cells come from?
How are bacteria different from us?
How do plants make their own food?
Do plants eat?
How do cells use the energy in food?
Why do you eat?
Molecular Basis
of Heredity
Enduring
Understanding:
DNA is the basic molecule for inheritance among living things.
Traits can be passed from generation to generation. Variation and change within
a species is largely due to sexual reproduction. Phenotype is influenced by
genotype and environment. Mutations can result in a change in the genetic code
which can change phenotype.
Essential
Questions:
How are proteins made?
How does DNA replicate?
How can we use our knowledge of genetics?
What happens if a genetic copying mistake is made?
What if DNA did not replicate?
How do we predict the phenotype of an organism?
How do changes occur within a species?
What are the advantages of sexual reproduction?
What led to the discovery of DNA?
Interdependence
of Organisms
Enduring
Understanding:
Everything on the earth is interconnected and interdependent.
Humans have the capacity to affect the natural world at local through global
levels. Earth's resources are limited.
Essential
Questions:
How do evolutionary adaptations influence an organism's success
in its environment?
How human have’s impacted earth’s natural environments?
How have humans impacted Arizona's natural environment?
Why is biodiversity dependent on habitat health?
What are the benefits of having an ecosystem high in
biodiversity?
What are the relationships among organisms and their
environment?
How is a population limited by the available energy and
nutrients in an ecosystem?
Biological
Evolution
Enduring
Understanding:
Evolution is change through time. Diversity of life is the
result of the ongoing process of evolution and a changing environment. Many
scientists have contributed to our understanding of evolution. Our modern
understanding of evolution is built upon Charles Darwin's theory of natural
selection. Life has been on earth for billions of years. There is a lot of
evidence for evolution, such as DNA analysis and the fossil record.
Essential
Questions:
How do evolutionary adaptations influence an organism's success
in its environment?
What is "survival of the fittest?"
Why is genetic variation important?
How do new species come about?
How do species adapt to their environment?
How does natural selection work?
Who is Charles Darwin and what were his contributions to
science?
What is the evidence for evolution?
How long has life been on the earth?
Matter, Energy,
and Organization in Living Systems
Enduring
Understanding:
All living things are composed of the same types of chemical
compounds. Biological processes requiring energy occur in all organisms, from
simple to complex. The relationship between structure and function is important
and can be found at all levels within an organism. Living systems may be
understood at different levels of organization. Matter cycles and energy flows.
Essential
Questions:
How can a single cell become a complex organism?
What are the differences between simple and complex life forms?
What processes are necessary for life to continue?
What different kinds of life forms exist?
How are living things organized?
How do the levels of biological organization contribute to the
complexity of life?
How do energy and matter interact on Earth?
What are the chemical
compounds necessary for life?