INTRODUCTION
Genetic
engineering, cloning, disease research, deforestation, the greenhouse effect,
organ transplants, pharmaceutical research and development, medicinal values of
plants and a variety of other noteworthy topics are commonly discussed through
various forms of media within our society.
Biology is a general science encompassing the study of all these
areas. Fields such as cytology,
histology, biochemistry, genetics, evolutionary biology, paleontology,
microbiology, botany, zoology, medicine and the allied health sciences
contribute to the body of knowledge which is termed biology.
Students
will be faced with information and decisions ranging from personal and family
health to societal issues such as water conservation, environmental issues and
others. A basic understanding of the
body of knowledge that defines biology is essential in making each student more
capable of understanding and forming an informed opinion on these issues and
others. As the changes in the
biological sciences continue, it is vital that individuals, whether teachers,
doctors, lawyers or businessmen have the essential information to be considered
literate in the field of science.
Biology
I is a one-year survey of the numerous fields of biology with the goal of basic
scientific literacy within the student.
Students will develop a basic understanding and appreciation for living
things through their study of basic biochemistry, ecology, genetics, evolution,
classification, microbiology, botany, zoology and human anatomy and
physiology. Teaching methods will focus
on a multi-sensory approach to learning.
Traditional lecture will be integrated with discovery learning, problem
solving/application techniques, cooperative learning, group work sequence and
the use of technology/laboratory exercises.
Teaching
methodology to build/enhance the student’s abilities in each of the following
areas will be integrated throughout the Biology I curriculum.
·
SCIENTIFIC
LITERACY
The student will be challenged to apply content
knowledge and terminology to read and comprehend newspaper, magazine and
scientific journal articles as well as other scientific texts.
·
WRITTEN
AND ORAL COMMUNICATION
The student will be challenged to perform paragraph
and essay writing associated with homework, group work, class activities and as
a portion of content assessment.
Students will also perform technical writing associated with laboratory
reports and research activities. Class
discussion, group work and questioning techniques will assist in developing the
student's ability to orally communicate.
Each student will be required to give at least one individual oral
presentation.
·
CRITICAL/ANALYTICAL
THINKING
The student will be challenged to draw inferences,
interpret information and demonstrate inductive and deductive reasoning skills
applied to concepts within the biological sciences.
·
LABORATORY/TECHNOLOGY
SKILLS
The student will be challenged to develop
appropriate laboratory skills to conduct various experiments throughout the
year. Laboratory skills and technology
application will be used as a tool to develop thinking and problem solving
skills while providing the foundation for the understanding of the scientific
method.
·
RESEARCH
The student will be challenged to apply the scientific
method by gathering and processing information to solve problems or explain
scientific phenomena. Students will be
instructed in writing annotated bibliographies and conducting basic literature
searches through the use of printed and electronic search engines. Laboratory experiences will enable students
to practically apply the scientific method to solve or investigate a problem
related to science.
Biology
I has honors, accelerated and college preparatory levels. Each student’s placement examination scores
and middle school transcripts will be reviewed and placement into the
appropriate level of Biology I will be determined.
Since
all grade nine students must enroll in Biology I, a basic competency in the
content is expected on all levels.
Extensions in course content and expectations will be incorporated into
the accelerated and honors course.
Teaching methodology, pace and assessment will differ for each
level. Learning objectives will be
specific for each level. Written
assessment of the student will be based on the learning objectives.
Students will study the following units in Biology I. Each unit will have objectives for the honors, accelerated and college preparatory levels.
Unit One: Introduction
to Life Science
Unit Two: The
Chemistry of Life
Unit Three: Ecology:
Exploring the Biosphere
Unit Four: Cytology:
The Basis of Life
Unit Five: Genetics:
Exploring Heredity
Unit Six: Evolution:
The Scientific History of Life
Unit Seven: Classification:
The Organization of Living Things
Unit Eight: Microbes:
Viruses, Bacteria, Protists and Fungi
Unit Nine: Botany:
Structure and Function of Plants
Unit Ten: Zoology:
Vertebrate and Invertebrate Animals
Unit Eleven: The
Human Organism
Unit Twelve: Health
Issues: Drugs and Human Disease
Unit Thirteen: Study
Skills (Integrated throughout academic year)