Life and the Basic Processes of Life
This unit is a large unit that examines conditions that determine life, basic processes that occur in living things, cells, structural organization of multicellular organisms and homeostatic mechanisms. For more information view the Scope and Sequence for Unit 1.
Unit Study Guide
You will need to be able to identify, by name, a characteristic of life when the characteristic is describes
You will need to be able to address a questions with a CER style response OR break down a response to a question and identify the CER components of that response.
Know the components of a scientific investigation, as presented in the Brine Shrimp Egg Hatching experiment, and be prepared to respond to a CER question based on data derived from an experiment.
Know the names of the parts of a microscope, jobs of the microscope parts and how to determine magnification of an image.
Be able to bring a specimen into clear view using the scanning, low and high power objectives.
Demonstrate how to properly a microscope image.
State the 3 tenets to The Cell Theory
Differentiate plant cells from animal cells from single -celled organisms
Compare and contrast prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells
State the Endosymbiotic Theory
Provide evidence for the Endosymbiotic Theory
Everything you need to know for this lesson is in the Module 19, Lesson 2 Featured Concepts and Vocabulary handout, linked here and given in Google Classroom.
This also includes the information on the Cell Specialization video worksheet
Thursday 9/28/2023
Today's Focus:
Cell specialization
Jobs of different specialized cells/tissue of a leaf
Bell Question
Look at image 1 below.
What are the different parts of a tree and what does each part do? Discuss with your table mates.
Today's In-class Tasks
Students will watch the Amoeba Sisters Specialized Cells video (below) and complete the front of the Cell Specialization video worksheet while watching the video.
We will discuss then specific jobs the specialized cells/tissue that form a leaf
Afterwards students will do a quick check for understanding by answering the questions on the Plant Organization Worksheet
We will then discuss the targeted concepts in the Module 19, Lesson 2 Featured Concepts and Vocabulary handout
Anytime remaining time will be spent prepping for Monday's Quiz
Assignment(s):
Prepare for Monday's quiz. Starting with #7, the quiz covers the remaining items in the study guide.
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Image 1: Tree
Tuesday 9/26/2023
Today's Focus:
Endosymbiotic Theory
Cell specialization
Jobs of different specialized cells/tissue of a leaf
Bell Question
Read this article on Zooxanthellae, afterwards, and with your table partners, discuss the following:
What is the relationship that exists with coral polyps, which are animals, and zooxanthellae, which are algae?
How does each benefit?
What happens when coral is environmentally stressed?
Today's In-class Tasks
We will discuss the answers to the Bell Question.
We will then review the Endosymbiotic Theory.
Students should take notes on evidence not included in students' notes.
We will switch gears and discuss specialized cells. Students will watch the Amoeba Sisters Specialized Cells video (below) and complete the front of the Cell Specialization video worksheet while watching the video.
We will discuss the specific jobs the specialized cells/tissue that form a leaf
Assignment(s):
This should be done already but if not, complete your outline notes for Module 7, Lesson 1.
Read and take notes on Module 19, Lesson 2, Plant Structure and Function. You do not need to take notes and know all of this information.
Everything you need to know for this lesson is in the Module 19, Lesson 2 Featured Concepts and Vocabulary handout, linked here and given in Google Classroom.
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Image 1: Anatomy of a Coral Polyp
Image 2: Endosymbiotic Theory
Video 1: Amoeba Sisters Specialized Cells
Friday 9/22/2023
Today's Focus:
Cell Comparison Lab completion
Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells
Bell Question
No Bell Question, students who need to finish the lab will go straight into lab
Today's In-class Tasks
After students finish the lab we will discuss the 3 tenets of the Cell Theory and the scientidst involved in developing the theory
We will then watch the Amoeba Sisters video on Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells
At the end of the video, student groups will complete a Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Venn Diagram
As a class we will review the attributes of this Venn Diagram
We will then ponder the evolution of eukaryotic cells. From where did they come?
We will then watch the video on Endosymbiosis.
Students will then be given the Endosymbiotic Theory Assignment, given in Google Classroom
Assignment(s):
If you have not completed labeling microscope diagrams on the Introduction to the Microscope or Cell Comparison, so so and submit those labs.
Complete the Endosymbiotic Theory Assignment, given in Google Classroom
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Video 1: The Wacky History of the Cell Theory
Video 3: How we Think Complex Cells Evolved
Wednesday 9/20/2023
Today's Focus:
Characteristics of Life/Microscope/CER Quiz
Cell Comparison Lab
Bell Question
No Bell Question, we will go straight into test-taking seats
Today's In-class Tasks
Students will complete the Characteristics of Life/Microscope/CER Quiz
The remaining block will be spent completing the Introduction to the Cell Comparison Lab.
Assignment(s):
Take OUTLINE style notes on Module 7, Lesson 1
Notes should be taken in your spiral-bound notebook
I will not check notes until the unit assessment
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Monday 9/18/2023
Today's Focus:
Outline style notes
Introduction to the Microscope Lab completion
Cell Comparison Lab
Bell Question
Take out your Module 1, Lesson 1 Notes
Open your Introduction to the Microscope and Cell Comparison Labs
Enroll into our Gizmos class
Login: https://apps.explorelearning.com/account/el/login/student?gizmos=1
Select "Have a Class Code"
Our class code is: ELT12QFC
Continue registering with a username and password
Today's In-class Tasks
We will discuss the Bell Question
The remaining block will be spent completing the Introduction to the Microscope and working on the Cell Comparison Lab.
Assignment(s):
Prepare for a quiz on Wednesday, 9/20
Quiz will cover numbers 1 - 7 of the Study Guide (top of this page)
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Thursday 9/14/2023
Today's Focus:
Elements of Scientific Design, Gathering and Processing Data
Bell Question
White Block 4 Honors Biology did the same Brine Shrimp investigation you did but with different concentrations, 0M, 0.5M, 1.0M, 1.5M, 2.0M and 2.5M. How do their results differ from ours?
What questions arise from their results?
Today's In-class Tasks
We will discuss the Bell Question
We will review how to write OUTLINE Notes.
We will start with this video on writing outline notes. It is by a history teacher but simple and applicable to science.
We will discuss the basic structure of outline notes by reviewing this Basic Outlining Format handout.
We will then discuss tips on how to take outline notes by reviewing this How to Take Outline Notes handout
Here are two examples of outline skeletons for Lesson 1: Matter, from your book, this is not the Module you will be taking notes for the assignment.
The remaining block will be spent working on the Cell Comparison Lab.
Assignment(s):
Complete outline notes IN A PHYSICAL NOTEBOOK for Module 1, Lesson 1, Due Monday, 9/18
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Image 1: White Honors Brine Shrimp Hatching Results
Tuesday 9/12/2023
Today's Focus: Experimental Design Review / Introduction to the Microscope
Reinforce the components of a scientic experiment.
Learn the parts of a microscope, how to use a microscope, how to capture an image with a microscope, how to make a wet mount slide and how to label an image.
Bell Question
Look at the data in Image 1 below.
Heart Rate is the number of times a heart beats in a minute.
Percent Oxygen is the percentage of oxygen in the blood compared to how much oxygen the blood can retain
Blood Lactate is the amount of lactic acid in the blood, a by-product of energy production.
Based on this data, determine the research question.
Based on this data, what is the conclusion.
Justify your conclusion, explain WHY the results are came out like this. You are tying express inferential thinking by justifying what is observed with what you know.
Look at Image 2 below. What do you think this is an image of?
How does this relate to the Characteristics of Life?
We will then address a mystery question . . .
Today's In-class Tasks
We will go over the Bell Question answers and then review the Brine Shrimp Egg Hatching Data and Conclusion.
Students will then open the Microscope Introduction Lab sheet in Google Classroom.
We will spend the remainder of the class working on the lab.
Assignment(s):
Complete any missing assignment. If you are up to date with your work, no homework for you!
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Image 1: Experiment Data
Image 2: ???????
Image 3: Cyst
Friday 9/08/2023
Today's Focus:
Elements of Scientific Design, Gathering and Processing Data
Bell Question
No Bell Question, we will get started with the lab.
Today's In-class Tasks
Students will be taught the procedures for counting brine shrimp and then gather data for each concentration.
Students will input group data into a class spreadsheet, given in Google Classroom.
Students will then make their own copy of the spreadsheet and create a graph from the class data.
The graph will get inserted into the Data section of the lab sheet.
Students will then complete the Elements of Scientific Design lab sheet.
Assignment(s):
Complete the Elements of Scientific Design lab sheet. - Due Date: Tuesday 9/12
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Wednesday 9/06/2023
Today's Focus:
Elements of Scientific Design
Bell Question
With the members of your group, come up with a definition for concentration.
Today's In-class Tasks
Students will set-up an investigation on brine shrimp hatching and salt concentration
We will then discuss aspects of a scientific experiment.
Students will be then be given the Honors Viruses Guided Reading assignment, given in Google Classroom and use any remaining time to work on the assignment.
Assignment(s):
Complete the Virus-CER Common Assessment - Due Date: Friday 9/8
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Thursday 8/31/2023
Today's Focus:
Seating Chart
Book Distribution
Characteristic of Life
Viruses
CER
Bell Question
Share your thoughts from the assignment (shared characteristics) with your table partners. Discuss the characteristics that each of you wrote about.
Today's In-class Tasks
Physical books will be distributed to about half of the students and the remaining students will receive the digital textbook. Those students receiving the digital version will need to create a student account by doing the following:
Go to the Digital Platform/Textbook Login: https://my.mheducation.com/login
Select "Create Student Account)
Use this class code when creating your account:
Honors Blue Block 1: CneGFCkr
We will then discuss the Characteristics of Life, as explained in Module 1, Lesson 1 of our textbook
The discussion will then move to viruses, what are they and are they alive.
We will watch the short, Scientific American video Viruses Decoded
We will then review the Virus-CER Common Assessment, given in Google Classroom, and work through the CER practice portions of the assessment directions/worksheet.
Students will be then be given the Honors Viruses Guided Reading assignment, given in Google Classroom and use any remaining time to work on the assignment.
Assignment(s):
Complete the Honors Viruses Guided Reading assignment, given in Google Classroom - Due Wednesday, 9/6
Work on the Virus-CER Common Assessment - Due Date: Friday 9/8
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Tuesday 8/29/2023
Today's Focus:
Course information, including Google Classroom Class Code
Daily Academic Agendas
Introduction to Biology/6 Kingdoms Team Challenge
Bell Question
While I am taking attendance, please write the following information on the index card given to you.
The name by which you want to be called, if different from the one on your card.
The pronouns you prefer
Anything you would like me to know about you as a learner or as a person.
WHY you are taking an Honors class. (Not biology but Honors biology.)
Today's In-class Tasks
We will discuss some aspects and expectations of Honors Biology
Students will then enroll in the correct Honors Biology Google Classroom
Honors Blue Block 1: tgbe5an
Student groups will then complete the 6 Kingdom Classification Challenge
At the end of the challenge, we will go over the answers and a winning group will be awarded
If time permits students will begin the homework assignment
Assignment(s):
Common Characteristics of Living Things assignment is given in Google Classroom - Due Date: Thursday 8/31