Lesson: The Study of Life

The Study of Life (SOL 1a-c,m: Ch 1.1, 1.2)

- What does it mean to be alive?

This lesson establishes the key concepts biology: science is a way of thinking, life is complicated and wonderful in infinite ways, and biology seeks to organize and understand the mechanisms and interactions of living things.

1. Define of “Biology” and identify and distinguish between the eight characteristics of life.

2. Explain/describe the ten levels of organization, place them in the correct order of complexity, and properly identify the proper level. (Ex. Ant colony= population, group of a single species)

Vocabulary

-cell, energy, DNA, grow and develop, reproduction, homeostasis, response, adaptation

-molecular/chemical, cell, tissue, organ, system, organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere

Warm Ups

Science is... - students identify their understanding of science and the key focus of biology. This is an opportunity to gauge student views of science, education and life. #content #criticalthinking#communication #creativity

How Alive am I? - students review the characteristics/requirements of life #content #criticalthinking

Recognizing the Levels - students are prompted to recall and identify the levels of organization from images #content #criticalthinking


Formative Assessment - Characteristics of Life - Google Forms: 8 "Dropdown" questions based on the characteristics #content #criticalthinking#communication #creativity

Content & Presentations

Introduction to Biology (SOL)- Syllabus, Classroom Policies, Course Outline, Lab & Classroom Safety and to Brinkman

SOL 1 Objectives and Vocabulary & Complete 2010 Biology SOL Standards

Notes

Presentation A Natural History of Plants - reviews the lesson with a specific focus on plants

Virtual Virginia Content Document

Independent Assignments & Activities

Assignment - Abiotic and Biotic Factors(student) (teacher) - review the critical separation between the living and non-living with a focus on the interactions of both within biology #content #criticalthinking

Assignment: Horse Evolution - this assignment is the perfect introduction to SOL Biology. It requires diagram interpretation and critical thinking skills. It also introduces the students to some of the major themes and other aspects of biology that will occur throughout the semester. #content #criticalthinking

Lab & Group Activities

Lab - Observations

- Materials needed:

Random objects worth looking at (skulls, living plants, salvaged tree stumps, preserved specimens, a microscope, etc.)

- Various groupings of materials are placed around the lab - students work individually and circulate from station to station, recording observations about the objects at each location. Students also compose a question about each station before passing them in for grading/review. Discuss samples and engage questions.

#criticalthinking #community #collaboration #communication #creativity

  • Museum of Natural Studies - students examine and curate items from the classroom collection.