Unit 00: Introduction: Processes of Biology Investigations

(1 class for the entire unit)

The scientific processes are very similar throughout every science course, beginning in Kindergarten. Students may need some direct instruction on the purpose and properties of scientific processes; however, it is intended for students to develop a deep understanding of the scientific processes by using them in the context of the content of this course throughout every unit of this course.

TEKS in this unit: B.1A, B.1B, B.2A, B.2B, B.2C, B.2D, B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3C, B.3D, B.3E, B.3F

Unit 01: The Molecules and Processes that Form Life

(10 classes for the entire unit)

Students apply their understanding of compounds as they are introduced to the four classifications of biomolecules. Students compare the functions of all four types of biomolecules. Students focus on the relationship between two types of biomolecules as they identify the components of DNA and explain the purpose and process of transcription and translation using models of DNA and RNA. Students identify and investigate the role of the enzymes DNA helicase, RNA polymerase, aminoacyl tRNA synthetase, and peptidyl transferase that are essential to the processes of transcription and translation.

The purpose and process of transcription and translation is included in two units of this course. In this unit, students are expected to develop a conceptual understanding of the purpose and process of transcription and translation. Students are not expected to explain base pairing between DNA and RNA or use codon charts to determine an amino acid sequence from a DNA sequence in this unit.

The focus on biomolecules, enzymes, and protein synthesis in this unit occurs without a focus on cell structure and function. The comparison of biomolecule function may lead to cell structures; however, the intent of this unit is to establish the chemicals and process that make life possible. This unit is connected with the subsequent unit by having students focus on scientific explanations. Students examine scientific explanations for the origin of DNA. Students compare and contrast scientific explanations for cellular complexity including abiogenesis theory and cell theory.

TEKS in this unit: B.1A, B.1B, B.2B, B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3E, B.3F, B.4A, B.6A, B.6C, B.9A, B.9C

Unit 02: Lifeforms: "Simple" Cells

(14 classes for the entire unit)

Students compare the structures of viruses and prokaryotic cells. Students investigate and explain homeostasis in prokaryotic cells through transport of molecules in and out of the cell. Students compare photosynthesis and cellular respiration as they occur in prokaryotic cells in terms of the molecules in the reactants and products in each and the energy converted during the process.

TEKS in this unit: B.1A, B.1B, B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3E, B.3F, B.4B, B.4C, B.9B

Unit 03: Life Changes

(15 classes for the entire unit)

Students expand on the conceptual understanding of the purpose and process of transcription and translation by explaining base pairing rules between DNA and RNA and using codon charts to determine an amino acid sequence based off of a nitrogenous base sequence. This is the first time students will experience base pairing rules. In addition, students apply the context of cellular structures to the transcription and translation processes. Students use the processes of transcription and translation to identify and illustrate changes in DNA. Students recognize the role of mutations in the formation of the earliest domains and compare characteristics of archaea and bacteria.

TEKS in this unit: B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3F, B.6A, B.6C, B.6E, B.8C

Unit 04: The Evolution of Eukarya

(10 classes for the entire unit)

Students compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Students compare and contrast scientific explanations for cellular complexity, such as cell theory, abiogenesis theory, and endosymbiotic theory. Student investigate and explain cellular processes as they occur in eukaryotic cells, including homeostasis, transport of molecules, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration. Students compare the characteristics of taxonomic groups studied in prior units (archaea and bacteria) with the simplest forms of eukaryotic organisms (protists).

TEKS in this unit: B.2B, B.2C, B.2D, B.3A, B.3B, B.3D, B.3E, B.3F, B.4A, B.4B, B.8C, B.9B

Unit 05: Eukarya Become Multicellular

(10 classes for the entire unit)

Students focus on the role of the cell cycle, gene expression, and cell differentiation in multicellular eukaryotic organisms. Thus far, this course has focused on single cells and the molecules that comprise these cells. This unit introduces students to the analysis of the levels of organization within organisms from molecule to the level of organism.

TEKS in this unit: B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.5A, B.5B, B.5C, B.6D, B.10C

Unit 06: Genetic Diversity through Reproduction

(10 classes for the entire unit)

Students focus on the mechanics of genetics through a study of meiosis and genetic crosses. Students predict possible outcomes of various genetic combinations such as monohybrid crosses, dihybrid crosses, and non-Mendelian inheritance. Students study the significance of meiosis to sexual reproduction. They evaluate the significance of DNA changes in the process of meiosis and the effect on the possible offspring outcomes.

TEKS in this unit: B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3E, B.3F, B.6E, B.6F, B.6G

Unit 07: The Systems of Plants

(6 classes for the entire unit)

Students describe the interactions that occur among plant systems that transport water from the roots and sugar from the leaves. Students describe plant reproduction by identifying structures and functions of the parts of a flower. Students describe the interactions occurring within plants as they respond to changes with various types of tropism. Students analyze the levels of organization within an organism and relate the levels to each other.

TEKS in this unit: B.1A, B.1B, B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3F, B.10B, B.10C

Unit 08: The Systems of Animals

(9 classes for the entire unit)

Students describe the interactions among systems that perform the functions of regulation, nutrient absorption, reproduction, and defense from injury or illness. While investigating nutrient absorption, students summarize the role of microorganisms in maintaining health. While investigating defense from illness, students summarize the role of microorganisms in disrupting health, describe viral reproduction, and describe the role of viruses in causing diseases. Students analyze the levels of organization in organisms and relate the levels to each other.

TEKS in this unit: B.1A, B.1B, B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3F, B.4C, B.10A, B.10C, B.11A

Unit 09: Living in Changing Environments

(7 classes for the entire unit)

Students describe the effects of ecological succession on population and species diversity. Students describe the flow of matter through nutrient cycles and the impact of environmental change, including disruption of these cycles, on ecosystem stability.

TEKS in this unit: B.1A, B.1B, B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3E, B.11B, B.12D, B.12E

Unit 10: Survival in a Community

(7 classes for the entire unit)

Students explore the ecosystems of the world and living features that characterize individual ecosystems. Students interpret relationships between organisms and analyze the flow of matter and energy through trophic levels and cycles.

TEKS in this unit: B.1A, B.1B, B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3E, B.10C, B.11A, B.12A, B.12C

Unit 11: The Beginning of Biology: Organizing to Understand

(10 classes for the entire unit)

Students learn how taxonomy categorizes all of Earth’s life forms. They learn how to use the standardized taxonomic system that scientists use to categorize organisms based on similarities and differences shared among groups. In addition, the importance of common classification systems is explored in this unit. Students determine and compare characteristics that define the six major taxonomic groups. Students analyze data and information regarding adaptations of organisms in different environments in order to make predictions and inferences about the classification of living organisms. Students evaluate the impact of taxonomy on society and evaluate cladogram models.

TEKS in this unit: B.2A, B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3D, B.3E, B.3F, B.8A, B.8B, B.8C, B.12B

Unit 12: Breakthroughs in Biology: Deepening Our Understanding

(15 classes for the entire unit)

Students will connect the concepts learned throughout this course to analyze and evaluate evidence for evolution and scientific explanations of that evidence. They also analyze and evaluate the mechanism of natural selection and its results. Students analyze and evaluate the unity and diversity of life as explained by evolutionary theory. More specifically, students analyze and evaluate various aspects of this scientific theory including evolutionary mechanisms, common ancestry, fossil record, natural selection, adaptation, and the development of diversity.

TEKS in this unit: B.1A, B.1B, B.2A, B.2B, B.2C, B.2D, B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3D, B.3E, B.3F, B.6B, B.7A, B.7B, B.7C, B.7D, B.7E, B.7F

Unit 13: Current Developments in Biology

(10 classes for the entire unit)

Students should approach this unit through the lens of TEKS B.3D, “Evaluate the impact of research on scientific thought, society, and the environment,” and TEKS B.3F, “Research and describe the history of biology and contributions of scientists,” with an emphasis on recent history. Students will research methods that scientists are using to correct disruptions in the cell cycle and the fight to cure cancer, including the use of gene expression. Students will research the latest developments in the fight against microorganisms that are resistant to medicine. Students will research how modern genetic techniques are changing the hierarchical classifications of the largest taxonomic groups and shaping our understanding of Biology.

TEKS in this unit: B.1A, B.1B, B.2E, B.2F, B.2G, B.2H, B.3A, B.3B, B.3C, B.3D, B.3F, B.5C, B.6D, B.8B, B.11A