Syllabus content:
Organisation of Cells:
Inquiry question: How are cells arranged in a multicellular organism?
compare the differences between unicellular, colonial and multicellular organisms by:
investigating structures at the level of the cell and organelle
relating structure of cells and cell specialisation to function
investigate the structure and function of tissues, organs and systems and relate those functions to cell differentiation and specialisation
justify the hierarchical structural organisation of organelles, cells, tissues, organs, systems and organisms
Nutrient and Gas Requirements:
Inquiry question: What is the difference in nutrient and gas requirements between autotrophs and heterotrophs?
investigate the structure of autotrophs through the examination of a variety of materials, for example:
dissected plant materials
microscopic structures
using a range of imaging technologies to determine plant structure
investigate the function of structures in a plant, including but not limited to:
tracing the development and movement of the products of photosynthesis
investigate the gas exchange structures in animals and plants through the collection of primary and secondary data and information, for example:
microscopic structures: alveoli in mammals and leaf structure in plants
macroscopic structures: respiratory systems in a range of animals
interpret a range of secondary-sourced information to evaluate processes, claims and conclusions that have led scientists to develop hypotheses, theories and models about the structure and function of plants, including but not limited to:
photosynthesis
transpiration-cohesion-tension theory
trace the digestion of foods in a mammalian digestive system, including:
physical digestion
chemical digestion
absorption of nutrients, minerals and water
elimination of solid waste
compare the nutrient and gas requirements of autotrophs and heterotrophs
Transport:
Inquiry question: How does the composition of the transport medium change as it moves around an organism?
investigate transport systems in animals and plants by comparing structures and components using physical and digital models, including but not limited to:
macroscopic structures in plants and animals
microscopic samples of blood, the cardiovascular system and plant vascular systems
investigate the exchange of gases between the internal and external environments of plants and animals
compare the structures and function of transport systems in animals and plants, including but not limited to:
vascular systems in plants and animals
open and closed transport systems in animals
compare the changes in the composition of the transport medium as it moves around an organism