Embedded Files
Grade(s): 9-12
Length: one semester
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation or Biology
Course Overview:
Course Overview:
Alaska Zoology: Mammals explores major Alaskan mammal groups. The general anatomy, physiology, and behavioral patterns of the major Alaskan mammal groups are discussed. The course will also include game laws/regulations, and environmental issues including conservation.
Adopted Textbook:
Adopted Textbook:
“Alaska Wildlife Notebook Series” on the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADFG) website - http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=educators.notebookseries
Units
Units
(Recommended Order)
Semester 1:
Semester 1:
Diversity of Organisms
Interdependence
Local Knowledge
Evolution - ongoing throughout the semester
Key Objectives:
Key Objectives:
Distinguish the patterns of similarity and diversity in the world of major mammal groups of Alaska.
Identify the major mammal groups of Alaska including general anatomy, physiology, and behavioral patterns.
Explain how the diversity of present species through evolution fills all available niches with organisms.
Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
Evaluate the evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce.
Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity.
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Compare pictures of different Alaskan mammal groups and devise a unique classification scheme.
Standards List: LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, & Resilience: HS-LS2.6, HS-LS2.7, HS-LS2.8; LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits: HS-LS3.1, HS-LS3.2, HS-LS3.3; LS4.C: Adaptation: HS-LS4.2, HS-LS4.3, HS-LS4.4, HS-LS4.5, HS-LS4.6
Key Objectives:
Key Objectives:
Know that the environment of the major Alaskan mammal groups consists of individuals, populations, and communities.
Discuss Alaska ecosystems and environmental issues and their relationship and impact on the major Alaskan mammal groups.
Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in:
Increases in the number of individuals of some species.
The emergence of new species over time.
The extinction of other species.
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Dissect different Alaskan mammals.
Go on a field trip to Chena Landing, Ester Dome, or Creamer’s Field.
Invite an Alaska Native elder to share the cultural relevance of Alaskan mammals.
Standards List: LS4.C: Adaptation: HS-LS4.2, HS-LS4.3, HS-LS4.4, HS-LS4.5
Key Objectives:
Key Objectives:
Read and review the laws and regulations that govern Alaska game management.
Discuss the economic impact of trapping and hunting on the major mammal groups of Alaska.
Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
Evaluate the evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce.
Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity.
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Invite game wardens from U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Alaska Fish & Game speak.
Create a Student Game Guide.
Standards List: LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, & Resilience: HS-LS2.6, HS-LS2.7, HS-LS2.8; LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans: HS-LS4.6
Unit 4: Evolution
Unit 4: Evolution
Suggested Pacing: Concepts covered throughout each unit when relevant.
Textbook Chapters/Lessons: ADFG website
Key Objectives:
Key Objectives:
Describe how species evolve over time due to recombination and mutations of genes.
Know that variation in a species increases survival opportunities.
Explain how the diversity of present species fills all available niches with organisms.
Understand why natural selection is the scientific explanation for fossils and for molecular similarity of present species.
Describe classifications based on evolutionary relationships.
Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from:
New genetic combinations through meiosis.
Viable errors occurring during replication.
Mutations caused by environmental factors.
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Suggested Activities & Resources:
Read and discuss The Origin of Species.
Create a 3D model of an environmental barrier.
Classify different fossils based on different characteristics.
Create a poster of stratigraphic sequence showing fossil change in one species.
Standards List: LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits: HS-LS3.1; LS4.B: Natural Selection: HS-LS4.2, HS-LS4.3
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