In this course students will explore the conceptual foundations of life and environmental science including ecology, cellular biology, genetics and heredity and evolution. Students will explore a local stream, collect physical, chemical and biological data, analyze their data and determine the health of their site on the stream. They will study the function of cells with a particular emphasis on the function of the membrane of the cell. Students will learn Mendelian genetics and be able to determine the probabilities of the passing of traits from parents to offspring. Students will also be given the opportunity to explore, discuss and debate modern trends in the use of genetic engineering. They will explore Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. Students will use a combination of hands-on experimentation and observation to build their understanding of the scientific methods that scientists and engineers use to understand the world around them. The embedded mathematical concepts include measurement, measurement of central tendency, concentration and concentration gradients and probability of outcomes. Students will select and create appropriate graphs to represent the data of their investigations and analyze that data, as well as identify and express the relationships between dependent and independent variables of the experiments.
The structure of objects affects their function. The function of objects affects their structure.
We use models to simplify, clarify, and analyze complex systems.
Systems tend towards stability or balance. External forces can stimulate or impede change.
The methodology of science gives us objective answers to challenging questions. What we do with our scientific knowledge can and does impact humanity.
Systems operate by transferring and transforming matter and energy.
The macroscopic behaviors of systems depend on their microscopic properties (the way the world works depends on things we can’t see).
Arguments are supported and/or refuted by numbers and measurements.
What are the components of a healthy functioning ecosystem?
How does energy flow through an ecosystem?
How do human activities impact the proper functioning of a natural ecosystem?
How do cells regulate what enters and exits them?
How do cells reproduce and why is it important that they do so?
What is the mechanism used by living things to pass traits from one generation to the next?
How can the probability of traits of offspring be predicted?
When is manipulating genetic material acceptable?
Should people under the age of 18 sequence their entire DNA?
How does the environment put selective pressures on populations of organisms?
How do genetic mutations and recombination of genes enable evolution to occur?
Major Concepts:
Components of ecosystems
Community interactions
Energy transfer
Major Content:
Characteristics and needs of living things
Food webs
Trophic levels
Ecosystem integrity and disturbances
Unit Assessments:
Quizzes
Stream study of the Ompompanoosuc River and report of findings
Major Concepts:
Cell as the basic unit of life
Homeostasis
Mitosis and meiosis
Major Content:
Passive transport
Concentration gradients
Structure of chromosomes
Stages of cell division
Unit Assessments:
Petri dish project
Fast plant experiment
Major Concepts:
Variability of genetic traits
Principle of dominance and recessiveness
Probability of outcomes
Issues in genetic testing
Major Content:
Mendelian genetics
Pedigree analysis
Unit Assessments:
Quizzes
Face project pedigree
Debate and persuasive essay
Major Concepts:
Individual and class evidence
Claim/evidence/reasoning
Major Content:
DNA and Fingerprinting
Unit Assessments:
Quizzes
Mystery of the murdered mayor
Major Concepts:
Scientific theories on the origins of life
Evolution by natural selection
Major Content:
Process of natural selection
Unit Assessments:
Quizzes
Evolutionary tree project