LifeScience

Biological world

ELEMENT: Building blocks

Students should be able to:

1. investigate the structures of animal and plant cells and relate them to their functions

2. describe asexual and sexual reproduction; explore patterns in the inheritance and variation of genetically controlled characteristics

3. outline evolution by natural selection and how it explains the diversity of living things.

ELEMENT: Systems and interactions

Students should be able to:

4. describe the structure, function, and interactions of the organs of the human digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems

5. conduct a habitat study; research and investigate the adaptation, competition and interdependence of organisms within specific habitats and communities

6. evaluate how human health is affected by: inherited factors and environmental factors including nutrition; lifestyle choices; examine the role of micro-organisms in human health.

ELEMENT: Energy

Students should be able to:

7. describe respiration and photosynthesis as both chemical and biological processes; investigate factors that affect respiration and photosynthesis

8. explain how matter and energy flow through ecosystems.

ELEMENT: Sustainability

Students should be able to:

9. explain human sexual reproduction; discuss medical, ethical, and societal issues

10. evaluate how humans can successfully conserve ecological biodiversity and contribute to global food production; appreciate the benefits that people obtain from ecosystems.