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Skyview Biology
2014-2015
Mr. Smith
Biology Curriculum: 2015-2016
Living systems depend on interactions across many layers of
organization, from molecules to cells to organs to organisms to whole
ecosystems. Our curriculum in Biology will follow this “hierarchical”
organization of life, beginning with the smallest parts of living systems
(molecules and DNA) and gradually adding larger and higher levels of
organization (cells, organs, organ systems, organisms, and
ecosystems). Information from each unit builds upon the next. Thus,
every unit exam will include information from previous tests, but the semester and final
exam will not be explicitly comprehensive.
Fall Semester:
1.
Nature of Science and Characteristics of Life (August-September):
2.
Biochemistry (September, October):
Students
will use the basic tools of science to apply rigorous scientific methodology, design experiments,
calculate basic statistics, generate valid peer review, and create and interpret graphs.
Information from this unit will be used to evaluate and create information throughout the year.
Students will also explore the hierarchy of biological organization from atoms to ecosystems, and
survey eight characteristics of life (DNA, metabolism, growth, reproduction, response to stimuli,
homeostasis, cell s, and evolution). A comprehensive pre-test for the course will be given at this
time.
Properties of living things depend on the atoms
and molecules used to build them. This unit explores the molecular structure and function of the
major molecules found in living systems.
a. Matter and energy; energy, atomic structure, molecular bonds, pH
b. Properties of water
c. Organic macromolecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids
3.
DNA and Genetics (October, November, December):
The study of genes and
inheritance is one of the most rapidly growing fields of science. This extensive unit will examine
how life has been shaped by DNA and our expanding knowledge of how it works. The semester
exam will cover the material from this unit.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Mitosis and Meiosis
Patterns of Inheritance
RNA and protein synthesis
Mutation
Genetic engineering
Skyview Biology
2014-2015
Mr. Smith
Spring Semester:
4.
Evolution (January and February):
Building on our understanding of genetic patterns
established during fall, we will explore a series of data narratives that show how genetic
variation, natural selection and time can result in changes in organisms. Evolution provides a
robust framework for understanding how biological systems are shaped by changes in DNA.
a. Genetic variation
b. Taxonomy
c. Natural selection
d. The fossil record
5.
Respiration and photosynthesis (March):
These two key and interlocking processes
make it possible for living systems to store and use energy. We will review the likely origins and
chemical foundation for these processes and how they influence everything from human exercise
to the carbon cycle.
a. Respiration; Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain
b. Photosynthesis: Light reactions, Calvin Cycle
c. Ecosystems: carbon cycling, eutrophication
6.
Cells, Systems and Homeostasis (April):
The smallest living unit of all living organisms
is the cell. We will review the basic structure and functions of prokaryotes and the eukaryotic
cell and organelles across different kingdoms and domains in the context of the tissues, organs,
and organ systems and organisms they support.
a.
b.
c.
d.
7.
Cell structure
Membranes and membrane transport
Tissues, organs and organ systems
Homeostasis
Ecology (April and May):
Organisms interact with each other and their environment in
ways that shape the structure of life on the planet. This unit will explore the nature of those
interactions and their implications for the survival of our species and life on the planet. The final
exam will cover material from this unit.
a. Population and community ecology
b. Nutrient cycles
c. Natural resources