Biology

Biology Blog

This semester, we will narrow our focus and concentrate on some Biology Basics.  Our first unit will get us focused on the cellular level in order to find out what makes us, and every other living thing Tick...

These are rough plans and are subject to change and adjustment.  They should, however, give you a good idea of what your student is learning and what work they need to complete. (If the spreadsheet below looks really weird, please ignore it, I will try and fix it asap.  This is my first try at the blog!)  Thank You! (Rochelle Auran, r.auran@fgcschool.org)

Cell Structure and Function

Big Ideas An understanding of biology begins with appreciation of the diversity and the structures of living systems. The structure of living systems directly influences how they carry out their life functions. Reasoning about living systems often involves relating different levels of organization, from the molecule to the biosphere, and understanding how living systems are structured at each level. Life processes in a cell are based on molecular interactions which keep the internal environment relatively constant. Cells are composed of highly organized structures called organelles. Cells are the smallest unit of life that can assimilate energy, reproduce, and react to the environment.  INTRO TO CELLS: Daily Plans Day Wednesday [1-28-09] Monday [2-2-09] Wednesday [2-4-09] Monday [2-9-09] Wednesday [2-11-09] Topic/s Abiotic & Biotic Macromolecules Cell Theory Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic Organelles Benchmark/s SC.CM.LS.01 SC.CM.LS.01 SC.CM.LS.01 SC.CM.LS.01 SC.CM.LS.01 SWBAT (students will be able to) Distinguish between living and non-living objects. Explain how macromolecules make up/support life (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids). Explain how a string of discoveries lead to the establishment of the cell theory. Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Explain how eukaryotic organelles work together in order to maintain homeostasis within a cell. Delivery Strategy Journal Question: How do we define Life? Lecture/Discussion Class Activity: Design an Organism Discover Magazine Articles (gas or life, Spore, Phoenix) & Short Essay Response Discussion/Wrap-up Journal Question: How is life sustained? Lecture/Class Discussion Building Blocks of Life worksheet Class Activity: Macromolecules Activity Discussion/Wrap-up Journal Question: How did people think life was organized before cells were discovered? Lecture/Discussion Class Activity: Cell Theory Timeline & Questions Journal Question Quiz (on prior week) Review (characteristics of life, macromolecules, cell theory) Draw Generic drawings of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells Unit Sheet Journal Question Lecture/Discussion Unit Sheet Organelle Analogy Organelle Analogy Rubric Discussion/Wrap-up Materials Create an organism handout Discover Magazine Article: "Gas or Life" Reading Handouts Phoenix lander, Spore Colored Pens/Pencils Building Blocks of Life Worksheets Textbook "The Structures of Life" (pages 1-9) Macromolecules Worksheets Paper for Flap-book Colored Pens/Pencils Cell Theory Timeline Worksheets Cell Theory Timeline Rubrics Scissors & Glue Markers/Colored Pencils Construction Paper Quiz Paper & Pen Unit Sheet Scissors & Glue Colored Pens/Pencils Unit Sheet Textbook "Inside the Cell" Organelle Analogy Worksheets & Rubric Scissors & Glue Markers/Colored Pencils Construction Paper Assessment (Work to be turned in) Student response to Journal Question Design an Organism Activity  Student essay on Discover Magazine Article Student response to Journal Question Building Blocks of Life Worksheet Macromolecules Flap-book Student response to Journal Question Student contribution to Timeline Answers to Questions Student response to Journal Question Quiz Student participation in Class Activity Unit Sheet (due at end of unit) Student response to Journal Question Student presentation of Organelle Analogy Unit Sheet (due at end of  unit) Make-up work Biodiversity Questions (4) Extra Credit Introduced