Description: Basic principles and concepts of biology. Exploration of methods of scientific inquiry and behavior of matter and energy in biological systems. Fieldtrips may be required.
1. (Application Level) Use the scientific method to perform experiments which include proper controls.
2. (Analysis Level) Using physical and metabolic processes, contrast living organisms with non-living substances.
3. (Comprehension Level) Name basic components of the atom and describe how atoms are bonded together to form compounds.
4. (Synthesis Level) Explain the structure and function of enzymes.
5. (Comprehension Level) Identify major structural components of a cell, including organelles, and describe how these structures correlate with cellular functions.
6. (Analysis Level) List the major steps in photosynthesis and respiration and describe the major similarities and differences between these two important metabolic processes.
7. (Analysis Level) Contrast sexual with asexual reproduction and describe the major events in mitosis, meiosis and cytokinesis.
8. (Analysis Level) Describe the structure of DNA and RNA and differentiate between them based on their functions.
9. (Evaluation Level) Use Punnett squares to predict probable inherited genotypes and phenotypes of offspring based on parental genotype.
10. (Comprehension Level) Describe how mutations, crossing-over, independent assortment, and random fertilization increase genetic diversity in organisms.
11. (Comprehension Level) Explain how natural selection leads to evolution and describe events that lead to speciation and diversity.
12. (Analysis Level) Classify organisms and distinguish between various groups based on major characteristics.
13. (Comprehension Level) Describe how organisms interact with their environment based on the principles of population and community ecologies. Use examples to describe how diversity is vitally important to our ecosystem.
14. (Analysis Level) Analyze the data from laboratory experiments or field trips in which observation and critical reasoning skills are employed.