Biology / EPS Loop

Mrs. Dion and Mr. Hartshorn

CharihoRegionalHigh School

Text: Biology: The Dynamics of Life

Glencoe Science, 2004

This Biology / EPS loop course is atwo-year loop taught to 9th and 10th grade students. The courseis designed to give students knowledge of the Grade Span Expectations for Life, Physical, and Earth/Space science over a two year period. This hands-on course builds on the idea that science knowledge is acquired through inquiry and process. Students will be asked to apply and further develop the process skills that they learn. Through observation, organization of data, classification, predicting, experimenting, and communication of information, the students will analyze the relationships that exist within the field of biology.

Course Outline and Objectives:

The Science of Life

Objectives: Students will learn and understand the processes scientists use to study the natural world. Students will discover the characteristics of life.

  • Characteristics of Life (Chapter 1)
  • Scientific Method (Chapter 1)

Ecology

Objectives: Students will describe and analyze the components of the Water, Carbon, and Nitrogen cycles. Students will describe the flow of energy through an ecosystem. Students will identify and describe the effects of destruction of habitats, pollution, urbanization, and natural disasters have on populations.

  • Earth cycles (Chapter 2)
  • Equilibrium in an Ecosystem (Chapter 3)
  • Food Pyramids and Biomass (Chapter 2)
  • Energy Transfer (Chapter 2)
  • Human impact on Ecosystems (Chapters 4 and 5)

Quarter 1 Major Course Assessment

Cells

Objectives: Students will describe the properties of elements and their role in living systems. They will describe the role of water processes of osmosis, diffusion, Turgor Pressure, and universal solvents within cells. Students will describe the structure of the cell membrane and understand its role in transport. They will identify the role of each organelle in maintaining homeostasis in the cell. They will describe complex interactions among different types of molecules that cause distinct cycles of activities such as growth and division. Students will compare energy transfer within cells. Students will compare and contrast body system organization within and among major animal and plant phylums.

  • Homeostasis (Chapter 6)
  • Membrane Structure (Chapter 7)
  • Enzymes (Chapters 6 and 9)
  • Membrane Transport (Chapter 8)
  • Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes (Chapter 7)
  • Organelles (Chapter 7)
  • Cell specialization (Chapter 7)
  • Tissues
  • Organs and Organ systems
  • Cell Division (Chapter 8)

Quarter 2 Major Course Assessment (Mid-year)

DNA and Genetics

Objectives:Students will demonstrate understanding the structure and function of DNA and its role in heredity. Students will learn about the process of gene combination and the outcomes that come with changes to those combinations. Students will gain insight into human genetics including physical expression of traits, effects of mutations and identify many common disorders.

  • Genes (Chapter 11)
  • Alleles (Chapters 10)
  • Phenotypes (Chapter 10)
  • Punnett squares (Chapter 12)
  • Mutations (Chapter 11)
  • Genetic engineering (Chapter 13)
  • Structure of DNA (Chapter 11)
  • Ribosomes and Protein synthesis(Chapter 11)

Quarter 3 Major Course Assessment

Evolution and Classification

Objectives: Students will compare and contrast various theories of evolution, defining such processes as adaptations, natural selection, and speciation. Students will familiarize themselves with classification techniques and will apply this information to describe evolutionary trends in major body systems.

  • Theory of Evolution (Chapter 15)
  • Natural selection (Chapter 15)
  • Effects of environmental pressures (Chapter 15)
  • Adaptations (Chapter 15)
  • Evidence of evolution (Chapter 15)
  • Microevolution vs. macroevolution
  • Relationships between organisms for classification (Chapter 17)
  • Use of classification schemes as basis for evolution trends (Chapter 17)

Quarter 4 Major Course Assessment (Final)

Grading System:

Category / % of each Quarter Grade / Description
Homework / 7% / Homework will only be given occasionally. The date the assignment is due will be on the assignment.
Journals, Classwork (projects), and Labs / 40% / Any work that is done in class and is collected for a grade, as well as daily journal entries and lab reports.
Tests and Quizzes / 20% / Any quiz (formative) or chapter test given on the curriculum. These will be announced (no pop quizzes).
MCA / 33% / Major Course Assessment: given toward the end of each quarter, it is a large cumulative assessment which students need to pass with at least a 70% to earn credit for the course.

How to Contact me:

  • One of us will be available for extra help and make-up work Monday through Friday in Room E1. Most of our meetings are scheduled for Thursdays. This is the only day we may not be able to stay.
  • E-mail: ,
  • Phone: 364-7778 ext. 2137 (Dion) or 7322 (Hartshorn)