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Biology

Course Description

This course will survey the living world. Areas of concentration include scientific investigation,  biochemistry, cytology, bioenergetics, genetics, evolution, and ecology. This is a Pennsylvania  Keystone Exam course consisting of 8 units. The course follows the required curriculum as dictated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Course Big Ideas

  • Organisms have characteristic structures which enable functions and behaviors that allow them to grow, reproduce, and die. 
  • The structures, functions, and behaviors of organisms allow them to obtain, use, transport, and remove the matter and energy needed to live.
  • The cycling of matter and the flow of energy within ecosystems occur through interactions among different organisms and between organisms and the physical environment.
  • The characteristic structures, functions and behaviors of organisms change in predictable ways as they progress through their life cycle.
  • Variation among individuals of the same species can be explained by both genetic and environmental factors.
  • Offspring resemble, but are not identical to, their parents due to traits being passed from one generation to the next via genes.
  • Many species live in groups, increasing the chances of survival for individuals and their relatives. 
  • Comparisons between species provide evidence that they evolved from common ancestors, explaining the similarities and differences between species.
  • In any environment, individuals with particular traits may be more likely than others to survive and produce offspring; changes to those environments may change the traits of the individuals of populations in those areas.
  • Ecosystems are complex systems that include both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components that interact with each other.
  • As the environment and populations of species change, there are resulting changes in ecosystems. 
  • Humans depend on biodiversity, the variety of species and ecosystems, for resources. Human actions can impact the diversity of species. 
     

Course Essential Questions

  • How are scientific investigations conducted?
  • How do the structures of organisms enable life's functions?
  • How do organisms obtain and use the matter and energy they need to live and grow?
  • Which organic molecules are essential for living things and why?
  • How do matter and energy move through an ecosystem? 
  • How do organisms obtain and use the matter and energy they need to live and grow?
  • How do the structures of organisms contribute to their ability to maintain a stable internal environment, in order to enable life’s functions? 
  • How do organisms grow and develop?
  • Why do individuals of the same species vary in how they look, function, and behave?
  • How are the characteristics of one generation related to the previous generation?
  • How do organisms interact in groups so as to benefit individuals?
  • What evidence supports the relationship between species?
  • How does genetic variation and environmental influence among organisms affect survival and reproduction?
  • How do environmental changes (including humans) impact ecosystems? 
     

Course Competencies

  • Students will be able to analyze, interpret, and explain biological processes in living things.
  • Students will be able to use skills in the lab to collect data, analyze, and have discussions. 
  • Students will be able to make predictions based on the biological basics.
  • Students will be able to develop models based around biological processes
     

Course Assessments

  • Labs
  • Projects
  • Summative Quizzes/Tests
     

Course Units