Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

S

E

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Emb

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·   Basic Chemistry

·   Organic Chemistry

·   Miller & Urey’s Hypothesis

 

STANDARD 1

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose

questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

STANDARD 4

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical

setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students will acquire rudimentary understandings of chemistry in so far as understanding the polar nature of water and that of the cell membrane.  In order to understand the “fluid mosaic model” of cell membranes, students must grasp the hydrophilic / hydrophobic nature of lipids, and by extension, must understand electron distribution around molecules that creates polarity.

 

Miller and Urey’s work will be used to demonstrate a theoretical start to life on the planet and serves to provide evidence that supports evolutionary philosophy.

 

From the NYS Chemistry Core Curriculum

Key Idea 3:

Matter is made up of particles whose properties determine the observable characteristics of matter and its reactivity.

From the NYS Chemistry Core Curriculum

PERFORMANCE

INDICATOR 3.1

Explain the properties of materials in terms of the arrangement and properties of the atoms that compose them.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

Major Understandings

LAB THEMES

ASSESSMENTS

1.        Multimedia presentation for introductory information (video, websearch, PowerPoint, etc.)

2.        Problem solving activity (group/individual)

 

3.        Vocabulary – hypothesis,  theory, independent variable, dependent variable, control

 

 

*Also See the “Supplemental Lab Activity Book”

1.2g

Each cell is covered by a membrane that performs a number of important functions for the cell. These include: separation from its outside environment, controlling which molecules enter and leave the cell, and recognition of chemical signals. The processes of diffusion and active transport are important in the movement of materials in and out of cells.

1.2h

Many organic and inorganic substances dissolved in cells allow necessary chemical reactions to take place in order to maintain life. Large organic food molecules such as proteins and starches must initially be broken down (digested to amino acids and simple sugars respectively), in order to enter cells. Once nutrients enter a cell, the cell will use them as building blocks in the synthesis of compounds necessary for life.

3.1a

The basic theory of biological evolution states that the Earth’s present-day species developed from earlier, distinctly different species.

 

From the NYS Chemistry Core Curriculum

3.1b Each atom has a nucleus, with an overall positive charge, surrounded by negatively charged electrons.

3.1c Subatomic particles contained in the nucleus include protons and neutrons.

3.1d The proton is positively charged, and the neutron has no charge. The electron is negatively charged.

3.1e Protons and electrons have equal but opposite charges. The number of protons equals the number of electrons in an atom.

3.1l The outermost electrons in an atom are called the valence electrons. In general, the number of valence electrons affects the chemical properties of an element.

3.1y The placement or location of an element on the Periodic Table gives an indication of the physical and chemical properties of that element. The elements on the Periodic Table are arranged in order of increasing atomic number.

3.1z For Groups 1, 2, and 13-18 on the Periodic Table, elements within the same group have the same number of valence electrons (helium is an exception) and therefore similar chemical properties.

 

Living/Nonliving

 

Scientific Method

 

Safety in the Lab

 

Measurement (Metric System)

 

Graph Skills

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.        Written assessment which encompasses problem solving, comprehension, synthesis & evaluation of performance indicators

2.        Evaluation of group/individual work in form of project, or class activity

3.        Evaluation of lab write-ups

 

 

 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

O

C

T

O

B

E

R

 

 

Cells – Structures and respective functions

 

 

 

Monera – The first cells

 

 

STANDARD 1

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose

questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

STANDARD 4

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical

setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

 

 

Key Idea 1:

Living things are both similar to and different from each other and from nonliving things.

 

Key Idea 3:

Individual organisms and species change over time.

Performance Indicator 1.2

Describe and explain the structures and functions of the human body at different organizational levels (e.g., systems, tissues, cells, organelles).

 

 

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 3.1

Explain the mechanisms and patterns of evolution.

 

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

Major Understandings

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

Absorption: Structure of the cell membrane, function of the cell membrane (passive & active transport, pinocytosis, phagocytosis), intercellular transport  & intracellular circulation

Nervous Regulation: Neurotransmitters, impulse transmission, neuron structure and function

Autotrophic Nutrition (significance, process, results and adaptations)

Respiration:

Anaerobic vs. aerobic

1.2f Cells have particular structures that perform specific jobs. These structures perform the actual work of the cell. Just as systems are coordinated and work together, cell parts must also be coordinated and work together.

1.2g Each cell is covered by a membrane that performs a number of important functions for the cell. These include: separation from its outside environment, controlling which molecules enter and leave the cell, and recognition of chemical signals. The processes of diffusion and active transport are important in the movement of materials in and out of cells.

1.2h Many organic and inorganic substances dissolved in cells allow necessary chemical reactions to take place in order to maintain life. Large organic food molecules such as proteins and starches must initially be broken down (digested to amino acids and simple sugars respectively), in order to enter cells. Once nutrients enter a cell, the cell will use them as building blocks in the synthesis of compounds necessary for life.

1.2i Inside the cell a variety of specialized structures, formed from many different molecules, carry out the transport of materials (cytoplasm), extraction of energy from nutrients (mitochondria), protein building (ribosomes), waste disposal (cell membrane), storage (vacuole), and information storage (nucleus).

3.1j Billions of years ago, life on Earth is thought by many scientists to have begun as simple, single-celled organisms. About a billion years ago, increasingly complex multicellular organisms began to evolve.

 

1.        Written assessment which encompasses problem solving, comprehension, synthesis & evaluation of performance indicators

2.        Evaluation of group/individual work in form of project, or class activity

3.        Evaluation of lab write-ups

 

 

 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

 

N

O

V

E

M

B

E

R

 

&

 

D

E

C

E

M

B

E

R

 

·   Molecular Genetics

 

 

 

 

 

·   The Rise (Evolution) of New Kingdoms

STANDARD 1

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

STANDARD 4

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

 

 

 

 

Key Idea 2:

Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways that result in continuity of structure and function between parents and offspring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Idea 3:

Individual organisms and species change over time.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 2.1

Explain how the structure and replication of genetic material result in offspring that resemble their parents.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 2.2

Explain how the technology of genetic engineering allows humans to alter genetic makeup of organisms.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 3.1

Explain the mechanisms and patterns of evolution.

SUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT AND LEARNING

Major Understandings

LAB THEMES

ASSESSMENTS

1. Multimedia presentation for introductory information (video, websearch, PowerPoint, etc.)

2. Problem solving activity (group/individual)

 

3. Vocabulary –

 

 

*Also See the “Supplemental Lab Activity Book”

2.1a                                          2.1b

2.1c                                          2.1d

2.1e                                          2.1f

2.1g                                          2.1h

2.1i                                           2.1j

2.1k

 

2.2a                                          2.2b

2.2c                                          2.2d

2.2e                                         

 

3.1a                                          3.1b

3.1c                                          3.1d

3.1e                                          3.1f

3.1g                                          3.1h

3.1i                                           3.1j

3.1k                                          3.1l

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.        Written assessment which encompasses problem solving, comprehension, synthesis & evaluation of performance indicators

2.        Evaluation of group/individual work in form of project, or class activity

3.        Evaluation of lab write-ups

 


 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

 

J

A

N

U

A

R

Y

 

 

·      Mendelian Genetics

·      Evolution

 

 

 

 

STANDARD 1

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose

questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

STANDARD 4

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical

setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

 

 

Key Idea 2:

Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways that result in continuity of structure and function between parents and offspring.

 

Key Idea 3:

Individual organisms and species change over time.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 2.1

Explain how the structure and replication of genetic material result in offspring that resemble their parents.

 

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 3.1

Explain the mechanisms and patterns of evolution.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT AND LEARNING

mAJOR UNDERSTANDINGS

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

 

2.1c Hereditary information is contained in genes, located in the chromosomes of each cell. An inherited trait of an individual can be determined by one or by many genes, and a single gene can influence more than one trait. A human cell contains many thousands of different genes in its nucleus.

2.1d In asexually reproducing organisms, all the genes come from a single parent.  Asexually produced offspring are normally genetically identical to the parent.

3.1a The basic theory of biological evolution states that the Earth’s present-day species developed from earlier, distinctly different species.

3.1b New inheritable characteristics can result from new combinations of existing genes or from mutations of genes in reproductive cells.

3.1c Mutation and the sorting and recombining of genes during meiosis and fertilization result in a great variety of possible gene combinations.

3.1d Mutations occur as random chance events. Gene mutations can also be caused by such agents as radiation and chemicals. When they occur in sex cells, the mutations can be passed on to offspring; if they occur in other cells, they can be passed on to other body cells only.

3.1e Natural selection and its evolutionary consequences provide a scientific explanation for the fossil record of ancient life-forms, as well as for the molecular and structural similarities observed among the diverse species of living organisms.

3.1f Species evolve over time. Evolution is the consequence of the interactions of (1) the potential for a species to increase its numbers, (2) the genetic variability of offspring due to mutation and recombination of genes, (3) a finite supply of the resources required for life, and (4) the ensuing selection by the environment of those offspring better able to survive and leave offspring.

3.1g Some characteristics give individuals an advantage over others in surviving and reproducing, and the advantaged offspring, in turn, are more likely than others to survive and reproduce. The proportion of individuals that have advantageous characteristics will increase.

3.1h The variation of organisms within a species increases the likelihood that at least some members of the species will survive under changed environmental conditions.

 

1.        Written assessment which encompasses problem solving, comprehension, synthesis & evaluation of performance indicators

2.        Evaluation of group/individual work in form of project, or class activity

3.        Evaluation of lab write-ups

 

 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

F

E

B

R

U

A

R

Y

 

 

 

 

 

·   Evolution cont’d

·   Comparing Kingdoms

 

 

 

·   Viruses

 

 

STANDARD 1

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose

questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

STANDARD 4

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical

setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

 

Key Idea 2:

Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways that result in continuity of structure and function between parents and offspring.

 

Key Idea 3:

Individual organisms and species change over time.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 2.1

Explain how the structure and replication of genetic material result in offspring that resemble their parents.

 

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 3.1

Explain the mechanisms and patterns of evolution.

 

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

Major Understandings

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

 

2.1c

2.1d

3.1a

3.1b

3.1c

3.1d

3.1f

3.1g

3.1h

 

Comparative Dissections

 

Written assessment which encompasses problem solving, comprehension, synthesis & evaluation of performance indicators

 

Evaluation of group/individual work in form of project, or class activity

 

Evaluation of lab writeups

 


 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

M

A

R

C

H

 

 

 

·   Simple vs. Complex Organisms – comparative study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STANDARD 1

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose

questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

STANDARD 4

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical

setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

 

 

 

Key Idea 1:

Living things are both similar to and different from each other and from nonliving things.

PERFORMANCE

INDICATOR 1.2

Describe and explain the structures and functions of the human body at different organizational levels (e.g., systems, tissues, cells, organelles).

PERFORMANCE

INDICATOR 1.3

Explain how a one-celled organism is able to function despite lacking the levels of organization present in more complex organisms.

 

 

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

major understandings

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

Comparative analysis of unicellular and multicellular organisms and their life functions

 

Vocab:  Life functions, organelles, tissues, systems, singe-celled organisms

 

 

1.2a Important levels of organization for structure and function include organelles,

cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and whole organisms.

1.2b Humans are complex organisms. They require multiple systems for digestion, respiration, reproduction, circulation, excretion, movement, coordination, and immunity.  The systems interact to perform the life functions.

1.2c The components of the human body, from organ systems to cell organelles, interact

to maintain a balanced internal environment. To successfully accomplish this, organisms possess a diversity of control mechanisms that detect deviations and make corrective actions.

1.2d If there is a disruption in any human system, there may be a corresponding imbalance in homeostasis.

1.2e The organs and systems of the body help to provide all the cells with their basic needs. The cells of the body are of different kinds and are grouped in ways that enhance how they function together.

1.2f Cells have particular structures that perform specific jobs. These structures perform the actual work of the cell. Just as systems are coordinated and work together, cell parts must also be coordinated and work together.

1.2g Each cell is covered by a membrane that performs a number of important functions for the cell. These include: separation from its outside environment, controlling which molecules enter and leave the cell, and recognition of chemical signals. The processes of diffusion and active transport are important in the movement of materials in and out of cells.

1.3a The structures present in some single-celled organisms act in a manner similar to the tissues and systems found in multicellular organisms, thus enabling them to perform all of the life processes needed to maintain homeostasis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written assessment which encompasses problem solving, comprehension, synthesis & evaluation of performance indicators

 

Evaluation of group/individual work in form of project, or class activity

 

Evaluation of lab write-ups

 

 

 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

 

A

P

R

I

L

 -

MA

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

· Ecology

 

 

 

STANDARD 1

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose

questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

STANDARD 4

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical

setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

 

 

Key Idea 1:

Living things are both similar to and different from each other and from nonliving things.

 

Key Idea 6:

Plants and animals depend on each other and their physical environment.

PERFORMANCE

INDICATOR 1.1

Explain how diversity of populations within ecosystems relates to the stability of ecosystems.

 

PERFORMANCE

INDICATOR 6.1

Explain factors that limit growth of individuals and populations.

 

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

Major Understandings

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

 

1.1a Populations can be categorized by the function they serve. Food webs identify the relationships among producers, consumers, and decomposers carrying out either autotrophic or heterotrophic nutrition.

1.1b An ecosystem is shaped by the nonliving environment as well as its interacting species. The world contains a wide diversity of physical conditions, which creates a variety of environments.

1.1c In all environments, organisms compete for vital resources. The linked and changing interactions of populations and the environment compose the total ecosystem.

1.1d The interdependence of organisms in an established ecosystem often results in approximate stability over hundreds and thousands of years. For example, as one population increases, it is held in check by one or more environmental factors or another species.

1.1e Ecosystems, like many other complex systems, tend to show cyclic changes around

a state of approximate equilibrium.

1.1f Every population is linked, directly or indirectly, with many others in an ecosystem. Disruptions in the numbers and types of species and environmental changes can upset ecosystem stability.

6.1a Energy flows through ecosystems in one direction, typically from the Sun, through photosynthetic organisms including green plants and algae, to herbivores to carnivores and decomposers.

6.1b The atoms and molecules on the Earth cycle among the living and nonliving components of the biosphere. For example, carbon dioxide and water molecules used in photosynthesis to form energy-rich organic compounds are returned to the environment when the energy in these compounds is eventually released by cells. Continual input of energy from sunlight keeps the process going. This concept may be illustrated with an energy pyramid.

6.1c The chemical elements, such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, that make up the molecules of living things pass through food webs and are combined and recombined in different ways. At each link in a food web, some energy is stored in newly made structures but much is dissipated into the environment as heat.

6.1d The number of organisms any habitat can support (carrying capacity) is limited by the available energy, water, oxygen, and minerals, and by the ability of ecosystems to recycle the residue of dead organisms through the activities of bacteria and fungi.

6.1e In any particular environment, the growth and survival of organisms depend on the physical conditions including light intensity, temperature range, mineral availability, soil/rock type, and relative acidity (pH).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written assessment which encompasses problem solving,  comprehension,  synthesis and evaluation of performance indicators. 

 

Evaluate of group/individual work in form of project, or class activity.                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month

UNITS

standards

CHAPTERS

kEY iDEAS/CONCEPTS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/SKILLS

J

U

N

E

 

 

 

 

·   Ecology cont’d

 

 

 

 

 

 

·   Exam Review

 

 

STANDARD 1

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose

questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

STANDARD 4

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical

setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

 

 

Key Idea 1:

Living things are both similar to and different from each other and from nonliving things.

 

Key Idea 6:

Plants and animals depend on each other and their physical environment.

PERFORMANCE

INDICATOR 1.1

Explain how diversity of populations within ecosystems relates to the stability of ecosystems.

 

PERFORMANCE

INDICATOR 6.1

Explain factors that limit growth of individuals and populations.

 

sUPPLEMENTAL CONTENT & LEARNING STRATEGIES

Major Understandings

lAB tHEMES

ASSESSMENTS

Multimedia presentation for introductory information (video, websearch, PowerPoint, etc.)

 

Problem solving activity (group/individual)

 

 

Lab Investigation

 

 *Also See the “Supplemental Lab Activity Book”

1.1a

1.1b

1.1c

1.1d

1.1e

1.1f

6.1a

6.1b

6.1c

6.1d

6.1e

 

Written assessment which encompasses problem solving, comprehension, synthesis & evaluation of performance indicators

 

Evaluation of group/individual work in form of project, or class activity

 

Evaluation of lab write-ups