Biology

Avon Lake City Schools 

Curriculum Framework

Biology

Course Overview:

This course investigates the composition, diversity, complexity and interconnectedness of life on Earth. Fundamental concepts of heredity and evolution provide a framework through inquiry-based instruction to explore the living world, the physical environment and the interactions within and between them. The topics include Scientific Inquiry, Heredity, Evolution, Cells and Diversity and Interdependence of Life. The course uses laboratory approach to help students understand the topics presented in class. Oral and written reports may be required. Not recommended for students who achieved less than a “B” in 8th grade science. The student is responsible for having a notebook. Dissecting various organs and organisms is required. All students in this class will be required to take the State Test in Biology. This class meets seven periods per week for ½ unit of credit each semester. FEE: $30

Textbook (Title and Publishing Company): 

Glencoe Science Biology (class textbook and online student copy)

Online/Supplemental Materials:

Gizmo - HHMI

Assessments: 

First Quarter Assessment (cumulative) - Midterm (cumulative) - Third Quarter Assessment (cumulative)- State Biology (OST) Test (cumulative)- Fourth Quarter Assessment (only fourth quarter material)

Content/Topics/Learning Goals

Subject to Pacing and Schedules

First Quarter:   Science Inquiry and Application and Cells

Standards/Learning Goals:

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY:

  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;

  • Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications;

  • Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);

  • Recognize and analyze explanations and models

  • Communicate and support a scientific argument.

CELLS:

  • Structure, function and interrelatedness of cell organelles

  • Eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells

  • Cellular processes

  • Characteristics of life regulated by cellular processes

Second Quarter:   Scientific Inquiry Cells and Heredity

Standards/Learning Goals:

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY:

  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;

  • Design and conduct scientific investigations;

  • Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications;

  • Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);

  • Recognize and analyze explanations and models

  • Communicate and support a scientific argument.

CELLS:

  • Structure, function and interrelatedness of cell organelles

  • Eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells

  • Cellular processes

  • Characteristics of life regulated by cellular processes

  • Cell division and differentiation

HEREDITY:

  • Cellular genetics

  • Genetic mechanisms and inheritance

  • Mutations

  • Modern genetics

Third Quarter:  Scientific Inquiry Heredity and Evolution and Cells

Standards/Learning Goals:

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY:

  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;

  • Design and conduct scientific investigations;

  • Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications;

  • Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);

  • Recognize and analyze explanations and models

  • Communicate and support a scientific argument..

HEREDITY:

  • Cellular genetics

  • Structure and function of DNA in cells

  • Genetic mechanisms and inheritance

  • Mutations

  • Modern genetics

EVOLUTION:

  • Mechanisms

  • Natural selection

  • Mutation

  • Genetic drift

  • Gene flow (immigration, emigration)

  • Sexual selection

  • History of life on Earth

  • Diversity of Life

  • Speciation and biological classification based on molecular evidence

  • Variation of organisms within a species due to population genetics and gene Frequency

CELLS:

  • Cellular processes

  • Characteristics of life regulated by cellular processes

  • Photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, cellular respiration

Fourth Quarter:  Scientific Inquiry Diversity and Interdependence of Life and Body Systems

Standards/Learning Goals:

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY:

  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;

  • Design and conduct scientific investigations;

  • Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications;

  • Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);

  • Recognize and analyze explanations and models

  • Communicate and support a scientific argument..

DIVERSITY AND INTERDEPENDENCE OF LIFE

Classification systems are frameworks created by scientists for describing the vast diversity of organisms indicating the degree of relatedness between organisms

  • Ecosystems

  • Homeostasis

  • Carrying capacity

  • Equilibrium and disequilibrium

BODY SYSTEMS (INCLUDES DISSECTIONS)

Identify parts and explain how the following systems work:

  • Circulatory system

  • Excretory system

  • Reproductive system

  • Nervous system

  • Digestive system

Last Updated:

September, 2023