Biology Syllabus Rationale: Units of Study:
The goals of this class are introduce ➣ Molecules to Organisms: Structure and and Processes
you to the principals of life. The living ➣ Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
world is complex and diverse. Biology ➣ Heredity: Inheritance and Variations in Traits
students will study what living organisms ➣ Natural Selection and Evolution
are, and the organisms’ similarities and ➣ Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems
differences. Students investigate how
other and their environment. Areas of
study include cell structure and function,
plant and animal anatomy and physiology,
genetics, and taxonomy.
Grade Distribution:
Learning Opportunities & Quizzes 10 %
Attendance 10 %
Activities 40 %
Exams/Projects 40 %
NGSS Standards:
MOLECULES TO ORGANISMS: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry
out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells. HS-LS1-1
Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within
multicellular organisms. HS-LS1-2
Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis. HS-LS1-3
INHERITANCE AND VARIATION IN TRAITS:
Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex
organisms. HS-LS1-4
Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions forcharacteristic traits
passed from parents to offspring. HS-LS3-1
Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations
through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors. HS-LS3-2
Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.HS-LS3-3
NATURAL SELECTION AND EVOLUTION:
Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical
evidence. HS-LS4-1
Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential
for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual
reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive
and reproduce in the environment. HS-LS4-2
Apply concepts of statistics and probability to support explanations that organisms with an advantageous heritable trait tend
to increase in proportion to organisms lacking this trait. HS-LS4-3
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations. HS-LS4-4
Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in: (1) increases in the number
of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species. HS-LS4-5
MATTER AND ENERGY IN ORGANISMS AND ECOSYSTEMS:
Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy. HS-LS1-5
Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules
may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules. HS-LS1-6
Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen
molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed resulting in a net transfer of energy. HS-LS1-7
Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic
conditions. HS-LS2-3
Use mathematical representations to support claims for the cycling of matter and flow of energy among organisms in an
ecosystem. HS-LS2-4
Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere,
atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. HS-LS2-5
INTERDEPENDENT RELATIONSHIPS IN ECOSYSTEMS:
Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of
ecosystems at different scales. HS-LS2-1
Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity
and populations in ecosystems of different scales. HS-LS2-2
Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively
consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-LS2-6
Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
HS-LS2-7
Evaluate the evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce. HS-LS2-8
Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity. HS-LS4-6