Biology  2014-2015

Teacher: Mrs. Sue Martin-Trujillo

Preparatory Period: 6th
E-mail: suetru@taosschools.org

Course Description
The Biology curriculum is an introductory course taught in two semesters of high school. The primary objective of the course is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of modern biology and scientific processes. Nature of science will be taught throughout the year. Students will learn about the scientific process, molecules and cells, cellular reproduction and genetics, ecology, and the form and function of animals. Laboratory activities will stress the development of important skills such as detailed observation, accurate recording, experimental design, and data interpretation and analysis.

First Semester – 1st Nine Weeks	Content
Unit 1–Biology and You	Introduction to the Scientific Method/Lab Safety/Metric SystemCharacteristics of Life
Unit 2 -The Chemistry of Life	Nature of MatterChemistry of CellsEnergy and Chemical Reactions
Unit 3 – The Life of a Cell	Cell TheoryProkaryote and EukaryoticCell Organelles Cells and Microscopes
2nd Nine Weeks	Content
Unit 3 – The Life of a Cell	Passive/Active TransportPhotosynthesis/Respiration
Unit 4-Chromosomes and Cell Reproduction	Cell DivisionCell CycleMitosis and Cytokinesis Meiosis
Unit 5-Intro to Genetics	Origins of GeneticsMendel’s Theory
Second Semester- 3rd Nine Weeks	Content
Unit 5-Intro to Genetics	Genetic Disorders
Unit 6-DNA: The Genetic Material	Structure of DNAReplication of DNAFrom Genes to Proteins Gene Regulation and Structure
4th Nine Weeks	Content
Unit 7 – the Theory of Evolution	Evidence of EvolutionExamples of Evolution
Unit 8-Classification of Living Organisms	Six Kingdoms of OrganismsEvolutionary RelationshipsViruses, Bacteria, Protists and Fungi Animals –Vertebrates and Invertebrates