1st Semester Topics
Date Unit Sub-Topics
1st QTR. Scientific Method/Life

  • Identify the parts of the scientific method

  • Explain the difference between observations and inferences

  • Determine whether or not something is alive based on the characteristics of life

  • Convert between different units in the Metric System

  • Identify the parts of a graph

  • Analyze the information given in a graph
1st QTR. Chemistry/Biochem

  • Identify the parts of the atomic structure and use the periodic table to determine the number of subatomic particles

  • Use chemical formula to determine the quantity of different types of atoms

  • Identify the difference between organic and inorganic molecules

  • Define polarity and apply this definition to hydrogen bonds, cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension

  • Determine the differences between acids and bases and be able to read the pH scale

  • Be able to identify carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids by molecular structure and chemical test

  • Define dehydration synthesis and apply this process to the macromolecules
1st QTR. Cells

  • Identify the parts of the microscope and their function

  • Be able to focus a microscope

  • Identify the parts of the cell theory

  • Explain differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

  • Identify the cell organelles

  • Identify the function of cell organelles

  • Explain the differences between plant and animal cells
2nd QTR. Cell Transport

  • Define osmosis and diffusion

  • Identify the parts of the cell membrane and explain the function of the various proteins involved

  • Be able to identify isotonic, hypertonic and hypotonic solutions

  • Explain the difference between active transport, passive transport and facilitated diffusion
2nd QTR. Mitosis

  • Explain the importance of cell size

  • Identify the different stages of mitosis

  • Explain the purpose of each stage of mitosis

  • Identify the amount of time taken in each stage

  • Explain the differences between the plant and animal cells during cell division

  • Chromosome vocabulary
2nd QTR. Cell Energy

  • Identify the parts of ATP and how it is used in the body

  • Identify the reactants and products of photosynthesis

  • Explain the major purpose of the light dependent and light independent reactions of photosynthesis

  • Identify the reactants and products of cellular respiration

  • Explain the major purposes of glycolysis, kreb’s cycle and electron transport chain

  • Explain the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration

  • Identify where cellular respiration and photosynthesis take place

  • Anaerobic vs Aerobic respiration

 
2nd QTR. DNA Structure

  • Identify the parts of the double helix

  • Describe the differences between DNA and RNA

  • Describe the process and purpose of DNA replication
2nd QTR. Protein Synthesis

  • Describe the purpose of DNA and RNA

  • Describe the process and purpose of transcription

  • Describe the process and purpose of translation

  • Identify amino acids based on the DNA or RNA sequence
 
2nd Semester Topics
Date Unit Sub-Topics
3rd QTR. Biotechnology
  • Describe the process of cloning
  • Explain how stem cells are attained, the different types, and their benefits in science
  • Understand the importance of the Human Genome Project
  • Realize the impact of genetically modified foods in society
  • Explain the different techniques used in biotechnology
3rd QTR. Genetics
  • Explain the role of probability in genetic problems
  • Understand how meiosis plays a part in gamete formation
  • Define the terms used in genetics: homozygous, heterozygous, phenotype, dominant, recessive....
  • Be able to complete and understand a punnett square for monohybrids, dihybrids, sex-linked traits, co-domance, and multiple alleles
  • complete and analyze a pedigree, specifically observing karotypes, looking for non-dysjunction, and genetic disorders
4th QTR. Evolution
  • Know the key components of evolution
  • Understand the contribution Charles Darwin had on evolution
  • Identify and explain the different evidences for evolution
  • Explain the process of natural selection and its effects
  • Sequence the eras and major events that make up the history of the Earth
  • Graph and interpret how a radio active isotope decays
  • Be able to calculate the half-life of a given radio active isotope
  • Compare and contrast the various adaptations and how it results in natural selection
  • Differentiate the different isolating mechanisms that lead to speciation

 

 
4th QTR. Classification
  • Identify  the major kingdoms and describe their characteristics
  • Understand the role of classification
  • Be able to understand a dichotomous key

 
4th QTR. Ecology

  • Identifying what makes up each level of organism within the biosphere (3.2)

  • Identify the source of energy for organism and trace the flow of energy through living organisms (3.2)

  • Describe how matter cycles through the living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem (3.3)

  • Define biotic and abiotic factors and give an example on how they influence an ecosystem (4.1)

  • Identify and explain the community interactions between organisms (4.2)

  • Sequence the stages of ecological succession and compare and contrast primary and secondary (4.2)

  • Identify the general characteristics of each biome (4.3)

  • Define how the size of a population can change differentiate between exponential and logistical growth (5.1)

  • Identify factors that limit population growth and compare and contrast density dependent and density independent factors. (5.2)

  • Identify how human population has changed over time (5.3)