Skills And Processes: The student will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. The student will use the language and instruments of science to collect, organize, interpret, calculate, and communicate information.
The student will pose scientific questions and suggest investigative approaches to provide answers to questions.
The student will test a working hypothesis. (NTB)
The student will demonstrate that data analysis is a vital aspect of the process of scientific inquiry and communication.
The student will organize data appropriately using techniques such as tables, graphs, and webs (for graphs: axes labeled with appropriate quantities, appropriate units on axes, axes labeled with appropriate intervals, independent and dependent variables on correct axes, appropriate title).
The student will use models and computer simulations to extend his/her understanding of scientific concepts. (NTB)
The student will use appropriate methods for communicating in writing and orally the processes and results of scientific investigation.
The student will explain scientific concepts and processes through drawing, writing, and/or oral communication.
The student will use computers and/or graphing calculators to produce the visual materials (tables, graphs, and spreadsheets) that will be used for communicating results. (NTB)
The student will create and/or interpret graphics. (scale drawings, photographs, digital images, field of view, etc.)
Concepts Of Biology: The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes (Core Learning Goal 1) and major biological concepts to explain the uniqueness and interdependence of living organisms, their interactions with the environment, and the continuation of life on earth.
The student will be able to explain the correlation between the structure and function of biologically important molecules and their relationship to cell processes.
The student will be able to describe the unique characteristics of chemical substances and macromolecules utilized by living systems.
The student will analyze how traits are inherited and passed on from one generation to another.
The student will illustrate and explain how expressed traits are passed from parent to offspring.
The student will explain how a genetic trait is determined by the code in a DNA molecule.
The student will explain the mechanism of evolutionary change.
The student will explain how new traits may result from new combinations of existing genes or from mutations of genes in reproductive cells within a population.