-Life Science

The learner will be able to:

• understand that genetic information is transmitted to the offspring through egg and sperm cells that contain only one representative from each chromosome pair.
• explain how characteristic are passed on through generations.
• understand the molecular basis of heredity.
• understand that the properties of DNA, both chemical and structural, explain how the genetic information is both encoded in genes and replicated.
• understand that DNA stores genetic information and is used to direct the synthesis of the thousands of proteins that each cell requires.
• understand that two X chromosomes determine female gender.  Male gender is determined by one X and one Y chromosome.
• understand that DNA mutations that occur in germ cells can change an organism's offspring.
• describe how changes in DNA may create new traits in individuals and/or populations.
• understand that enzymes are protein catalysts that allow for the breakdown and synthesis of molecules.
• explain how technology has been used to prevent, diagnose, and treat human diseases.
• understand that evolution accounts for the diversity of species, which change and develop through gradual processes over many generations.
• understand how natural selection provides a scientific explanation for ancient life forms, as well as current life forms with molecular similarities.

The learner will be able to:

• understand that chemical reactions in living systems are catalyzed by enzymes.

The learner will be able to:

• use evidence, apply logic, and construct an argument for the proposed explanation of a scientific investigation.
• communicate and support a scientific argument.
• begin to develop the skills necessary to perform scientific inquires.
• view science as a human endeavor.
• demonstrate an ability to plan and perform a scientific investigation: understand major concepts within the area being investigated, use proper equipment, take appropriate safety precautions, recommend technology, clarify ideas, gather scientific knowledge from outside sources.
• understand that computers assist in the gathering, analyzing, and displaying of data.
• understand that scientists use an explanation until a new explanation is discovered.
• identify questions that guide scientific investigations.
• understand that the results of a scientific inquiry are based on different types of investigations and on the communication of ideas between scientists.
• understand the importance of mathematics in all aspects of scientific inquiries.
• identify a problem.
• understand the local, national, and global challenges facing science and technology.
• understand that humans must make the decisions on how to use science and technology to meet the needs of society.
• understand that a career in science offers many intellectual and fascinating rewards.
• understand the factors the guide inquiries: conceptual principles and knowledge.
• understand how science and technology work together.  Science helps drive technology by proposing more complicated questions that require new equipment and instruments.  Technology is essential to science because it provides the instruments and techniques that enable scientists to observe objects and phenomena that were once unobservable due to size, quantity, speed, location, or distance.
• develop hypotheses.
• develop methods for testing hypotheses.
• explain the limitations and the varying degrees of confidence surrounding scientific knowledge.
• understand that scientists follow ethical traditions, including peer review, reporting of procedures and results, and public release of investigations.
• gather and integrate information found in a variety of resources.