-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 DNA is comprised of four subunits: A, G, C and T.
• understand that the properties of DNA, both chemical and structural, explain how the genetic information is both encoded in genes and replicated.
• understand that a single chromosome is formed by a DNA molecule.
• understand that DNA stores genetic information and is used to direct the synthesis of the thousands of proteins that each cell requires.
• recognize that cells are specialized based on their function.
• understand that two X chromosomes determine female gender.  Male gender is determined by one X and one Y chromosome.
• understand that DNA mutations occur spontaneously at low rates.
• 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.
• describe how living things are able to maintain internal systems.
• understand that obtaining, transforming, transporting, releasing, and eliminating of matter and energy is determined by the organism's complexity and organization.
• 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 biological evolution.
• understand that the great diversity of organisms is due to over three and a half billion years of evolution.
• understand how natural selection provides a scientific explanation for ancient life forms, as well as current life forms with molecular similarities.
• use evidence to explain the relationship between present humans and past animal life forms.

The learner will be able to:

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

The learner will be able to:

• participate in group discussions: summarize the findings of others, request clarification, request additional information, offer alternative perspectives.
• use evidence, apply logic, and construct an argument for the proposed explanation of a scientific investigation.
• understand the standards required of scientific explanation: logical, consistent, supports rules of evidence, open to questions and modifications, based on historical and current scientific knowledge.
• understand the components of a scientific explanation: experimental evidence, consistent arguments, scientific principles, and theories.
• communicate and support a scientific argument.
• begin to develop the skills necessary to perform scientific inquires.
• begin to develop an understanding of 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 must report the methods and procedures used to obtain evidence in order to enhance future investigation.
• understand that scientists use an explanation until a new explanation is discovered.
• use physical, conceptual, and mathematical models as part of an explanation.
• justify an explanation based on theoretical or empirical evidence.
• plan a scientific investigation.
• 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 how society researches new scientific and technological proposals.  Students should be aware of the questions such as "What are the odds?" scientists must ask when researching a new proposal.
• understand that a career in science offers many intellectual and fascinating rewards.
• understand that the major purpose of an inquiry is to determine how a physical, living, or designed system functions.
• understand the factors the guide inquiries: conceptual principles and knowledge.
• begin to develop an understanding of the relationship between science and technology.
• 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.
• understand the qualities necessary for scientists: insight, reasoning, energy, skill, and creativity.  In addition, scientists must be open minded, honest, and have a tolerance for ambiguity and skepticism.
• understand that society, culture, and personal beliefs influence scientists.
• begin to develop an understanding of the history of science.
• understand that modern science began several hundred years ago in Europe and that Europe has continued to make contributions during the last two centuries with the industrialization of Western and non-Western cultures.
• understand how scientific and technological issues are influenced by society's needs and challenges.
• explain how future scientific developments will be affected by historical, political and social factors.
• demonstrate how math, science and technology apply in real world scenarios.
• utilize mathematics and scientific technology to improve scientific investigations and communication.
• understand that various tools and technologies, such as calculators or measuring tools, should be sued during a scientific investigation.
• identify and explain the limitations of measuring instruments.
• develop hypotheses.
• develop methods for testing hypotheses.
• demonstrate the logical connection between the scientific concepts guiding a hypothesis and the design of the experiment.
• understand that observing the procedures scientists follow offers insight to scientific knowledge and technology.
• explain the limitations and the varying degrees of confidence surrounding scientific knowledge.
• understand that diverse cultures have contributed to scientific knowledge throughout history.
• 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.
• gather and integrate information found in a variety of resources.
• understand that before society debates issues, it should fully understand the scientific and technological principles.