This module follows one of biology's greatest mysteries, the growth and development of a single, undifferentiated cell into a complex, functioning organism. Students explore the universal principles of growth and development and investigate external factors which may alter the course of this process. Outcomes Students determine that growth and development are a universal process which occurs during the lives of multicellular organisms in an ordered and sequential manner.
Students identify comparable stages which occur in developing organisms.
Students investigate the role of cell to cell communication, cell location, and DNA in guiding the processes involved in growth and development. Students determine that the organization of cells into tissues, tissues into organs, organs into organ systems enables organisms to carry out sophisticated functions that maintain life. Students determine the role of hormones in the growth and development of organisms and in preparing an organism to reproduce. Students work in teams to carry out long-term projects observing the growth and development of organisms and develop inquiry skills including observation, communication, data collection and analysis, and the application of concepts to new situations. Students explore the susceptibility of growth and development of organisms to external factors.