Unit 7: Genetics Essential Questions 1. Why do offspring resemble their parents? 2. How does the understanding and manipulation of genetics and reproduction affect the quality of human life? Essential Question Addressed Learning Goal ACT Quality Core Standards NGSS 1. Why do offspring resemble their parents? I can describe the process of meiosis. C.1.f HS. Inheritance and Variation of Traits I can summarize Mendel’s experiments and findings, including the laws of segregation and independent assortment. C.1.g, C.1.h I can define and provide examples of the following: genotype, phenotype, dominant allele, recessive allele, codominant alleles, incompletely dominant alleles, homozygous, heterozygous, and carrier. C.1.i I can explain sex-linked patterns, including why males are more at risk for some traits than females. C.1.j I can construct and interpret Punnett squares and pedigrees. This includes calculating and predicting phenotypic and genotypic ratios and ratios of offspring, as well as inferring parental genotypes and phenotypes from data presented from offspring. C.1.k, C.1.l 2. How does the understanding and manipulation of genetics and reproduction affect the quality of human life? I can describe the mode of inheritance in commonly inherited disorders (sickle cell anemia, Down syndrome, Turner’s syndrome, PKU). C.1.m Critical Vocabulary Allele Autosomes Carrier Co-dominance Crossing Over Diploid Dominant Embryo Fertilization Gametes Gametogenesis Gene Genetic Code Genotype Haploid Heterozygous Homozygous Incomplete Dominance Karyotype Law of Independent Assortment Law of Segregation Meiosis Mutation Oogenesis Pedigree Phenotype Probability Punnett Square Recessive Sex Chromosomes Sex-linked genes Trait
2. How do the processes of the central dogma allow organisms to organize and function in a way that sustains life? Essential Question Addressed Learning Goal ACT Quality Core Standards NGSS 1. How does the search for the structure of DNA and the central dogma demonstrate the nature of science? I can describe the experiments of major scientists in determining both the structure of DNA and the central dogma C.1.a HS-LS1-1 2. How do the processes of the central dogma allow organisms to organize and function in a way that sustains life? I can describe the basic structure and function of DNA, mRNA, tRNA, amino acids, polypeptides, and proteins (replication, transcription, and translation) C.1.b I can use mRNA codon charts to determine amino acid sequences. C.1.c I can use mRNA codon charts to determine the effects of different types of mutations on amino acid sequence and protein structure (e.g. sickle cell anemia resulting from base substitution mutation) C.1.d I can describe how gene expression is regulated in organisms. C.1.e I can complete a project relating to recombinant DNA, cloning, or stem cell research. C.1.n Critical Vocabulary Amino Acid Base pairing Codon Deletion DNA Gene expression Gene regulation HOX genes Insertion Cells Unit 8: DNA and Proteins Writing Assignments: Analyze a scientific news story Genetic Research
Food Web Dance Assessments: Bell Ringers Weekly Quizzes/Assignments over readings, lectures, and in-class activities Unit Test Resources McDougal Littell Textbook Wikispace The Science Teacher, NSTA monthly science journal Youtube.com Unit 11: Biodiversity Essential Questions 1. How do we attempt to categorize living things? 2. What characteristics help to distinguish different taxa? Essential Question Addressed Learning Goal ACT Quality Core Standards NGSS 1. How do we attempt to categorize living things? I can explain how organisms are classified into a hierarchy of groups and subgroups based on similarities that reflect their evolutionary relationships. E.3.a, E.3.b HS-LS1-2 HS-LS1-3 I can explain the binomial nomenclature system and construct and use a dichotomous key. E.3.c, E.3.d 2. What characteristics help to distinguish different taxa? I can explain classification criteria and distinguish between viruses, bacteria, protists, plants, and animals. E.3.e, E.3.f I can describe the basic mechanisms of plant processes and explain the functions of unique plant structures. E.2.a, E.2.b I can compare divisions of animals. E.3.g I can identify major types of animal cells and tissues and describe the major components and functions of physiological systems. E.1.a, E.1.b Critical Vocabulary Angiosperm Animal Bacteria Bilateral Symmetry Binomial Nomenclature Circulatory System Class Classification Dichotomous Key