Cathedral High School, Inc : Honors Fresman Biology

Honors Freshmen Biology

This course focuses on the study of biochemical, molecular, cellular, and genetic bases of life. It introduces the metric system of measurement, the scientific method, the states of matter, atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, the structure and function of biological molecules, concepts of bioenergetics and thermodynamics, enzymes, metabolic pathways, and cellular organization. It details the processes of cell division and the concepts and techniques of molecular and classical genetics. The mechanisms of evolution are introduced as a framework within which all life processes operate. The course presents the organization of the human body, which includes, skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. In the diversity of life and principles of ecology, this course emphasizes the physical and chemical factors of the environment as they affect the distribution of organisms and the influence of organisms, particularly humans. Laboratory experiments emphasize and complement the concepts introduced in lecture and in the scientific method processes. Students’ understanding of concepts is enhanced with case studies.
Textbook: Biology Life on Earth by G. Audesirk, T. Audesirk, & B. Byers, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005

COMPETENCY GOAL 1:The learner will develop an understanding of measurement and develop proper lab techniques. Objectives:

Use the “Scientific Method” to evaluate living organisms.
Explain how light microscopes and electron microscopes are similar and different.
Describe two common laboratory techniques.
Explain why it is important to work safely in biology

COMPETENCY GOAL 2: The learner will develop an understanding of the basic structural units of matter. Objectives:

Describe the phases of matter in terms of atoms.
Define the physical and chemical properties of matter.
Define elements, compounds, and mixtures.
Classify matter in terms of pure and impure.

COMPETENCY GOAL 3: The learner will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical and cellular basis of life. Objectives:

Analyze the matter-energy relationships of living and non-living things including:
Describe the structure and function of cell organelles.
Compare and contrast the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Assess and explain the importance of water to cells, as well as transport into and out of cells.
Describe the structure and function of enzymes and explain their importance in biological systems.
Analyze the bioenergetic reactions.

COMPETENCY GOAL 4: The learner will develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of organisms over time. Objectives:

Analyze the molecular basis of heredity/DNA including:
Compare and contrast the characteristics of asexual and sexual reproduction.
Interpret and use the laws of probability to predict patterns of inheritance.
Assess the application of DNA technology to forensics, medicine, and agriculture.
Analyze and explain the role of genetics and environment in health and disease.
Examine the development of the Theory of Biological Evolution.

COMPETENCY GOAL 5: The learner will develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life. Objectives:

Relate the variety of living organisms to their evolutionary relationships.
Classify organisms according to currently accepted systems.
Determine the form and function of organisms including:
Compare and contrast the processes of reproduction, growth, development, and regulation of major phyla of organisms.
Determine the internal and external factors that influence the growth and development of organisms.

COMPETENCY GOAL 6: The learner will develop an understanding of ecological relationships among organisms. Objectives:

Identify the interrelationships among organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes.
Analyze the cycling of matter: water, carbon, and nitrogen in systems.
Explain the flow of energy through ecosystems.
Assess and describe successional changes in ecosystems.
Assess and explain human activities that influence and modify the environment.

COMPETENCY GOAL 7: Students will develop an understanding of the behavior of organisms, resulting from a combination of heredity and environment. Objectives:

Evaluate the survival of organisms and suitable adaptive responses to environmental pressures.
Assess and examine plant tropisms and other responses.
Assess, describe, and explain types of animal behaviors (taxis, reflexes, instincts, and learned behavior).
Analyze the biological clocks and rhythmic behavior of organisms.
Evaluate and explain the evolution of behavioral adaptations and survival of populations.

Technology Learning Outcomes

The student can
1. Use proper terminology to communicate about technology.
2. Open saved files from the default location.
3. Locate, run, and exit programs from the file management system.
4. Create, move, and/or copy and paste files and folders.
5. Explain the function of the clipboard.
6. Perform multitasking operations with two or more programs open.
7. Resize, minimize, maximize, move and scroll program windows using the mouse.
8. Use the mouse to right click.
9. Use the mouse for task management.
10. Delete and/or rename files and folders.
11. Choose print options.
12. Use basic keyboard shortcuts.
13. Use the Find function to locate a file.
14. Utilize different storage media.
15. Locate and use system tools programs
16. Use special keys (command, option, and control).
17. Perform advanced desktop management.
18. Use equipment collaboratively.
19. Identify safety measures for personal security and protection.
20. Demonstrate appropriate use of the Internet.
21. Explain consequences of ethical and legal violations.
22. Demonstrate ethical use of researched information, e-mail, and all techniques.
23. Create slides using a template.
24. Modify slide color schemes and templates.
25. Develop a logical presentation by combining slides.
26. Use transitions.
27. Create slides with text and graphics.
28. Create slides with text, graphics, graphs and/or videoclips.
29. Enter data into a spreadsheet template (Excel).
30. Explain the purpose and function of a spreadsheet application and identify
elements of the spreadsheet window.
31. Create a simple spreadsheet file.
32. Format text and numbers.
33. Create a graph/chart and modify as needed.
34. Add headers and footers to a document.
35. Copy a worksheet or a chart and export into a word processing document.
36. Enter a worksheet name on the worksheet tab.
37. Click and drag a formula to new cells.
38. Identify the path of the URL.
39. Create a publication to present information using a desktop publishing program.
40. Create a multimedia presentation to organize and present information.
41. Attach a document to an e-mail message.
42. Identify the parts of the URL.
43. Manage favorites/bookmark list.
44. Develop a project using both printed and online resources.