SCI203: Biology - K12

SCI203: BiologyThis course, for students who have been introduced to biology topics in middle school, focuses on topics in cell chemistryand biology, genetics, evolution, the biology of living things, and ecology. Students use a combination of online instructionwith animations, hands-on laboratory activities, reference book study, and collaborative activities with virtual classmates.This course prepares students to take AP Biology or any beginning-level college biology course.Course length: Two semestersMaterials: Biology: A Reference Guide; materials for laboratory experiments, including a compound microscopePrerequisites: K12 middle school Life Science, or equivalentSemester OneUnit 1: The Science of BiologyStudents explore biology as one of the sciences and confront the concepts of scientific methods. After exploring scientificprocesses as they apply to biology, students examine what “life” means as they investigate the characteristics that all livingthings share. Students then look at the importance of energy, what kinds of energy are significant when considering livingthings, and the relationship of structures of living things to their functions. Semester IntroductionBiology and Scientific MethodsScientific Processes 1Scientific Processes 2Laboratory: Using a MicroscopeThe Characteristics of Life 1The Characteristics of Life 2The Characteristics of Life 3Energy and LifeStructure and FunctionUnit 2: The Chemistry of Life Chemistry ReviewChemical BondsCarbon and LifeOrganic Compounds and Trace ElementsIons in Living ThingsUseful Chemicals from Living ThingsWaterLaboratory: Investigating Biological Compounds 1Laboratory: Investigating Biological Compounds 2Simple CarbohydratesComplex Carbohydrateswww.k12.com { Pg. 1 }Students explore the chemical basis for life by examining the most important groups of organic compounds: carbohydrates,proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Students then examine water and how it is important for living things. In each case, studentsfocus on the relationship of the molecular structure of compounds to its function in living things.

LipidsAmino Acids and ProteinsLevels of Protein StructureProteins as EnzymesNucleic AcidsATPUnit 3: Cell BiologyStudents now are able to begin looking at the structure and function of living things. They begin with an exploration of thecell. They confront the structure of the cell, its membranes and organelles. In particular, they look at the processes by whichcells gather and make energy available, focusing on the activities of the mitochondrion and the chloroplast. Students thenproceed to look at cellular reproduction and study the processes of meiosis and mitosis. { Pg. 2 } The Cell and LifeCell StructureCell OrganellesTwo Types of CellsCell Membrane StructureMovement Across MembranesPassive TransportActive TransportLaboratory: Determining the Rate of Diffusion 1Laboratory: Determining the Rate of Diffusion 2Glycolysis and FermentationThe Krebs CycleThe Electron Transport SystemLight and PhotosynthesisPhotosynthesis and GlucoseChemical Energy and LifeRespiration and PhotosynthesisLaboratory: The Rate of Photosynthesis 1Laboratory: The Rate of Photosynthesis 2Reproduction and DevelopmentMitosisLaboratory: Observing MitosisCell DifferentiationCell SpecializationSexual ReproductionMeiosis IMeiosis IIwww.k12.com

Unit 4: Mendelian GeneticsStudents learn about the work of Gregor Mendel as a way of studying modern genetics. They perform genetic crosses andbegin to see how traits are inherited. As they examine Mendelian genetics more closely, they see the relationship betweeninheritance and chromosomes and between genes and alleles. This unit prepares students to go deeper into genetics at themolecular level. The Work of Gregor MendelMendelian InheritanceLaboratory: Genetic Crosses 1Laboratory: Genetic Crosses 2PedigreesLaboratory: Gene MappingChromosomes and GenesGenes and AllelesGenetic VariationUnit 5: Molecular GeneticsThe chemical basis for genetics is one of the cornerstones of modern biology. In this unit, students explore the relationshipbetween DNA, RNA, and proteins—and what this has to do with genes and inheritance. After establishing a firm basis inmolecular genetics, students are able to understand modern applications of genetics, including biotechnology and geneticengineering. DNA, RNA, and ProteinsStructure of DNAStructures of RNADNA ReplicationTranscriptionLaboratory: Modeling DNALaboratory: Modeling DNA ReplicationDNA Makes RNARNA Makes ProteinThe Genetic CodeUnit 6: Semester Review and TestSemester Review Semester Test Semester TwoSemester Introduction Proteins Express DNA How Proteins Work Gene Expression 1 www.k12.comIn this unit, students explore the process by which the DNA–RNA relationship builds proteins. Then students learn how theprocess of proteins synthesis is controlled, a process called gene expression. Students then are able to understand modernapplications of genetics, including biotechnology and genetic engineering.{ Pg. 3 }Unit 1: Gene Expression

Gene Expression 2 Biotechnology Genetic Engineering Unit 2: EvolutionEvolution is the central organizing principle of biology. Students learn about the concept of evolution and the underlyingprinciples of natural selection. Once they have mastered the fundamental principles, they learn how modern evolution is ascience that includes gene changes over time as the underlying mechanism for evolution. Evolution and BiologyEvolution of PopulationsMultiplying Variation in PopulationsTypes of Natural SelectionHistory of Evolutionary ThoughtEvidence for Evolution 1Evidence for Evolution 2Evolution and Earth HistoryLaboratory: Process of Natural Selection 1Laboratory: Process of Natural Selection 2Genetic Basis of EvolutionThe Hardy-Weinberg EquationGeographic IsolationGenetic IsolationUnit 3: Survey of Living Things 1 Classification and TaxonomyModern ClassificationLaboratory: Dichotomous KeyViruses and ProkaryotesProtists and FungiAnimalsPlantsThree Representative OrganismsGetting EnergyDigestionDigestion in HumansLaboratory: Human Digestion Actions 1Waste RemovalLaboratory: Human Digestion Actions 2Waste Removal in HumansObtaining OxygenOxygen and the Human Bodywww.k12.com { Pg. 4 }Students learn about the structure and function of living things by examining three representative organisms: a flatworm, afern, and a human. In doing so, students examine processes such as digestion and respiration—comparing and contrastinghow living things obtain food, break down food, eliminate waste, and obtain and use oxygen.

Unit 4: Survey of Living Things 2Students continue their examination of living things, focusing on three representative organisms. They explore the nervousand muscular systems and see how these systems aid in responding to the organism’s environment. Students then examinevarious aspects of reproduction among living things and finish with a study of defense. How Organisms Monitor Their EnvironmentsHuman Nervous SystemFeedback MechanismsHow Living Things Respond to Their EnvironmentsMuscular SystemsHow Muscles ContractLaboratory: Chicken Muscles 1Laboratory: Chicken Muscles 2Fern ReproductionFlatworm ReproductionHuman ReproductionHow Organisms Defend ThemselvesHuman Immune Response 1Human Immune Response 2Plant DefensesUnit 5: Ecology and the Environment Individuals and PopulationsCommunitiesEcosystemsEcosystem StabilityBiomesBiodiversityEnergy Flow in EcosystemsFood Chains and Food WebsSuccessionLaboratory: Patterns of SuccessionChanges in EcosystemsWater and Nitrogen CyclesCarbon and Oxygen CyclesLaboratory: Fixation in Root Nodules 1Laboratory: Fixation in Root Nodules 2Laboratory: The Effects of Acidity on Seed Germination 1Natural ResourcesEnvironmental Challengeswww.k12.com { Pg. 5 }As students have moved through this curriculum, they have learned about living things, their structure, and functions. In thisunit, they confront organisms in relationship to their environments. Students study living things and the ecosystems in whichthey live, examining both the biotic and abiotic components of the world in which organisms exist.

Global Temperatures Pollution Laboratory: The Effects of Acidity on Seed Germination 2 Unit 6: Semester Review and Test Semester ReviewSemester TestCopyright 2008 K12 Inc. All rights reserved. K12 is a registered trademark and the K¹² logo, xPotential and Unleash the xPotential are trademarks of K12 Inc.www.k12.com{ Pg. 6 }

The chemical basis for genetics is one of the cornerstones of modern biology. In this unit, students explore the relationship between DNA, RNA, and proteins—and what this has to do with