Big Idea 1: Evolution
Evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. Supported by evidence from many scientific disciplines, Darwin’s theory of evolution states that heritable variations occur in individuals in a population; because of competition for resources, individuals with more favorable phenotypes are more likely to survive and reproduce, thus passing traits to offspring.
Investigation 1:
Artificial Selection
Evolution Lab - simulation showing how organisms evolve over time in response to environmental conditions
Natural Selection at PHET - another simulation showing wolf and rabbit populations
Sex and the Single Guppy - simulation that examines sexual selection
Case Study: "I'm Looking Over a White-Striped Clover" - an investigation of clover adaptations
Evolution of the Origami Bird - this uses a paper model that flies, coin flips represent variations in wing position and length
Investigaton 2:
Mathematical Modeling: Hardy Weinberg
Hardy Weinberg Presentation &
Hardy Weinberg Problem Set
Count individuals and use the HW equation to determine allele frequencies
Hardy Weinberg Simulation - uses beads to represent alleles, track changes in generations using students as "parents"
Investigation 3:
Comparing DNA Sequences to Understand Evolutionary Relationships with BLAST
Bacterial ID Lab at HHMI - this includes a BLAST section and a simulation of isolated and identifying bacteria using PCR amplification
Name That Gene - using blast, identify genes using DNA sequences
Constructing a Cladogram - drawings are used to infer relationships and create a cladogram
Cladogram Analysis -image of a cladogram of arthropods where students determine derived characteristics and create their own cladogram
Examining the Fossil Record - fossils are arranged on a poster to show how each are related and how speciation can occur
Big Idea 2: Cellular Processes
Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, reproduce, and maintain dynamic homeostasis.
Organisms have evolved various strategies to capture, use, and store free energy and other vital resources.
Investigation 4: Diffusion and Osmosis
Flinn Science Wet Lab
Investigation 5: Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis Simulation - change light intensity and wavelength and compare the amount of ATP produced
Waterweed Simulator - Adjust light and CO2 levels, measure photosynthesis by counting bubbles
Investigation 6: Cellular Respiration
Virtual Lab: Cellular Respiration - a step-through activity that mirrors the procedure of the investigation
Big Idea 3: Genetics and Information Transfer
Genetic information provides for continuity of life, and, in most cases, this information is passed from parent to offspring via DNA. In Eukaryotic organisms, heritable information is packed into chromosomes that are passed to daughter cells by mitosis, a controlled mechanism that ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical and complete complement of chromosomes.
Investigation 7:
Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis
Mitosis Internet Lesson-
Meiosis Internet Lesson - use various sites to observe models of mitosis and meiosis
Linkage Group Simulation - pipe cleaners are used to model crossing over
Investigation 8:
Biotechnology: Bacterial Transformation
Transgenic Fly Virtual Lab - HHMI uses a virtual lab to insert DNA into flies which are used to study circadian rhythms
Recombinant DNA Simulation - using paper to model how restriction enzymes can be used to modify DNA
Investigation 9:
Biotechnology: Restriction Enzyme Analysis of DNA
Wet Lab: DNA Extraction - extract DNA from a strawberry
Big Idea 4: Interactions
Living systems from cells to ecosystems require free energy and matter to maintain order, grow, and reproduce, with organisms using various strategies to capture, use, and store free energy and other resources.
Investigation 10:
Energy Dynamics
Virtual Lab: Population Biology - observe the competitive exclusion principle in populations of paramecium
Case Study - The Gulf's Dead Zone - presentation case that presents information and asks students to evaluate, analyze and make recommendations
Investigation 11:
Transpiration
McGraw-Hill Biology Virtual Lab Exercises.
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs_2K8/pages/PlantTranspiration.html
Investigation 12:
Fruit Fly Behavior
McGraw-Hill Biology Virtual Lab Exercises.
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs_2K8/pages/MealwormBehavior.html
Investigation 13:
Enzyme Activity
McGraw-Hill Biology Virtual Lab Exercises
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/virtual_labs_2K8/pages/EnzymeControlledReactions.html