Grade: 9-12
Credit: One

Biology I is a laboratory-oriented course designed to give students a background in biological concepts as well as experience in using the methods of scientific inquiry. The course focuses on the life processes that occur within the cell, the anatomy and physiology of complex multicellular organisms, and the ways by which life forms reproduce, develop, and adapt to conditions in their environment. The course includes a unit on human life education and addresses the topics of human reproduction and human development. Parents have the option of withdrawing their children from any or all topics included in the state-mandated Family Life Education portion. Students opting-out will be provided with alternative biology lessons.

The use of technology is an integral part of the course. Many of the experiments use computers, simulation software, CD-ROM’s, telecommunications, and probeware for the collection and analysis of data. Students are given the opportunity to acquire, manipulate and present data using these technologies.

Indicators correspond with the Virginia Standards of Learning for Biology. All Virginia Standards of Learning for Biology are included in this course.

Benchmarks and indicators are organized by the following strands:

I.Scientific Investigation

II.The Cell

III.Molecular Basis of Life

IV.Biological Evolution

V.Interdependence of Organisms

VI.The Function and Interactions of Human Body Systems

Benchmark
Students will know and understand the components of experimental design.

Indicators: (SOL BIO.1)

1. Formulate hypotheses (If, Then Statement)
2. Explain and use the following terms to design an experiment to test a hypothesis: dependent and independent variables, constants, experimental control, and repeated trials.
3. Represent data using graphs
4. Form conclusions based on data

Benchmark
Students investigate and understand that cells have particular structures that underlie their functions, that most cell functions involve chemical reactions, and that cells go through a cycle which includes the stages of mitosis.

Indicators: (SOL BIO.1, BIO.2, BIO.4, BIO.5)

1. Develop proficiency in the proper handling and use of the compound light microscope.
2. Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and compare the similarities and differences between unicellular and multicellular organisms.
3. Describe and identify basic elements of the micro-structure of cells and their functions.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of hierarchy of cell specialization.
5. Illustrate the development and history of the modern cell theory.
6. Explain the similarities and differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
7. Examine the properties of water and explain their impact on life’s processes.
8. Describe and identify the structure and function of macromolecules.
9. Explain the nature and role of enzymes in the biological processes of life.
10. Analyze the reasons why cells are so small.
11. Identify and describe the phases of the cell cycle including interphase, the phases of mitosis, and cytokinesis.

Benchmark
Students investigate and understand that in all organisms, the instructions for specifying the characteristics of the organisms are carried in the nucleic acid DNA, and that a second nucleic acid, RNA, functions in the synthesis of protein. They investigate and understand that chromosomes are units of heredity composed of DNA molecule(s), and that the changes in DNA (mutations) occur spontaneously at low rates.

Indicators: (SOL BIO.1, BIO.2, BIO.3, BIO.4, BIO.5, BIO.6, BIO.7, BIO.8)

1. Explain the structure of DNA and how it replicates
2. Contrast the structure and nature of DNA and RNA.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the chemical nature of a gene, and decipher and understand the genetic code and its uses in the cell.
4. Understand protein synthesis.
5. Investigate the structure of the chromosome and its role in the transmission of characteristics.
6. Distinguish between autosomes and sex chromosomes in multicellular organisms.
7. Summarize the genetic basis of variation.
8. Explain the causes of genetic recombination, particularly the inheritance of linked traits and results of crossing over during meiosis.
9. Describe how DNA changes as a result of mutation.
10. Distinguish between point mutations and chromosomal mutations in human disease, and explain the role of mutagenic agents.

Benchmark
Students investigate and understand that species evolve over time. Students explore how scientists explain the great diversity of organisms as the result of more than 3.5 billion years of natural selection and evolution that has filled every available niche with life forms and how natural selection and its evolutionary consequences provide a scientific explanation both for the fossil record of ancient life forms and the striking molecular, structural, and developmental similarities observed among the diverse species of living organisms.

Indicators: (SOL BIO.1, BIO.2, BIO.5, BIO.6, BIO.7, BIO.8, BIO.9)

1. Follow the historical development of the modern theory of evolution.
2. Understand Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Include the evidence which he used to substantiate his theory.
3. Recognize how adaptations lead to natural selection.
4. Discuss the time span required for changes in species.
5. Examine the factors affecting adaptations and speciation (how species emerge) including gene frequency, variability, struggle for survival, and isolation.
6. Assess the role of DNA in the evolution of the species, and compare sequences in living organisms.
7. Examine and interpret evidence found in fossil record of how organisms have changed over time.
8. Compare the developmental stages in different organisms, and the protein similarities and differences among organisms.

Benchmark
Students investigate and understand that biological classifications indicate how organisms are related, and learn how scientists have grouped organisms into five kingdoms: monerans, protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

Indicators: (SOL BIO.1, BIO.2, BIO.4, BIO.5, BIO.7, BIO.8, BIO.9)

1. Discuss systems of classification that are adaptable to new scientific discoveries.
2. Explain structural similarities and differences of representative organisms in the five kingdoms.
3. Compare the metabolic activities of representative organisms in the five kingdoms. These metabolic activities include obtaining energy, exchanging gases, and elimination wastes.
4. Compare responses to the environment and maintenance of homeostasis in representative organisms from the five kingdoms.

Benchmark
Students investigate and understand that the atoms and molecules on Earth cycle among the living and nonliving components of the biosphere, that organisms both cooperate and compete in ecosystems, and that humans modify ecosystems as a result of population growth, technology, and consumption.

Indicators (SOL BIO.1, BIO.5, BIO.7, BIO.9)

1. Illustrate the interdependence of living things using the concepts of matter and nutrient cycling.
2. Explain how photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary processes for cycling carbon dioxide and oxygen within an ecosystem.
3. Relate the concepts of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems to each other.
4. Illustrate the interactions within and among populations including carrying capacities, limiting factors, and growth curves.
5. Cite several examples of predation, parasitism, commensalism, mutualism, and competition.
6. Compare biotic and abiotic features of various terrestrial and aquatic biomes.
7. Illustrate the various succession patterns in ecosystems.
8. Formulate ways of dealing with environmental problems such as air pollution and overpopulation.

Benchmark
Students investigate and understand that functions and interactions of systems within the human body support and maintain a stable internal environment.

Indicators: (SOL BIO.1, BIO.2, BIO.3, BIO.4, BIO.5, BIO.6)

1. Describe the primary tissues of the human body such as blood, lymph, and muscle and relate the structure to its function.
2. Explore the major organ systems of the human body and understand their functions and interactions.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and interactions of organ systems to maintain a stable internal environment that can resist disturbance from within or without (homeostasis).
4. Understand microbial causes of disease.
5. Formulate questions and discuss health issues based on the knowledge of human body systems and their functions.

* The human reproductive system is covered in the Biology I Family Life Education lessons.

Assessment
All students will take the Virginia Standards of Learning Test for Biology.

Last update: August 21, 1998