Welcome to D. Pleeter Webpage
                           
                        Science Department
                                                    Belmont High School

I can be reached at:
255 Seavey Road
Belmont NH  03220
267-6525

email: dpleeter@shaker.k12.nh.us
                                              


Grading

Content

Belmont High School Science Department Curriculum

 

Course name:  Advanced Biology

Grades: 11, 12

Credits: 1

Duration: Semester

Prerequisite:  C or better in college preparatory B.S.C.S. Biology

Course Description: Advanced Biology is an upper level course for students who are interested in Biological Sciences and who may pursue them in the future.  Advanced Biology is divided into three general subject areas:  ecology, anatomy and physiology, and special topics.  The ecology section is an outdoor, hands-on forest terrestrial inventory and analysis.  This unit stresses the biome as a whole.  All aspects of the abiotic and biotic communities are identifies and analyzed.  The anatomy section of the class stresses the study of anatomy and laboratory techniques through the dissection of a fetal pig.  The special topics section includes studying current news issues, analyzing current science fiction topics, genetics, and common diseases and disorders.

 

Course Core Competencies

 

Course Core Competencies

 

1.       Students will understand some of the interrelationships of ecological systems

 

2.       Students will analysis a science based novel of either fiction or nonfiction.

 

3.       Gain knowledge of current science research and developments including application of technological advances and applications.

 

4.       Understand the actions and interactions of the

a.        Digestive system

b.       Skeleton muscular system

c.        Neuromuscular system  

 

 

Mission Statement Objectives

Primary Mission Statement Objective:  The Belmont High School student will utilize inquiry skills to solve problems.

 

Secondary Mission Statement Objective: The Belmont High School student will mathematically analyze, calculate and solve practical and abstract problems.

 

 

 

Prescribed Course Content

For

Advanced Biology

Assessment

 Strategies

 

Typical Instructional Strategies

Course Core Competencies

State GLE’s/GSE’s Frameworks ,  local or national standards

BHS  Mission & Learning Expectation

        Ecology:

 Students will:

 

²      Be able to identify plants using a Dichotomous Key.

²      Analyze soil nutrients.

²      Calculate abiotic factors including and not exclusive to slope, light and aspect.

²      Write a site evaluation and recommendation for an ecosystem.  

²       

 

ESS    x  PRO   x

OPR  

RP      x

LAB   x

OAA   x

PORT  

QUIZ  x   TEST  x

EXAM x

JRNL    

 

A/V      x  

LAB     x   

LEC     x   

LIT        

STU     x

DEMO x

GRPD  

GRPW 

SPKR   INDW  x

INFO    x

WKST  x

OTHER x

 

1

 

LS1

LS3

LS5

 

 

 

 

             Current Science in Society:

Students will:

 

           Evaluate a Science based novel or nonfiction work.

           Present, and defend a current novel.

 

ESS  x

PRO 

OPR x

RP  x 

LAB 

OAA 

PORT   

QUIZ    

TEST    

EXAM  

JRNL    

A/V       

LAB      

LEC       

LIT        

STU      

DEMO  

GRPD   

GRPW  

SPKR    

INDW   

INFO      

WKST   

OTHER 

 

2

 

LS5

LS4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Current Science Research and Developments in Society:

 

 Students will:

             

          Will read, analyze and discuss current science and technological information.

          Write reviews of science articles.

          Present and be able to discuss science literature.

 

ESS    x 

PRO 

OPR   x

RP    

LAB 

OAA 

PORT   

QUIZ    

TEST    

EXAM  

JRNL    x

A/V       

LAB      

LEC       

LIT       x

STU      x

DEMO  

GRPD   x

GRPW  

SPKR    

INDW  x

INFO     

WKST   

OTHER  x

3

 

LS5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Anatomy and Physiology

 Students will:

             

          Dissect a mammal identifying and describing the functions of the Digestive System, Muscular                  System, Skeleton System and the Neuromuscular System.

          Research in depth an anatomical system. 

 

ESS   x 

PRO  x

OP    x 

RP    x  

LAB x

OAA 

PORT   

QUIZ   x

TEST   x

EXAM  

JRNL    

A/V     x  

LAB    x 

LEC       

LIT     x  

STU    x  

DEMO x

GRPD  x 

GRPW  x

SPKR    

INDW   x

INFO     x

WKST   x

OTHER 

4

 

LS4

LS1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Assessment Strategies Key:                                                                                                      Instructional Strategies Key:

                                                                                                                       

ESS                 Essay                                                                                                               AV                   Audio/Visual

PRO                Project                                                                                                             LAB                 Lab

OP                   Oral Presentation                                                                                              LEC                 Lecture

RP                   Research Paper                                                                                                LIT                  Literature

LAB                 Lab                                                                                                                  STU                 Student Presentation

OAA                Other Authentic Assessment                                                                             DEMO             Demonstration/Modeling

PORT              Portfolio                                                                                                           GRPD              Group Demonstration

QUIZ               Quiz                                                                                                                 GRPW             Group Work

TEST               Test                                                                                                                  SPKR              Speaker

EXAM             Exam                                                                                                                INDW             Independent Work

JRNL               Journal                                                                                                             INFO               Handout

                                                                                                                                                WKST             Worksheet

                                                                                                                                                OTHER           Other Strategies

 

 

 

Belmont High School Science Department Curriculum

 

Course name: Environmental Science

Grades:10-12

Credits:1

Duration/length: 1 Semester

Prerequisite: None

Course Description:     Environmental Science is designed for junior and senior students needing or wanting additional science credits in an elective class.  The class has been designed as a level 2 choice for those students.  Students will become more cognizant of their environment as well as gain knowledge in both natural history and outdoor skills.  Students will be active in both traditional and nontraditional activities to acquire this knowledge.  Students will work both individually and in groups on subject supportive activities. 

 

 

Course Core Competencies

 

 

The Student will:

       1.     Understand use and construct topographic maps.

 

       2.     Examine regional wildlife information, and management of those species.

 

  1.  Address the “Hike Safe “of NH program and become knowledgeable to its content and suggested skills.

 

  1.  Become knowledgeable about basic meteorology skills and methods.

 

  1. Study and construct a management plan of the local ecosystem. 

 

       6.     Research and evaluate an environmental issue.

 

   

Mission Statement Objectives

·         Primary Mission Statement Objective: The Belmont High School student will utilize inquiry skills to solve problems.

 

·         Secondary Mission Statement Objective: The Belmont High School student will mathematically analyze, calculate and solve practical and abstract problems.

 

 

 

Prescribed Course Content

For

Environmental Science

Assessment

 Strategies

 

Typical Instructional Strategies

Course Core Competencies

State GLE’s/GSE’s Frameworks ,  local or national standards

BHS  Mission & Learning Expectation

Map Use and Construction:

 

Students will:

 

²      Understand and be able to manipulate map scale.

²      Understand and interpret topographic maps.

²      Construct a topographic map.

²      Be able to collect contour interval data.

²      Be able to use a compass to find and follow bearing directions.

 

 

 

ESS   

PRO   x

OP     x

RP     

LAB  x

OAA x

PORT   

QUIZ   x 

TEST    

EXAM  

JRNL    

 

A/V       

LAB    x 

LEC       

LIT        

STU     x 

DEMO x 

GRPD  x 

GRPW  x

SPKR    

INDW  x

INFO     

WKST   

OTHER 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

LS5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wildlife and Management:

 

Students will:

 

²      Research wildlife organisms.

²      Present information on wildlife organisms

²      Propose a species specific management plan.

²      Become knowledgeable about some of the hazardous organisms in the Northeast.

²      Understand the importance of habitat preservation related to wildlife management.

 

 

ESS    x

PRO   x

OPR   x 

RP     x 

LAB 

OAA 

PORT  

QUIZ   x

TEST    

EXAM  

JRNL    

 

A/V       

LAB      

LEC       

LIT       x

STU      x

DEMO  

GRPD   

GRPW  

SPKR    

INDW  x

INFO     

WKST   

OTHER 

 

2

 

 

 

 

LS1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NH Hike Safe Program

 

Students will:

 

Be able to assemble the proper equipment for outdoor activities.

Perform several specific outdoor skills.  

²      Be able to evaluate outdoor accidents and mistakes and make corrective procedures.

²      Evaluate current policies related to outdoor activities.

²       

²       

 

 

 

ESS  

PRO  x

OP    

RP    

LAB

OAA x

PORT 

QUIZ  

TEST  x

EXAM 

JRNL   

 

A/V      

LAB     

LEC     x

LIT      x

STU     

DEMO 

GRPD  

GRPW  x

SPKR   

INDW  x

INFO    x

WKST  x

OTHER 

 

3

 

 

 

 

LS5

 

 

 

 

 

 

²       

Meteorology

²       

²       Students will:

²       

²             Forecast weather for a specific length of time.

                     Evaluate professional weather forecasters predictions.

 

 

ESS  

PRO   x

OP   

RP     x 

LAB  x 

OAA x

PORT 

QUIZ   

TEST  x

EXAM 

JRNL   

 

A/V      x

LAB      

LEC     x 

LIT      x

STU       

DEMO  x

GRPD   

GRPW  x

SPKR    

INDW  x

INFO    x

WKST  x

OTHER 

 

4

 

 

 

 

LS5

LS2

 

 

 

 

²       

Ecosystem Evaluation

²       

²      Students will:

²       

²            Be able to use a Dichotomous Key and identify common trees and shrubs of the region.

²            Analyze soil nutrients

²            Collection data of site abiotic factors, including and not exclusive to slope, light and aspect.

²            Write a site evaluation and recommendation.

²            Evaluate successional stage of selected site.

²            Demonstrate the use of nutrient test procedures.  

 

 

 

ESS  

PRO   x

OP     x 

RP     x

LAB  x

OAA 

PORT

QUIZ  x

TEST   

EXAM 

JRNL   

 

A/V      x

LAB     x

LEC     x  

LIT      x

STU     

DEMO 

GRPD  

GRPW  x

SPKR    

INDW  x

INFO    x

WKST  x

OTHER 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

LS1

LS5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental Issue:

 

²      Students will:

²       

                    Review current Literature relating to a current environmental issue.

                    Understand the concept of evasive species and be able to describe their traits and how best to manage them.         

        

²           Assess the health and status of our atmosphere and provide strategies for improvement.

²           Evaluate the environmental quality of an aquatic ecosystem.

 

 

 

ESS  x  

PRO x

OP   x 

RP  x

LAB

OAA

PORT  

QUIZ  

TEST  

EXAM

JRNL 

 

A/V       

LAB      

LEC       

LIT      x   

STU     x 

DEMO  

GRPD   

GRPW x

SPKR    

INDW  x

INFO     

WKST   

OTHER 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

LS5

LS3

LS1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessment Strategies Key:                                                                                                      Instructional Strategies Key:

                                                                                                                       

ESS                 Essay                                                                                                               AV                   Audio/Visual

PRO                Project                                                                                                             LAB                 Lab

OP                   Oral Presentation                                                                                              LEC                 Lecture

RP                   Research Paper                                                                                                LIT                  Literature

LAB                 Lab                                                                                                                  STU                 Student Presentation

OAA                Other Authentic Assessment                                                                             DEMO             Demonstration/Modeling

PORT              Portfolio                                                                                                           GRPD              Group Demonstration

QUIZ               Quiz                                                                                                                 GRPW             Group Work

TEST               Test                                                                                                                  SPKR              Speaker

EXAM             Exam                                                                                                                INDW             Independent Work

JRNL               Journal                                                                                                             INFO               Handout

                                                                                                                                                WKST             Worksheet

                                                                                                                                                OTHER           Other Strategies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental Science              Has Met                                                    Has Not Met

 

Observing and                        Student identifies the phenomenon            Student identifies the                                                                                                                                                                                     

Theorizing                              and develops a possible explanation          phenomenon with teacher

                                               for it.                                                           assistance and cannot

                                                                                                                   develop an explanation

                                                                                                                   for it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Experimental Design.          Student designs an experiment with             Student cannot design the

And Testing                         teacher assistance and performs                   experiment and  perform

                                             the experiment.                                             an experiment with

                                                                                                                   teacher assistance.

 

 

 

 

Analyzing                           Student can manipulate data                           Student cannot manipulate

                                           correctly and report findings.                          data in order to report 

                                                                                                                    findings.

 

                       

Generalizing and                Presents interpretations,                                   Cannot reach data supported 

Predicting                           generalizations or                                             conclusions and generalizations.

                                            predictions based on specific

                                            conclusive evidence. 

 

 

 

Concluding                         Student generalizes findings                         Student cannot recognize    

                                            To other similar situations                            similar situations and cannot

                                            and makes appropriate                                  make connections.

                                            connections.

 

 

 

 

Communications and       Student generally gives a                               Student gives a complete

Connections                      response with a clear,                                    response but the explanation

                                         coherent and unambiguous                            may be muddled.

                                         explanation.

 

Belmont High School Science Department Course Competencies

 

Course name: Basic Biology

Grades:10

Credits:1

Duration/length: Semester

Prerequisite: Physical Science

Course Description: Basic Biology  is a general life science program which will include the study of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and heredity, ecology, and evolution.  There will be strong emphasis on collaborative learning and gaining problem-solving skills.  Real world issues will be studied and students will be encouraged to think critically and form opinions.  Grading is based on successful completion of projects, test and quiz scores and class work (including daily participation) and homework.

 

Course Core Competencies

 

1.  The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

 

2.  The learner will develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of

     organisms over time.

 

3.  The learner will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical and cellular basis

     of life.

 

4.  The learner will develop an understanding of the ecological relationships among

     organisms.

 

5.  The learner will develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life.

 

 

 

 

 

Mission Statement Objectives

Primary Mission Statement Objective:  The student will use the following skills of research: Observing, Theorizing, Experimental Design and Testing, Analyzing, and Concluding.

 

Secondary Mission Statement Objective: The student will communicate ideas effectively for a variety of purposes.  Student presentations will reflect a command of organization, use appropriate tone and style, use visual aids effectively, and engage the audience.  The students will listen actively, critically and responsibly.  The student is able to evaluate and employ a variety of visual media and technology.

 

Tertiary Mission Statement Objective:  The student will write effectively for a variety of purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prescribed Course Content

For

Basic Biology

Assessment

 Strategies

 

Typical Instructional Strategies

Course Core Competencies

State GLE’s/GSE’s Frameworks ,  local or national standards

BHS  Mission & Learning Expectation

In Organic Compounds, students will

 

  • Explain the use of organic compounds in living things.
  • Identify the building blocks of each organic compound.
  • Demonstrate relationships between each organic compound.
  • Recognize examples of organic compounds.

 

 

PRO 

OPR 

RP     

LAB 

OAA 

QUIZ    

 

 

A/V     

LAB      

LEC       

LIT        

STU        

GRPW  

INDW   

WKST 

INFO    

 

1

3

 

 

 

LS1.1

LS1.2

LS4.2

LS4.3

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

In Characteristics of Living Things, students will:

 

  • Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors.
  • Describe the characteristics of a living thing.
  • Relate a characteristic of a living thing to another characteristic of a living thing.
  • Relate a characteristic of a living thing to an organic compound.

 

 

PRO 

OPR 

OAA

QUIZ    

 

A/V       

LEC       

LIT        

STU      

GRPW  

INDW   

INFO     

WKST   

INFO 

 

2

3

4

5

 

 

LS1.1

LS1.2

LS1.3

LS4.1

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

In Cell Structure and Function, students will:

 

  • Identify the structure and function of cell parts and organelles.
  • Explain how the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interrelated affect biogeochemical cycles that sustain life on earth.
  • Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  • Understand cellular characteristics of the five kingdoms of living things.
  • Demonstrate competency with compound light microscope and stereomicroscope.

 

ESS    

PRO  

OPR  

RP    

LAB  

OAA 

PORT   

QUIZ    

TEST    

 

A/V       

LAB      

LEC       

LIT        

STU      

GRPW  

INDW   

WKST   

INFO 

 

1

2

3

 

 

 

LS1.2

LS1.3

LS4.2

LS5.2

LS5.4

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

In Genetics, students will:

 

  • Identify the structural properties of DNA and its role in determining characteristics.
  • Understand how mutations in DNA produce new gene combinations, both beneficial and detrimental.
  • Explain how proteins are synthesized and explain their function in the cell.
  • Describe the processes of replication, transcription, translation and gene expression.
  • Explain Mendelian patterns of inheritance and use pedigree charts and Punnet squares.
  • Evaluate the role of gene technology in society describing the ethical, moral and social implications of such technology.

 

 

ESS  

PRO

OPR 

RP     

LAB 

OAA 

QUIZ    

TEST    

 

 

A/V       

LEC       

LIT        

STU       

GRPW  

INDW   

WKST   

INFO 

 

2

3

4

 

 

LS3.1

LS3.2

LS3.3

LS4.1

LS4.2

LS4.3

LS5.3

LS5.4

 

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

In Ecology, students will:

 

  • Explain the cycling of matter and energy from its source through its transformation in cellular and biogeochemical processes.
  • Describe how terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems interact within the biosphere. 
  • Analyze, describe and make predications how human behavior and society can alter the equilibrium of ecosystems.
  • Observe and explain the interrelationships and interdependencies among organisms and how they generate stable ecosystems that fluctuate around a state of rough equilibrium for hundreds or thousands of years.
  • Identify and assess ways of detecting, and limiting or reversing environmental damage.

 

 

PRO 

OPR 

RP     

LAB 

OAA 

QUIZ    

TEST   

 

A/V       

LAB      

LEC       

LIT        

GRPW  

INDW   

WKST   

INFO 

 

1

4

5

 

 

 

LS2.1

LS2.2

LS2.3

LS4.1

LS4.2

LS5.2

LS5.3

 

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

 

In Evolution, students will:

 

  • Explain the currently accepted theory for the development of life on Earth, including the history of its origin and the evolutionary process.
  • Explain the contributions of Darwin, Malthus, Wallace and Russell to the advancements of science.
  • Explain natural selection and give evidence that supports the theory of evolution.
  • Explain how evolution affects current issues, i.e. antibiotic resistance, Tb, and seasonal flu.
  • Describe how organisms are classified into a hierarchy of groups based on their evolutionary relationships.

 

 

ESS  

PRO

OPR

OAA 

QUIZ    

TEST    

 

A/V       

LEC      

LIT        

STU      

GRPW  

SPKR    

INDW   

INFO 

 

1

2

5

 

 

 

LS1.2

LS1.3

LS3.1

LS3.2

LS3.3

LS4.1

LS4.3

LS5.3

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

 

In Scientific Process Skills, students will:

 

  • Understand and use safe laboratory procedures.
  • Use the scientific method to conduct scientific experiments and understand its importance in scientific research.
  • Apply technologies such as computers, microscopes, probes, calculators and balances.
  • Compile, organize and analyze data to support or refute a hypothesis.
  • Understand the application of scientific models.
  • Use formal lab reports and technical writing skills to evaluate and present scientific issues.

 

 

PRO 

OPR  

RP     

LAB 

OAA 

QUIZ    

TEST    

 

 

A/V       

LAB       

LEC       

LIT        

STU      

DEMO  

GRPD   

GRPW  

INDW   

WKST

INFO  

 

1

 

 

 

LS5.1

LS5.2

LS5.4

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

 

 

 

Assessment Strategies Key:                                                                                                      Instructional Strategies Key:

                                                                                                                       

ESS                 Essay                                                                                                               AV                   Audio/Visual

PRO                Project                                                                                                             LAB                 Lab

OP                   Oral Presentation                                                                                              LEC                 Lecture

RP                   Research Paper                                                                                                LIT                  Literature

LAB                 Lab                                                                                                                  STU                 Student Presentation

OAA                Other Authentic Assessment                                                                             DEMO             Demonstration/Modeling

PORT              Portfolio                                                                                                           GRPD              Group Demonstration

QUIZ               Quiz                                                                                                                 GRPW             Group Work

TEST               Test                                                                                                                  INDW             Independent Work

                                                                                                                                                INFO               Handout

                                                                                                                                                WKST             Worksheet

                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                               

 

                                        Life Science Competency Rubric

 

 

Has Met

Has Not Met

Not Applicable

Understand and perform scientific inquiry

Student can design and execute an experiment, develop a hypothesis, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions.

Student cannot design and execute an experiment, develop a hypothesis, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions.

 

Describe and explain the reasons for changes in living things over time.

Student can explain the inheritance of genes and their influence on traits.  Student can describe how mutations can produce change in an organism.

Student cannot explain the inheritance of genes and their influence on traits.  Student cannot describe how mutations can produce change in an organism.

 

Describe and explain the physical, chemical and cellular basis of life.

 

Student can compare and contrast cell types and cell division.  Students can describe cell structure and function.

Student cannot compare and contrast cell types and cell division.  Students cannot describe cell structure and function.

 

Describe the ecological relationships among

organisms.

 

Student can explain the flow of energy and cycles within living things.  Student can explain and identify biotic and abiotic factors and their influence on living things.

Student can explain the flow of energy and cycles within living things.  Student cannot explain and identify biotic and abiotic factors and their influence on living things.

 

Understand the unity and diversity of life

Student demonstrates an understanding of factors influences changes over time.  Student can apply a genetic rational for these changes.

Student does not demonstrate an understanding of factors influences changes over time.  Student cannot apply a genetic rational for these changes.

 

 

 

 

Belmont High School Science Department Course Competencies

 

Course name: BSCS Biology

Grades:10

Credits:1

Duration/length: Semester

Prerequisite: Physical Science + Teacher Recommendation

Course Description: BSCS Biology (Biological Science Curriculum Study) is a sophomore level, college preparatory course.  It is a survey course which illustrates the fundamental principles of biology using an ecological approach.  Principles such as evolution, cellular and organism reproduction, interaction of organisms and environment, comparison of structure and function, organism regulation, and homeostasis are integral parts of this class.  The interrelationships among organisms, organism systems, and their niche in the environment are constantly stressed.

 

Course Core Competencies

 

1.  The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.

 

2.  The learner will develop an understanding of the continuity of life and the changes of

     organisms over time.

 

3.  The learner will develop an understanding of the physical, chemical and cellular basis

     of life.

 

4.  The learner will develop an understanding of the ecological relationships among

     organisms.

 

5.  The learner will develop an understanding of the unity and diversity of life.

 

 

 

 

Mission Statement Objectives

Primary Mission Statement Objective:  The student will use the following skills of research: Observing, Theorizing, Experimental Design and Testing, Analyzing, and Concluding.

 

Secondary Mission Statement Objective: The student will communicate ideas effectively for a variety of purposes.  Student presentations will reflect a command of organization, use appropriate tone and style, use visual aids effectively, and engage the audience.  The students will listen actively, critically and responsibly.  The student is able to evaluate and employ a variety of visual media and technology.

 

Tertiary Mission Statement Objective:  The student will write effectively for a variety of purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prescribed Course Content

For

BSCS

Assessment

 Strategies

 

Typical Instructional Strategies

Course Core Competencies

State GLE’s/GSE’s Frameworks ,  local or national standards

BHS  Mission & Learning Expectation

In Organic Compounds, students will

 

  • Explain the use of organic compounds in living things.
  • Identify the building blocks of each organic compound.
  • Demonstrate relationships between each organic compound.
  • Recognize examples of organic compounds.

 

 

PRO 

OPR 

RP     

LAB 

OAA 

QUIZ    

 

 

A/V     

LAB      

LEC        

LIT        

STU        

GRPW  

INDW   

WKST 

INFO    

 

1

3

 

 

 

LS1.1

LS1.2

LS4.2

LS4.3

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

In Characteristics of Living Things, students will:

 

  • Distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors.
  • Describe the characteristics of a living thing.
  • Relate a characteristic of a living thing to another characteristic of a living thing.
  • Relate a characteristic of a living thing to an organic compound.

 

 

PRO 

OPR 

OAA

QUIZ    

 

A/V       

LEC       

LIT        

STU      

GRPW  

INDW   

INFO     

WKST   

INFO 

 

2

3

4

5

 

 

LS1.1

LS1.2

LS1.3

LS4.1

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

In Cell Structure and Function, students will:

 

  • Identify the structure and function of cell parts and organelles.
  • Explain how the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interrelated affect biogeochemical cycles that sustain life on earth.
  • Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  • Understand cellular characteristics of the five kingdoms of living things.
  • Demonstrate competency with compound light microscope and stereomicroscope.

 

ESS    

PRO  

OPR  

RP    

LAB  

OAA 

PORT   

QUIZ    

TEST    

 

A/V       

LAB      

LEC       

LIT        

STU      

GRPW  

INDW   

WKST   

INFO 

 

1

2

3

 

 

 

LS1.2

LS1.3

LS4.2

LS5.2

LS5.4

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

In Genetics, students will:

 

  • Identify the structural properties of DNA and its role in determining characteristics.
  • Understand how mutations in DNA produce new gene combinations, both beneficial and detrimental.
  • Explain how proteins are synthesized and explain their function in the cell.
  • Describe the processes of replication, transcription, translation and gene expression.
  • Explain Mendelian patterns of inheritance and use pedigree charts and Punnet squares.
  • Evaluate the role of gene technology in society describing the ethical, moral and social implications of such technology.

 

 

ESS  

PRO

OPR 

RP     

LAB 

OAA 

QUIZ    

TEST    

 

 

A/V       

LEC       

LIT        

STU       

GRPW  

INDW   

WKST   

INFO 

 

2

3

4

 

 

LS3.1

LS3.2

LS3.3

LS4.1

LS4.2

LS4.3

LS5.3

LS5.4

 

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

In Ecology, students will:

 

  • Explain the cycling of matter and energy from its source through its transformation in cellular and biogeochemical processes.
  • Describe how terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems interact within the biosphere. 
  • Analyze, describe and make predications how human behavior and society can alter the equilibrium of ecosystems.
  • Observe and explain the interrelationships and interdependencies among organisms and how they generate stable ecosystems that fluctuate around a state of rough equilibrium for hundreds or thousands of years.
  • Identify and assess ways of detecting, and limiting or reversing environmental damage.

 

 

PRO 

OPR 

RP     

LAB 

OAA 

QUIZ    

TEST   

 

A/V       

LAB      

LEC       

LIT        

GRPW   

INDW   

WKST   

INFO 

 

1

4

5

 

 

 

LS2.1

LS2.2

LS2.3

LS4.1

LS4.2

LS5.2

LS5.3

 

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

 

In Evolution, students will:

 

  • Explain the currently accepted theory for the development of life on Earth, including the history of its origin and the evolutionary process.
  • Explain the contributions of Darwin, Malthus, Wallace and Russell to the advancements of science.
  • Explain natural selection and give evidence that supports the theory of evolution.
  • Explain how evolution affects current issues, i.e. antibiotic resistance, Tb, and seasonal flu.
  • Describe how organisms are classified into a hierarchy of groups based on their evolutionary relationships.

 

 

ESS  

PRO

OPR

OAA 

QUIZ    

TEST    

 

A/V       

LEC      

LIT        

STU      

GRPW  

SPKR    

INDW   

INFO 

 

1

2

5

 

 

 

LS1.2

LS1.3

LS3.1

LS3.2

LS3.3

LS4.1

LS4.3

LS5.3

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

 

In Scientific Process Skills, students will:

 

  • Understand and use safe laboratory procedures.
  • Use the scientific method to conduct scientific experiments and understand its importance in scientific research.
  • Apply technologies such as computers, microscopes, probes, calculators and balances.
  • Compile, organize and analyze data to support or refute a hypothesis.
  • Understand the application of scientific models.
  • Use formal lab reports and technical writing skills to evaluate and present scientific issues.

 

 

PRO 

OPR  

RP     

LAB 

OAA 

QUIZ    

TEST    

 

 

A/V       

LAB       

LEC       

LIT        

STU      

DEMO  

GRPD   

GRPW  

INDW   

WKST

INFO  

 

1

 

 

 

LS5.1

LS5.2

LS5.4

 

 

1

2

3

5

10

11

 

 

 

 

Assessment Strategies Key:                                                                                                      Instructional Strategies Key:

                                                                                                                       

ESS                 Essay                                                                                                               AV                   Audio/Visual

PRO                Project                                                                                                             LAB                 Lab

OP                   Oral Presentation                                                                                              LEC                 Lecture

RP                   Research Paper                                                                                                LIT                  Literature

LAB                 Lab                                                                                                                  STU                 Student Presentation

OAA                Other Authentic Assessment                                                                             DEMO             Demonstration/Modeling

PORT              Portfolio                                                                                                           GRPD              Group Demonstration

QUIZ               Quiz                                                                                                                 GRPW             Group Work

TEST               Test                                                                                                                  INDW             Independent Work

                                                                                                                                                INFO               Handout

                                                                                                                                                WKST             Worksheet

                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                               

 

 

                               Life Science Competency Rubric

 

 

Has Met

Has Not Met

Not Applicable

Understand and perform scientific inquiry

Student can design and execute an experiment, develop a hypothesis, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions.

Student cannot design and execute an experiment, develop a hypothesis, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions.

 

Describe and explain the reasons for changes in living things over time.

Student can explain the inheritance of genes and their influence on traits.  Student can describe how mutations can produce change in an organism.

Student cannot explain the inheritance of genes and their influence on traits.  Student cannot describe how mutations can produce change in an organism.

 

Describe and explain the physical, chemical and cellular basis of life.

 

Student can compare and contrast cell types and cell division.  Students can describe cell structure and function.

Student cannot compare and contrast cell types and cell division.  Students cannot describe cell structure and function.

 

Describe the ecological relationships among

organisms.

 

Student can explain the flow of energy and cycles within living things.  Student can explain and identify biotic and abiotic factors and their influence on living things.

Student can explain the flow of energy and cycles within living things.  Student cannot explain and identify biotic and abiotic factors and their influence on living things.

 

Understand the unity and diversity of life

Student demonstrates an understanding of factors influences changes over time.  Student can apply a genetic rational for these changes.

Student does not demonstrate an understanding of factors influences changes over time.  Student cannot apply a genetic rational for these changes.