High School Biology Benchmarks – 2006

The revised state standards for biology include learner objectives with notations such as 9-10.B.1.1.1.  This code is referring to the grade level 9-10, Biology, and Standard 1.  Each standard and its numbered objectives are the main focus of the curriculum.

 

Additions:

In the learner objectives column, those objectives with an asterisk are suggested in addition to the state standards.  Teachers are encouraged to develop long term, high interest projects or activities to help students develop an in depth understanding of concepts.  These are suggestions that may be used, as time allows, as you implement teaching approaches that encourage exploration and questioning.

 

 

 

Standards

Goals

General Topics

Learner Objectives

Standard 1: Nature of Science

Students exercise the basic tenets of scientific investigation, make accurate observations, exercise critical thinking skills, apply proper scientific instruments of investigation and measurement tools, and communicate results in problem solving.  Students evaluate the validity of information by utilizing the tools of scientific thinking and investigation.  Students summarize their findings by creating lab reports using technical writing including graphs, charts, and diagrams to communicate the results of investigations.

 

Goal 1.1: Understand Systems, Order, and Organization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Molecules

Organic Compounds

Carbon Bonding

Chemical Reactions

Enzyme activity

Water chemistry

Cells

Tissues

Organs

Organ systems

Homeostasis

Living vs. nonliving

Classification

Phylogeny

 

 

 

9-10.B.1.1.1

Explain the scientific meaning of system, order, and organization.

 

9-10.B.1.1.2

Apply the

concepts of order

and organization

to a given system.

 

*Distinguish

between the living

and non living.

 

*Understand that

behavior

influences

growth,

development,

maintenance and

reproduction

 

*Distinguish

between

homeostasis and

metabolism and

between growth,

development and

reproduction.

 

*Understand that

organisms’

behavior will

change with

internal and

external stimuli.

 

 

 

 

Goal 1.2:Understand Concepts & Processes of Evidence, Models & Explanations

 

  • Experimentation
  • Data collection
  • Developing models
  • Problem solving
  • Analysis
  • Using logic

 

 

 

 

 

9-10.B.1.2.1   

Use observations and data as evidence on which to base scientific

explanations.

 

9-10.B.1.2.2   

Develop models to

explain concepts or

Systems.

 

910.B.1.2.3

Develop scientific explanations based on knowledge, logic and analysis.

*summarize how observations are used to form hypotheses.

 

*List the elements of a controlled experiment.

 

*Describe how scientists use data use data to draw conclusions.

 

*Compare a scientific hypothesis and a scientific theory.

 

* State how communication in science helps prevent dishonesty and bias.

 

 

Goal 1.3: Understand Constancy, Change, and Measurement

 

  • Metric measurement
  • Lab skills
  • Microscope Use
  • Quantitative observations
  • Qualitative observations

 

9-10.B.1.3.1   

Measure changes that can occur in

and among systems.

 

9-10.B.1.3.2   

Analyze changes that can occur in and among systems.

 

9-10.B.1.3.3   

Measure and calculate using the metric system.

*Describe the function of microscope parts

*Describe the importance of the metric system

*Use metric measurement in  laboratory practices

 

 

 

Goal 1.4:

Understand the Theory that Evolution is a Process that Relates to the Gradual Changes in the Universe and of Equilibrium as a Physical State

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference to 7.S.3.2.1

(a probable error on the state standards document)

*Understand how equilibrium relates to the process of evolution.

 

*Summarize why evolution is an important theme in biology.

 

*Compare gradualism and punctuated equilibrium

 

 

 

Goal 1.5:

UnderstandConcepts of Form and Function

 

No Objectives in Biology

 

 

Goal 1.6: Understand Scientific Inquiry and Develop Critical Thinking Skills

 

  • Observing
  • Classifying and sequencing
  • Communicating
  • Measuring
  • Predicting
  • Hypothesizing
  • Inferring
  • Defining, controlling, and manipulating variables in experimentation
  • Designing, constructing and interpreting models
  • Interpreting, analyzing and evaluating data
  • Presentations
  • Discussions

 

 

9-10.B.1.6.1   

Identify questions and concepts that

 guide scientific

investigations.

 

9-10.B.1.6.2   

Utilize the components

of scientific

problem solving to

design, conduct,

and communicate

results of

investigations.

 

9-10.B.1.6.3   

Use appropriate

technology and

mathematics to make

investigations.

 

9-10.B.1.6.4   

Formulate scientific

explanations

and models using logic and evidence.

 

9-10.B.1.6.5   

Analyze alternative

explanations and

models.

 

9-10.B.1.6.6   

Communicate and

defend a scientific

argument.

 

9-10.B.1.6.7   

Explain the

differences among

observations,

hypotheses, and

theories.

 

*Apply the scientific method as a dynamic process (no fixed step sequence)

 

*Apply experiment results to scientific arguments & explanations

 

*Communicate student ideas & work to classmates

 

 

 

Goal 1.7: Understand That Interpersonal Relationships Are Important in Scientific Endeavors

 

 

No Objectives in Biology

 

 

Goal 1.8:

Understand Technical Communication

 

  • Internet research methods
  • Computer preparation of charts and graphs.
  • Use of measurement Units
  • Research paper
  • Science Magazine Summaries

 

9-10.B.1.8.1   

Analyze technical

writing, graphs,

charts, and diagrams

 

*Use appropriate metric measurement units in charts and graphs

 

 

Standard 2: Physical Science

 

 

No goals or objectives in Biology.

 

 

 

Standard 3: Biology

Students explain the importance of cells as they relate to the organization and structure of complex organisms, differentiation and specialization during development, and the chemical reactions necessary to sustain life.  Students describe the functions of cell structures.  Students use the theory of evolution to explain diversity of life.

 

Goal 3.1:

Understand

The Theory of

Biological Evolution

  • Natural selection
  • Allele frequency
  • Co-evolution
  • Convergent vs. Divergent
  • Fossil evidence
  • Gradualism & Punctuated Equilibrium

 

9-10.B.3.1.1   

Use the theory of

evolution to explain

how species change

over time.

 

9-10.B.3.1.2   

Explain how evolution is the consequence of interactions among the potential of a species to increase its numbers,

genetic variability, a finite supply of

resources, and the

selection by the

environment of

those offspring better able to survive and reproduce.

 

 

Goal 3.2: Understand the Relationship between Matter and Energy in Living Systems

 

  • Diffusion
  • Osmosis
  • Photosynthesis
  • Cellular respiration
  • Synthesis of organic molecules
  • Ecologic
  • interdependence
  • Energy transfer/flow
  • Trophic levels
  • Biogeochemical cycles

 

 

 

9-10.B.3.2.1   

Explain how matter tends toward more

Disorganized states

(entropy).

 

9-10.B.3.2.2   

Explain how organisms use the continuous input

of energy and matter to maintain their chemical and physical organization.

 

9-10.B.3.2.3   

Show how the energy for life is primarily derived from the sun through photosynthesis.

 

9-10.B.3.2.4   

Describe cellular

respiration and the

synthesis of

macromolecules.

 

9-10.B.3.2.5            Show how matter cycles and energy flows through the different levels of organization of living systems (cells, organs, organisms, communities) and their environment.

 

 

Goal 3.3: Understand the Cell is the Basis of Form and Function for All Living Things

 

Cell theory

  • Cell organelles & functions
  • Cell types
  • Cell processes
  • Levels of organization
  • Photosynthesis
  • Cellular respiration
  • Cell reproduction/mitosis & meiosis
  • Genetics
  • Gene expression
  • Inheritance

 

 

9-10.B.3.3.1   

Identify the particular

structures that

underlie the cellular

functions.

 

9-10.B.3.3.2   

Explain cell functions

involving

chemical

reactions.

 

9-10.B.3.3.3   

Explain how

cells use

DNA to store

and use

information for

cell functions.

 

9-10.B.3.3.4

Explain how selective expression of genes can produce specialized cells from a single cell.

 

Standard 4: Earth and Space Systems

 

 

No goals or objectives in Biology.

 

 

 

Standard 5: Personal and Social Perspectives; Technology

Students understand that science and technology interact and impact both society and the environment.  Students describe issues such as water and air quality, hazardous waste, renewable and nonrenewable resources.

 

Goal 5.1:Understand

Common

Environmental

Quality Issues, Both

Natural and Human

Induced

 

  • Pollution
  • Extinctions
  • Use of resources
  • Habitat protection
  • Ecosystem protection laws
  • Case studies
  • Agricultural practices
  • Forest management
  • The role of the individual in the environment

9-10.B.5.1.1   

Analyze environmental issues such as water and air quality, hazardous waste, forest health, and agricultural production.

*Explain the functions of the ozone layer and greenhouse effect

 

*Summarize ways of measuring biodiversity.

 

*Discuss the value of biodiversity.

 

*Describe the consequences of pollution.

 

*Identify primary causes of extinctions.

*Explain why extinctions & ecosystem disruptions are of concern to individuals.

 

Goal 5.2: Understand the Relationship between Science and Technology

 

Biotechnology

Technology in the prevention & treatment of disease

 

 

9-10.B.5.2.1   

Explain how science

advances technology.

 

9-10.B.5.2.2   

Explain how technology

advances science.

 

9-10.B.5.2.3   

Explain how science and technology are pursued for different purposes.

 

 

Goal 5.3: Understand the Importance of Natural Resources and the Need to Manage and Conserve Them

 

  • Natural resources
  • Resource management
  • Conservation
  • Laws for protecting the environment

9-10.B.5.3.1   

Describe the difference

between renewable and

nonrenewable resources

 

*State the goals of conservation and restoration biology.

 

*Describe examples of efforts to protect species and habitats.

 

* Discuss roles of governments & laws in addressing environmental problems.