Unit 6 - Evolution and Natural Selection

In the last unit we saw how organisms can adapt to live in a wide variety of environments from oceans and deserts to extreme environments such as the arctic tundra. We also learned earlier that one of the many characteristic of living things is that they can change over time, a process we call evolution. In this unit we will study evolution in more detail, focusing on the evidence for evolution as well as the rates and patterns of evolution. Most importantly, we will study natural selection, the mechanism by which evolution operates and how adaptations to a changing environment over long periods of time can lead to the evolution of new kinds of organisms, a process we call speciation.

SBS5. Students will evaluate the role of natural selection in the development of the theory of evolution.
a. Trace the history of the theory.
b. Explain the history of life in terms of biodiversity, ancestry, and the rates of evolution.
c. Explain how fossil and biochemical evidence support the theory.
d. Relate natural selection to changes in organisms.
Recognize the role of evolution to biological resistance (pesticide and antibiotic resistance).
SB3c: Examine the evolutionary basis of modern classification systems.

Instruction will be a selection of video lessons, class discussion, mini- lectures and at least one worksheet. Listen to mini-lectures, view videos, and participate in class discussions. It will save you a lot of time and effort if you complete the worksheet as we go (not before or after the lessons) and make flash cards of important vocabulary at the same time.

Specific Assignments:

Assignment 1: Watch video below on "Biological Evolution." Participate in the class discussion that follows. Begin to complete the Evolution and Natural Selection worksheet. Make flashcards of important terms. (click here to view worksheet)



Assignment 2: Introduction to Evolution - mini lecture. Take notes. Continue to fill-in your worksheet and make flash cards of important terms.

Review what you have learned about evolution so far,
click on video 1 and
then click on video 2.

Assignment 3: Mini-lecture: Rates of Evolution - Gradualism vs. Punctuated Equilibrium. Take notes and continue to complete the Evolution and Natural Selection worksheet.

Click here for a good summary of the concepts you have just learned.

Assignment 4: Study the handout sheet on Phylogenetic Trees. Then, during class discussion, demonstrate that you know how to interpret the information on the tree by answering your instructors questions . (click here to see worksheet)

Assignment 5: Mini-lecture: Patterns of Evolution. Take notes and add the information to the appropriate sections of the Evolution and Natural Selection worksheet.

Review what you have learned about patterns of evolution by clicking on an watching following short videos:
Divergent Evolution
Convergent Evolution
Adaptive Radiation
Co-evolution

Assignment 7: Mini-lecture: Speciation. Takes notes and complete the last section of the Evolution and Natural Selection worksheet.

The following video summarizes what you have learned about speciation.

Quiz: Evolution and Natural Selection. The quiz covers all you have learned about evolution and natural selection including rates of evolution, patterns of evolution, and speciation. Be able to interpret information on a phylogenetic tree. Use your worksheet as a study guide and your flashcards to help you memorize key terms and concepts. Be able to give examples.

Unit 12 - Genetics

Previously we studied how DNA and RNA work together to synthesize proteins from a genetic code kept by DNA. Ultimately the codes for proteins translate into the individual traits inherited and express by living organisms. In this unit we will study how these genetic traits are inherited or passed on from one generation to the next. We will also examine mutations(mistakes) that occur in the hereditary process. Finally, we will look at the ways man can manipulate and modify heredity through biotechnology.

Specific Assignments:

SB2: Students will analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations.
SB2e: Examine the use of DNA technology in forensics, medicine, and agriculture.

Assignment 1:
Study the following lessons on the Learn Genetics website to find and write down definitions for the vocabulary terms on the Genetics vocabulary helpsheet ((see helpsheet). To complete the lessons, first access the Learn Genetics website using the link below. Next, click on"Tour of the Basics" and then click on the appropriate tab for each lesson at the top of the page. Click here to access the web site.

Lesson 1: What is a gene?
Lesson 2: What is a chromosome?
Lesson 3: What is heredity?
Lesson 4: What is a trait


Assignement 2: Genetics in a Nutshell -- mini-lecture. Take notes and participate in class discussion. Continue to complete Genetics helpsheet as you go.

Review what you have learned about basic genetics by watching the following video.



Quiz: Basic Genetics -- Chromosomes, genes, and alleles

Assignment 3: Complete the Punnett Square worksheet. Be prepared to discuss your results with your teacher on an individual basis (i.e. one on one). (click here to see worksheet)

Here is a great video that summarizes how to use a Punnett Square.

Assignment 4: Sex Chromosomes -- mini-lecture. Take notes. Participate in class discussion.

Assignment 5: Mutations and Genetic Disorders-- mini-lecture. Again, take notes. Complete the Chromosomal Mutations exercise (see handout). Then, as a class, we will peruse the Genetic Disorders Library by clicking here.

Review what you have learned about mutations by watching the following short videos entitled "Point Mutations," "Duplication and Deletion," and "Translocation and Inversion."







Extra Credit: Genetic Disorder report. Prepare a very short report on a genetic disorder. Choose the disorder from the Genetic Disorders Library through the link given above. Read about the disorder and report the following information:

• The name of the disorder (or disease)
• What type of gene mutation or chromosome abnormality causes the disorder
• What are the symptoms of the disorder
• How is it treated (if at all)

You do not have to write a formal report. Just take notes and share with the class what you learned about the disorder.

Assignment 6: Exploring Biotechnology -- mini-lecture. Take notes and participate in class discussion introducing various aspects of biotechnology such as cloning, genetic engineering, stem cell research, and DNA fingerprinting. If time permits, make a virtual DNA fingerprint (class activity) . Click here to start lab.

Assignment 7: Review for the unit test.
First, watch the short video below. DO NOT TAKE NOTES. Just watch closely. It's a good review of all we have learned up to this point. Watch it as many times as needed.



Next, look over the genetics helpsheet. Make sure you understand each term. If you don't, ask your teacher or a classmate for help. (Helpful hint: Remember, flash cards will help you learn faster and cut down on study time)

Unit TEST: Genetics

Unit 10 - DNA,RNA and Protein Synthesis

In the previous unit we saw the importance of the nucleus and its DNA in cell reproduction. In this we will take a closer look at the structure of DNA and the basis for its "genetic code." In addition, we will examine the similarities and differences between DNA and RNA and then learn how both DNA and RNA work together to synthesis the proteins that ultimately express the genetic code in DNA as traits in a living organism.

Instruction this week will direct instruction supplemented by several activities, worksheets, a project, and a play.

SB2a: Distinguish between DNA and RNA.
SB2b: Explain the role of DNA in storing and transmitting cellular information.

Assignment 1: The Structure of DNA and DNA Replication - mini lecture. Take notes and complete appropriate parts of the DNA, RNA, Protein Synthesis worksheet as you go. (Click here to see worksheet)

The following short video summarizes what you have learned about the structure of DNA and how DNA replicates:



Assignment 2: Acquire a basic understanding of how DNA holds and transmits cellular information by completing the following activity.

• Access an interactive website called "Tour of the Basics". Then, click on the tab at the top of the page entitled "What is DNA?" Work through this short presentation. Discuss what you learned with your instructor afterwards. Click here to access the website.
  

Assignment 3: Build a model of a DNA molecule. To complete this project, you will work together in class in small groups of 3-4 students. Each group will build a portion of the molecule. Later, we will connect the sections together. (Click here for instructions)

Assignment 4: How DNA and RNA work together to make proteins. -- mini lecture. Take notes and label the appropriate diagrams on your worksheet as you go.

Watch the following video summarizing what you have learned about DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis:



Assignment 5: Review protein synthesis by completing the following activity. Your goal is to learn how to transcribe and translate genetic code into an amino acid sequence we call a protein.
Read all instructions carefully. Ask for help if you "get stuck." or "confused." Click here to begin activity.

Assignment 6: Participate in the play -- Protein Synthesis. This is a class activity.

Quiz: Unit test: DNA, RNA and Protein Synthesis

Unit 11 - Cell Division

Previously we learned that all living organisms are made of cells. The cells can be small, simple prokaryotic cells or large, more complex, organelle-filled eukaryotic cells. In this unit we take a closer look at one important life function performed by all cells -- cell reproduction. There are only two kinds of cell reproduction -- mitosis and meiosis. We will see how certain organelles such as the nucleus (and centrioles in animal cells) play a critical role in accomplishing this task. You will also learn the similarities and differences between the two types of cell division. We will also take a brief look at the rudimentary kind of reproduction displayed by bacteria, a process called binary fission.

Instruction this week is straight forward. It will consist of two mini-lectures supplement by several short animations, interactive websites, worksheets, and the project. Our project this week is to make a model of mitosis.

SB1a: Explain the role of cell organelles for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the cell membrane, in maintaining homeostasis and cell reproduction.

Specific Assignments:

Assignment 1: . Mini-lecture : mitosis. Take notes, participate in a class discussion. As a class we will fill-out appropriate portions of the Mitosis v.s. Meiosis worksheet (click here to see worksheet) and . Next, access an interactive video that will help you visualize the phases (stages) of mitosis and complete a worksheet entitled Phases of Mitotic Cell Division (see handout). Click here to access the website. Your goal is understand what is happening in the cell at each phase of mitosis and be able to recognize each phase on sight. Finally, click here to access another helpful website that summarizes the phases of mitosis.

Quiz: Mitosis (be able to recognize the phases of mitosis by sight).

Assignment 2: Make 3-D model of Mitosis. illustrating the four phases of mitosis. Read directions carefully and use the illustrations from your quiz above to guide you through the model making process. (click here to see directions and grading rubric)

Assignment 3: Review the phases of mitosis by carefully watching the video (below) entitled "Mitosis." Then watch the video entitled "Meiosis," taking particular care to note similarities and differences between meiosis and mitosis, especially what happens during "crossing over." Review "crossing over" by watching the short video by the same title. Your goal is to know how meiosis differs from mitosis at the chromosome level. Be prepared to discuss what you learn.







Assignment 4: Review the similarities and differences between Mitosis and Meiosis by watching the video entitled "Mitosis vs. Meiosis (summary)" and complete the Mitosis v.s. Meiosis worksheet.

Assignment 5: The role of meiosis in sexual reproduction - mini lecture. Watch the following video entitled "Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction," paying particular attention to the role of meiosis in gamete formation and the subsequent process of fertilization. Complete the Cell Reproduction and Fertilization Activity which summarizes the processes of mitosis, meiosis, and fertilization. (click here to see activity sheet). Be prepared to discuss what you learned.


Assignment 6: Binary Fission -- mini lecture. Click here to see video version of the lecture.

Watch this video on "budding."

Test: Cell Reproduction (paper test).



Unit 2 - The Building Blocks of Life

In this unit we will study the basic building blocks of all life -- the cell. We will learn to recognize the structures of cells and their functions. In the process we will use our knowledge of structure to distinguish different types of cells such as prokaryotic from eukaryotic cells and animal cells from plant cells. Finally, we will focus on how all cells use four major molecules -- carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids -- to build the structures that maintain them as the basic unit of life. So, our goal this week is simple:

(1) Learn the similarities and differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells.
(2) Learn the structure and function of organelles in the eukaryotic cell.
(3) Compare and contrast Animal Cells v.s. Plant cells.
(4) Identify the function of the major macromolecues in the cell, namely carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

SB1: Students will analyze the nature of the relationships between structures and functions in living cells.
a. Explain the roll of cell organelles for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the cell membrane in maintaining homeostasis and cell reproduction.
c. Identify the function of the four major macromolecules (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids)

Instruction this week will be a mixture of direct instruction, worksheets, and interactive activities. To help you learn the structures of a cell, you will build a 3-D model of a cell.

Assignment 1: View power point lesson entitled "Life is Cellular." Take notes. Complete the quiz at the end of the lesson and then complete Section 1 in the Cell Structure and Function worksheet. (Click here to see worksheet) (Click here to begin power point lesson)

Assignment 2: Mini-lecture explaining similarities and differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells. Take notes and participate in the class discussion. Fill-in appropriate parts of Section 2 of the worksheet.

Click here for a video version of the mini-lecture on the Prokaryotic Cell.
Click here for a video version of the mini-lecture on the Eukaryotic Cell.

Click here to see a handout that will make it easy to compare prokayotes to eukaryotes.
You can also watch the following videos that summarize what you have learned about Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic cells.





Assignment 3: Watch the following video on the "Evolutionary Origin of Eukaryotic Cells". (note: if the video does not play on your computer, click here to see a power point version) After watching the video and/or viewing power point, write a short paragraph (in Section 3 of the worksheet) in which you explain in your own words how scientists think eukaryotic cells came to be. (Watch the video or view power point as many times as needed to answer the question)



Assignment 4: The objective in this lesson is to learn the structure and function of the various organelles in eukaryotic cells, both animal and plant cells. Use the links to all the websites and presentations given below to help you accomplish this task.
Take your time. Look at all the videos and links. Fill-in the table in Section 4 of the Cell Structure and Function worksheet as you go, taking extra time to carefully label the diagrams of the animal cell and plant cell.

Look at the cell membrane and cell wall first. Click here.

Click here to access a most helpful interactive website. Look at both the animal and plant cell.

To check out the next website, click here. It's also interactive and very helpful.

Click here to see the next resource. It is the best resource for the function of organelles.

Finally, click here to watch a short video on cilia and flagella.

Helpful Hint: To help learn cell structures and their functions, make flash cards for each cell organelle (structure). Write the name of each cell structure on one side of a card and its function on the other side.

If you are still having trouble learning the structure and function of organelles, watch this music video entitled "The Cell Song."



Assignment 5: Plant Cell vs. Animal Cell - mini-lecture. Take notes and participate in class discussion. Complete the Venn Diagram comparing an animal cell to a plant cell (Section 4 of the worksheet).

To see the unique structures of a plant cell, click here, then select "Turn This Cell into a Plant Cell" from the computer screen.

Turn in your worksheet when you have completed it. It will be graded. Leave no blanks.

Assignment 6: Build a 3-D model of an Animal Cell. Click here to see instructions for building your model and the rubric by which your model will be graded.

Now that we are familiar with the cell and its components, we are going to take a closer look at the molecular building blocks from which they are constructed. The building blocks are commonly referred to a macromolecules. We will study 4 different kinds of macromolecules -- carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Assignment 7: Macromolecules -- mini-lecture. Listen carefully and fill-in the information on the Macromolecules Table. Click here to see table.

The following short video entitled "What are macromolecules" is a good overview of macromolecules.

The following links will give you detailed information about the four major kinds of macromolecules...
Click here to learn about Carbohydrates
Click here to learn about Protiens
Click here to learn about Lipids
Click here to learn about Nucleic Acids.

Review what you have learned by clicking on the following website. Run through the exercise (game) several times by pushing the "shuffle" button and seeing if you can fill in the hidden information before looking at the answer in your worksheet. Do this enough times to be able to fill in the entire macromolecules table without notes.

Assignment 8: Review for the unit test. Study the information on your worksheets, especially the Venn Diagrams. Also use your Flash Cards. Finally, click on this website to review what you just learned about Macromolecules. Play the matching game until you can match everything in each of the categories in 10 seconds or less.


Unit Test: The Building Blocks of Life. The test includes everything we covered in the lessons above, including all the structures of prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells as well as the difference between animal and plant cells. Know the four kinds of macromolecules that make up all cells, the elements and building blocks they are make of, examples of each, their functions in the cell, and special features.