Big Ideas - Ecosystems are dynamic and have the ability to respond to change, within limits, while maintaining their ecological balance.
Big Idea - People have the responsibility to regulate their impact on the sustainability of ecosystems in order to preserve them for future generations.
B1, B2, B3
A1 & A2
D1
E1
Big Idea Plants and animals, including humans, are made of specialized cells, tissues, and organs that are organized into systems.
Big Idea Developments in medicine and medical technology can have social and ethical implications.
A1 & A2
B1
B2 & B3
Grade 10
Grade 11
Big Idea All living things can be classified according to their anatomical and physiological characteristics.
Big Idea Human activities affect the diversity of living things in ecosystems.
Grade 12
Big Idea Evolution • Evolution is the process of biological change over time based on the relationships between species and their environments. • The theory of evolution is a scientific explanation based on a large accumulation of evidence. • Technology that enables humans to manipulate the development of species has economic and environmental implications.
Big Idea Genetic Processes • Genetic and genomic research can have social and environmental implications. • Variability and diversity of living organisms result from the distribution of genetic materials during the process of meiosis (not entirely true)
Big Idea Animals: Structure and Function • Groups of organs with specific structures and functions work together as systems, which interact with other systems in the body. • The development and uses of technology to maintain human health are based, in part, on the changing needs of society.
Big Idea Plants: Anatomy, Growth, and Function • Plants have specialized structures with distinct functions that enable them to respond and adapt to their environment. • Plant variety is critical to the survival and sustainability of ecosystems.
A1 & A2
B1, B2, B3
C1, C2, C3
D1, D2, D3
E1, E2, E3
F1, F2, F3
A1 & A2
Big Ideas Biochemistry • Technological applications that affect biological processes and cellular functions are used in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. • Biological molecules and their chemical properties affect cellular processes and biochemical reactions. • Biochemical compounds play important structural and functional roles in cells of all living organisms.
Big Idea Metabolic Processes • All metabolic processes involve chemical changes and energy conversions. • An understanding of metabolic processes enables people to make informed choices with respect to a range of personal, societal, and environmental issues.
Big Idea Molecular Genetics • DNA contains all the genetic information for any living organism. • Proteins control a wide variety of cellular processes. • Genetic research and biotechnology have social, legal, and ethical implications.
Big Idea Homeostasis • Organisms have strict limits on the internal conditions that they can tolerate. • Systems that maintain homeostasis rely on feedback mechanisms. • Environmental factors can affect homeostasis.
Big Idea Population Dynamics • Population growth follows predictable patterns. • The increased consumption of resources and production of waste associated with population growth result in specific stresses that affect Earth’s sustainability. • Technological developments can contribute to or help offset the ecological footprint associated with population growth and the consumption of natural resources.
