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Biology and the Properties of Life

Lesson Plan

Biology and the Properties of Life

Grade Levels

10th Grade, 11th Grade, 9th Grade

Course, Subject

Biology, Science and Technology and Engineering Education
Related Academic Standards
3.1.10.A1 3.1.10.A1

Explain the characteristics of life common to all organisms.
BIO.A.4.2.1 BIO.A.4.2.1
Explain how organisms maintain homeostasis (e.g., thermoregulation, water regulation, oxygen regulation).
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  • Big Ideas
    A technological world requires that humans develop capabilities to solve technological challenges and improve products for the way we live.
    Cells have organized structures and systems necessary to support chemical reactions needed to maintain the living condition.
    DNA segments contain information for the production of proteins necessary for growth and function of cells.
    Each area of technology has a set of characteristics that separates it from others; however, many areas overlap in order to meet human needs and wants.
    Eukaryotic cells can differentiate and organize making it possible for multicellularity.
    Evolution is the result of many random processes selecting for the survival and reproduction of a population.
    Forces can act upon an object to change the position, direction, and/or speed of its motion.
    Hereditary information in genes is inherited and expressed.
    Life emerges due to the chemical organization of matter into cells.
    New cells arise from the division of pre-existing cells.
    Organisms obtain and use energy to carry out their life processes.
    Organisms on Earth interact and depend in a variety of ways on other living and nonliving things in their environments.
    Organisms share common characteristics of life.
    Structure is related to function at all biological levels of organization.
    Technological design is a creative process that anyone can do which may result in new inventions and innovations.
    Technological literacy is the ability to use, assess and manage technology around us.
    Through a variety of mechanisms organisms seek to maintain a biological balance between their internal and external environments.
  • Concepts
    A cell’s interior is separated or compartmentalized from the environment by a phospholipid bilayer plasma membrane.
    A multicellular organization enables life functions such as movement, digestion, internal circulation of nutrients, excretion of waste and reproduction to be subdivided among specialized groups of cells.
    Active transport moves atoms, ions and small molecule mostly against a concentration gradient and requires an expenditure of energy.
    Active transport of larger substances and subcellular structures occurs through endocytosis and exocytosis.
    All cells go through a cell cycle.
    All forms of life on Earth are connected in a Biosphere.
    ATP molecules store usable chemical energy to drive life processes through coupled reactions.
    Biological levels of organization from smallest to largest include: atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, multicellular organisms, populations, and communities.
    Biological molecules produced by a cell can be used by the cell or transported outside for use by other cells.
    Bio-related technologies are the processes of using biological mater to make or modify products.
    Bio-related technologies are the processes of using biological organisms to make or modify products.
    Both passive and facilitated diffusion move materials along a concentration gradient without energy.
    Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are the chemical foundations for life.
    Carbon rings and chains form the backbone of all biological molecules.
    Cell differentiation occurs many times during development of a multicellular organisms giving rise to a diversity of cell types.
    Cells are composed mostly of: C, H, N, O, P, and S.
    Cells are the basic unit of structure and function for all living things.
    Cells come only from the division of a pre-existing cell.
    Cells function as microscopic chemical factories synthesizing and degrading biological molecules necessary for life.
    Cells grow when they can take in more nutrients through their plasma membranes than they can metabolize in their interior. Cells may divide when their metabolism exceeds nutrient absorption.
    Cells occur in two basic forms: Prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea) and Eukaryotes (all other cells).
    Cells that have differentiated to perform specialized functions rely on the collective function of other specialized cells within a multicellular organism to maintain their living condition.
    Cellular respiration is the process by which potential chemical energy in the bonds of glucose is transformed into potential chemical energy in the bonds of ATP.
    Chemical reactions and processes necessary for life are carried out in cytoplasm or organelles within a eukaryotic cell’s protoplasm.
    Common anatomical and/or genetic structures and behaviors demonstrate that species have evolved from common ancestors.
    Communication is the process of composing, sending, and receiving messages through technology.
    Communication is the process of composing, sending, and receiving messages using technological devices.
    Construction is the process of turning materials into useful structures.
    Construction is the process of turning raw materials into useful structures.
    Different types of cells and tissues combine to form distinct structures known as organs which perform specific functions.
    DNA contains the complete set of instructions, the genetic code, for building and running an organism.
    During the process of meiosis genetic recombinations may occur contributing to genetic variability within a population.
    Energy and power technologies are the processes of converting energy sources into useful power.
    Energy and power technologies use processes to convert energy into power.
    Energy is converted from one form to another as it moves through a food chains and food webs.
    Enzymes are special proteins designed to catalyze most biochemical reactions that otherwise would not occur.
    Eukaryotic cells first divide their nucleus and then divide their cytoplasm to make new cells.
    Evolution occurs when the gene frequency of alleles in a population shifts to confer survial and reproductive success.
    Forms of energy are required to maintain life.
    Glycolysis is the foundation of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Glycolysis, through anaerobic respiration, is the main energy source in many prokaryotes.
    Homeostasis dynamically returns biological changes (body temperature, osmolarity, blood pressure, pH, blood glucose, etc.) to balance by modifying chemical reactions, adjusting energy transformations, and responding to environmental changes.
    In a technological world, inventions and innovations must be carefully assessed by individuals and society as a whole.
    Innovation is the process of improving an existing product, process, or system.
    Innovation is the process of modifying an existing product, process, or system to improve it.
    Invention is a process of creating new products, processes, or systems.
    Invention is a process of turning ideas and imagination into new products, processes, or systems.
    Inventions and innovations must be carefully assessed by individuals and society.
    Limiting factors can cause population fluctuations or extinction in a given ecosystem.
    Liquid water forms hydrogen bonds, is a solvent, and forms hydronium ions allowing a wide range of biochemical reactions to occur.
    Manufacturing is the process of turning materials into useful products.
    Manufacturing is the process of turning raw materials into useful products.
    Many biological molecules are polymers made from monomers that contain carbon chemically bound with other elements.
    Many synthesized polypeptides require additional processing to acquire their active, three-dimensional structures.
    Matter flows through an ecosystem using a variety of natural cycles.
    Meiosis involves a two-step nuclear division reducing the number of chromosomes in half – producing gametes.
    Models and graphs can be used to determine the presence or absence of unbalanced forces.
    Molecular structure is related to function.
    Molecules, ions and water move in and out of the cell through a variety of mechanisms.
    Most biochemical reactions require an input of energy.
    Mutations alter a gene's genetic information, resulting in a change in the protein that is made, or how or when a cell makes that protein. Most mutations are evolutionary neutral.
    Newton’s three laws of motion can be used to explain and measure the motion of objects.
    One or more pairs of genes on one or more chromosomes code for the expression of inherited traits.
    Organ systems function to meet an organism’s needs.
    Organisms adapt to changes in their environments.
    Organisms and their environment are interdependent.
    Organisms are made up of simpler units called cells.
    Organisms can reproduce their own kind using DNA.
    Organisms grow, develop and eventually die.
    Organisms need light and/or chemicals to make cellular protoplasm.
    Organisms obtain and use energy through photosynthesis or cellular respiration to carry out their life processes.
    Organisms release waste chemicals produced by cells.
    Organisms seek to maintain homeostasis at all biological levels of organization.
    Organs work together as a system to perform common functions.
    Osmosis is the diffusion of water from an area of lower solute concentration (more aqueous solution) across a membrane to an area higher solute concentration (less aqueous solution).
    Passive transport depends on the diffusion of substances with a concentration gradient moving across a membrane from an area of higher concentration to an area of lesser concentration without energy.
    Patterns of inheritance reflecting how genes interact and express themselves (including dominant, recessive, codominance, incomplete dominance, sex-linked, sex-influenced, multiple alleles) can be predicted, observed and described.
    People select, create, and use science and technology and are limited by constraints (e.g. social and physical).
    Photosynthesis is the process that transforms light energy into potential chemical energy.
    Prokaryotic cells divide via binary fission.
    Pushes, pulls, friction, and gravity are forces that can act upon an object to change its position, direction, and/or speed.
    RNA is necessary for protein synthesis from DNA.
    Safety is a preeminent concern for all technological development and use.
    Safety is one of the most important concerns for all technological development and use.
    Selective breeding and biotechnology contribute to the deliberate changing of the genetic makeup of a population.
    Sexually reproducing organisms produce gametes which transport hereditary information from one generation of organisms into another generation.
    Speciation occurs when one population is isolated from another population. The isolation can be geological, reproductive, or filling different ecological nitches to reduce competation. With isolation comes changing environmental factors exerting selective pressure on mutations and adaptions.
    Specific biotic and abiotic factors characterize biomes and their component ecosystems.
    Structure is related to function at the cellular and organelle levels of biological organization.
    Sunlight is the initial energy source for most life on Earth.
    Technological design & problem solving includes both formative and summative analysis.
    Technological design & problem solving requires the ability to clearly communicate engineered solutions.
    Technological design & problem solving requires the application of hands-on abilities such as sketching, prototyping, and fabricating.
    Technological design & problem solving transforms an idea into a final product or system.
    Technological design & problem solving utilizes a series of steps that take place in a well-defined sequence.
    Technological literacy is a lifetime endeavor.
    Technological literacy is necessary for a productive 21st century skilled workforce.
    Technological literacy is required for all citizens in a democratic society for shared decision-making.
    Technological literacy is the ability to understand, use, assess, design, and produce technology (i.e. Invention & Innovation).
    Technology and society mutually impact each other.
    The abilities required in a technological world include diagnosing, troubleshooting, analyzing and maintaining systems.
    The abilities required in a technological world include understanding, fixing, and maintaining systems.
    The basic molecular and the associated genetic code structure of DNA are universal, revolutionizing our understanding of disease, heredity and evolution.
    The cytoplasm contains a collection of connected, internal membranous sacs that divide the cytoplasm into functional and structural compartments or organelles.
    The differential reproductive success of populations of organisms with advantageous traits is known as natural selection.
    The energy flow of biochemical reactions is governed by the physical laws of thermodynamics.
    The fossil record documents patterns of mass and background extinctions and the appearance of new species.
    The motion of an object can be described by its position, direction and speed.
    The pattern of form following function is reflected at all biological levels of organization.
    The property inertia is an object’s resistance to a change in its motion.
    The Punnet square is a tool that can be used to predict the probability of an offspring’s genotype and phenotype.
    There are similarities and differences between fossils and living organisms.
    Transportation is the process of safely and efficiently moving people and products.
    Two or more versions of a gene (alleles) contribute to the expression of inherited traits.
    Weight is the result of the earth’s gravitational force acting upon an object’s mass.
    Which genes are expressed at a given time is determined by the integration of internal and environmental signals received by a cell.
  • Competencies
    Clearly communicate engineered solutions in written, spoken, and graphical means.
    Compare and contrast the natural constraints imposed on scientific and technological change.
    Describe and demonstrate how to use the technological method to analyze technological processes and solutions.
    Describe how technological development impacts economics, culture, and policies.
    Describe the role of DNA in protein synthesis, reproduction and evolution.
    Design and develop the ability to create and transmit messages using technology.
    Design and develop the ability to safely and effectively use tools and materials to build structures.
    Design and develop the ability to safely and effectively use tools and materials to convert energy into useful power.
    Design and develop the ability to safely and effectively use tools and materials to manufacture products.
    Design and develop the ability to safely and effectively use tools and materials to transport people and products.
    Design and develop the ability to safely and effectively use tools and materials to utilize bio-related products and systems using technology.
    Develop the abilities to use and maintain technological products and systems.
    Improve an existing product, process, or system.
    Pose questions and provide evidence-based explanations about understanding and observations of biological phenomena and processes.
    Recognize the importance of using technological knowledge to participate competently in a democratically society.
    Solve problems of motion and forces by applying knowledge of Newton’s Laws, performing direct and indirect measurements of the motion of objects and forces acting upon objects, and performing graphical analysis of this experimental data.

Rationale

All living things are tied together by similar traits/characteristics and these traits/characteristics rely on one another for survival. To understand biology, students should be able to identify things as living or non living. Students should also be able to identify different branches of the biological sciences.

Vocabulary

Biotic- describes all living factors in the environment.

Abiotic- describes the nonliving part of the environment, including water, rocks, light, and temperature.

Biology- the scientific study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.

Cell-in biology, the smallest unit that can perform all life processes; cells are covered by a membrane and contain DNA and cytoplasm.

Homeostasis- the maintenance of a constant internal state in a changing environment; a constant internal state that is maintained in a changing environment by continually making adjustments to the internal adn external environment.

Metabolism- the sum of all chemical processes that occur in an organism.

Reproduction-the process of producing offspring.

Heredity- the passing of genetic traits from parent to offspring.

Evolution-the process of change by which new species develop from preexisting species over time; at the genetic level,the process in which inherited characteristics within populations change over time; the process defined by Darwin as "descent with modification".

Suggested Instructional Strategies

Lesson Essential Question(s)

What are some of the branches of biology?

How do we know if something is alive?

What are seven characteristics that all living things share?

Duration

Four 40 min. class periods.

Materials

  1. Textbook- Holt "Biology" chapter 1, section 4.
  2. Vocabulary Worksheet
  3. Laptop computers and activity 1 access
  4. Venn Diagram
  5. Lab Handouts
  6. Materials for Lab 1:Rock, Coal, Coral, Starfish, natural Sponge, Chick Embryo, Loofah, Dry yeast, egg, cork, salt, sand, cut flowers, beans, yogurt, blue cheese, crystal, bananna, beetle, artificial sponge, algae, mushroom, worms or pill bugs
  7. Materials for Lab 2: Microscope, Slides/coverslips, beakers, water, Elodea plants, saline solution, pipettes

Suggested Instructional Strategies

W:  The objectives will be written on the board:

TSWBAT:

-compare and contrast bitoic and abiotic.

-list and exlain the branches of biology.

-list and explain the seven characteristics of all living things.
H:

Day 1-List all the characteristics that you have in common with a beetle. Day 2- Explain how humans maintain a constant body temperature.
E:  Students will complete online reseaerch on the branches of biology and they will complete 2 labs: Living or Non living and Homeostasis in Elodea Plant Cells.
R:  Students will write in thier science journals and reflect on the lessons.
E:  Students will complete post lab questions and a quiz.
T:  Large group discussion, Small group discussion, Acrostics, Flexible grouping, and Accomodations will be made as set forth in the student's IEP's.
O:  Use of Mnemonics (Acrostic), think-pair-share, independent practice, homework

 

Intervention:

To recall the seven properties of life, use the acronym "Charlie Has Many Rabbits Grazing His Range."

1. Cellular Organization

2. Homeostasis

3. Metabolism

4. Reproduction

5. Growth

6. Heredity

7. Responsiveness

Instructional Procedures

Day 1:

  • Place the objectives for the lesson on the board/overhead
  • Warm-up: (Hook) List all the characteristics that you have in common with a beetle.
    • Students will complete individually and then discuss their answers with a partner (think-pair-share) and then with the class. 
  • Large group discussion: Biology
    • Question: Can any one person know all there is about humans and insects?
    • Question: What are some branches of biology?
  • Activity 1- Students will use the internet to research the branches of biology.
  • Summary/closure: Biology is the study of life.  It would be impossible for any one person to know all there is about biology therefore it is broken down into several branches.  Some of the most common branches of biology are biochemistry, ecology, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, botany, zoology and physiology.  Before you leave today, write a summary of what you found in your research in your science journal. 

Day 2:

  • Place the objectives for the lesson on the board/overhead
  • Warm-up: What are some of the branches of biology?
    • Students will complete individually and then discuss their answers with a partner (think-pair-share) and then with the class. 
  • Activity 2- Venn Diagram
    • Using the Venn diagram, students will look at the contents of the room and determine what is living (biotic) and non living (abiotic).
    • Students will complete individually and then discuss their answers with a partner (think-pair-share) and then with the class. Use an overhead to record student answers for all to see on a Venn diagram.
    • Large group discussion will follow. 
  • Hook: How do we know if something is alive?
    • Students will complete individually and then discuss their answers with a partner (think-pair-share) and then with the class.
    • Discussion: the seven characteristics of living things.  These can be presented on the board or by a PPT presentation.
      • Question: What are some examples of homeostasis? (write answers on the board)
      • Question: What would happen to this plant if it was placed away from the window for a period of time?
      • Question: Why is reproduction an essential part of life?
      • Question: Why do you look like your mother and your father?
      • Question: Why do you look different today than you did 5 years ago? 
    • Have students develop an acrostic for the 7 characteristics.
  • §  To recall the seven properties of life, use the acronym "Charlie Has Many Rabbits Grazing His Range."
    • 1.  Cellular Organization
    • 2. Homeostasis
    • 3. Metabolism
    • 4. Reproduction
    • 5. Growth
    • 6. Heredity
    • 7. Responsiveness
  • Summary/Closure: Life is characterized by the seven properties that we discussed today: Charlie Has many Rabbits Grazing His Range- Cellular Organization, Homeostasis, Metabolism, Reproduction, Growth, Heredity, and Responsiveness.  These characteristics are all shared by living things.  In your science journal, write a brief summary of today's lesson. 

Day 3:

  • Place the objectives for the lesson on the board/overhead
  • Warm-up: What are seven characteristics that all living things share?  Describe each characteristic. 
    • Students will complete individually and then discuss their answers with a partner (think-pair-share) and then with the class. 
  • Review Lab procedures
  • Students will complete the lab "What is Life?"
  • Summary/Closure:  All living things present the 7 characteristics of life at some stage in their life.  Cellular Organization, Homeostasis, Metabolism, Reproduction, Growth, Heredity, and Responsiveness determine whether something is living (biotic) or non living (abiotic) or a combination of the two as seen in the blue cheese.  Before you leave today, answer the following question and return it to me on your way out:
    • Which of the following is not a property of an individual organism?  (The correct answer is A.)
      • A. evolution
      • B. metabolism
      • C. heredity
      • D. homeostasis

Day 4:

  • Place the objectives for the lesson on the board/overhead.
  • Warm up: Explain how humans maintain a constant body temperature.
  • Review the Lab- Plasmolysis in Elodea Plants.
    • Students will complete individually and then discuss their answers with a partner (think-pair-share) and then with the class. 
  • Students will complete the lab.
  • Summary/Closure: In order to function properly, organisms must maintain an internal stable environment (homeostasis).  The lab demonstrated how organisms respond to a change in their environment.  When you changed the external environment, the cell responded to those changes by either shrinking or swelling so that the internal environment would continue to remain stable.  This is homeostasis, a maintaining a stable internal environment in order to function properly.  Before you leave today, on a piece of paper list 5 ways that you maintain homeostasis. 

 

Formative Assessment

Assessment.pdf

Related Materials & Resources

  1. Chapter 1, Section 4 of the textbook Holt "Biology" & Vocabulary Sheet.pdf
  2. Laptop computers with internet access.
  3. Activity 1- Branches of biology.docx
  4. Activity 2- venn diagram.pdf
  5. Lab 1-What is Life Lab Analysis questions.pdf
    What is Life Lab data table.pdf
  6. Lab 2- Plasmolysis in Elodea Plant Cells (http://sciencenetlinks.com/lessons/plasmolysis-in-elodea-plant-cells/)

Author

Jackie A. Jeffers, Bethel Park High School

Date Published

July 21, 2011
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