Continuity+of+Life+Unit


 * Unit Title:** Continuity of Life - Genetics
 * grade level:** 10
 * Subject Area:** Biology


 * Unit Designers**: Cinda Murray and Lisa Stefanucci
 * time frame**: 9 weeks


 * Pennsylvania Assessment Anchor (Eligible Content): **

S11.A.1.1 Identify and explain the pros and cons of applying scientific, environmental, or technological knowledge to possible solutions to problems. S11.A.1.2 Recognize and describe change in natural or human-made systems and the possible effects of those changes. S11.A.2.1 Apply skills necessary to conduct an experiment or design a solution to solve a problem.

S11.A.2.2 Identify appropriate instruments for a specific task and describe the information the instrument can provide. S11.A.3.1 Identify systems and describe relationships among parts of a familiar system (e.g., digestive system, simple machines, water cycle). S11.A.3.2 Use models to illustrate simple concepts and compare the models to what they represent. S11.A.3.3 Identify and make observations about patterns that regularly occur and reoccur in nature.

S11.B.1.1 Identify and describe similarities and differences between living things and their life processes. S11.B.2.2 Identify that characteristics are inherited and, thus, offspring closely resemble their parents. S11.B.3.2 Describe, explain, and predict change in natural or human-made systems and the possible effects of those changes on the environment. S11.B.3.3 Identify or describe human reliance on the environment at the individual or the community level. S11.C.1.1 Describe observable physical properties of matter.

Anchor Descriptor: BIO.B.1.2 Explain how genetic information is inherited. BIO.B.2.1 Compare Mendelian and non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance.

Eligible Content: BIO.B.1.2.1 Describe how the process of DNA replication results in the transmission and /or conservation of genetic information. BIO.B.1.2.2 Explain the functional relationships between DNA, genes, alleles, and chromosomes and their roles in inheritance. BIO.B.2.1.1 Describe and / or predict observed patterns of inheritance (i.e., dominant, recessive, co-dominance, incomplete diminance, sex-linked, polygenic, and multiple alleles). BIO.B.2.1.2 Describe processes that can alter composition or number of chromosomes (i.e., crossing-over, nondisjunction, duplication, translocation, deletion, insertion, and inversion).


 * Theme / “Big Idea” ** :

This unit will develop the student’s basic understanding of genetics. The major biological theme addressed is //inheritance// and //reproduction.//


 * Essential Questions ** :

What is genetics? How did Gregor Mendel contribute to knowledge of modern day genetics? How do the principles of probability apply to genetics? What happens during the process of meiosis? How does the structure of DNA relate to its function? What is the significance of mutations to individuals and populations? How are genes regulated? How do scientists study and manipulate genes? What are the benefits and consequences of genetic engineering? How will the results of the Human Genome Project affect our future?


 * Performance Indicators / Objectives ** :


 * Describe how Mendel studied inheritance in peas
 * Summarize Mendel’s conclusion about inheritance
 * Explain the principal of dominance
 * Describe what occurs during segregation
 * Explain the use of the principle of probability
 * Use Punnett Squares to predict outcomes of genetic crosses
 * Explain the principle of independent assortment
 * Describe other inheritance patterns
 * Contrast chromosome number of body cells and gametes
 * Summarize the events of meiosis
 * Contrast meiosis and mitosis
 * Identify structures that actually sort independently
 * Explain how gene maps are produced
 * Summarize relationship between genes and DNA
 * Describe the overall structure of the DNA molecule
 * Summarize the events of DNA replication
 * Relate the DNA molecule to chromosome structure
 * Tell how RNA differs from DNA
 * Name the 3 main types of RNA
 * Describe transcription and editing of RNA
 * Identify the genetic code
 * Summarize translation
 * Construct a DNA model to demonstrate transcription & translation
 * Explain the relationship between genes and proteins
 * Contrast gene mutation and chromosome mutations
 * Describe a typical gene
 * Describe how lac genes are turned off and on
 * Explain how most eukaryotic genes are controlled
 * Relate gene expression to development
 * Explain the purpose of selective breeding
 * Describe 2 techniques used in selective breeding
 * Tell why breeders try to induce mutations
 * Explain how scientists manipulate DNA
 * Summarize what happens during transformation
 * Explain how to determine if a cell transformation experiment has been successful
 * Describe the usefulness of transgenic organisms to humans
 * Summarize the main steps in cloning and resulting consequences
 * Identify the types of human chromosomes in a karyotype
 * Explain sex determination
 * Explain use of pedigrees to study human traits
 * Describe examples of the inheritance of human traits
 * Explain how small changes in DNA cause genetic disorders
 * Identify the characteristics of human chromosomes
 * Describe sex-linked disorders and their occurrence in the sexes
 * Explain the process of X-chromosome inactivation
 * Summarize non-disjunction and resulting problems
 * Summarize methods of human DNA analysis (gel electrophoresis)
 * State the goal of the Human Genome Project
 * Describe attempts to cure genetic disorders


 * Performance tasks: **

Graded notebooks Participation points Lab activities Worksheets Lab practicals Homework Quizzes Tests – written and oral Presentations Projects


 * Writing: **

Note-taking Summarizing / reflections Essays Research paper Creative writing Descriptive writing Lab reports


 * Thinking: **

Analyzing Evaluating Compare / Contrast Synthesizing


 * Speaking: **

Small group discussions Class discussions Oral Presentations Oral Assessments


 * Reading: **

Graphic organizers Outlining / notetaking Foldables Popcorn read Reading software


 * Teaching strategies: **

Lecture & discussion Lab Activities Field trips Computer simulations VCR/DVD Smart board Guided practice Bellringers


 * Adaptations: **

Differentiated materials