Diversity+of+Life+Unit


 * Unit Title:** //Diversity// //of Life//
 * grade level:** 10
 * Subject Area:** //Biology//
 * Unit Designers**: Cinda Murray and Lisa Stefanucci **time frame**: 9 weeks

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.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.B.1.1 Identify and describe similarities and differences between living things and their life processes. S11.B.2.1 Identify and explain how adaptations help organisms to survive. S11.B.2.2 Identify that characteristics are inherited and, thus, offspring closely resemble their parents.
 * Pennsylvania Assessment Anchor (Eligible Content): **

This unit will develop the student’s basic understanding of biodiversity The major biological theme addressed is ‘organisms change over time” What factors contribute to biodiversity? How did the theory of evolution come about? What evidence supports the theory of evolution? How do scientists classify organisms? Why do scientists classify organisms?
 * Theme / “Big Idea” ** :
 * Essential Questions ** :
 * Performance Indicators / Objectives ** :
 * Define "evolution" and "theory"
 * Describe various scientist's contributions to evolutionary theory
 * Explain an example of Darwin's theory of natural selection
 * Site evidence supporting Darwin's theory of evolution
 * Explain the contributions of Linnaeus to the science of classification
 * Analyze various methods used by modern scientists to classify life
 * Classify given organisms using dichotomous keys or cladistics.
 * Compare the 3-domain and 6-kingdom systems of classification
 * Describe characteristics used to distinguish members of the 6 kingdoms.

Graded notebooks Participation points Lab activities Worksheets Lab practicals Homework Quizzes Tests – written and oral Presentations Projects Note-taking Summarizing / reflections Essays Research paper Creative writing Descriptive writing Lab reports Analyzing Evaluating Compare / Contrast Synthesizing Small group discussions Class discussions Oral Presentations Oral Assessments Graphic organizers Outlining / notetaking Foldables Popcorn read Reading software
 * Performance tasks: **
 * Writing: **
 * Thinking: **
 * Speaking: **
 * Reading: **

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

Differentiated materials
 * Adaptations: **