A. Read pages 3-14.
Due 16 September.
Terms &
Concepts: Be sure you understand what science is and
is not. In particular, be sure that you can distinguish between a scientific question
and a non-scientific
question. Appreciate that the basic tool in all science is
the Scientific Method
that is rooted in the idea of using observations to
generate data
to test hypotheses.
Know the steps of
the scientific method and understand the function of each
step of the process. Keep in mind that scientists are people too and
their biases influence their choice of questions and their conclusions.
Be clear on the difference between a manipulated (or independent)
variable and a responding
(or dependent) variable. Also, appreciate the important
role of control
groups in any experiment. Be able to describe the
experiments of Redi,
Needham, Spallanzani,
and Pasteur in terms of their clarification of the concept
of spontaneous
generation and as examples of the scientific method. Be
able to explain the differences among the terms hypothesis, theory, and
natural law and understand how these terms are used when
discussing scientific knowledge.
Questions
pages 31-32: 1-2, 5-7, 11-12, 16.
B. Due 18 September. Questions pages 31-32: 17-20,
27.
C. Read
pages 15-23. Due 21 September.
Terms &
Concepts: Since
biology is the study
of life, you must understand the characteristics that are
associated with living organisms. These characteristics in turn lead to
the major themes that focus biological research and form the major
themes of our course this year. Be able to name and describe the characteristics of living
things listed on pages 16-17 and be able to give specific
examples. In addition, be able to discuss the "Big Ideas"
outlined on pages 18-19 and give specific examples. You will find that
we come back to these concepts throughout the year. Appreciate that no
one scientist can study all of the biological details of a question.
Scientists must focus their attention to a few levels of organization
as outlined on page 21. Know these levels of organization and be able
to give specific examples of each.
Questions
pages 31-32: 8-9, 15, 18-19, 30.
D. Read
page 24-28. Due 23 September .
Terms &
Concepts: Recall the SI (or Metric) system
used as the common method of making measurements in scientific
research. Appreciate why a common method of measurement is important.
Review the SI units for length,
mass, volume, density, energy, etc. You will be expected
to be able to use the SI system in your calculations and lab work. Also
review your graphing skills; especially bar and line graphs.
We will be using light
microscopes in lab, but understand that there other types
of microscopes such as the electron microscope. Be able to describe the
differences between a light microscope and an electron microscope.
Also understand the differences between a transmission and scanning
electron microscope. There are a number of important lab
techniques that we will discuss in the course of the year. Be familiar
with the techniques of cell
culture, cell fractionation, and centrifugation.
Questions
pages 31-32: 10, 22-25, 28.
Return to the Biology
Homework Page.
Return to Mr. Birch's Biology Class Pages.
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