Characteristics of Living Things and The Study of Life
Unit Objectives
Describe the steps in the scientific method
Make measurements of length, mass, volume, and temperature using the metric system and discuss the importance of a universal system of measurement.
Describe the characteristics of living things
Explain how microscopes work and how they are used
Discuss science as a way of explaining natural events
Define the term variable and explain its importance in an experiment
Compare an experimental set up with a control set up
Discuss the ways in which scientific knowledge is constantly changing and state several ways of studying science successfully
Discuss the importance of laboratory investigations in the study of science
Identify and describe laboratory safety symbols and know the laboratory safety rules
Discuss ways in which humans can change the Earth for better or for worse
List the characteristics of living things
Distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction
Define homeostasis
Name the common types of microscopes and give a correct application for each one
PASS Skills
The Interdependence of Organisms The Cell Matter, Energy, and Organization in Living Systems Observe and Measure Inquiry
Unit Goal
The goal of this unit is to familiarize students with the fundamental facts and concepts that are essential to understanding biological phenomena and principles and to perceiving the close connections between biology and other branches of science through the introduction of the scientific method, measurement, and a discussion of the nature of science. Students will explore the characteristics of living things, the nature of biology, and the chemical principles that underlie the processes of life.
Lab/Project
Microscope drawing-draw, label, define/function, color
Lab-using a compound microscope
Key Terms
science scientific method hypothesis variable control setup experimental setup data theory metric system meter liter cubic centimeter mass weight kilogram Celsius scale unicellular multicellular sexual reproduction asexual reproduction anabolism catabolism metabolism homeostasis compound light microscope limit of resolution transmission electron microscope scanning electron microscope scanning probe microscope
Questions-completely answer, due at the beginning of class Tuesday, Sept. 6
page 31.
1. Describe the five characteristics of living things.
2. Compare sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction.
3. Define metabolisms, using the terms catabolism and anabolism in your definition.
page 38.
2. What type of research would be performed only by using a compound light microscope?
3. Name an advantage and a disadvantage of the light microscope and each of the electron microscopes.
6. It has been said that many great discoveries lie in wait for the tools needed to make them. What does this statement mean to you? If possible, include an example in your answer.