Enduring Understanding # 1: Scientific inquiry affords all learners opportunities to make observations, pose questions, develop hypotheses, design and conduct investigations, and analyze data to draw conclusions.
Biology 1-2 Benchmarks
Students will understand	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
1.1 Inquiry is an attitude, a learner centered environment, and a cycle that involves solving problems and critical thinking.	-What is a scientific question? -What is a testable hypothesis? -How do I know if my experimental procedure aligns with my hypothesis? -How do I minimize my error in collecting data? -Why is it important to replicate scientific experiments? -What is learning through inquiry?	-The steps to understand scientific inquiry include: observing, using numbers, plotting graphs, measuring, inferring, prediction, formulating models, interpreting data, hypothesizing, and experimenting. -Developing a scientific theory often means repeating or modifying the experiment.	-Pose questions objectively based on observations. -Develop hypotheses.. -Write clear, step-by-step instructions for conducting an investigation. -Demonstrate appropriate practices in research such as repeating the experiment. -Gather and analyze necessary and sufficient data. -Use data to draw logical conclusions -Use logical argumentation to defend research results. -Participate in group discussions/activities on scientific topics. -Use logical problem solving and critical thinking skills in scientific investigations.	-Inquiry is a process that progresses from teacher-directed to learner self-directed. -Inquiry teamed with other practices leads to successful understanding of science. -Students will design and conduct an inquiry based investigation: · Learner poses questions. · Learner determines what constitutes evidence and collects it. · Learner formulates explanation after summarizing evidence. · Learner independently examines other resources and forms the links to explanations. · Learner forms reasonable and logical arguments to communicate explanations.

Enduring Understanding # 2: Exploring systems, order, and organizations in our natural and designed world are integral to understanding the scientific disciplines and their interdependence.
Biology 1-2 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
2.1 The structures and functions of various cells are foundational to the understanding of living systems.	- What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells? -What are the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells? -How do active transport and osmosis help a cell maintain homeostasis? -Are photosynthesis and cellular respiration interrelated processes? -What is an organelle and what do they do for the cell? -How does a cell get what it needs and get rid of what it doesn’t need? -How is there sunlight in every bite? -What kinds of molecules characterize living things? -Is life possible without water?	- Similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. - Similarities and differences between plant and animal cells. - Similarities and differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. -Role of active transport and osmosis in homeostasis. - Properties of water make life on earth possible. - Structures and functions of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.	-Culture prokaryotes in order to investigate differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. - Identify plant and animal cells. - Identify the reactants and products of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in a lab setting. - Demonstrate osmosis in living cells. - Identify the unique properties of water in a living system. - Identify the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Biology 1-2 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
2.2 Genetics provides a framework to understand the transmission of characteristics from parent to offspring and leads to variation.	-What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis? -How does gene expression lead to traits? -What is the role of protein synthesis in the expression of genes? -How does the structure of DNA affect function? -How does sexual reproduction and mutation contribute to genetic variation? -Why do cells need to divide? -Why don’t offspring look exactly like their parents? -How is cell division different in body cells and reproductive cells? -If DNA produces proteins, what do proteins produce?	- Similarity and difference between mitosis and meiosis. - Similarity and difference between dominant and recessive traits. - Process of DNA replication and protein synthesis. - Process of expression of a gene leads to a trait. - Genes from both parents results in new combinations of genes in offspring. -Impact genetic knowledge and the advances in DNA technology have on the individual and society.	- Use scientific methods to make predictions of genotype and phenotype inheritance. i.e.) monohybrid and dihybrid cross - Investigate ethical and social impacts of genetic science. - Analyze the implication of DNA and chromosomal changes. - Identify the phases of mitosis and meiosis. - Demonstrates knowledge of DNA replication and protein synthesis.
2.3 The interconnectedness of biotic and abiotic systems determines ecological relationships.	-How does energy flow through an ecosystem? i.e. tropic levels, food webs -How do environmental factors affect population dynamics? -How do humans affect the global and local environment? -What factors affect human population dynamics? -How do disturbances affect ecological communities? -How do ecologists study populations?	-Similarity and difference between biotic and abiotic factors. - The flow of energy through an ecosystem. - Factors that affect population dynamics. -Human impact on global and local environments and give examples. -Unique dynamics of human populations. - Interactions between populations in a community. - Different strategies for studying communities.	-Identify primary biotic and abiotic factors in an environment. -Trace the flow of energy through and ecosystem. -Model population dynamics. -Predict the consequences of continued human population growth. -Use sampling to determine characteristics of a population.
Biology 1-2 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
2.4 Body systems are the result of complex structures and functions.	-What are the main tissues, organs, and functions of body systems? -How do systems maintain homeostasis? i.e.) blood sugar, CO2 concentration, reproduction, muscle contraction, waste products -How does an understanding of body systems increase one’s ability to make informed decisions on health issues?	- Relationship between structures to functions in body systems. - Mechanisms that regulate homeostasis. -Current health issues and relate them to knowledge of body systems.	- Identify the organs and explain their function using a biological specimen. - Monitor homeostatic response in an organism. i.e.) heart rate response, temperature response, osmoregulation - Apply an understanding of anatomy and physiology to personal health issues i.e. diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, etc
2.5 Adaptation and evolution lead to diversity in living things.	-How does evolution produce diversity in living things? -What are the driving forces of evolution? -How does variation impact a population? -How does evolutionary theory lead to understanding life on earth? -What forms the basis of our understanding of evolution?	- Role of evolution in species diversity. - Mechanisms that result in biological changes over time. - Evidence that supports evolutionary theory.	- Identify evolutionary influences. i.e. mass extinctions, antibiotic resistance, pesticide resistance, bottle neck, isolation, competition - Compare organisms to demonstrate key concepts that support the theory of evolution.

Enduring Understanding # 3: Both contemporary and historical scientific understandings inform technological, ethical, cultural and life decisions.
Biology 1-2 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
3.1 Scientific knowledge and technological advances occur in response to natural inquiry.	-How have advances in technology lead to a greater understanding of biological systems? -How has natural inquiry by scientists led to advances in biological knowledge?	- How the use of new technologies has led to new discoveries and better understanding. - How scientists have contributed to biological understanding.	- Use modern technologies to investigate and report on a biological concept, idea, or system. i.e. microscope, electrophoresis, internet, probe. - Track advancements in biology to specific contributions by biologists.
3.2 Past and present biological investigations have influenced societal decisions regarding ethics.	-How has the past and present study of biology impacted ethics in society?	- Biological events that have influenced ethical decision making.	- Take a position on a controversial topic in biology and support your position using scientific findings. - Critically analyze a piece of scientific media using scientific knowledge.
3.3 Cultural and societal practices have contributed to our scientific knowledge that leads to informed decisions.	-How have cultural and societal practices influenced biological understanding?	- Biological understandings that have been influenced by Native American practices.	- Investigate how Native American practices are relevant to biology.

Enduring Understanding # 1: Scientific inquiry affords all learners opportunities to make observations, pose questions, develop hypotheses, design and conduct investigations, and analyze data to draw conclusions.
Biology 3-4 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
1.1 Inquiry is an attitude, a learner centered environment, and a cycle that involves solving problems and critical thinking.	-What is learning through inquiry? -How is an inquiry lab different form science labs I usually conduct in class? -How do I know what kinds of data to collect? -Do I have a good answer if I can’t justify it?	-Scientific inquiry may include: observing, using numbers, plotting graphs, measuring, inferring, predicting, formulating models, interpreting data, hypothesizing, and experimenting. -Process required to generate question, identify dependent and independent variables, formulate testable, multiple hypotheses, plan an investigation, predict its outcome, safely conduct scientific investigations, and collect and analyze data.	-Pose questions objectively based on observations. -Develop hypotheses. -Demonstrate appropriate practices in research. -Gather and analyze relevant and sufficient data. -Examine various resources of scientific knowledge. -Use data to draw logical conclusions. -Participate in small group discussions & activities. -Use critical thinking to compare, contrast, and analyze the similarities and differences in organisms.	-Inquiry is a process that progresses from teacher-directed to learner self-directed. -Students should continue the process of being self directed in inquiry activities.

Enduring Understanding # 2: Exploring systems, order, and organizations in our natural and designed world are integral to understanding the scientific disciplines and their interdependence.
Biology 3-4 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
By investigating a wide variety of organism students will: 2.1 Discover the importance of classification and the diversity of living organisms. 2.2 Gain a better understanding of the world around them, both microscopic and macroscopic. 2.3 Gain important information about how organisms critically impact Earth’s systems. 2.4 Understand the influence of biological evolution.	-How and why do we group organisms? -Why is it necessary to classify organisms? -Are all animals that look similar related? -What constitutes life? -How do bacteria live in extreme conditions? -Is a virus like a bacterium? -How does an organism get what it needs and get rid of what it doesn’t need? -What are the different characteristics that place organisms in the Kingdom Protista? -Why does bread mold? -What makes an animal an animal? -How do organisms differ from each other? -Which came first, the chicken or the egg? -What makes a plant a plant? -How do we control bacteria? -Why do bacteria respond differently to antibiotics? -How is there sunlight in every bite? -What came first, plants or animals?	-Biologists use modern taxonomy to organize and group organisms. -Similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. -Adaptations in body plans have contributed to the evolutionary success of organisms. -Adaptations in body plans change over time, leading to the formation of new traits. -Defining characteristics for the 6 kingdoms and 3 domains. -Organisms either directly or indirectly impact all other life and the physical environment.	-Use modern taxonomy to classify organisms. -Culture prokaryotes in order to investigate differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. -Identify plant and animal cells. -Use comparative anatomy and physiology to analyze body systems. -Use dissection to investigate characteristics of plants and animals.	Activities might include: Bacteria Unknown Lab, Gram Staining, Infectious diseases presentations, student designed investigation of plant physiology. Defining characteristics include coelom formation, body symmetry, embryological evidence, macromolecules, tissue/organ/organ system development, etc. Recommended animal dissections might include: Ascaris, Clam, Squid, Earthworm, Grasshopper, Crayfish, Sea stars, Lamprey, Perch, Shark, Frog, Bird, and Owl Pellet. Recommended plant dissections might include: Flowers, stems, leaves, seeds, and fruits. Various live organisms can be used to demonstrate behavior.

Enduring Understanding # 3: Both contemporary and historical scientific understandings inform technological, ethical, cultural and life decisions.
Biology 3-4 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
3.1 Scientific knowledge and technological advances occur in response to natural inquiry.	-How have advances in technology lead to a greater understanding of biological systems? -How has natural inquiry by scientists led to advances in biological knowledge?	- The use of new technologies has led to new discoveries and better understanding. -Scientists have contributed to biological understanding	- Use modern technologies to investigate and report on a biological concept, idea, or system, e.g. microscope & internet. - Track advancements in biology to specific contributions by biologists.
3.2 Past and present biological investigations have influenced societal decisions regarding ethics.	-How has the past and present study of biology impacted ethics in society?	- Biological events that have influenced ethical decision making.	- Take a position on a controversial topic in biology and support your position using scientific findings. - Critically analyze a piece of scientific media using scientific knowledge.
3.3 Cultural and societal practices have contributed to our scientific knowledge that leads to informed decisions.	-How have cultural and societal practices influenced biological understanding?	-Biological understandings that have been influenced by Native American practices.	- Investigate how Native American practices are relevant to biology.

Enduring Understanding # 1: Scientific inquiry affords all learners opportunities to make observations, pose questions, develop hypotheses, design and conduct investigations, and analyze data to draw conclusions.
Biology Honors 5-6 Benchmarks
Students will understand:		Essential Questions		Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
1.1 Inquiry is an attitude, a learner centered environment, and a cycle that involves solving problems and critical thinking.		-What is learning through inquiry? -How are controlled scientific experiments designed? -What does the credibility of science depend upon?		-Scientific inquiry may include: observing, using numbers, plotting graphs, measuring, inferring, predicting, formulating models, interpreting data, hypothesizing, and experimenting. -Process required to generate question, identify dependent and independent variables, formulate testable, multiple hypotheses, plan an investigation, predict its outcome, safely conduct scientific investigations, and collect and analyze data.	-Pose questions objectively based on observations. -Develop hypotheses -Write clear, step-by-step instructions for conducting an investigation. -Demonstrate appropriate practices in research such as repeating the experiment. -Gather and analyze necessary and sufficient data. -Use data to draw logical conclusions. -Use logical argumentation to defend research results. -Participate in group discussions/activities on scientific topics. -Use logical problem solving and critical thinking skills in scientific investigations. -Design their own lab in the AP Lab: Behavior	Themes 1. Science is a way of knowing.
Enduring Understanding # 2: Exploring systems, order, and organizations in our natural and designed world are integral to understanding the scientific disciplines and their interdependence.
Biology Honors 5-6 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions		Students will know the/that		Students will be able to		Notes
2.1 Biology is a scientific process that observes patterns in nature and predicts outcomes based on the laws of nature.	-Is a candle alive? Why? -Why are there uncertainties in science? -What is strong inference? -What is the difference between law, theory, and hypothesis?		- Emergent properties arise in biological systems. - Hierarchy of biological systems. -Science is a process that seeks closer and closer approximations to truth -Laws are observable facts -Hypotheses are testable explanations. -Theories are based on laws of physics and chemistry and explain a large variety of phenomena and have never been disproven. They are VERY powerful explanations in science.		-Distinguish features of science from non science; public facts from private facts -Describe how science can study the relationship between “nature and nurture” in understanding organism’s response to their environment. -Identify the scientific principles underlying the hypotheses tested in labs. -Draw on the past experience in chemistry and physics to understand biological systems. - Recognize structures and functions that distinguish life from non-life.		-Energy transfers make life possible in biological systems. -Structure and function are emergent properties of all levels of hierarchy in biological systems. -Regulation is an important function for biologic systems to maintain homeostasis. -Interdependence in nature is a common feature in nature.

Biology Honors 5-6 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
2.2 There is an intimate relationship between molecules and cells.	-What is the basic unit of structure and function in biological systems? -Why is understanding chemical reactions important to understanding biological systems? -How do both laws of thermodynamics constrain metabolic pathways?	-Characteristics of water that make it essential to life. -Basics of organic chemistry (composition, structure & function) lead to understanding biological system. -Importance of free energy to understanding biological systems. -Three metabolic stages of cellular respiration. -Steps of chemiosmosis. -Role enzymes play in metabolic pathways. -Structure of the cell membrane and how it influences its function. -Two reactions of psn that cooperate together to convert light energy to chemical energy. - An organism transforms energy from a chemical system to a biological system	-Describe the composition, (monomer, polymer) and structural detail of both and biological function of macromolecules: -Explain the role of ATP in cells. -Observe the effects of light and denaturation in the AP Lab: Plant Pigments & Photosynthesis. -Compare and contrast the energy pathways of autotrophs and heterotrophs. -Compare and contrast photosynthesis with respiration. -Observe the effects of temperature on pea germination in the AP Lab: Cell Respiration. -Compare and contrast the fundamental differences between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. -Compare fermentation to cellular respiration. -Explain why, “No process is more important than photosynthesis to the welfare of life on Earth.” -Explain the cell cycle and how it is regulated.

Biology Honors 5-6 Benchmarks
Students will understand that	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
2.3 The continuity of life is based on heritable information in the form of DNA.	-What is it about life that allows it to evolve, yet preserve its structure and function? -How can you make an E.coli green? -Got Milk?	-The stages of mitosis. -The composition and structure of DNA. -The molecular basis of inheritance. -Mechanisms that transfer genetic information to expressed phenotype. -Regulation of gene expression (lac and trp operon).	-Explain how meiotic division allows for genetic variation. -Compare and contrast protein synthesis in prokaryotic cells to eukaryotic cells. -Describe the ways by which gene expression is controlled. -Describe the use of bacteria and viruses in genetic engineering. -Describe the methods by which mutations will alter genetic expression. -Apply recombinant DNA technology to engineering biological systems. -Analyze the stages of mitosis in the AP Lab: Mitosis. -Perform a transformation of bacteria in the AP Lab: Molecular Biolog. -Use a chi square statistical analysis to test hypotheses of modes of inheritance in the AP Lab: Drosophila Genetics.

Biology Honors 5-6 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
2.4 Evolution is the unifying theme in biology.	-How does the theory of evolution explain both the diversity and the continuity of life? -How can we model evolutionary changes in populations? -How does variation arise in an individual and get passed on to the gene pool? -What is micro evolution? -What is macro evolution?	-Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution. -Stages of meiosis. -Population is the unit of evolution; not the individual. -Hardy-Weinberg model and how it can be used to explain the mechanisms by which populations evolve. -Speciation definition and what the different mechanisms for speciation are. - Effect of mutations on the genetics of populations.	-Analyze SSrRNA sequence data to evaluate the phylogeny of different kinds of bears. -Analyze the cladograms. -Observe phenotype data to measure recombination frequency in the AP Lab:Meiosis. -Simulate population changes by testing different HW conditions in the AP Lab: Hardy-Weinber. -Predict causes of population change.	-Evolution explains the diversity of life on Earth. -Continuity and change are necessary features of all species due to mechanisms of genetics and evolution.
2.5 Structure and function are correlated at all levels of biological organization.	-In the context of a biological system, what does it mean to say that form fits function?	-Essential structures of plants functions of those structures. -Essential structures of animals. -Functions of those structures. -Essential structures of a cell. -Functions of those structures.	-Observe and measure the effect of concentration on the movement of water on an artificial system and in a plant system in the lab AP Lab: Osmosis. -Describe the fluid mosaic model of the cell. -Explain how its mosaic structure confers function. -Compare and contrast active and passive transport. -Measure the fitness level of an individual in the lab AP Lab: Circulatory System. -Measure the effects of variables on plant transpiration in the lab AP Lab: Transpiration. -Explain how the structure of an organelle fits its function. -Detail the structure and function of plant organ and tissue systems. -Detail the structure and function of animal organ and tissue systems. -Analyze the evolution of plant and animal organ systems from simpler beginnings.
Biology Honors 5-6 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
2.6 Regulatory mechanisms ensure a dynamic balance in living systems.	-How are biological processes self-regulated? -What happens when regulatory balances are disrupted?	-Enzymes regulate chemical systems within biological systems. -Feedback systems maintain a stable internal environment.	-Measure the effect of time on the rate of catalysis in the AP Lab: Enzyme Catalysis. -Explain how ATP uses feedback inhibition to regulate its catabolism. -Explain how the immune system protects the body from present and future invaders. -Explain the changes in the human immune system as a result of disease or infection. (HIV, cancer, vaccination, parasites, antibiotics).
2.7 Organisms are open systems that interact continuously with their environments.	-How do the interactions between organisms and their environments determine the distribution and abundance of organisms? -How do organisms live and adapt to their environment (biotic and abiotic)?	-Interactions between organisms and their environments determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. -Evolutionary cause of behavior. -Characteristics of population. -Different examples of symbiotic relationships. -Trophic relationships that determine the routes of energy flow and chemical cycling in an ecosystem.	-Compare and contrast the rivet and the redundancy models of community. -Predict how the structure of a community will evolve after a disturbance or a creation of a new environment. -Discuss the examples of conservation practices that can protect species diversity and avert catastrophic extinctions caused by humans. -Measure the overall quality of the Missouri River at the CMR study site in the lab: River Study Project. -Measure the effects of light on primary productivity in the lab AP Lab: Dissolved Oxygen.

Enduring Understanding # 3: Both contemporary and historical scientific understandings inform technological, ethical, cultural and life decisions.
Biology Honors 5-6 Benchmarks
Students will understand:	Essential Questions	Students will know the/that	Students will be able to	Notes
3.1 Scientists have a responsibility to help educate all of society about the potential benefits and hazards of specific technologies.	-How have our observational skills in biology been impacted by technology? -How can a scientifically literate society differentiate between “what we would like to understand” from “what we would like to build?”	-Science and technology are functions of a society. - Historical examples of breakthroughs in biology that led to better understanding. - Ways in which technology has improved our standard of living.	-Identify and evaluate way in which technology has introduced some new problems in our society.	2. Science, technology and society interact in significant ways to impact scientific understanding and scientific literacy.
3.2 Cultural and societal practices have contributed to our scientific knowledge that leads to informed decisions.	-How have cultural and societal practices influenced biological understanding?	- Biological understandings that have been influenced by Native American practices.	- Investigate how Native American practices are relevant to biology.