I can relate changes in genetics or mutations to a mechansim for evolution.
I can interpret and analyze data from the fossil record to support a claim that organisms and environments have evovled over time.
I can analyze and interpret data that show human evolution.
I can analyze and critque the evidence regarding the causes and effects of a mass extinction event.
E. Ecology
I can explain how ecosystem changes affect biodiversity.
I can model equilibrium in an ecosystem, including basic imputs and outputs, to predict how a change to that ecosystem such as a climate change might impact the organisms, populations, and species within it such as the removal of a top predator or introduction of a new species.
I can interpret and analyze data about changes in environmental conditions-such as climate change-and populations that support a claim describing why a specific population might be increasing or decreasing.
I can ask a testable question and make a falsifiable hypothesis about how environmental conditions affect organisms, populations, or entire species and desing a method to find the answer.
I can explain how energy is cycled through an ecosystem, including descriptions of photosynthesis and cell respiration.
I can develop, communicate, and justify an evidence-based explanation about why there generally are more producers than consumers in an ecosystem.
I can generate solutions to help mitigate envrionmental problems based on an understanding of the cycling of matter and energy.
I can propose a testable question and make a falsifiable hypothesis about photosynthesis or respiration and design an inquiry based method to find an answer.
I can develop, communicate, and justify an evidence-based scientific example of how humans can alter ecosystems.
I can explain and provide examples of how a yound person can be a steward of an ecosystem using technological resources.
I can argue, for or against, that humans have a unique responsibility to the ecoystems in which they live.
I can recognize and infer bias in print and digital resources while researching an environmental issue.
D. Genetics
I can compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis as means of passing on genetic information in sexual and asexual reproduction.
I can interpret and explain current DNA technologies as they are used in forensics and/or genetically modified food.
I can describe how DNA is replicated and present implications for inheriting DNA replicating errors.
I can explain and present the benefits and risks to genetic engineering such as cloning, genetically modifying organsims, and replacing genes for therapy.
I can explain inheritance using basic terms of recessive and dominant, using punnet squares, and basic probabilities.
I can explain and present advanced patterns of inheritance including two or more traits, codominance, and incomplete dominance.
C. Cells and Disease
I can develop, communicate, and justify an evidence based scientific explanation for the transmission of disease
I can explain antibiotic resistance by relating it too natural selection.
I can design, conduct and analyze an experiment to test the effectiveness of handwashing.
I can describe and present that our current understanding of cells has developed over centuries of studies by many scientists, and that through continued scientific investigations and advances in data collection, we will continue to refine our understanding of cells.
I can compare and contrast the basic structures and functions of plant cells, animal cells and single celled organisms.
I can design a model to show the basic structure of the cell, including organelles, and how they relate to the cells function.
I can masterfully use a microscope to look at objects and cells.
B. Human Body
I can quantitatively evaluate a diet for nutritional quality and design my own nutritionally healthy diet.
Recognize and infer bias in print and digital resoureces while researching a dietary issue.
I can gather, analyze, and interpret data and models on the functions and interactions of the human body, especially the heart.
I can develop, communicate, and justify an evidence-based scientific explanation of how each body system contributes to supporting the life of the organism.
I can develop and design a scientific experiment about human body systems.
A. Scientific Process
I can design, complete, and evaluate a science fair project.
I can design a clinical trial.
Using the terms independent variable, dependent variable, constants, control, groups, and trials.
I can evaluate evidence and data to draw conclusions about experiments.
Using qualitative and quantitative evidence.
I can evaluate clinical trials to make sure they are fair and ethical.
Vocabulary: placebo, control, ethical, informed consent, qualitative and quantitative evidence.
