Biology Unit 1 Layered Assignments
The Study of Life
Alan Dewey
Wabasso High School
OBJECTIVES
1. Demonstrate understanding of proper measuring techniques in a scientific laboratory.
2. Explain the difference between an observation and an inference.
3. Explain how scientists perform controlled experiments, understand the purpose of a control group, and be able to write a hypothesis and procedure.
4. Explain the difference between an independent, dependent, and control variable.
5. Explain the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law.
6. Explain the characteristics that all living things have in common.
7. Explain the difference between quantitative
and qualitative (descriptive) research.
LAYER C- BASIC UNDERSTANDING (Choose a total of 75 pts from the assignments below.
* indicates a required assignment. Must be present in class to earn points for notes.)
Day 1- Measurement
____ *1. Complete the
“Crazy Conversions” lab and practice conversions (BK-10 pts).
Day 2- Observation vs. Inference
____ 2a. Complete check lab with your table (IE, LM-5 pts).
____ 2b. Make a poster explaining
observation and inference (VS-5 pts).
Day 3- Scientific Method- Procedure
____ *3. Perform Lego procedure
lab (BK-5 pts).
Days 4-5- Scientific Method
____ 4a. Complete “The Simpsons” variable activity with your table (IE, LM-5 pts).
____ 4b. Make a poster of an experiment set-up search and identify the variables (VS, IA-5 pts).
____ *4c. Design a controlled experiment using sugar and complete the first page of the lab sheet (VL-10 pts).
____ 5a. Write a summary of the difference between a scientific theory and a law (VL-5 pts).
____ 5b. Make a poster of the
difference between a scientific theory and a law (VS-5 pts).
Day 6- Characteristics of Life
____ 6a. Make a poster showing the characteristics of life (VS-5 pts).
____ 6b. Imagine a leaf falling to the ground. What characteristics of life did the leaf have before it fell? After it fell? Is the leaf on the ground alive? (NA, VL-5 pts).
____ 6c. In groups of 4, create a skit that shows an organism having all the characteristics of life (BK, IE-10 pts).
____ 6d. With a partner,
write a song about an organism having all the characteristics of life
(MU-10 pts).
Day 7- Research Types/Work Day
____ 7a. Make a table comparing and contrasting the two types of research (LM-5 pts).
____ 7b. Make a poster
comparing and contrasting the two types of research (VS-5 pts).
Day 8- Test/Work Day
____ *All. Complete practical applications test (VL-5 pts).
____ All. Listen to lecture and take notes each day (VL). 1 2 3 4 5
____ All. Make vocabulary flashcards for all relevant terms in the unit (VL-5 pts).
____ All. Complete unit worksheets (VL, IA-2 pts each, 10 pts total).
____ All. Complete end of chapter questions pgs. 29-31 #1-5, 9-24, 1-5 (VL-10 pts).
____ All. Secretary position- proofread and edit another student’s written assignment (VL-5 pts).
Day 9- Layer B lab day.
Day 10- Work day/Layer A (if needed).
Day 11- All assignments
due.
LAYER B- APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE (10 points)
____ *1. Perform
the sugar lab you designed and complete the second page of the lab sheet.
LAYER A- CRITICAL THINKING & ANALYSIS OF REAL WORLD ISSUES (15 points)
Using 2 resources, either write a 1 page paper or create a 6 slide powerpoint presentation exploring one of the questions below. The last paragraph or slide should include your conclusion.
____ 1. Are viruses alive?
____ 2. How did scientists determine that The Link (Ida) revealed in May 2009 combines the two lines of primates?
____ 3. Why should a scientist who is trying a new drug on people use a control in his/her experiment?
____ 4. Your friend
designed an experiment to answer a question he had. The experiment
did not support his hypothesis, so your friend felt like his experiment
failed, and rejected his hypothesis. Explain to your friend why
his hypothesis might not be wrong.
1. Title of article:
Title of magazine, journal, or URL:
Author:
Date of article:
Summary:
2. Title of article:
Title of magazine, journal, or URL:
Author:
Date of article:
Summary:
Total Grade: _____ / 100 Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________