Course Summary
In M/J Life Science, students discover the intricate features and complexities of living things and how all life on Earth is interconnected. Throughout this two-segment course, students explore topics including cells, organization of life, genetics, the human body, energy needs, and ecology. Through virtual tours and 3-D learning experiences, students dive into history and explore how living things have changed over millions of years. This course provides opportunities to build scientific models, perform research, and complete lab investigations, each of which supports the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through virtual simulations, hands-on investigations, and collaborative opportunities, students will build an understanding of life on Earth that will enhance their understanding of the world around them.
MAJOR TOPICS AND CONCEPTS
Segment One
Module 01: What
Is Life??
- Scientific investigations and
the scientific method
- Experimental design
- The cell theory
- Structure and function of cell
organelles
- Homeostasis at the cellular
level
Module 02: Organization
of Life
- The Linnaean system of
classification
- Taxonomy
- Domains and kingdoms
- Organization of organisms
- Data analysis
Module 03: Cell
Division and Genetics
- Function of deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA)
- Structure and function of
chromosomes
- Heredity and traits
- Sexual and asexual reproduction
- Cell division: mitosis and
meiosis
- Patterns of inheritance
- Genetic probabilities with
Punnett squares and pedigrees
Segment Two
Module 04: Body
Systems and Health
- Functions of major body systems
- Homeostasis
- Types of pathogens
- Cellular respiration
- The law of conservation of
energy
- Impacts of biotechnology
Module 05: Changes
Over Time
- The scientific theory of
evolution
- Fossil evidence as support for
the scientific theory of evolution
- Differences between scientific
theories and laws
- The effect of genetic variation
on changes in organisms
- Adaptations and extinction
- Advantages and disadvantages of
biotechnology
- Conditions required for natural
selection
Module 06: Ecology
and Energy Flow
- The process of photosynthesis
- The carbon cycle
- Benefits and limits of
scientific models
- The roles of producers,
consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem
- Energy transfer through a food
web and trophic levels
- The relationship between
photosynthesis and cellular respiration
- Symbiosis and organism
relationships
- Limiting factors in an
ecosystem