Sample of my Year-long Curriculum Plan

Biology 10
Course Understandings
Students will understand that
Criteria required for evolution to occur
The types of evidence that support the theory of evolution
Mechanicals for evolution
Biological classifications are based on how organisms are related.

Course Essential Questions

What is a scientific theory?

What is natural selection?
How can populations evolve to form new species?
What is the goal of modern evolutionary classification?

Course Skills
The students will develop skills including the ability to
Review what is meant by a scientific theory.
Explain natural selection and how populations change over time.
Know that organisms are classified in a system based on similarities in
classification are related to the changes in organisms over time
Review the cell theory.

10th Grade Biology

Course Understandings

Students will understand

that
Criteria required for
evolution to occur
The types of evidence
that support the theory of
evolution
Mechanicals for
evolution
Biological classifications
are based on how
organisms are related.
How behaviors evolved
through natural selection

Course Essential
Questions

Course Skills

How and why do

The students will develop

skills including the ability
to
Analyze and interpret
data
Constructing
explanations and
designing solutions
Engaging in argument
from evidence
Obtaining, evaluating
and communicating
information
Develop and use models

organisms interact
with their
environment, and
what are the effects
of these interactions?
What evidence
shows that different
species are related?
How do organisms
live and grow?
How are
characteristics of one
generation passed to
the next?

Nebraska State Standards

Evolution

SC 12.3.4a Students will describe the theory of

biological evolution.
SC12.3.4.a Identify different types of adaptations
necessary for survival (morphological,
physiological, behavioral)

Cells

SC12.3.3.d Analyze factors which may influence

environmental quality
SC12.3.1.a Identify the complex molecules
(carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) that
make up living organisms

Genetics

SC12.4.1.b Recognize that stars, like the Sun,

transform matter into energy by nuclear reactions
which leads to the formation of other elements
SC12.4.2 Students will investigate the relationships
among Earths structure, systems, and processes.

Ecology

SC12.3.1 Students will investigate and describe the

chemical basis of the growth, development, and
maintenance of cells.
SC12.3.3.a Explain how the stability of an
ecosystem is increased by biological diversity

Inquiry

SC12.1.1 Students will design and conduct investigations

that lead to the use of logic and evidence in the
formulation of scientific explanations and models.
SC12.1.1.a Formulate a testable hypothesis supported by
prior knowledge to guide an investigation
SC12.1.1.e Use tools and technology to make detailed
qualitative and quantitative observations

Next Generation Science Standard

Evolution
HS-LS4-1. Communicate scientific
information that common ancestry and
biological evolution are supported by
multiple lines of empirical evidence.
HS-LS4-2.Construct an explanation
based on evidence that the process of
evolution primarily results from four
factors: (1) the potential for a species to
increase in number, (2) the heritable
genetic variation of individuals in a
species due to mutation and sexual
reproduction, (3) competition for limited
resources, and (4) the proliferation of
those organisms that are better able to
survive and reproduce in the
environment.

Cells
HS-LS1-1.Construct an explanation
based on evidence for how the structure
of DNA determines the structure of
proteins, which carry out the essential
functions of life through systems of
specialized cells.
HS-LS1-2.Develop and use a model to
illustrate the hierarchical organization of
interacting systems that provide specific
functions within multicellular organisms.

Ecology
HS-LS2-3. Construct and revise an
explanation based on evidence for the
cycling of matter and flow of energy in
aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
HS-LS2-5. Develop a model to illustrate
the role of photosynthesis and cellular
respiration in the cycling of carbon among
the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere,
and geosphere.