Course: Biology
Preface:
Below is the curriculum map for Biology. In addition to the content, skills, and alignment to the Connecticut state
standards, this map embeds assessments in classroom instruction. Assessment is critical to show not only what teachers
are teaching but, more importantly, to indicate what students are learning.
In order for teachers to determine if students have learned the content, skills, and standards listed in the curriculum maps,
the Diocese has developed several assessments. Your child’s learning is assessed by using a variety of methods such as
written responses, oral communication, and performance assessments.
Teachers use both formative assessments (to inform instruction and on-going student progress) and summative
assessments (to indicate overall student achievement). Some formative assessments include: teacher observations,
quizzes, tests, homework, class participation, portfolios of student work, student self-assessment, rubrics, projects, journal
writing, oral exams, media presentations, and teacher/student conferences. The Diocese also administers the ACT
(American College Testing) in Science in grade 11.
Unit 1 The Science of Biology
Content Skills Standards
Problem solving in science Develop safe practices in the D.INQ.10 ~ Communicate about science in different formats, using
laboratory relevant science vocabulary, supporting evidence and clear logic.
Tools and procedures
Understand and use the scientific D.INQ.4 ~ Design and conduct appropriate types of scientific
Experimental design method investigations to answer different questions.
Perform measurements D.INQ.3 ~ Formulate a testable hypothesis and demonstrate logical
connections between the scientific concepts guiding the hypothesis
Become proficient with use of the and the design of the experiment.
microscope
D.INQ.5 ~ Identify independent and dependent variables, including
Design experiments; collect,
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analyze, and present data (reports) those that are kept constant and those used as controls.
D.INQ.1 ~ Identify questions that can be answered through
scientific investigation.
D.INQ.2 ~ Read, interpret and examine the credibility and validity of
scientific claims in different sources of information.
D.INQ.6 ~ Use appropriate tools and techniques to make
observations and gather data.
Unit 2 The Chemistry of Life
Content Skills Standards
The nature of matter Define and observe life 9.4.2 ~ Describe how atoms combine to form new substances by
characteristics transferring electrons (ionic bonding) or sharing electrons (covalent
Properties of carbon compounds bonding)
and water Understand the composition of
matter 10.1.3 ~ Describe the general role of enzymes in metabolic cell
Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and processes
nucleic acids Use the pH Scale and examine
the pH of living things 9.4.1 ~ Describe the general structure of the atom, and explain how the
Chemical reactions and enzymes properties of the first 20 elements in the Periodic Table are related to
Describe how chemical reactions their atomic structures
use and release energy
9.6.1 ~ Explain how simple chemical monomers can be combined to
Define solutions and provide create linear, branched and/or cross-linked polymers
examples
Describe the properties of water 9.6.2 ~ Explain how the chemical structure of polymers affects their
and their significance to life physical properties
Develop knowledge of carbon 9.5.1 ~ Explain how the structure of the carbon atom affects the type of
compounds and the molecules of bonds it forms in organic and inorganic molecules
life
9.4.3 ~ Explain the chemical composition of acids and bases, and
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explain the change of pH in neutralization reactions
9.5.3 ~ Explain the general formation and structure of carbon-based
polymers, including synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene, and
biopolymers, such as carbohydrate
Unit 3 Cells
Content Skills Standards
Discovery of cells and history of Describe the structure of the cell 10.1.1 ~ Describe significant similarities and differences in the basic
cell theory membrane structure of plant and animal cells
Prokaryotes versus eukaryotes 10.2.1 ~ Describe the similarities and differences between bacteria and
viruses
Organelle and membrane structure Explain mechanisms to transport
and function substances across the cell 10.1.4 ~ Explain the role of the cell membrane in supporting cell
membrane functions
Transport across membranes:
osmosis, diffusion, and active Identify, describe, and discuss the
transport functions of each: Nucleus,
mitochondrion, endoplasmic
Cell diversity reticulum, and Golgi complex
Unit 4 Cell Energy and Metabolic Pathways
Content Skills Standards
Energy, processes, pathways and Recognize the importance of ATP 10.1.1 ~ Describe significant similarities and differences in the basic
reactions of cell respiration, in living systems structure of plant and animal cells
fermentation, and photosynthesis
Describe the reactions of 10.1.3 ~ Describe the general role of enzymes in metabolic cell
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glycolysis, the Kreb's cycle, and processes
the electron transport chain of cell
respiration
Describe the reactions of cyclic
and noncyclic
photophosphorylation and the
Calvin cycle of photosynthesis
Describe the importance of
chemiosmosis in ATP synthesis
Unit 5 Cell Growth and Division
Content Skills Standards
Mitosis, cytokinesis, and meiosis Compare and contrast meiosis with 10.1.1 ~ Describe significant similarities and differences in the basic
and cell cycle mitosis structure of plant and animal cells
10.4.1 ~ Explain how meiosis contributes to the genetic variability of
organisms
Unit 6 Genetics - Gregor Mendel's work
Content Skills Standards
Probability and punnett squares Summarize Mendel's genetic laws 10.4.3 ~ Deduce the probable mode of inheritance of traits (e.g.,
and his conclusions about recessive/dominant, sex-linked) from pedigree diagrams showing
inheritance phenotypes
DNA and RNA Use a Punnett square to predict 10.4.4 ~ Describe the difference between genetic disorders and
genotype and phenotype infectious diseases
probabilities
Chromosomes, DNA replication,
protein, synthesis, mutations and 10.1.2 ~ Describe the general role of DNA and RNA in protein
synthesis
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gene expression and regulation Identify and explain gene maps
10.4.2 ~ Use the Punnet Square technique to predict the distribution of
Genetic engineering Describe the structure of DNA and traits in mono- and di-hybrid crossings
summarize its replication
Distinguish the differences
between DNA and RNA
Describe the types of RNA and the
process of protein synthesis
Explain the mechanics of gene
expression and its control
Describe the techniques and
processes used to manipulate
DNA and evaluate their potential
uses
Identify disorders of the
chromosomes and explain the
purposes of the Human Genome
Project
Unit 7 Evolution
Content Skills Standards
Darwin's theories and Catholicism Identify patterns of evolution and 10.5.3 ~ Describe how structural and behavioral adaptations increase
provide evidence the chances for organisms to survive in their environments
Genetic changes and variation
Describe sources of variation, 10.5.2 ~ Explain how the current theory of evolution provides a
Natural selection mechanisms that spread variation, scientific explanation for fossil records of ancient life forms
and forces that act upon variations
The fossil record, earth's history with emphasis on natural selection 10.5.1 ~ Explain how the processes of genetic mutation and natural
and developmental patterns selection are related to the evolution of species
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Unit 8 Classification
Content Skills Standards
Classification Describe how species are named
and categorized
Unit 9 Ecology
Content Skills Standards
Energy flow, cycles of matter, Trace the flow of energy through 10.6.1 ~ Describe the factors that affect the carrying capacity of the
ecosystems, communities, an ecosystem and evaluate its environment
populations, and human effects on efficiency
the biosphere 10.6.2 ~ Explain how change in population density is affected by
Describe how matter cycles among emigration, immigration, birth rate and death rate, and relate these
living and nonliving things factors to the exponential growth of human populations
10.6.3 ~ Explain how technological advances have affected the size
and growth rate of human populations throughout history
Unit 10 Human Systems
Content Skills Standards
The skeletal, integumentary and Describe the general functions of 7.2.a.10 ~ Compare and contrast the structure and function of skeletal
muscular system each system and how the system muscle with cardiac and smooth muscle.
supports homeostasis of the body
Circulatory and respiratory 7.2.a.15 ~ Compare the structures and functions of the basic
systems For each system: identify and components of blood (plasma, platelets, red and white cells).
describe key structures, describe
Digestive and excretory systems their diverse functions, and explain 5.2.a.4 ~ Create a display that illustrates the role of the brain and
their relationships to each other spinal cord in responding to information received from the sense
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Immune system and the body as a whole organs.
Endocrine and reproductive 7.2.a.14 ~ Demonstrate how the heart functions to circulate and re-
systems oxygenate blood in the human body.
Nervous system 7.2.a.11 ~ Demonstrate how the muscles, tendons, ligaments and
bones interact to support the human body and allow movement.
5.2.a.3 ~ Design and conduct simple investigations to explore the
capabilities of the human senses.
7.2.a.5 ~ Determine and report on how a similar group of cells are
organized in tissues that have specific functions.
7.2.a.8 ~ Differentiate between the structures and range of motion
associated with ball, socket and hinge joints.
5.2.a.6 ~ Draw diagrams showing the straight path of light rays from a
source to a reflecting object to the eye, allowing objects to be seen.
5.2.a.7 ~ Explain how properties of different materials and structures in
the human eye affect humans’ perception of color.
5.2.a.1 ~ Explain the role of sensory organs in influencing behaviors in
response to environmental stimuli (e.g., light/dark, heat/cold, flavors,
pain, etc.)
5.2.a.5 ~ Identify the major structures of the human eye, ear, nose,
skin and tongue, and explain their functions.
7.2.a.4 ~ Illustrate the structural differences and function of various cell
types found in multicellular organisms (muscle, nerve, blood).
7.2.a.7 ~ Investigate and explain in writing the basic structure and
function of the human skeletal system.
7.2.a.13 ~ Label the major parts of the human circulatory system and
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explain in writing the function of each part (heart, veins, arteries and
capillaries).
7.2.a.17 ~ Label the major parts of the human digestive system and
explain in writing the function of each part in the chemical and physical
breakdown of food (mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large
intestine and rectum).
7.2.a.12 ~ Label the major parts of the human respiratory system and
explain in writing the function of each part (nasal cavity, trachea,
bronchi, lungs and diaphragm).
7.2.a ~ Many organisms, including humans, have specialized organ
systems that interact with each other to maintain dynamic internal
balance.
7.2.b ~ Multicellular organisms need specialized structures and
systems to perform basic life functions.
5.2.a.2 ~ Pose testable questions and design experiments to
determine factors that affect human reaction time.
7.2.a.9 ~ Relate human joints to simple machines.
7.2.a.18 ~ Research and defend the statement, “Body systems are
interdependent and act together to maintain the body’s dynamic
internal balance” (homeostasis).
5.2.a ~ The sense organs perceive stimuli from the environment and
send signals to the brain through the nervous system.
7.2.a.6 ~ Analyze and illustrate how tissues form organs with specific
functions that contribute to the larger system.
7.2.a.16 ~ Analyze the interaction between the circulatory and
respiratory systems as the demand for oxygen changes.
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Unit 11 Microbiology
Content Skills Standards
Structure, types and diseases Distinguish between viruses, 10.2.2 ~ Describe how bacterial and viral infectious diseases are
bacteria, and yeasts regarding transmitted, and explain the roles of sanitation, vaccination and
their structures, their importance in antibiotic medications in the prevention and treatment of infectious
nature, and their roles in disease diseases
10.2.1 ~ Describe the similarities and differences between bacteria and
viruses
10.2.3 ~ Explain how bacteria and yeasts are used to produce foods
for human consumption
Unit 12 Botany
Content Skills Standards
Biology of Plants Identify and Describe plant tissues 10.1.1 ~ Describe significant similarities and differences in the basic
and organs structure of plant and animal cells
Discuss plant reproductive
processes and life cycles
Unit 13 Zoology
Content Skills Standards
Invertebrates, Vertebrates Classify various groups of 10.1.1 ~ Describe significant similarities and differences in the basic
invertebrates and vertebrates structure of plant and animal cells
Starting with the simplest
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invertebrate and progressing up to
the most complex vertebrate,
identify and compare their
anatomies and physiologies
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