Big Ideas in Biology

Unit 1

What are the Big Ideas?

• They are unifying concepts found in all science – biology, chemistry, earth science, physics

• These ideas link the sciences together

• This year we will study the following…

Science as a way of knowing…

• Use observations, questions, and experiments to explain the world around us

• Scientists looks for patterns• Scientists make predictions

• Think about global warming

Interdependence in Nature

• All forms of life are connected in our “living planet”

• Organisms and their environment depend upon two processes – the flow of energy and the cycling of matter

• Think about a food web…

Matter and Energy

• Matter includes the nutrients that the body needs for survival

• Energy is the fuel to run life processes

• Think about the food pyramid in relation to healthy exercise

Cellular basis of life

• All living things are composed of cells• Cells are complex and highly organized• Living things can be unicellular or multicellular

• Think about the different types of cells found in your body and the different jobs they do…

Information and Heredity

• The genetic code determines all information of life

• DNA carries the information from parent to offspring

• Name at least 5 things that you inherited from your parents…

Unity and Diversity

• All living things are mostly alike at the molecular level but can take on a variety of forms

• All organisms are made of carbon-based compounds

• All organisms use protein for building• All organisms store info in genes

• If we are so similar, how can we be so different?

Evolution

• Evolution means “a change over a period of time”

• Evolution has allowed us to adapt and to change in order for our species to survive

• Think about species that have evolved in order to be alive today… global warming is forcing some small species to evolve for survival – squirrels, some birds, few insects

Structure and Function

• Each living creature has structures that help it to survive

• Each structure has a necessary function

• List at least 5 common structures of humans and their functions…

Homeostasis

• This is an organism’s ability to survive in a changing environment…

• All body systems are working successfully

• Name 4 body systems and describe how they successfully keep you in homeostasis…

Science, Technology, and Society

• These three areas overlap • A critical balance between them is key to our

survival

• Should we used genetic engineering?• Should we stop global warming?• What is the best way to protect our water

supply?

Exit slide

• POST ASSESSMENT –

What is the goal of Science, based upon what you learned today?