Concept 1
Nature of Science
Objectives:
1. Define science
a. A particular way of knowing about the world
2. Give an example of a hypothesis in the correct format
a. If runners drink water before a race, then they will run faster.
3. Explain the relationship between independent and dependent variables within a
hypothesis
a. IV=X axis, DV=Y axis, independent variable causes dependent variable
4. Differentiate between an observation and an inference
a. Observation: fact
b. Inference: theory based on fact
5. Explain the difference between accuracy and precision, and the significance of
having data that is both
a. Accuracy: correctness of measurement
b. Precision: how similar measurements are
6. List the general steps in designing and conducting an experiment
a. Research
b. Hypothesis
c. Experiment
d. Analyze
e. Conclude
7. Give an example of a scientific investigation design, with appropriate constants
and variables (IV and DV)
a. If runners drink Gatorade before a race, they will run faster than if they
drink water.
8. Explain the general steps of the technological design process, and the criteria
that must be considered when designing a solution
a. Problem identification
b. Solution design
c. Implementation
d. Evaluation
e. Cost, time, materials
9. Be able to conduct a scientific experiment using appropriate laboratory
equipment and making precise measurements
10. Be able to organize data from an experiment using appropriate laboratory
equipment and making precise measurements
11. Analyze data with respect to a hypothesis and draw an appropriate conclusion
12. Be able to select the most appropriate hypothesis and identify variables when
given the description of a scientific investigation
Vocabulary:
Fact: an objective, verifiable observation
Principle: a statement based on repeated experimental observation
Law: broad concept of principle that is accepted as fact (how)
Theory: an explanation of an observed phenomenon which never becomes fact (why)
Qualitative: describes qualities
Quantitative: uses numbers to measure something
Independent Variable: cause
Dependent Variable: effect
Constants/Controlled Variables: the aspects of an experiment that are held constant
Experimental Group: groups that are being tested
Control Group: group used for comparison
Technology: the advancement of society
Engineering: applies scientific and mathematical principles to solve problems
Concept 2
Chemistry of Life
Objectives:
1. List the six elements necessary for life and give examples of three molecules that
contain those elements
a. Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur
i.
H2O
ii.
O2
iii.
lipids
2. List the levels of organization that make up an organism, starting with an atom
and ending with an organism
a. Protons, neutrons, electrons
b. Atom
c. Element
d. Molecule
e. Macromolecule
f.
Cell
g. Organism
3. Differentiate between polar and nonpolar molecules
a. Polar: unequal distribution of charges, dissolves in water
b. Nonpolar: equal distribution of charges, does not dissolve in water
4. Explain the properties of water that make it such a unique molecule
a. Cohesion: attraction between molecules of the same substance
b. Adhesion: attraction between molecules of different substances
c. High specific heat: temperature of water does not change easily
d. Less dense as a solid: ice floats on water
e. Terrific solvent: most universal solvent
Vocabulary:
Matter: anything that has mass and takes up space
Atom: the smallest part of an element
Cell: most basic unit of life
Surface tension: how difficult it is to stretch or break the surface of a liquid
Solution: uniform mixture of two or more substances
Solute: what is dissolved
Solvent: what does the dissolving
Hydrophilic: has an affinity for water
Hydrophobic: does not have an affinity for water
Concept 3
Biological Macromolecules
Objectives:
1. List the monomers and polymers of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic
acids
a. Carbohydrates
i.
Monomer: monosaccharides
ii.
Polymer: polysaccharides
b. Lipids
i.
Monomer: fatty acids
ii.
Polymer: triglycerides
c. Proteins
i.
Monomer: amino acids
ii.
Polymer: polypeptides
d. Nucleic acids
i.
Monomer: nucleotides
ii.
Polymer: nucleic acid
2. Explain the major functions of each macromolecule
a. Carbohydrates: energy storage (short-term)
b. Lipids: energy storage (long-term)
c. Proteins: no main function
i.
Enzymes control rate of biochemical reactions
ii.
Hormones regulate cell processes (ex: insulin)
iii.
Bones and muscles (ex: collagen)
iv.
Transport substances in/out of cells (ex: hemoglobins)
v.
Antibodies in immune system fight diseases
vi.
Movement (ex: contractile proteins)
d. Nucleic acids: informational molecules (store, transmit, express genetic
info, contain instructions for making proteins)
3. Provide an example for each type of macromolecule
a. Carbohydrates: sugars
b. Lipids: steroids
c. Proteins: meats
d. Nucleic acids: DNA/RNA
4. Compare the relative energy storage of the macromolecules
a. Carbohydrates: 4 calories/gram
b. Lipids: 9 calories/gram
c. Proteins: 4 calories/gram
d. Nucleic acids: 0 calories/gram
5. List the order in which the body will consume carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins
for energy, and explain why
a. Carbohydrates: go-to energy source
b. Lipids: after carbs run out
c. Proteins: last resort, not healthy to use for energy
6. Sketch a picture of the macromolecule that makes up the majority of the cell
membrane and explain why its structure gives the membrane a unique property
Phospholipids: membrane are selectively permeable
7. Explain what makes proteins the most diverse macromolecule
a. Structure and function
8. List which macromolecule is not obtained from our food and where we do get it
from
a. Nucleic acids, we get them from our parents
Vocabulary:
Macromolecules: large organic molecules that make up living things
Monomer: small, basic sub-units
Polymer: larger more complex structures made of monomers
Monosaccharide: single sugar molecules
Polysaccharide: larger sugar molecules