BPS Science Department Biology - Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
Unit Overview:
Chapter 1
● Students are introduced to the science of biology by first exploring what science is and, importantly, what science is not. Students are reminded of scientific methodology, and how it is not one
procedure set in stone, but an approach that involves several general steps. Students define what is meant by a scientific theory and are then asked to consider the role of science in the context of
society, and ways that the results of science influence society.
● The characteristics of living things are outlined, and fields of biology are explored. Students are asked to explain why it is important to understand scientific concepts from a variety of fields to
understand biology. They also learn that the scientists adhere to certain standards to ensure replicability and safety.
Chapter 2
● Students examine macromolecules. To understand the structure of these large molecules, students first distinguish among atoms, isotopes, and compounds, and review ionic and covalent bonding.
They learn that intermolecular forces play an important role in how molecules interact within living systems. They explore how hydrogen bonding gives water its special properties, which make life
on earth possible. They focus on water’s ability to dissolve many substances, including both acids and bases.
● Students learn that macromolecules contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and may contain other elements in predictable ratios. They analyze data about the most important trace elements in the
human body. Then they investigate how the structure of each macromolecule is connected to its functions in cells, focusing on enzymes, which accelerate cellular reactions.
Essential Questions
● What are the goals of Science?
● What procedures are at the core of scientific methodology?
● What is a scientific theory?
● What practices are shared by science and engineering?
● What are the crosscutting concepts of Biology?
● What elements does Carbon bond with to make up life’s molecules?
● How do energy changes affect whether a chemical reaction will occur?
● What role do enzymes play in living things, and what affects their function?
BPS Science Department 2022-2023 Biology Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
BPS Science Department Biology - Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
NYSSLS Standards:
Chapter 1 Performance Expectations and Disciplinary Core Ideas:
● HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human
activities on natural systems. (Stability and Change)
● ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
● HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into
smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
● ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution
● HS-ETS1-3: Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized
criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety,
reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
● ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions
NYSSLS Standards:
Chapter 2 Performance Expectations and Disciplinary Core Ideas:
● HS-LS1-6: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements such as
nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus to form amino acids and other carbon-based molecules.
(Energy and Matter)
● LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
● HS-ESS2-5: Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on
Earth materials and surface processes. (Cause and Effect)
● ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
● HS-ETS1-1: Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative
criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
● ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems
Science & Engineering Practices:
● Asking Questions
● Defining Problems
● Constructing Explanations
● Designing Solutions
● Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Crosscutting Concepts:
● Stability and Change
● Cause and Effect
● Energy and Matter
● Patterns
● Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
BPS Science Department 2022-2023 Biology Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
BPS Science Department Biology - Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
Unit 1 Problem-Based Learning: Surviving Local and Global Water Scarcity
Problem: How can you make freshwater from saltwater?
Task: Design a solution to increase the efficiency of solar stills and help make fresh water readily available to people around the world. .
Students will solve this problem by performing the activities as they progress through the unit (below) and recording their findings in their Explorer’s Journal.
● Problem Launch: Surviving Local and Global Water Scarcity (Explorer’s Journal)
● Launch Video: Water, Water Everywhere (Realize)
● Authentic Reading: Solar Still Made of Bubble Wrap Could Purify Water for the Poor (Explorer’s Journal Lesson 1.2)
● Stem Project: Design and Build Your Solar Still (Explorer’s Journal Lesson 1.2)
● Interactivity: Optimize Solar Stills (Realize); Optimize Design Solutions (Explorer’s Journal Lesson 1.3)
● Stem Project Lab: Test and Evaluate Your Solar Still (Explorer’s Journal Lesson 2.2)
● Problem Wrap-up: Solving Local and Global Water Scarcity (Explorer’s Journal)
Time
Frame
Week 2 9.12.229.16.22
Essential Questions
Instructiona
l Sequence
Unit Launch
Chapter 1- The Science of Biology
Case Study
Lesson 1.1- What Is Science?
● What are the goals of Science?
● What procedures are at the core
of scientific methodology?
● What is a scientific theory?
Connect
Investigate
Vocabulary: observation, inference,
hypothesis, controlled experiment,
independent variable, dependent
variable, control group, data, theory
Lesson 1.2-Science in Context
● What attitudes and experience
generate new ideas?
Synthesize
Demonstrate
Connect
Investigate
Resources- Miller & Levine
Biology Textbook
Resources- Miller and Levine Biology
Realize Digital Component
● EJ-PBL Introduction: Solving Local and Global Water Scarcity*
● EJ-PBL Video: Water, Water Everywhere
● EJ-PBL Video Worksheet: Water, Water Everywhere
● EJ Problem Launch: Solving Local and Global Water Scarcity*
Biology and Technology Solve Problems
● Chapter Opener (p. 7)
● Diagram: Studying the Natural World (Figure 1-1) (p. 9)
● Interactivity: Studying the Natural World (p.9)
● Diagram: Benefits & Outcomes (Figure 1-8) (p.19)
● Case Study Wrap Up (p. 30-31)
● Performance-Based Assessment: Investigating Hydroponics (p. 34-35)
● Video: Bugs in the Home (3:14 min)
● Textbook: What Is Science? (p. ● eText: What Is Science?
8-14)
● Interactivity: Studying the Natural World (Figure 1-1 in eText)
● Diagram: Studying the Natural
● Interactivity: Scientific Methodology
World (Figure 1-1) (p. 9)
(investigate the scientific method)
● Analyzing Data: What’s in a
● Editable PPT Presentation: What Is Science?
Diet (p. 13)
● Simulation: Conducting an Investigation
(simulate performing a scientific investigation)
● Lesson 1.1 Review (p. 14)
● eText: Lesson Review: What is Science?
● Quiz: What is Science?
●
Textbook: Science in Context
(p. 15-21)
BPS Science Department 2022-2023 Biology Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
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Video: Exploring Extremes (3:24 min)
eText: Science in Context
Interactivity: The Process of Science (Figure 1-4 in eText)
Additional Resources
Brief Review Book and Labster access
is through Savvas Realize Home
Brief Review Book:
Topic 8: What is Science?
(p.146-149)
Topic 8: Scientific Inquiry
(p.149-154)
Topic 8: Collect & Organize
Data (p.154-159)
Brief Review Book:
Topic 8: Scientific Inquiry
(p.149-154)
BPS Science Department Biology - Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
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Why is peer review important?
What practices are shared by
science and engineering?
Vocabulary: bias
Synthesize
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Quick Lab: Replicating
Procedures (p. 18)
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Diagram: Benefits & Outcomes
(Figure 1-8) (p.19)
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Demonstrate
Lesson 1.3- Patterns of Life
● What characteristics do all living
things share?
● What are the crosscutting
concepts of Biology?
● How do fields of Biology differ
in their approaches?
Connect
Investigate
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Lesson 1.2 Review (p. 21)
Textbook: Patterns of Life (p.
22-29)
Synthesize
Vocabulary: biology, sexual
reproduction, asexual reproduction,
DNA, metabolism, stimulus,
Demonstrate
homeostasis, evolve
Chapter Close: The Science of Biology
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Lesson 1.3 Review (p. 29)
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Case Study Wrap Up (p. 30-31)
Chapter 1 Study Guide (p. 3233)
Performance-Based
Assessment: Investigating
Hydroponics (p. 34-35)
Chapter 1 Assessment (p. 3638)
End-Of-Course Test Practice:
The Science of Biology (p. 39)
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Enrichment: The Science of Biology (Optional)
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eText: Lesson Review: Science in Context
Quiz: Science in Context
Discussion Board: Biology Careers
eText: Patterns of Life
Interactivity: Studying Life
(investigate the branches of Life Science and the characteristics of what
makes something alive)
Editable PPT Presentation: Patterns of Life
Interactivity: Safety in the Laboratory (Figure 1-14 in eText)
Interactive Video: Characteristics of Life (3:19 min)
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Develop a Solution Lab: Algae in the Water
eText: Lesson Review: Patterns of Life
Quiz: Patterns of Life
eText: Case Study Wrap-Up: Biology and Technology Solve Problems
HHMI Career Video: The Great Elephant Census
eText: Chapter 1 Study Guide
eText: Performance-Based Assessment: Investigating Hydroponics
eText: Chapter 1 Assessment
Test: The Science of Biology
eText: End-of-Course Test Practice: The Science of Biology
End-of-Course Test Practice: The Science of Biology
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HHMI Enrichment Video: The Making of the Fittest: Natural Selection
in Humans (Sickle Cell Anemia) Part 1 & 2
HHMI Enrichment Video: Natural Selection in Humans Student Quiz
HHMI Enrichment Activity: A Lesson on the Nature of Science
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Week 3 9.19.229.23.22
Chapter 2-The Chemistry of Life
Case Study
Interactivity: The Process of Science and Engineering Design
(experience the process of science and see how the engineering design
process can be used)
Editable PPT Presentation: Science in Context
EJ-PBL Authentic Reading: Solar Still Made of Bubble Wrap Could
Purify Water for the Poor*
EJ-PBL STEM Project: Design and Build Your Solar Still
EJ-PBL Engineering Interactivity & Worksheet: Optimize Solar Stills
Something is Missing. But What?*
● Chapter Opener (p. 41)
● Image: Radioactive Imaging of Thyroid (p.44)
● Analyze Data: Trace Elements (p. 54)
BPS Science Department 2022-2023 Biology Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
Video Animations from
Sumanasinc.com
The Scientific Method
Brief Review Book
Topic 1: Characteristics of Life
(p.2-4)
Topic 4: Types of
Reproduction (p.60-62)
BPS Science Department Biology - Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
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Lesson 2.1- The Nature of Matter
● What are the three subatomic
particles that make up an atom?
● In what ways does a compound
differ from its compound
elements?
● What are the main types of
chemical bonds?
Vocabulary: atom, nucleus,
electron, element, isotope,
compound, ionic bond, ion, covalent
bond, molecule, van der Waals
forces
Lesson 2.2-Properties of Water
● How does the structure of water
contribute to its unique
properties?
● How does water’s polarity
influence its properties as a
solvent?
● Why is it important for cells to
buffer solutions against rapid
changes in pH?
Connect
Investigate
●
Diagram: Amino Acids (p. 55)
Case Study Wrap-Up (p. 62-63)
●
Textbook: The Nature of Matter ●
(p. 42-46)
●
Synthesize
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Image: Radioactive Imaging of
Thyroid (p.44)
Demonstrate
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Lesson 2.1 Review (p. 46)
Connect
Investigate
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Textbook: Properties of Water
(p. 47-51)
●
Quick Lab: Acidic & Basic
Foods (p. 50)
Lesson 2.3- Carbon Compounds
● What elements does Carbon
bond with to make up life’s
molecules?
● What are the functions of each
of the four groups of
macromolecules?
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Class Discussion: Water, Water Everywhere
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eText: Properties of Water
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Quick Lab: Acidic and Basics Foods
Interactivity: Hydrogen Bonding (Figure 2-8 in eText)
Interactivity: Unique Properties of Water
(investigate the special properties of water and how they affect living
things)
Editable PPT Presentation: Properties of Water
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Synthesize
Vocabulary: hydrogen bond,
cohesion, adhesion, mixture,
solution, solute, solvent, suspension,
pH scale, acid, base, buffer
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Class Discussion: What’s the Matter?
eText: The Nature of Matter
Interactivity: Types of Bonding
(explore and compare ionic bonds and covalent bonds)
Interactivity: Ionic Bonding (Figure 2-5 in eText)
Editable PPT Presentation: The Nature of Matter
Science Skills Activity & Worksheet: Interactive Periodic Table
(explore an interactive periodic table to learn about the properties of
elements and the patterns in their arrangement)
eText: Lesson Review: The Nature of Science
Quiz: The Nature of Matter
Demonstrate
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Lesson 2.2 Review (p. 51)
Connect
Investigate
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Textbook: Carbon Compounds
(p. 52-57)
Analyzing Data: Trace Elements
(p. 54)
Diagram: Amino Acids (Figure
2-17) (p. 55)
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Science Skills Activity & Worksheet: Exercise and Blood pH
(explore how buffers help stabilize pH in the blood)
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EJ-PBL Lab Investigation: Test and Evaluate Your Solar Still
eText: Lesson Review: Properties of Water
Quiz: Properties of Water
Video: Chemistry of Durian Fruits (3:15 min)
eText: Carbon Compounds
Analyzing Data: Trace Elements: Case Study
Interactivity: Understanding Macromolecules
(explore sugar molecules and how the body's cells break them down into
carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen in order to build other types of
macromolecules needed by the body)
Interactivity: Protein Structure (Figure 2-20 in eText)
Editable PPT Presentation: Carbon Compounds
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BPS Science Department 2022-2023 Biology Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
Statedclearly.com Video
Series:
What is a molecule?
What are Atoms Made of?
Labster Lab:
Extra- Eutrophication
Labster Lab:
13- Carbohydrates
Z Space Activities: (code)
Proteins (A036)
explore the 3D structure of protein
folding, and research the functions
of different proteins
Teacher Resource pdf
BPS Science Department Biology - Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
Vocabulary: monomer, polymer,
carbohydrate, lipid, nucleotide,
nucleic acid, protein, amino acid
Synthesize
Demonstrate
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Lesson 2.3 Review (p. 57)
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Science Skills Activity & Worksheet: Dietary Fat and Blood
Cholesterol Levels
(explore the different carbon compounds associated with cholesterol
levels in the blood)
eText: Lesson Review: Carbon Compounds
Quiz: Carbon Compounds
Student Resource pdf
Lipids (A022)
explore lipid structure and how
their unique structure allows lipids
to function within our bodies
Teacher Resource pdf
Student Resource pdf
Macromolecules (A109)
explore macromolecules and the
monomers that make them up
Lesson 2.4- Chemical Reactions
and Enzymes
● What happens to chemical
bonds during chemical
reactions?
● How do energy changes
affect whether a chemical
reaction will occur?
● What role do enzymes play
in living things, and what
affects their function?
Connect
Investigate
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Textbook: Chemical Reactions
and Enzymes (p. 58-61)
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Synthesize
Demonstrate
Vocabulary: chemical reaction,
reactant, product, activation energy,
catalyst, enzyme, substrate
Chapter Close: The Chemistry of Life
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Lesson 2.4 Review (p. 61)
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Case Study Wrap-Up (p. 62-63)
Chapter 2 Study Guide (p. 6465)
Performance-Based
Assessment: Harnessing the
Fear of Water (p. 66 - 67)
Chapter 2 Assessment a (p. 6870
End-Of-Course Test Practice:
The Chemistry of Life (p. 71)
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BPS Science Department 2022-2023 Biology Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
Class Discussion: Matter and Energy
eText: Chemical Reactions and Enzymes
Interactivity: Functioning of Enzymes
(investigate the changes to matter and energy in an enzyme-catalyzed
reaction)
Animation: An Enzyme-Catalyzed Reaction (Figure 2-24 in eText)
Editable PPT Presentation: Chemical Reactions and Enzymes
Simulation: Optimum Conditions for Enzymes
(explore enzymes and the variables that affect them)
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Exploration Lab: Temperature and Enzymes
eText: Lesson Review: Chemical Reactions and Enzymes
Quiz: Chemical Reactions and Enzymes
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eText: Case Study Wrap-Up: Something Is Missing. But What?
Career Video: Food Scientist
eText: Chapter 2 Study Guide
eText: Performance-Based Assessment: Harnessing the Fear of Water
eText: Chapter 2 Assessment
Test: The Chemistry of Life
End-of-Course Test Practice: The Chemistry of Life
Teacher Resource pdf
Student Resource pdf
Student Resource pdf: Graphic
Organizer
Brief Review Book:
Topic 2: Enzymes (p.25-29)
BPS Science Department Biology - Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
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Enrichment: The Chemistry of Life (Optional)
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Unit Close
HHMI Enrichment Video: Got Lactase? The Co-evolution of Genes and
Culture- Part 1 & 2
HHMI Enrichment Video: Got Lactase? Student Quiz
HHMI Enrichment Activity: Got Lactase? Blood Glucose Data Analysis
EJ Problem Wrap-Up: Solving Local and Global Water Scarcity*
Benchmark Test: Unit 1: The Nature of Life
Unit 1 Higher Order Questions
from LE Regents Exams (LE
Regents Exams are hyperlinked
for ease of access to questions)
Resources
http://ngss.nsta.org/Classroom-Resources.aspx - Searchable NYSSLS/NGSS aligned resources curated by NSTA
Buffalo Public Schools Science Department LE Webpage – BPS Living Environment curriculum resource hub
BPS Science Department Recommended Virtual Labs – Virtual lab resources with embedded links to virtual labs and student sheets. Must be logged into BPS google account through BPS Gmail account to access.
NYS Regents Living Environment Exams 2010-2020 NYSED’s Office of State Assessment webpage for released Regents Living Environment Examinations
NYS MST Science Learning Standards Living Environment 1996 NYS Living Environment Standards
NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards (HS) – NYSSLS High School Standards for Living Environment
NYSED Bilingual Glossaries – NYS Statewide Language Regional Bilingual Education Resource for NYSED approved bilingual glossaries.
English
Language
Learners (ELL)
Enhancements
To access
hyperlinked
material, you
must be logged
into your BPS
Google Drive
Listening
● Cross- Linguistic Practices:
Gives students opportunities to
make connections between what
they hear and their home language
(For example, allow students to
listen to a passage and identify
cognates.)
● Build background knowledge
● Activating Prior Knowledge
Activating prior knowledge means
both eliciting from students what
they already know and building
initial knowledge that they need in
order to access upcoming content
● Activating Prior Knowledge
● Visuals - GIFs, pictures- will
assist students in understanding
what they are listening to. Use
visual thinking strategies to set
the lens for learning.
● Video to review or introduce a
topic – use closed captioning to
help students see the words and
Speaking
● Sentence Frames - to begin a
sentence - such as Evolution is…
or I think that evolution is…
● Academic Conversation
Starters: Have a visual of a list
of academic sentence starters
that students can refer to in a
discussion. Examples includeI expect ____ to happen.
My data shows that…
This helps students have a
more science focused
dialogue.
● Choral Reading - To build
fluency, self-confidence and
motivation with
reading/speaking
● Create movement to go with the
word. Movement can be a
motivating factor, as well as a
kinesthetic tool for
conceptualizing the rhythm and
flow of fluent reading while
BPS Science Department 2022-2023 Biology Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
Reading
● Supplementary Text to help
reinforce concepts. If
necessarily, use lower Lexile
levels to ensure comprehension.
● Visual Aids - Pictures or models
to support vocabulary words and
concepts
● Video to review or introduce a
topic - use closed captioning to
help students read along while
they listen to the content
● 4 Square / Frayer models to
help students gain a deeper
understanding of vocabulary.
● Highlighting important text to
assist students in answering
questions after the reading.
● Chunking-Break reading of text
into chunks or paragraphs
● Performance Level Descriptors
This document provides teachers
with a description of what output
they can expect from students
Writing
● Sentence Frames - to begin a
sentence- such as Biodiversity
is… or An example of
competition is….
● Cloze passages with word banks
● Word banks
● Graphic Organizers to help
break down the writing process
and organize thoughts
● Standards-based sentence
stems
● Performance Level Descriptors
this document provides teachers
with a description of what output
they can expect from students
based on earned NYSESLAT
levels in the modality of writing.
Scroll for grades 9-12.
Instructional Accommodations
(depending on the student’s needs)
● Extended time for tests in class,
projects and assignments
● Directions read. Broken down
as necessary
● Model how to complete the
activity in the lesson
● Oral simplification of directions
or questions
● Translated version of test when
available. Student may have both
version English and native
language version
● Use of approved bilingual
glossaries from NYS in each
subject
BPS Science Department Biology - Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
Special
Education
Modifications
Special
Education
students must
have
accommodations
as per
Individual
Educational
Plan (IEP)
BPS Science K12 Schoology
Folder:
🡪9-12 Resources
🡪 Biology
🡪 Resources
🡪 Curriculum
Materials
Culturally and
Linguistically
pronunciations while they listen to
triggering brain function for
based on earned NYSESLAT
the content.
optimal learning
levels in the modality of reading.
Scroll for grades 9-12.
● Word stretching / Vowel
● Performance Level Descriptors
stretching when instructing allows
This document provides teachers ● Vocabulary MorphologyMorphology relates to the
student to listen closely to the
with a description of what output
segmenting of words into affixes
pronunciation of the word
they can expect from students
(prefixes and suffixes) and roots
based on earned NYSESLAT
● Performance Level Descriptors
or base words, and the origins of
levels in the modality of
This document provides teachers
words. Understanding that
speaking. Scroll for grades 9-12
with a description of what output
words connected by meaning can
they can expect from students
be connected by spelling can be
based on earned NYSESLAT
critical to expanding a student’s
levels in the modality of listening
vocabulary.
Scroll for grades 9-12.
Instructional
Technology:
● Pre-teach vocabulary
● Audio reading of text
● Use picture vocabulary
● Text to type functions
● Scaffold Depth of Knowledge questions
● Videos to clarify/visualize Living Environment concepts
● Provide copy of notes/notes in “cloze” form
● Record class lecture/discussions and make accessible to
student
● Use of Think, Pair, and Share strategy to help process
information
● Nearpod- interactive presentations of notes
● Scaffold written assignments with the use of graphic
● Playposit - show a video clip about the topic and add your
organizers
own questions for them to answer as they watch
● Allow for multiple ways to respond (verbal, written,
● Allow students to type answers in chat on Teams
response board)
● Provide model of performance task
Other:
● Modify informational text to fit the needs of the students
● Arrange seating for maximum engagement and minimum
● Provide a digital or paper interactive notebook
distraction
● Present complex tasks in multiple ways
●
Accessible lab space (counter level)
Provide mnemonic strategies for Living Environment
concepts
SUTW Strategies
● Informal Outline
● Color-Coding – Informative/Explanatory Text
● Two-column notes
● I-V-F Topic Sentence progressing to Four Step Summary Paragraph
● CUPS – Capitalization, Usage, Punctuation, Spelling
● Transitions
Materials, resources, and/or discussions address diverse cultural backgrounds and real-world applications
● Artifacts (posters, charts, etc.) in the science classroom are representative of the cultures of the student population
BPS Science Department 2022-2023 Biology Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
In Class Assessments
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Provide review packet or review sheet of concepts
covered on the test
Practice similar questions prior to the test
Provide multiple options for projects
Give a timeline of when things are due and remind them of
the process often.
Use of timer in class
Break all complex tasks into chunks
BPS Science Department Biology - Unit 1 – The Nature of Life
Responsive
Teaching
(CLRT) in the
Science
Classroom
● All students are given an opportunity to engage in science discourse
● Teacher demonstrates high expectations for all students
CLRT resources which align to Science content are denoted with a *
BPS Science Department 2022-2023 Biology Unit 1 – The Nature of Life