2nd Nine Weeks Topics
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Parent Resources
Biology Topic Highlights
Questions to ask your child
CLASSIFICATION (Why do scientists
classify living things the way they
do?)
IX. Taxonomy (15.6)
A. Hierarchical classification
based on evolutionary
relationships (15.4)
B. Domains and Kingdoms
(15.6)
C. Reasons for changes in
how organisms are
classified. (15.5)
X. What defines a plant (14.7)
A. Overview of Plants:
Organs, tissues, evolution
(14.7)
B. Physiological Processes of
Plants (Growth,
Reproduction,
Transpiration,
Photosynthesis, Cellular
respiration) (14.7)
C. Properties of Water
(18.12)
XI. Cell energy: Photosynthesis
(18.9)
A. General equation of
Photosynthesis (18.7)
B. Where it occurs(14.7)
C. Non plant examples of
photosynthetic organisms
(15.6)
D. Role of carbohydrates as a
source of energy (18.1)
XII. Cell energy: Cellular
Respiration (18.9)
A. General Equation for
Classification
Topic IX Question to learner: Describe some of the major groups organisms are
classified into.
Sample Response: Organisms can be classified in several different groups. One of the
first ways of classifying organisms is whether they are unicellular (made up of only one
cell) or if they are multicellular (made up of two or more cells). Another way organisms
can be grouped is whether they are a prokaryotic cells (unicellular with no nucleus) or
eukaryotic cells (unicellular or multicellular with nucleus). A third type of classification
is whether a cell is an autotroph (makes it own food) or a heterotroph (ingests other
organisms).
Topic X Question to learner: What characteristics define a plant?
Sample Response: Plants have several defining characteristics that are visible and
microscopic. Visible structures on plants include roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits,
seeds, stamens, and pistils. Microscopic structures that are characteristics of plants are
cell walls and chloroplasts.
Topic XI Question to learner: Describe the key reactants and products of
photosynthesis.
Sample Response: The reactants (what goes in) for photosynthesis include carbon
dioxide and water. These reactants then react to sunlight. The reaction with sunlight
causes the creation of the major products (what is produced) of photosynthesis, which
include sugar and oxygen.
Topic XII Question to learner: Describe the key reactants and products of cellular
respiration.
Sample Response: The reactants (what goes in) for cellular respiration include oxygen
and glucose (sugar). These reactants are processed by the cell to create molecules that
the cell uses for energy. The processing causes the creation of the major products of
cellular respiration, which include carbon dioxide, water, and ATP (energy for the cell).
Division of Academics and Transformation – Department of Science
Page 1 of 1
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Parent Resources
Biology Topic Highlights
Cellular Respiration(18.8,
18.9)
B. ADP/ATP cycle(18.10)
C. Aerobic vs. Anaerobic
respiration (18.8)
D. Krebs cycle and Electron
Transport Chain (Aerobic
Respiration)**
HUMAN BODY (How are human
body systems different?)
XIII. Circulatory System (14.36)
A. Factors affecting blood
pressure, blood volume,
blood flow and viscosity
XIV. Immune System (14.52)
A. Basic Function of immune
system
B. Types of Responses (14.52)
C. Human Health and Disease
Transmission (14.6)
D. Fighting Infectious
Diseases (14.52, 15.13)
REPRODUCTION (How do
organisms grown and reproduce?)
XV. Human Reproductive system
(16.13)
A. Basic Anatomy and
Physiology: male and
female
B. Human Development –
Fertilization to Birth (all
stages)
C. External Membranes
Human Body
Topic XIII Question to learner: What are the major structures and functions of the
human heart.
Sample Response: The human heart is made up two halves, one that deals with oxygenpoor blood and one that deals with oxygen-rich blood. The half of the heart that deals
with oxygen-poor blood includes the superior vena cava, right atrium, right ventricle,
pulmonary arteries, and the inferior vena cava. The half of the heart that handles
oxygen-rich blood includes the aorta, pulmonary veins, left atrium, left ventricle, mitral
valve, and the pulmonary valve. The two half of the heart are separated by the septum.
Topic XIV Question to learner: What are the major structures and functions of the
human immune system?
Sample Response: The human immune system is divided into two categories,
nonspecific defenses and specific defenses. Nonspecific defenses include the skin, tears
and other secretions, the inflammatory response, interferons (cellular defense against
viruses), and fever. Specific defenses (the immune system) are bodily reactions that
determine the difference between the human body and foreign bodies (viruses,
bacteria…). The human body responds to invaders through humoral immunity
(antigens/antibodies/antibiotics) and cell-mediated immunity (human T and B cells
attack invading cells).
Topic XV Question to learner: What are the major structures and functions of the
human reproductive system?
Sample Response: The major structures and functions of the human reproductive
system vary depending on the sex of the person. The main function of the female
reproductive system is to drive the menstrual cycle. The major structures include
ovaries, oviduct (fallopian tube), uterus, cervix, and vagina. The main function of the
Division of Academics and Transformation – Department of Science
Page 1 of 1
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Parent Resources
Biology Topic Highlights
male reproductive system is to produce semen. The major structures include seminal
vesicle, prostate gland, vas deferens, urethra, epididymis, scrotum, penis, and testes.
Division of Academics and Transformation – Department of Science
Page 1 of 1