SAHS BioA Unit 1 (Intro.)
Proficiency Guide
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Textbook: Biology Prentice Hall Chpts 1 (pgs 328 science, life, biology, tools and procedures), 3-2
(pgs 67-73 Energy flow), 7-1(pgs 169-172 Cell Theory), 17-2 (pgs 423-428 early Earth)
Appendix A (pgs. 1060-1065 process skills,
experiments, organization of information) &
Appendix D (pgs. 1070-1071 compound
microscope)
Background Vocabulary:
science
observation
evidence
open-mindedness
skepticism
experiment
problem
Foundational Skills:
Describe
Explain
Identify
Distinguish
Differentiate
data
Analyze
Contrast
Objectives:
1) Identify the parts of a light microscope and their functions.
Microscope Post-lab Assessment
2) Demonstrate how to correctly use a light microscope to
view a specimen. Microscope Lab Assessment
3) Contrast the uses and limitations of the light microscope,
the transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the
scanning electron microscope (SEM).
4) Identify and describe the difference between prokaryote
and eukaryote cell basic structure.
Vocabulary: Cell, prokaryote, eukaryote, organism,
nucleus.
5) Identify and explain the four parts of the cell theory as
well as the discoveries about cells made during the
development of modern microscopes.
Vocabulary: cell
6) Identify, describe, and give examples of the ways in which
life may be organized: characteristics of living organisms,
levels of organization (cell to biosphere).
Vocabulary: biome, biosphere, biotic, abiotic, autotroph,
heterotroph, producer, consumer, energy pyramid,
genus, species, homeostasis.
7) Identify the common steps of scientific investigations (the
inquiry process).
Vocabulary: independent variable, dependent variable,
conclusion, results, experimental group, qualitative,
quantitative, hypothesis, control/control group,
qualitative data, quantitative data.
8) Distinguish between hypothesis and theory. Discuss
various hypothesis about the origins of life on planet earth
P:\Science\Test Preparation Checklist.CS
(spontaneous
generation,
asteroids, ocean
origins, early
earth
atmospheric
conditions, etc.).
Vocabulary:
hypothesis,
theory,
inference.
9) Analyze an
experiment and
identify its
hypothesis,
control,
variables, and
conclusion.
Differentiate a
control group
from an
experimental
group and an
independent
variable from a
dependent
variable.
Vocabulary:
independent
variable,
dependent
variable,
conclusion,
results,
experimental
group,
qualitative,
quantitative,
hypothesis,
control/control
group,
qualitative data,
quantitative
data.
10) Analyze the
flow of energy in
an ecosystem
using an energy
pyramid.
Explain how and
to what degree
energy is lost at
each level.
Identify the
autotrophs and
heterotrophs
(producers and
H1L4 Explain how cellular
processes and cellular
differentiation are regulated
both internally and externally
in response to the
environments in which they
exist.
H2E2 Explain how Earth’s
atmosphere, . . . change[d]
over time. . ..
H2L1 Explain how energy
and chemical elements pass
through systems. Describe
how chemical elements are
combined and recombined in
different ways as they cycle
through the various levels of
organization in biological
systems.
H2L2 Explain how
ecosystems change in
response to disturbances and
interactions. Analyze the
relationships among biotic
and abiotic factors in
ecosystems.
consumers) as well as biotic and abiotic factors in the
ecosystem.
Vocabulary: energy pyramid, ecosystem,
autotroph/producer, heterotroph/consumer, biotic,
abiotic.
This study plan and log is to be completed and turned in on test day. Those
who complete it will earn a point back on the exam.
Update lecture notes comparing to a friend’s notes
(especially important if you have been absent during the unit)
Define key terms for each concept covered on the test
Outline textbook chapters
Make a test including a variety of questions and types
This form must be signed by your parent / guardian as proof of
your preparation.
Name
Date _______________________
Test Preparation Checklist
of questions
Re-read lecture notes aloud
Highlight lecture notes
Summarize lecture notes – find and note main ideas
From the list below, check any study strategy that you used in
preparing for this test. Add any strategies you used that are
not listed.
Complete test review assignment
Explain lecture notes to a friend or relative
Study with a friend
Complete the chapter reviews in textbook for the
chapters covered on the test
Attend Ignite Mentor Tutoring to get help and prepare
for test—if mentoring is available
Complete the online chapter activities and self-test for
textbook online. Prentice Hall Biology
Review homework for each chapter covered on test
Complete practice tests / quizzes in Biology Junction
Attend Early Release Help Session to ask questions
and prepare for test
Complete the online activities for the concepts covered
on test at Gateway Website
Review helpful animations at Tutorial Links - Useful
Links Animations at Bio A Class website
Practice vocabulary at Quia Website for Chapters 1 &2
Use all section activities
http://www.quia.com/pages/biology/page4
Review Hippocampus animations for chapter pages
covered on test
Utilize PRIDE period to ask questions and prepare for
test
Teach material to someone else
Re-read textbook and paraphrase the material
Update lecture notes with information from your
textbook
Draw a picture or diagram of what you are studying
P:\Science\Test Preparation Checklist.CS
Highlight lecture notes
Other
P:\Science\Test Preparation Checklist.CS
When you study for a test, make sure you do something other than just read. For example, write, draw, read aloud, tape, talk, highlight,
make flash cards, etc. Be creative. When you are actively involved in your study strategy, you will remember more of the material and
understand it better.
When did you study?
How long did you study?
How did you study? What did you do?
___________________________________________________________________________
Parent / Guardian Signature
P:\Science\Test Preparation Checklist.CS
_______________________
Date