Biology Sample Tasks,* Unit Vocabulary** and Big Ideas***
Unit 1
Sample Task
Vocabulary:
Within the science notebook, define science, and design a Scientific method
Venn diagram to distinguish between scientific
Hypothesis
hypotheses and scientific theories.
Conclusion
Unit 2
Sample Task
Theory
Experiment
Technology
science
Hypotheses are tentative and testable
statements, while theories are well-established
and highly reliable explanations.
 Scientific theories are subject to
change as new areas of science and
new technologies are developed. 
 Some questions are outside the
realm of science because they deal
with phenomena that are not
scientifically testable
Vocabulary:
Big Ideas
Food web
-Compare and contrast two ecosystems using a
Food chain
graphic organizer and in writing. Include the
following:: Abiotic and biotic factors ,limiting factors Heterotoph
Autotroph
that may affect carrying capacity, variations,
Ecosystem
tolerances, and adaptations of organisms that
enable them to survive in the ecosystems, symbiotic Biomass
Biome
relationships within the ecosystems.
Community
-For two ecosystems, analyze and compare the flow Niche
Succession
of matter and/or energy using models such as
Habitat
various food chains, food webs, ecological
Population
pyramids, and the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Given an amount of energy for a particular trophic Biosphere
level, calculate the amount of energy in subsequent Biological magnification
Carrying capacity
trophic levels using the 10% rule.
Limiting factors
-Using various scenarios, analyze and describe the Pyramid of energy
impact of environmental change on an ecosystem. Symbiosis
competition
Include the following information: ecosystem
stability, disruption to the carbon and nitrogen
cycles and the consequences, how food webs and
relationships among organisms have changed.
Additionally describe how ecological succession
has, or might occur, and the effect this will have on
populations and species diversity.
Unit 3
Sample Task
Vocabulary:
-Construct a graphic organizer to compare structures and Polymer
functions of different types of biomolecules, such as
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
-Conduct a scientific investigation on enzyme action.
Complete a formal, written laboratory report for the
investigation, which includes the role of enzymes in
living organism.
Big Ideas
Monomer
Protein
Amino acid
Nucleic acid
Nucleotide
Lipid
Carbohydrate
Starch
Glucose
Glycogen
enzymes
Ecosystems have been shaped by geography,
climate, and evolution to support a
characteristic group of organisms that
interact with one another
 Matter and energy in ecosystems
pass through food webs. At each
trophic level in a food web, energy
is used and lost to the
environment.
 Matter is recycled through
systems and various cycles, such
as the carbon and nitrogen cycles
 Environmental change can impact
ecosystem stability
 Events and processes occurring
during succession may eventually
lead to a new, stable ecosystem
Big Ideas
Organic compounds are biomolecules made
and used by living organisms. The structure of
biomolecules gives rise to their function
 Enzymes are an example of an
organic compound; they speed up
reaction rates and are critical to
metabolic processes within living
organisms
 Enzymes function best within a
certain temperature range, salt
concentration, and pH.
Unit 4
Sample task
Vocabulary:
-Design a model of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and Homeostasis
create a graphic organizer to compare and contrast these Cell membrane
Cell theory
two types of cells.
Eukaryotic
-Examine specialized plant and animal cells, and predict Prokaryotic
Nucleus
and provide evidence for each cell’s general function
Cytoplasm
Golgi complex
based on its structure
Mitochondria
Chloroplast
-Using a model of a cell membrane, demonstrate
Diffusion
examples of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. For osmosis
each example, explain the movement of molecules in
Big Ideas
All living organisms are composed of
prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells, which contain
structures that carry out specialized functions
 Different substances move across
the cell membrane by diffusion,
osmosis, or active transport to
maintain homeostasis
terms of homeostasis.
Unit 5
Sample Task
Vocabulary:
- Compare and contrast photosynthesis and respiration by Photosynthesis
constructing an illustration comparing the energy and
matter flow in both processes. Write a summary
describing the illustration including a balanced chemical
equation for both processes.
Unit 6
Sample Task
Cellular respiration
ATP
Mitochondria
Chloroplast
Glucose
Vocabulary:
Cancer
- Label a model of DNA replication. Explain how DNA Mitosis
Prophase
is replicated and the concept that the components that
Metaphase
make up the genetic code are common to all organisms. Anaphase
Telophase
Additionally, include a discussion of the limitations of the
Cytokinesis
model.
Asexual reproduction
Somatic cell
-Create a model to illustrate each stage of the cell cycle. Chromosomes
Describe in writing how the model illustrates each stage. Sister chromatids
Centrioles
DNA
-Write a summary that includes the role of DNA
Base pairing
replication in mitosis, the importance of the cell cycle to
the growth of an organism, and how disruptions in the
cell cycle might lead to disease
Big Ideas
Some organisms are capable of converting
light energy into chemical energy (glucose)
through photosynthesis.

Organisms extract energy from
glucose to produce ATP.
Big Ideas
The cell cycle is important to the growth of
organisms.

The cell cycle is important to the
growth of organisms.

The specific pairing of DNA allows
for self-replication

Components that make up the
genetic code are common to all
organisms.
Unit 7
Sample Task
Vocabulary
- Label a diagram illustrating the process of
Central dogma
protein synthesis from a DNA sequence and
Translation
ending with an amino acid sequence. Explain, in tRNA
written or oral form, the purpose, all steps, and protein synthesis
codon
relevant cell structures involved in transcription rRNA
transcription
and translation, including those involved in
anticodons
regulating gene expression
mutation
point mutation
- Illustrate and describe various types of
karyotype
mutations, including point and frameshift, and pedigree chart
Big Ideas
☺ The structure of nucleic acids provides a
mechanism to store and transmit genetic
information.
☺Mutations may disrupt the genetic process
evaluate the significance of these changes
Unit 8
Sample Task
Vocabulary
-Calculate phenotypic and genotypic ratios Polypeptide
of mono- and dihybrid crosses by completing Gene expression
Genome
Punnett squares. Predict the outcome of
Cell differentiation
other crosses, such as sex-linked traits,
Gene expression
incomplete dominance, and co-dominance. Protmoter
Write a summary of the calculations for each Amino acid
cross
Repressor
-Create a brochure describing how various Operons
Triplet
techniques are used to study the genomes Cloning
of organisms. Include descriptions of the
roles of DNA, RNA, and environmental
factors in cell differentiation, and include a
statement about gene expressions as a
regulated process.
Meiosis
Allele
Gene
Genotype
Phenotype
Punnett square
Dominant
Recessive
F1 generation
F2 generation
Heterozygous
Homozygous
Monohybrid cross
Dihybrid cross
Complete dominance
Incomplete dominance
Co-dominance
Sex-linked traits
Non-Mendelian inheritance
Law of segregation
Law of independent assortment


Big Ideas
☺Possible outcomes of genetic crosses can
be predicted
☺Gene expression is a regulated process.
☺Gene expression regulates cell
differentiation.
☺Recombinant DNA technology can be
used to study organisms
Unit 9
Sample Task
Vocabulary:
Evolution
-“Natural selection is usually thought of as an agent of
Natural selection
change in populations, but it can also act to maintain Genetic drift
the status quo.” Create and present a media presentation Recombination
Artificial selection
analyzing and evaluating this statement. Include the
Adaptation
Diversity
range of responses of a population to changes in the
Gene flow
environment, such as differential reproductive success, Mutation
Extinction
the adaptation and development of diversity in and
Geographic isolation
among species, and change in populations.
Behavioral isolation
-Choose a graphic organizer to organize and evaluate Inherited variation
evolutionary phenomena that provide evidence of
Selection advantage
common ancestry among groups including fossil
Evolution
record, biogeography, homologies, and evolution on a Ancestry
cellular level. In addition, include examples of each
Fossil record
form of evidence
Homologies
Morphologies
Evidence
Stasis
Morphology
Punctuated equilibrium
Gradualism
endosymbiosis
Big Ideas
☺ Several lines of evidence support the theory of
evolution
☺Natural selection produces change in populations,
not individuals
☺Natural selection and other evolutionary mechanisms
lead to the unity and diversity of life.

Unit 10
Sample Tasks
Vocabulary
Taxonomy
Hierarchy
each kingdom based on similarities and differences.
Dichotomous key
-Complete a matrix to compare characteristics of each Cladogram
Phylogenetic tree
kingdom in the taxonomic system.
-Use a dichotomous key to classify organisms from
Unit 11
Sample Task
Vocabulary:
-Create a model of a clinically relevant virus. Compare Virus
Big Ideas
☺All living organisms are classified into various taxa
according to similarities and differences.
☺All living organisms are classified into various taxa
according to similarities and differences.
Big Ideas
the structure of the virus to a cell. Describe in writing Lytic cycle
its genetics, reproductive cycle, mode of transmission, Lysogenic cycle
Vaccine
and effects on the host organism
Bacteria
-Write and illustrate a storybook explaining life from Protist
the perspective of a bacterium or protist. Include how it Antibiotic resistance
☺Viruses are not living, although viruses utilize and
may ultimately destroy living organisms to reproduce
their viral genetic material
☺Bacteria are the simplest organisms on Earth, yet
carry out all essential functions of a life form. Bacteria
play very important roles in maintaining and disrupting
the health of both organisms and ecosystems
deals with changes in the environment and how the
☺Protists are extremely varied and play a role in
organism positively and negatively affects individuals
maintaining and disrupting the health of both
and the environment. Additionally, include a labeled
organisms and ecosystems.
diagram of your bacterium or protist and information
on its taxonomic groups.
Unit 12
Sample Task
Vocabulary
-Create a drawing of a vascular plant with specialized Stem
structures labeled and their functions indicated. Write a Leaves
Root
detailed report on how the plant obtains water and
nutrients and how it grows and reproduces. Include the Stoma
type of environment in which this plant would live, and Guard cells
Xylem
explain adaptations that allow for its survival
Phloem
-Create a graphic organizer that describes the
Vascular tissue
Germination
interactions among plant systems that perform the
Style
functions of transport, reproduction, and response in
Anther
plants.
Stamen
Pollen
Sepal
Petiole
dormancy
Unit 13
Sample Tasks
Vocabulary
-Create a graphic organizer that describes interactions Negative feedback loop
between the different body systems. Then, write a
report explaining how these interactions maintain
homeostasis in the organism
Positive feedback loop
Endocrine system
Muscular system
Digestive system
Cardiovascular system
Nervous system
Reproductive system
Excretory system
Integumentary system
Respiratory system
Muscular system
Unit 14
Sample tasks
Vocabulary
inquiry
-Design and implement an experimental investigation Scientific
Hypothesis
in Biology that includes the following:

formulating a testable problem

developing a hypothesis

writing procedures

selecting and using appropriate equipment

collecting data

communicating valid conclusions
Experimental design
Big Ideas
☺Plants have specialized structures with specialized
functions allowing them to be successful in diverse
environments
☺Plants have developed reproductive adaptations
allowing them to reproduce successfully in a variety of
environments
Big Ideas
☺Humans have dedicated body systems that, while
composed of different organs with specific functions,
are responsible for interacting and coordinating efforts
to maintain homeostasis
Big Ideas
☺
Scientific investigations are driven by critical
thinking through the process of scientific
inquiry.
Additionally, write and present a report that follows the
design of the investigation and communicates results
and conclusions
* These are examples of tasks you should be able to complete by the end of the unit
** These are not necessarily comprehensive –be familiar with all terms used throughout the unit
*** These are objectives students need to understand in order to meet the Sample Task