WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
Biological Terminology
 Biological
Biological Terminology
3.1, 3.2
Terminology
 Recognize, write,
5.1
Characteristics of Life
 Identify, decode,
and recall
5.3
and explain the
various terms,
Lab Safety
meanings of
prefixes and
various suffixes
suffixes of
Scientific Method
and prefixes in
biological
biological
terminology.
Microscopy
terminology.
Utilization of
cognitive
 Characteristics
processes to
of Life
identify, build up
 Evaluate the
and break down
scientific meaning
terms.
of “life” by
Characteristics of Life
Introduction to
considering
 Discussion of
Biology
characteristics
student views of
that constitute
what it means to
life.
be alive;
 Categorize
challenge
themes and
viewpoints.
characteristics
 Cooperative
of life.
learning: group
discussion &
 Lab Safety
consensus on
 Identify proper
what it means to
safety techniques
be alive.
within a biological
 Interactive
setting.
notetaking.
 Locate safety
 Video/
apparatus within
questionnaire
the classroom.
 Teacher-
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
generated quiz
 Scientific
 Related
Method
homework
 Formulate
hypotheses based Lab Safety
on various
 Identification of
biological
lab apparatus &
experiments.
equipment
 Identify &
 Activity on
explain steps to
safety
scientific
procedures.
method.
Scientific Method
 Microscopy
 Pseudo Locate and
experiments:
diagram parts of
identify steps to
a microscope.
scientific
 Prepare wetmethod.
mount slides.
 Related video/
 Utilize
Questions
stereoscopic and
 Critical thinking/
compound
hypodeductive
microscopes to
reasoning skills.
view organisms
 Interactive
and other
note-taking.
biological matter
 Identification of
at various levels
steps of
of magnification
scientific
and resolution.
method through
design/
organization of
an experiment.
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
 Word Search or
related activity.
 Related
homework
Intro to biochemistry
Carbohydrates
Biochemistry
Proteins
Lipids
Nucleic Acids
3.1, 3.2
5.1
5.3
8.1
 Identify and
classify 4
biochemicals
according to
molecular formula
and structural
formula.
 Distinguish
functions of each
biochemical and
Microscopy
 Diagram parts of
a microscope.
 Interactive
notetaking
 Microscopy labdry mount, wetmount creation,
drawing of
specimens,
identification.
 Crossword
puzzle and/or
review guide or
related activity.
 Teachergenerated quiz.
 Interactive
note-taking
 Associated
laboratory
activities
relating to
carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids
and/or nucleic
acids.
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
categorize them
 Associated
at the cellular
video(s)/
and molecular
questionnaire.
level.
 Potential Labs:
 Carbohydrates
DNA extraction,
 Distinguish
Enzymatic
between
Processes, Lipid
monosaccharide,
Stain, Molecular
disaccharide and
Models,
polysaccharides
Demonstration
(carbohydrates)
of condensation
 Describe function
reaction/
of various sugars
hydrolysis.
and starches in
 Lab for
the body.
identification of
 Defend the need
biochemicals.
for immediate
 Cooperative
energy use.
learning; review
of biochemical
 Proteins
terminology
 Describe various
 Quizzes/Test
uses of proteins
 Related
in the body.
homework
 Interpret
catalytic and
enzymatic
functions. Label
steps to
enzymatic
process.
 Lipids
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
 Distinguish
between
triglycerides
(unsaturated,
saturated),
phospholipids,
waxes and
steroids. Provide
examples of each
and explain
function.
 Nucleic Acids
 Distinguish
between RNA and
DNA in terms if
function and use.
Cellular Composition
Organelle Structure &
Function
Cytology
Cell Type & Differentiation
3.1, 3.2
5.1
5.3
 Cellular
Composition
 Organize &
identify the
structure and
function of
organelles such as
nucleus, nucleolus,
mitochondria,
lysosomes, Golgi
body, RER, SER,
 Interactive
notetaking
 Observation of
unicellular
organisms and
multicellular
organisms.
 Cytology
project/cellular
design/modeling
 Labs: cell
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
plastids, vacuole,
identification,
cell wall and cell
diagram of
membrane, among
organelles and
others relative to
cells, wet-mount
eukaryotic and
preparation of
prokaryotic cells.
slides.
 Distinguish
 Cell concept
between the
mapping or
various
related activity
structures and
 Cytology
functions of cells
Quiz/Test
in plants and
 Related
animals.
homework
 Distinguish
between
prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells,
unicellular and
multicellular
organisms.
 Cell Type &
Differentiation
 Investigate how
cells are
differentiated
for special
functions and the
importance of
having cells that
perform
different tasks.
 Observe cellular
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
structure and
organelles with
use of light and
stereoscopic
microscopes.
Passive Transport
 Diffusion
 Osmosis
Cytology : Cell
Homeostasis and
Transport
How does the
movement of
molecules into and
out of the cell help
maintain stable
internal conditions?
Active Transport
 Solute pumps
(sodium-potassium
pump)
 Endocytosis
Pinocytosis
Phagocytosis
 Exocytosis
3.1, 3.2
5.1
5.3
 Identify the need
for a biological
barrier
(membrane)
 Diagram the flow
of materials into
and out of cells
when cells are
placed into
hypertonic,
hypotonic, and
isotonic
environments.
 Describe terms
related to
homeostatic
conditions.
 Classify types of
transport and
explain how they
work in a
biological setting.
 Interactive
notetaking
 Mapping of flow
of materials into
& and out of
cells.
 Osmosis Lab
(diffusion across
a cell membrane)
 Potential video
and related
questions
 Teachergenerated
Quiz/Test
 Related
homework
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
Chromosome Type
 Chromosome
 Interactive
 Autosomes (somatic
Type
note-taking
chromosomes)
 Describe the
 Illustration of
 Sex chromosomes
structure of a
chromosome
 Terminology
chromosome
structure
including
 Chromosome
Cell Cycle
chromatids and
simulation
centromeres.
(crossing over)
Mitosis
 Differentiate
 Mitosis
 Prophase
between a haploid
photomicrograh
 Metaphase
and diploid cell.
lab/activity/
 Anaphase
 Identify the
identification
 Telophase
number of
 Karyotyping
autosomes & sex
activity or
Meiosis
chromosomes in
related activity
 Oogenesis
a human.
 Miracle of Life/
 Spermatogenesis
 Cell Cycle
In the Womb
Cytology: Cell
 Stages of
 Identify the
Video and
Reproduction
development
stages of the cell
questions.
cycle: G1, S, G2,
 Related
Mitosis and
homework
Cytokinesis.
 TeacherDifferentiate
generated
between
Quiz/Test
functions of each.
 Mitosis
 Summarize the
events that take
place during
prophase,
metaphase,
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
anaphase, and
telophase.
 Meiosis
 Summarize major
characteristics
of oogenesis &
spermatogenesis,
the formation of
gametes.
 Identify the
stages of meiosis.
 Differentiate
between
reproductive
modes in
multicellular and
unicellular
organisms.
3.1, 3.2
Probability & Laws of
 Probability &
 Interactive
5.1
Heredity
Laws of
note-taking
5.3
Heredity
 Probability
Punnett Squares
 Differentiate
activity
 Monohybrid
between Law of
 Punnett Squares
 Dihybrid
Independent
 Karyotyping Lab
Genetics:
 Complete dominance
Assortment and
or associated
Mendelian,
 Incomplete
Law of
activity
Molecular & Human
dominance
Segregation.
 Genetically
 Codominance
 Distinguish
modified
between Mendel’s
organism
Genetic Disorders
laws.
discussion/
 Types of mutations
 Explain how
debate
(chromosome, gene)
probability is
 Ethics in
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
used to predict
genetics debate
Pedigree Analysis
the genetic
(cloning,
results.
transgenics,
etc.)
 Punnett Squares
 Human Genome
 Differentiate
Project
between the
discussion/
following types of
debate
crosses:
 Genetic trait
Monohybrid,
survey
Dihybrid,
 Molecular
Complete
genetic lab
dominance,
(taste-test
Incomplete
activity or
dominance, and
related activity)
Codominance.
 Related videos
 Apply the
 Quizzes/Test
concepts of
 Related
probability and
homework.
interpret the
outcome of the
crosses.
 Genetic
Disorders
 Distinguish
between
different types
of mutations
(chromosome,
gene).
 Identify and
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
explain various
types of genetic
disorders
including
dominant,
recessive, sexlinked, and sexinfluenced.
Describe the
genetic pathway
in which these
mutations
occurred.
 Pedigree Analysis
 Utilize and
interpret a
“genetic family
tree” to see how
traits are passed
from parents to
offspring.
DNA Replication
Transcription (mRNA)
Nucleic Acids and
Protein Synthesis
Translation (tRNA)
Protein Synthesis
3.1, 3.2
5.1
5.3
 Explain the
primary functions
of RNA and DNA.
 Differentiate
between the roles
of mRNA, rRNA,
and tRNA.
 Interactive
note-taking.
 Replication
practice
 Transcription
practice
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
 Compare the
 Translation
processes of
practice
replication,
transcription, and
 Codon wheel or
translation.
table
interpretation
 Identify the
difference
 Quizzes/Test
between point
mutations and
 Related
frame shift
homework
mutations.
Origin of Life Theories
Modern Theory of
Evolution
Evolution and
Classification
Taxonomy
Six-Kingdom Classification
System
3.1, 3.2
5.1
5.3
 Correlate the
role of protein
synthesis and
DNA in terms of
genetic code.
 Identify key
experiments
discussing origin
of life and the
controversy
between
spontaneous
generation and
biogenesis.
 Distinguish
between various
theories of
evolution and
 Interactive
note-taking
 Debate of
origins of life
 Phylogenic Trees
 Dichotomous
keys
 Classification
labs
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOLS: COURSE OF STUDY/CURRICULUM MAP
Teachers: Tara Lawler, Phil Tosto, Curran
Course: General Biology Modified on May 20, 2009, 2009
UNIT
CONTENT
BENCHMARK
SKILLS
ASSESSMENT
defend the
 Analysis of
currently
evolutionary
accepted theory
evidence or
with supporting
related activity
evidence.
 Organism survey
 Apply concepts
and
(evidences) of
identification.
evolution to
humans and their
 Identification of
origins.
homologous,
analogous, and
vestigial
 Subdivide
structures.
organisms into
hierarchal levels
 Related video
of classification:
and questions
kingdom, phylum,
 Quizzes/Test
class, order,
family, genus, and
 Related
species.
homework
 Classify
organisms into 6
kingdoms of life
inclusive of
Animals, Plants,
Fungi, Protista,
Eubacteria, and
Archaebacteria.
General Ecological Concepts
Biosphere, Biomes & Ecosystems
Energy



Transfer
Trophic Levels
Food Chains
Food Web
Cycles



of Matter
Carbon
Nitrogen
Water
Human impact on the
Environment.
Ecology
3.1, 3.2
5.1
5.3
 Distinguish
between biosphere, biome,
ecosystem, community, population
and species.
 Relate trophic
levels to levels of consumerism.
 Interconnect
food chains within food webs,
showing the flow of energy
through an ecosystem.
 Identify various
modes of survival methods and
techniques in reference to
predator-prey relationships.
 List the
components of the Carbon &
Nitrogen cycles explaining the
conversion between inorganic and
organic forms of the elements.
 Assess the impact
of Human activities on the
cycling of matter and the flow
of energy through ecosystems.
 List & describe
the major components of the
water cycle.
 Give examples of
the impact of human
activity on various aspects of the
biosphere. Discuss problems that
may occur as well as possible
solutions.
Distinguish naturally occurring
processes from those believed to
have been modified by human
interaction or activity (climate
change, ozone production, erosion
and deposition, as well as
threatened and endangered
species).
Viruses
 Types and
classifications
 Reproductive
Methods
 Diseases
Viruses and
Bacteria
Bacteria
 Types and
classifications
 Biological structures
and functions
 Role of bacteria in
the ecosystem and
industry.
 Diseases
3.1, 3.2
5.1
5.3
 Identify the
characteristics
of microbiological
particles
 Integrate
biological themes,
evolution, &
classification to
discuss
similarities &
differences
between viruses
& bacteria.
 Identify & view
viral structure,
 Participate in a
simulation &
discuss the
transmission of
viruses
 Classify viruses
based on their
nucleic acids
(DNA or RNA),
 Discuss diseasecausing viruses &
viral particles,
such as prions &
viroids.
 Interactive
note-taking.
 Related videos
and
questionnaires.
 Infectious
Disease
lab/activity
 Webquests
 Textquest
 Gram-staining
labs/bacterial
smears/
microslide
identification of
bacterial shapes
 Microscope
Classification
labs
 Debate of “good,
bad, and ugly”
use/need for
bacteria.
 Diagram/drawing
s of viral
reproductive
modes.
 View common
bacterial shapes
under the
microscope.
 Classify bacteria
according to
shape, cell wall
structure and
other biological
structures.
 Discuss and label
the lytic &
lysogenic cycle &
their
differences.
 Distinguish
between
chemoautotrophs,
photoautotrophs,
& heterotrophs,
 Discuss how
antibiotics affect
common bacterial
cells.
 Distinguish
between obligate
aerobes, obligate
anaerobes, &
facultative
anaerobes.
 Related
homework
 Quizzes/Test
 Compare
pathways of
infectious
diseases.
Plants
 Anatomy
 Classification
 Energy
Fungi





Kingdoms Plantae,
Fungi and Protista
Function
Structure
Classification
Spread/Reproduction
Diseases
Protista
 Plant-like
 Animal-like
 Fungus-like
 Structures,
organelles, and
functions
 Diseases

3.1, 3.2
5.1
5.3
 Consider roles of
microbes in the
environment.
 Consider
evolution,
structure,
anatomy, and
function of
various types of
plants.
 Compare the role
of respiration to
photosynthesis
(complimentary
processes)
 Describe basic
biological
structure and
function,
reproductive
method (spread)
and classification
of ascomycetes,
deuteromycetes,
basidomycetes,an
d common molds.
 Interactive
note-taking
 Dichotomous key
leaf activity
 Microscope leaf
lab or field
botany lab
 Related videos/
questions
 Quiz/test
 Protista
Microscope Labs
(divided into
animal-like,
plant-like and
fungus-like)
 Enrichment
activities
related to
ecological
 Discuss various
symbiotic
relationships of
plants, fungi, and
protista with
other kingdoms
of organisms.
 Identify various
types of animallike protista
inclusive of
zooflagellates,
sarcodines,
ciliates and
sporozoans.
 Identify various
types of plantlike protista
inclusive of
Euglenophytes,
dinoflagellates,
chrysophytes,
and diatoms.
Also, red, green,
brown, goldenbrown algae
(unicellular and
multicellular).
 Identify various
types of funguslike protista
inclusive of
relationships.
 Related
homework
 Crossword
Puzzles or
related review
activities
 Article questions
 Symbiotic
relationship
correlation
slimemolds and
watermolds.
 Explain the
ecological
importance of
plants, fungi, and
protista in the
environment.
 Describe several
infectious
diseases caused
to plants and
animals by
members of
Kingdom Protista
and Kingdom
Fungi.
Kingdom Animalia
Animals (general)
 Trophism
 Cellularity
 Embryonic
development
Invertebrate Animals
 Characteristics,
body plans, overall
biology
3.1, 3.2
5.1
5.3
 Describe several
human uses (and
the need for)
plants, fungi and
protista.
 Describe and
characterize
animals in terms
of their
cellularity and
mode of nutrition.
 Survey overall
characteristics
of invertebrate
 Interactive
note-taking.
 Microscope labs
inclusive of
diagramming and
identification of
various phyla of
invertebrates.
Phylum Porifera
Phylum Cnidaria
Phylum Nematoda
Phylum
Platyhelminthes
 Phylum Annelida
 Other related phyla




Vertebrate Animals
 Characteristics,
body plans, overall
biology
 Phylum Chordata
 Class Amphibia
 Class Mammalia
 Other related
classes
organisms.
 Examine internal
anatomies of
invertebrate
species.
 Utilize previous
knowledge of
biological themes,
classification
 Identify common
characteristics
(similarities &
differences) of
invertebrate
species.
 Survey phylum
Porifera in terms
of requirements
for survival,
method of
respiration,
movement,
feeding, body
plan, mode of
reproduction, and
basic ecological
status.
 Distinguish
between radial,
bilateral,
 Disease
identification
 Webquest
 Computeranimated
dissections
 Hands-on
dissection and
accompanying lab
questions.
 Labeling of
anatomical and
physiological
structures.
 Organ structure
and function
matching
 Related videos
and questions
 Crossword
puzzle and word
search
 Quizzes/Test
asymmetrical, &
spherical types of
symmetry.
 Survey phylum
Cnidaria in of
requirements for
survival, method
of respiration,
movement,
feeding, body
plan, mode of
reproduction, and
basic ecological
status.
 Differentiate
between class
Anthozoa,
Scyphozoa, and
Hydrozoa.
 Survey phylum
Platyhelminthes
in terms of
requirements for
survival, method
of respiration,
movement,
feeding, body
plan, mode of
reproduction, and
basic ecological
status.
 Differentiate
between freeliving flatworms &
parasitic
flatworms
(flukes,
tapeworms).
 Survey phylum
Nematoda in
terms of
requirements for
survival, method
of respiration,
movement,
feeding, body
plan, mode of
reproduction, and
basic ecological
status.
 Differentiate
between filarial
worms, hookworms,
roundworms and
other diseasecausing
nematodes.
 Survey phylum
Annelida in terms
of requirements
for survival,
method of
respiration,
movement,
feeding, body
plan, mode of
reproduction, and
basic ecological
status.
 Differentiate
between classes
Hirudenia,
Oligochaeta, and
Polychaeta.
 Examine the
external &
internal structure
of the earthworm
via dissection.
 Describe the
basic
characteristics
belonging to
phylum Chordata.
 Identify
vertebrate phyla
& examples of
species in each.
 Survey class
Amphibia in
terms of
requirements for
survival, method
of respiration,
movement,
feeding, body
plan, mode of
reproduction, and
basic ecological
status.
 Examine the
external &
internal structure
of the frog via
dissection.
 Survey class
Mammalia in
terms of
requirements for
survival, method
of respiration,
movement,
feeding, body
plan, mode of
reproduction, and
basic ecological
status.
 Examine the
external &
internal structure
of the fetal pig &
discuss how
organisms in Class
Mammalia are
different from
other vertebrate
classes.
 Illustrate sterile
& safe dissection
techniques.