Week 1: Introduction

Objective: Students will understand the goals and expectations of the Senior Biology syllabus, Unit 3

Activities:

• Introduce the unit overview and course syllabus • Demonstrate safe laboratory practice • Present course policies and expectations • Provide a general introduction to the topics of this unit

Materials: • Unit overview • Course syllabus • Course policies • General introduction material

Week 2: Genetics

Objective: Students will develop an understanding of genetics, including heredity, gene expression, and genetic variation

Activities: • Discuss genetics, heredity and gene expression • Review the basics of Mendelian genetics • Explore concepts related to genetic variation • Introduce genetic engineering and its potential uses

Materials: • Introductory slides or presentation • Genetics worksheet • Examples of gene expression • Examples of genetic variation

Week 3-4: Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology

Objectives: Students will learn and understand the basic concepts of molecular genetics and biotechnology including gene transfer and recombinant DNA technologies

Activities: • Outline the fundamentals of molecular genetics and biotechnology • Discuss gene manipulation and cloning • Introduce concepts of transgenic organisms • Learning activities related to genetic engineering

Materials: • Molecular genetics and biotechnology introductory slides or presentation • Genetic manipulation activities • Transgenic organism examples

Week 5-8: Evolution

Objective: Students will grasp basic concepts of evolution and related topics like adaptation, speciation, natural selection, and the fossil record

Activities: • Outline the basics of evolution, adaptation, and speciation • Discuss survival of the fittest, natural selection, and genetic drift • Study the fossil record and related evidence of evolution • Launching simulated experiments and activities related to evolution

Materials: • Overview of evolutionary concepts • Simulation experiments and activities • Examples of adaptations and speciation • Fossil evidence materials

Week 9: Reproduction & Development

Objectives: Students will understand and explore topics related to reproduction and development such as embryonic development, human reproduction, and evolution of behavior

Activities: • Outline the basics of reproductive biology • Discuss embryonic development and its implications • Study human reproduction • Explore evolution of behavior

Materials: • Reproductive biology introductory slides or presentation • Embryonic development examples • Human reproductive system worksheet • Evolutionary behavior examples

Week 10-11: Ecology

Objectives: Students will learn about ecological principles such as succession, competition, and interdependence

Activities: • Outline the basics of ecology • Discuss succession and competition • Explore concepts related to interdependence and biodiversity • Launching projects and activities related to ecology

Materials: • Ecological principles slides or presentation • Simulation activities and projects • Examples of succession, competition, and interdependence • Biodiversity examples

Week 12: Wrap-Up

Objectives: Students will understand the overarching concepts of the unit and demonstrate their understanding in creative and engaging projects

Activities: • Final assessment and review of concepts • Projects and activities related to unit concepts • Presentation and student action plans

Materials: • Unit assessment and review material • Project and activity materials • Student action plan templates