SCI.8.3.7 2010Recognize and explain that small genetic differences between parents and offspring can accumulate in successive generations so that descendants may be different from their ancestors.

SCI.8.3.8 2010Examine traits of individuals within a population of organisms that may give them an advantage in survival and reproduction in given environments or when the environments change.

SCI.8.3.9 2010Describe the effect of environmental changes on populations of organisms when their adaptive characteristics put them at a disadvantage for survival. Describe how extinction of a species can ultimately result from a disadvantage.

SCI.8.3.10 2010 Recognize and describe how new varieties of organisms have come about from selective breeding.

1. Evolution by natural selection is the foundation of science.
2. Darwin’s hypothesis is supported by evidence.
3. In the study of biology, a theory is a well supported, irrefutable, truth of life as we understand it.
4. The theory of evolution combined with genetics is the Modern Synthesis.

1. What is evolution by natural selection?
2. Why was Darwin’s theory so successful?
3. What factors effect natural selection?
4. How do new species form?
5. What are adaptations?
6. What is punctuated equilibrium and gradualism?
7. How are mutations both harmful and helpful?

1. That evolution is the founding schema of science.
2. Darwin developed the hypothesis/theory of evolution by natural selection through observations of many evidences.
3. Natural selection is affected by many factors.
4. That new species from through change over time in the process of natural selection
5. Adaptations are characteristics which help species to survive at high rates.
6. Gradualism and punctuated equilibrium are other explanations scientist have for evolution.
7. Mutations can be both helpful and harmful.

1. Describe how Darwin’s observations helped him to develop his hypothesis of evolution.
2. Explain how evolution leads to natural selection.
3. Identify three factors affecting natural selection.
4. State evidence that supports the theory of evolution.
5. Explain how new species form.
6. Define and give examples of adaptations.
7. Compare and contrast gradualism and punctuated equilibrium.
8. Describe how mutations can be helpful or harmful to an organism.

• Who is Charles Darwin
• Where are the Galapagos?
• What is his theory?
• Why does it matter?

Case Study #2: The Theory of Natural Selection and Evidence for Evolution (2 days)

• What is a theory in biology?
• Natural Selection
• Evidences
• Relate Cause and Effect Relationship
• Bear activity or Bottleneck Genes Activity

Case Study #3: How does a new species form?

• Mutation and Adaptation Day

Case Study #4: Rate of Change

-Gradualism

-Punctuated Equilibrium

-Compare and Contrast

Case Study #5: Review and Exam

-Review Day Tuesday (Stations) 

-Exam Wednesday

SCI.8.3.1 Explain that reproduction is essential for the continuation of every species and is the mechanism by which all organisms transmit genetic information.

SCI.8.3.2 Compare and contrast the transmission of genetic information in sexual and asexual reproduction.

SCI.8.3.3Explain that genetic information is transmitted from parents to offspring mostly by chromosomes.

SCI.8.3.4Understand the relationship between deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), genes and chromosomes.

SCI.8.3.5 Identify and describe the difference between inherited traits and the physical and behavioral traits that are acquired or learned.

SCI.8.3.6 Observe anatomical structures of a variety of organisms and describe their similarities and differences. Use the data collected to organize the organisms into groups and predict their relatedness.

SCI.8.3.7 Recognize and explain that small genetic differences between parents and offspring can accumulate in successive generations so that descendants may be different from their ancestors.

1. Gregor Mendel is the father of genetics.
2. Genotype results in phenotype through the inheritance of two alleles (the multiple forms of a gene).
3. Traits can be inherited or acquired.
4. Genes are acted upon by natural selection to result in evolution.
5. Punnett squares help us to predict the probability of genes occurring.

1. What is the study of genetics?
2. Who founded genetics?
3. What are the roles of alleles in the inheritance of traits?
4. What does it mean to say dominant versus recessive, homozygous versus heterozygous, purebred versus hybrid?
5. How does genotype influence phenotype?
6. Why is probability important in our study of genetics?

1. That DNA is passed from parent to offspring through inheritance.
2. There are two forms of genes called alleles.
3. Alleles can be dominant or recessive.
4. Genes are homozygous or heterozygous
5. Genotype results in phenotype.
6. Some traits can be acquired.
7. Punnett squares help us to predict the probability of genotypes and the resultant phenotypes.

1. Describe the results of Mendel’s experiments
2. Identify the roles of alleles and the inheritance of traits
3. Define probability and it’s relationship to genetic traits
4. Define and explain phenotype versus genotype
5. Explain the difference between acquired and inherited traits.
6. Define and explain dominant, recessive, homozygous, and heterozygous genes.
7. Analyze and create a Punnett Square to determine traits.

• Who is Gregor Mendel?
• What are traits, genes, and alleles?
• What is Dominant vs. Recessive?
• Homozygous vs. Heteroygous ?
• Phenotype vs. Genotype?
• Punnett Square Practice

Case Study #2: Labs (4 Days)

• Baby Lab
• Grand-baby Lab
• Smiley Lab

Case Study #3: Independent Study of Genetics (2 days)

• Internet Genetics Study
• Video

Case Study #4: Review and Exam

-Review Day Wednesday Feb. 26th

-Exam Thursday Feb 27th