Standard: Life Sciences

Students demonstrate an understanding of how living systems function and how they interact with the physical environment. This includes an understanding of the cycling of matter and flow of energy in living systems. An understanding of the characteristics, structure and function of cells, organisms and living systems will be developed. Students will also develop a deeper understanding of the principles of heredity, biological evolution, and the diversity and interdependence of life. Students demonstrate an understanding of different historical perspectives, scientific approaches and emerging scientific issues associated with the life sciences.

• Benchmark A: [9-10]
  Explain that cells are the basic unit of structure and function of living organisms, that once life originated all cells come from pre-existing cells, and that there are a variety of cell types.
  

• Benchmark B: [9-10]
  Explain the characteristics of life as indicated by cellular processes and describe the process of cell division and developement.
  

• Benchmark C: [9-10]
  Explain the genetic mechanisms and molecular basis of inheritance.
  

• Benchmark D: [9-10]
  Explain the flow of energy and the cycling of matter through biological and ecological systems(cellular, organismal and ecological).
  

• Benchmark E: [9-10]
  Explain how evolutionary relationships contribute to an understanding of the unity and diversity of life.
  

• Benchmark F: [9-10]
  Explain the structure and function of ecosystems and relate how ecosystems change over time.
  

• Benchmark G: [9-10]
  Describe how human activities can impact the status of natural systems.
  

• Benchmark H: [9-10]
  Describe a foundation of biological evolution as the change in gene frequency of a population over time. Explain the historical and current scientific developments, mechanisms and processes of biological evolution. Describe how scientists continue to investigate and critically analyze aspects of evolutionary theory.(The intent of this benchmark does not mandate the teaching or testing of intelligent design).
  

• Benchmark I: [9-10]
  Explain how natural selection and other evolutionary mechanisms account for the unity and diversity of past and present life forms.
  

• Benchmark J: [9-10]
  Summarize the historical development of scientific theories and ideas, and describe emerging issues in the study of life sciences.