Energy, Matter, Evolution and Cells
During 11th grade science students will encounter some of the most important scientific ideas to emerge in the last 150 years. In the first trimester we examine the life of Charles Darwin and his theory of Evolution. We begin with his famous voyage on the HMS Beagle and continue by examining how Darwin’s ideas compared to the prevailing religious view of the origin of life and humans. After reviewing the evidence that supports evolution, we go one to understand the nature of inheritance, and how natural selection operates. Finally we examine several other related topics including speciation, phylogeny (reconstruction of the history of life) and the adaptedness of species.
During the second trimester we shift to the study of matter and energy. Students explore how matter and energy are alternate forms of the same unnamed universal entity. The class is introduced to the concepts of energy, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism. The unified theory of electromagnetism leads to Einstein's great struggle to reconcile Galilean relativity with the constancy of the speed of light for all observers. His profound realization that the fundamental units of physics, mass, length and time must vary with frame of reference transformed science and society. Matter is explored based on quantum theory and the work of Niels Bohr. Students then explore one of the defining experiments of modern physics, the Double Slit Experiment wherein the duality of the particle and wave properties of matter are demonstrated. This unit culminates in the complete transformation of our understanding of the physical world brought about by Einstein's relativity and quantum mechanics.
The final trimester focuses on the evolution of cells and their genetics and biochemistry. We start with the earliest cells and discuss the significant events in their evolution: the origin of diverse metabolic pathways, endosymbiosis and multicellularism. Gregor Mendel's theory of particulate inheritance provides a basis from which students build the modern conceptual framework for the biochemical basis (DNA) of the inheritance. From here we discuss protein synthesis and lipid metabolism. This final section of th course gives students a modern view of the cell.
Grading
There are three possible grades in this course: distinguished, proficient and unsatisfactory. Each student will be graded in the following outcomes
Process/Skills
- Construct and test scientific models in order to build scientific inquiry skills
- Work safely and effectively in inquiry-based and laboratory exercises using appropriate mathematical and/or experimental techniques.
Content
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts and processes of evolutionary and cell biology and physics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of science and technology between 1851 C.E. to the present.
Application/Performance
- Communicate the results of scientific work and the understanding of scientific concepts.
Class Rules & Expectations:
- Performance: I expect you to do all the work I assign. If a written assignment is going to be late, you should contact me in advance. Each late assignment will count as a lateness, with consequences as discussed below under lateness. Reading assignments must be done on time, and I will hold you responsible for information discussed in the reading, but not covered in class.
- Arrival in class & Lateness: I expect that when the bell sounds at the beginning of class you will be in your seat and that you will have your notebook open and a pencil, a pen and a calculator at your disposal. If computers or texts are required, they are to be on your desk. All other “luggage” (i.e., bookbags, books etc.) should be in the Glass Hall. If you arrive at class late you must have a pass. Failure to be ready will result in being marked late. Three late marks in a trimester will result in a detention.
- Notebooks: All students are expected to bring a notebook for taking notes during class and/or a ring-binder for handouts to class. (If you already have a ring binder or a multi-subject notebook, make a section specifically for science.) You may use a ring-binder for all of your materials. In the ring-binder, which I will inspect periodically, you must keep all handouts, study sheets, reading material, tests, etc. that are associated with the class.
- Computers may not be used for taking notes during class. The reason for this is that science class requires drawing diagrams and using equations which cannot be quickly done on the computer. You may never be on-line during class (unless it is part of the exercise), or using the computer for any purpose other than the task the exercise requires.
- Calculator: You must have a scientific calculator for this class. The graphing calculator that you have for math is acceptable or you can buy cheap scientific calculators at K-mart.
- Writing utensils: All students must come to class with a pen and a pencil.
- New Rules: These are not the only regulations: I will update this list with new rules periodically.
Contacting Me
If you need to contact me, you can e-mail me at hmcguinness@ross.org, phone me at my office (907-5229) or at home (725-6037), but please no calls after 10 pm.