Maryland State Biology Curriculum Grade 7
Expectation 3.4 Evolution
Indicator 2 Estimate degrees of relatedness.
Assessment Limits:
Classification: distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
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I could not get a link for some reason. This is in the US and I'm not sure if it's different in the UK, but, yes, I would expect a 7th grader (13 year old) to know the difference between a prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell.
Also in science education it is important to know how to research other things / vocabulary that is currently unknown. So, with a little diligence, Cofty's posting should be accessible.
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The Link is below. It was a PDF and it was translated into plain text. Sorry about the formatting.
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State Curriculum - Biology
April 19, 2007 Page 41 of 48
Pre-requisites Summarized from State Biology State Curriculum (SC)
Curriculum
Life Science Grades 3 – 8
Expectation 3.4 Evolution: Explain the mechanism of evolutionary change. Supplemental Topics
D. Evolution
1. Recognize and describe that evolutionary change in
species over time occurs as a result of natural variation in
organisms and environmental changes.
a. Recognize and describe that gradual (climatic) and sudden
(floods and fires) changes in environmental conditions affect
the survival of organisms and populations.
b. Recognize that adaptations may include variations in
structures, behaviors, or physiology, such as spiny leaves on a
cactus, birdcalls, and antibiotic resistant bacteria.
c. Recognize and describe that adaptation and speciation involve
the selection of natural variations in a population.
d. Recognize and describe that extinction occurs when the
adaptive traits of a population do not support its survival.
e. Recognize that evolution accounts for the diversity of species.
Indicator 2. Estimate degrees of relatedness among organisms or species.
Assessment Limits:
classification (recognize relationships among organisms; distinguish between
prokaryotes and eukaryotes)
anatomical similarities (evolutionary relationships; homologous structures)
similarities of DNA base sequence and/or amino acid sequence including results
from gel electrophoresis)
Objectives
¾ Recognize and explain that the DNA code is virtually the same for all life forms.
¾ Integrate scientific information from a variety of disciplines to provide evidence for
the relatedness of species on Earth, such as:
• Geology, including fossils, radiometric dating
• Comparative anatomy, including studies of homologous structures and
anatomical similarities
• Biochemistry, including studies of DNA base and/or amino acid sequences
• Taxonomic systems based on biochemical and anatomical similarities
¾ Explain that the millions of different species that live on earth today are related by
common ancestry.
¾ Classify and identify prokaryotes and eukaryotes based on their cell structures.
¾ Identify, explain, and demonstrate how technology can be used to determine
evolutionary relationships among species.
• Gel electrophoresis
• Similarities of DNA base sequences and/or amino acid sequences
Relatedness Among Organisms
Species can be classified into large groups called domains and kingdoms,
which are comprised of organisms with general similarities.
Classification of prokaryotes and eukaryotes is based on their
evolutionary relationships.
Dichotomous keys and are tools that can be used to show relatedness
among organisms.
Cladograms are tools that can be used to suggest relatedness through
ancestry.
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Despite the curriculum, my issue was with not having "the interest or desire."
I find that sad as an educator.
Please don't give up. Please.
