Classification  cells Cell composition Cell Death Cell division Cellular Respiration DNA replication Ecosystems Enzymes Evolution Gene regulation Homeostasis Hormone systems immune system inheritance Membrane movement and enviroments nervous system Organelles Organs and Organ Systems Photosynthesis Plants Protein synthesis  Types of reactions Timeline

Timeline Unit 1 and 2


Term

Weeks

Description

Learning objective

Links

Practical

Assessments

1

1

In the first week, we introduce the students to the cell.

The basic unit of life.

cell structure:

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic

Uni-cellular and Multi- cellular

Organelles

Cells


Organelles

Observe cells under the microscope.



2

Students must understand the difference between organic and inorganic molecules.

They will learn the different structures of proteins, factors affecting protein development, and how structure is related to function

Composition of Cells:

Inorganic and Organic

Proteins

Cell composition


Proteins




3

Students will learn Enzymes role in cellular activity. By the end of this week they should be able to identify all the key areas on an enzyme. Understanding the different types of inhibitors and factors which can affect an enzymes ability to work.

Enzymes and their role in biochemical activities of cells.

Minerals and vitamins

Enzymes


Vitamins


Minerals

Fermentation Practical, Glucose and Starch.



4

This week, students will learn the different cellular composition of Carbohydrates and lipids. Understanding their role in the body, their ability to store energy and their unique properties.

Composition of cells: Carbohydrates and lipids

Carbohydrates


Lipids




5

This week students will learn the composition of the plasma membrane and how molecules move in and out of the cell.

Also the important of Surface area to Volume ratio.

Internal and external environments of cells:

Plasma membrane

Diffusion, osmosis, active transport and SA:V ratio

Plasma membrane


Movement through membranes

Surface area to Volume experiment.


Starch and iodine demonstration


Green eggs



6

Students will learn the basic inputs and outputs of photosynthesis, where and when it occurs, as well as the light dependant and independent stages, and limiting factors.  

Cell functioning: Photosynthesis

Inputs and Outputs

Photosynthesis


Limiting factors  

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration in Elodea and snails



7

Students will learn the basic inputs and outputs of cellular respiration, where and when it occurs

Cell functioning: Cellular respiration

Inputs and Outputs

Cellular respiration

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration in Elodea and snails



8

This week students learn the basics of DNA and the phases of Mitosis.

Composition of cells:

Nucleic acids

Cell replication:

Mitosis, cell growth, cell size and cell division.

Nucleic acids


Mitosis

Observe mitosis under the microscope.

Assessment for mitosis


9

Leave this week blank, for revision or catching up on anything you have missed throughout the term.

Revision/catch up




Term

Weeks

Description

Learning objective

Links

Practical

Assessments

2

1


Students will learn the difference between Autotrophs and Heterotrophs, and re-visit the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis

Common requirements of living things:

Obtaining nutrients and energy.

Obtaining Nutrients





2

Students will learn the organs involved in the  Digestive system.

They will also observe the difference between Omnivores, Carnivores and herbivores.

Processing nutrients: features of effective systems in Heterotrophs

Digestion system





3

Students will learn the:

Circulatory system  


Distributing materials: features of effective systems in Heterotrophs.

Circulatory system




4

Lymphatic system

Distributing materials: features of effective systems in Heterotrophs.





5

Students will learn

Excretory Systems

Removing waste: nature of waste products and toxic substances





6

Students will learn the Respiratory system. Revisiting key concepts such as SA:V ratio and diffusion.  

Exchanging gases: features of effective surface of gaseous exchange.

Respiratory system





7

Students will learn Asexual reproduction:

Binary fission

Stick insects

Sexual reproduction:

Organs involved.

Reproduction: Asexual and sexual reproduction. Mechanisms and systems.





8

Students will learn the basic hierarchy of life and how to classify organisms.  

Biological classification:

Purpose, principles, hierarchy, features and taxonomic groups.





9

Leave this week blank, for revision or catching up on anything you have missed throughout the term.

Revision/ catch up




Term

Weeks

Description

Learning objective

Links

Practical

Assessments

3

1


Environmental factors:

Biotic and Abiotic factors





2


Structural adaptations





3


Physiological adaptations:

Tolerance range

Nervous systems





4

Students will learn:

Insulin

Endocrine systems:

Hormones





5

Water balance

Regulating water balance





6


Plant tropisms

Growth responses and rhythmic activities





7


Behavioural adaptations:

Group behaviours, communication, social and territorial behaviours





8


Reproductive adaptations:

Systems and strategies.

Development and life cycles.





9


Techniques used to monitor environmental change and species distribution.




Term

Weeks

Description

Learning objective

Links

Practical

Assessments

4

1


Components of ecosystems: communities of living organisms, ecological groupings





2


Relationships between organisms: Parasite/host,

Predator/prey, Mutualism and symbiosis





3


Cycling of matter. Carbon cycle





4


Nitrogen cycle, Bio-accumulation





5


Population dynamics: factors affecting distribution and abundance. Migration patterns  





6


Changes to ecosystems over time: succession





7


Human activity and indigenous people





8


Techniques for monitoring and maintaining ecosystems.





9

Leave this week blank, for revision or catching up on anything you have missed throughout the term.

Revision/ catch up




VCE

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