UNIT	SKILLS	TYPE OF ASSESSMENT USED	
Different Kinds of Life	•	Describe how the scientific method works
•	Identify structures and their function within a cell
•	List the seven levels of taxonomy in order
•	Identify simple animals by their characteristics
	      (sponges - worms)
•	Identify more complex animals by their
      characteristics (mollusks - chordates)
•	Compare vascular and non-vascular plants
•	List the characteristics of different types of plants
•	Give examples and traits of Monerans, Protists and
Fungi	•	Tests
•	Quizzes
•	Labs
•	Projects	
Body Systems:  Maintaining Life	•	Describe the process of digestion in a human
•	List the six nutrients essential to your body
•	Define a calorie and record caloric intake
•	Compare circulatory systems in different organisms
•	Identify the parts and functions of the heart
•	Describe health problems associated with the
      circulatory system
•	Compare the different types of blood cells and their
      function
•	Explain how the lungs help in respiration
•	Describe how the kidneys help in excretion	•	Tests
•	Quizzes
•	Labs
•	Projects	
Body Systems:  Controlling Life	•	Name the parts and functions of the nervous system
•	List the glands of the endocrine system and their
      functions
•	Name the major bones of the skeletal system
•	Explain how different muscles work to cause
      movement
•	Describe the functions of different types of joints
•	Identify the structure and function of each sense
organ

•	Compare the different types of behaviors in
      organisms
•	Explain the use and misuse of different types of
      drugs	•	Tests
•	Quizzes
•	Labs
•	Projects	
Plant Parts and Functions	•	Describe the structure and function of roots
•	Compare the different types of stems
•	Explain transport within a plant
•	Describe the structures and functions within a leaf
•	Explain why leaves change color
•	List some diseases associated with plants	•	Tests
•	Quizzes
•	Labs
•	Projects	
Reproduction and Development	•	Describe the steps of mitosis
•	Describe the steps of meiosis
•	Explain the process of fertilization
•	Compare the sexual and asexual reproduction
•	Identify the reproductive structures and functions of
      a flowering plant
•	Identify the reproductive structures and functions of
      a human
•	Describe development within the uterus
•	Define metamorphosis	•	Tests
•	Quizzes
•	Labs
•	Projects	
Traits of Living Things	•	Compare dominant and recessive genes
•	Predict traits of offspring using checkerboard method
•	Describe how traits are linked with chromosomes
•	Describe the structure of DNA
•	Explain how genetic engineering is used
•	Define adaptation and selection
•	Explain Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
•	Give examples of evidence for the Theory of
      Evolution	•	Tests
•	Quizzes
•	Labs
•	Projects	
Relationships in the Environment	•	List the biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem
•	Describe the interactions of a food chain
•	List characteristics of biomes
•	Describe the three major relationships in a
      community
•	Define and describe populations
•	Explain how different types of pollution affect the
      environment	•	Tests
•	Quizzes
•	Labs
•	Projects