FOS II: Molecular Biology and Beyond
With an emphasis on Biology, Biochemistry, and Astronomy, the FOS 2 curriculum has students explore the question, "What is Life?" We start the year studying Mendelian genetics, cell division, DNA, protein synthesis, mutations, genetic diseases and DNA technology. Students will explore the questions: What’s In Your Genes? Why is no child identical to their parents? How do you grow? How does your DNA control your traits? In our next unit, we will explore the question, “Is Life on Earth Doomed To Extinction?” Students will be examining the interaction between two of the most important fundamental pillars of geology and biology. Evolution means change over time, and both the Earth and life undergo this process. Students will study the mechanisms of evolution and relate it to how the Earth has changed over time. Then we will expand our journey to beyond the Earth and ask the question, “Is Anybody Out There?” Students examine our solar system, stellar evolution, and cosmology. We will also be exploring different theories of how life began on Earth. Our final unit of the year, “Are You What You Eat?” has students come full circle in their exploration of life. Students will investigate different types of diets, diet related diseases, energy production and use (calories), and the chemistry of cellular respiration. In addition, organic compounds, the chemistry of proteins, enzymes, lipids, and carbohydrates, acids and bases and their role in digestion will be explored.
With an emphasis on Biology, Biochemistry, and Astronomy, the FOS 2 curriculum has students explore the question, "What is Life?" We start the year studying Mendelian genetics, cell division, DNA, protein synthesis, mutations, genetic diseases and DNA technology. Students will explore the questions: What’s In Your Genes? Why is no child identical to their parents? How do you grow? How does your DNA control your traits? In our next unit, we will explore the question, “Is Life on Earth Doomed To Extinction?” Students will be examining the interaction between two of the most important fundamental pillars of geology and biology. Evolution means change over time, and both the Earth and life undergo this process. Students will study the mechanisms of evolution and relate it to how the Earth has changed over time. Then we will expand our journey to beyond the Earth and ask the question, “Is Anybody Out There?” Students examine our solar system, stellar evolution, and cosmology. We will also be exploring different theories of how life began on Earth. Our final unit of the year, “Are You What You Eat?” has students come full circle in their exploration of life. Students will investigate different types of diets, diet related diseases, energy production and use (calories), and the chemistry of cellular respiration. In addition, organic compounds, the chemistry of proteins, enzymes, lipids, and carbohydrates, acids and bases and their role in digestion will be explored.