Exploring the Wonders of Life

In this course, you’ll delve deeper into the fascinating world of biology and explore the intricate processes that occur in living systems.

You’ll study and investigate a range of topics, including:

The diversity of life on Earth and how species adapt to their environments
The theory of evolution and how it shapes the natural world
The genetic processes that govern inheritance and variation
The structure and function of animals, from cells to organs
The anatomy, growth, and function of plants, from roots to leaves

Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on investigations, you’ll refine your skills in scientific inquiry and develop a deeper understanding of the biological world. You’ll learn to think critically, analyze data, and draw conclusions based on evidence.

Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

Unit 1: Diversity of Living Things

This unit will explain that all living things can be classified according to their anatomical and physiological characteristics. Students will analyze kingdoms, Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Bacteria, Protists, and Archaea, exploring their similarities and differences. Further, students will investigate how human activities affect the diversity of living things in ecosystems around the world, and what we can do to minimize the negative impacts. Students will also complete a project exploring a group of endangered species and measures being taken to protect them.

Unit 2: Genetic Processes

This unit will explain how the variability and diversity of living organisms result from the distribution of genetic information during a process of sexual reproduction called meiosis. Students will learn about genetic and genomic research techniques, and explore how they can have social, ethical, and environmental implications. Finally, students will investigate a genetic disorder and its effects on humans, followed by a genetics unit test to practice their skills.

Unit 3: Evolution

This unit will explain how the theory of evolution is a scientific explanation based on a large accumulation of evidence from different fields. Students will explore how evolution by natural selection is the process of biological change over time, based on the relationship between species and their environment. Students will analyze how humans have altered the course of evolution, and how we have evolved ourselves and complete a written summative assignment reflecting on their learnings.

Unit 4: Animals: Structure and Function

The unit will explain how groups of organs have specific structures and functions, which work together as systems and interact with other systems to maintain the body. Students will learn about digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems in detail and touch upon the developments and uses of technology used in medicine to maintain human health and respond to the changing needs of society. Finally, students will construct a health and fitness plan to showcase their learning.

Unit 5: Plants: Anatomy, Growth and Function

In this unit, students will learn all about plants and the various specialized structures in plants, which have distinct functions that enable them to respond and adapt to their environment, and will explore in detail plant leaves, stems, and roots as well as mechanisms of plant transport of water and nutrients. Additionally, students will learn how plants and plant diversity is critical for the survival and sustainability of ecosystems. Finally, students will demonstrate their learning through a report.