life 1
What is a seed-producing plant? What is a non-seed-producing plant?
A seed-producing plant makes seeds to grow new plants.
why Develop and defend a position on the use of probiotics in food, incorporating current scientific studies and opposing viewpoints.
[Sample response] I support the use of probiotics in food because multiple studies show that they improve gut health and immune response.
why Develop a public health awareness campaign (poster, video, or presentation) that uses scientific evidence to explain the dangers of harmful microorganisms and how to prevent infection.
Info on how bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria contaminate food
why Develop a model-based presentation that explains how cell structures relate to the specific roles of plant and animal cells in multicellular organisms. Include visual aids and scientific vocabulary to support your explanation.
In plants, chloroplasts allow the cell to make food through photosynthesis, supporting the plant as a whole.
The cell wall allows plant cells to stack and create firm structures (like stems and leaves).
In animals, cells lack a wall and chloroplasts but are specialized for movement, digestion, sensing, etc.
The nucleus in both directs cell function, ensuring that cells in a multicellular organism work together.
why Create an interview with a zookeeper, wildlife expert, or pet owner. Include at least 3 questions about animal instincts and 3 about learned behaviors. Afterward, explain how the answers help you compare and contrast the two types of behavior.
What is a behavior your animal does without being taught?
why What is one way that an instinct is different from a learned behavior? What is one way they are similar?
Instincts happen without teaching, but learned behaviors require training or experience.
why Design an investigation or multimedia presentation that presents an argument, supported by scientific evidence, showing how microorganisms can be used in environmental cleanup efforts (e.g., oil spill bioremediation).
[Sample project idea] Students could create a video presentation explaining how certain bacteria, like Pseudomonas putida, are used to break down oil in marine environments.
why Develop and defend a position on the use of probiotics in food, incorporating current scientific studies and opposing viewpoints.
[Sample response] I support the use of probiotics in food because multiple studies show that they improve gut health and immune response. For example, a 2022 study published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that probiotics reduced symptoms of IBS in 60% of patients.
Compare harmful and beneficial microorganisms.
Beneficial microorganisms help with digestion, food production, and environmental cleanup. Harmful microorganisms can cause infections, spoil food, or damage crops. For example, Lactobacillus in yogurt is helpful, while Salmonella can cause food poisoning.
Beneficial microorganisms help with digestion, food production, and environmental cleanup. Harmful microorganisms can cause infections, spoil food, or damage crops. For example, Lactobacillus in yogurt is helpful, while Salmonella can cause food poisoning.
They can spread through direct contact, contaminated food or water, airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
why Explain why some bacteria are considered dangerous to human health.
Some bacteria produce toxins, invade body tissues, or trigger strong immune responses that damage the body.
why hat is the function of the cell membrane?
The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell. It acts like a gatekeeper.
why Name three parts found in both plant and animal cells
Cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.'
What is a harmful microorganism?
A harmful microorganism is a microscopic organism that can cause disease or damage to humans, animals, or the environment. Examples include certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
why Identify which parts of a plant cell are not found in an animal cell and explain their functions.
The cell wall provides structure and support to the plant.
why Label the parts of a plant cell in a diagram.
[Sample answer for a labeled plant cell diagram:]
why Explain how the structure of a plant cell supports its function in a plant's survival.
The cell wall provides rigid structure for support and helps the plant stand upright.
why Given two unlabeled diagrams—one of a plant cell and one of an animal cell—develop a model to correctly label and distinguish them using evidence.
Look for the cell wall and chloroplasts to identify the plant cell.
What is one way that an instinct is different from a learned behavior?
Completed sentence frame:
“Instincts and learned behaviors are different because instincts are automatic, but learned behaviors are taught. They are similar because both help animals survive.”
Why do animals need both instincts and learned behaviors to survive in their environment?
Animals need instincts to do important things like breathing, hiding from predators, or finding food right after birth.
why What is a microorganism?
A microorganism is a tiny living organism that can only be seen under a microscope. Examples include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses.
why Name two examples of beneficial microorganisms.
1) Lactobacillus (used in yogurt production)
Why is it important to understand the difference between inherited and acquired traits when learning about how living things grow and change?
Understanding the difference helps us know what traits we’re born with and what traits can change over time.
How can we tell the difference between a seed plant and a non-seed plant just by looking at them or researching?
We can look at how the plant reproduces. If it makes flowers, fruits, or cones, it’s a seed plant. If it has tiny dots (spores) on the bottom of leaves, it is a non-seed plant like a fern or moss.
Create a model (chart, poster, or slideshow) that shows how animals are sorted into vertebrates and invertebrates, and how vertebrates are sorted into 5 groups. Explain your choices.
I sorted animals into two big groups first: vertebrates and invertebrates.