Evolution Unit
Evolution plays a critical role in our daily lives, yet it is one of the most overlooked principles of life. It is the mechanism that determines who lives, who dies, and who gets the opportunity to pass traits on to the next generation, and the next, and the next... The goals of this unit are to heighten understanding of evolution and how it works, to dispel common misunderstandings and to illuminate why it is relevant to our lives.
What will we be studying?
The complete history of the origins of everything! This seems like a huge topic, and it is. We will start with the very origin of the universe and will work all the way toward future implications and ethical dilemmas of evolution. Specifically, topics will include:
- Cosmology
- Classification of life
- Major Evolutionary Concepts
- Human and Population Genetics
- Biodiversity
- Future implications of Evolution
What is expected of me?
Curiosity: Why? Why ask why? Why not? Science is about being curious, problem solving and learning how to ask good questions and seek their answers. You should come to class with and active mind and a spirit of curiosity that will guide your scientific inquiry.
Conduct: We expect everyone to contribute to a positive learning environment by being respectful of others, sharing ideas, listening to others and taking responsibility for your own learning
Effort: All students are expected to do their best work, engage themselves in activities and discussions, complete assigned work on time and come to class prepared to learn.
Homework: We expect your work to reveal good thought and effort. Anything more than a day late will result in a lower grade. Assignments must be completed to receive credit for the course.
Notebooks: Each student must keep some form of notebook that should be organized and contain all of the following: 1) class notes; 2) lab notes and data; 3) handouts 4) any other relevant science work.
