Unit+Summary

**Summary of "Evolution Of..." Science Unit**

**Unit Overview Learning Outcome(s):** This online component of "The Evolution of..." science unit is to provide students with experience working collaboratively and productively with technology while meeting the state standards for genetics, heredity and evolution, focusing on the characteristics of the generations.

**Enduring Understandings**:
 * 1) Systems continue to evolve through time.
 * 2) The evolution of thought initiates change.

**Essential Question:** How does family lineage impact future generations?

**Specific Areas of Focus**: Evolution/Heredity/Genetics, Research Paper on a Genetic Disorder

**Michigan Science Benchmarks:**
 * Describe how the characteristics of living things are passed on through generations.
 * Describe how heredity and environment may influence/determine characteristics of an organism.
 * Explain how new traits might become established in a population and how species become extinct.
 * Describe how scientific theory traces possible evolutionary relationships among present and past life forms.
 * Identify and explain how the contributions of scientists in the field of genetics, heredity and evolution have shaped/advanced scientific theory

**"I Can..." Statements/Unit Objectives:** > **Course Communication:** Although this online unit is an additional resource to the work we will be doing in the classroom, you will be regularly communicating via discussion posts with other CSPA middle school students on this site. We will be discussing proper online protocol (digital citizenship) in class and developing an appropriate use contract together, but keep in mind that Ms. Frazer can see everything you post -- never post anything that is inappropriate on this site. Ms. Frazer will respond to any online discussion post or email question within 24 hours, and you can also speak with her in person in class.
 * 1) I can describe how the characteristics of living things are passed on through generations.
 * 2) I can describe how heredity and the environment may influence or determine characteristics of an organism.
 * 3) I can explain how new traits might become established in a population, and how species become extinct.
 * 4) I can identify and explain how the contributions of scientists in the fields of genetics, heredity and evolution have shaped and advanced scientific theory


 * Required Text(s) and Readings:** Links will be provided for any necessary readings you will do during this unit.


 * Technology Requirements:** In order to participate in this unit, you will need access to Microsoft Office (including Word and Power Point). You will be able to use these programs on the computers at school, but you can also work from home if you have them on your personal computer.

**Class Procedures and Requirements: **With this online unit, you will be required to follow written directions for assignments, use several online programs (including SketchFu, SlideShare, Obsurvey, and Glogster) with support and tutorials, embed widgets on our wiki, and create and respond to classmates' discussion posts. You will be given plenty of instruction and support in class for using these programs and completing these tasks, as I am sure that for many of you it may be the first time you are required to do so.

 **Evaluation Criteria: Your grade will not be weighted in any way, and the number of points per each assignment will be discussed in class and will be equivalent to the amount of time and energy spent on the assignment -- thus lab reports and the research paper you will write will be worth more points than smaller in class assignments. **


 * Grading Scale:** Grading of any assignment completed in this unit will follow CSPA's grading policy:


 * Work that goes above and beyond expectations to demonstrate mastery will receive an A.
 * Work that demonstrates mastery will receive a B.
 * Work that does not yet demonstrate mastery will receive an N.
 * There will be opportunities to work toward mastery with a Mastery Date on larger projects and assignments if you have completed and submitted the assignment by the due date.

**Late Assignments or Projects:** Late work is usually not accepted. Please speak with or email Ms. Frazer if you feel you will be unable to compete an assignment or project by the due date to possibly make other arrangements.