Essential Question

How is a living thing differentiated from a non-living object?

Essential Question

How are living organisms classified?

Essential Question

On what different scales can life be studied?

A. Molecular Level

• Smallest Scale looks at Atoms & Molecules

• Non-living aspect of cells

• Ex. DNA

- molecule codes for life

• Molecular Biologist

B. Cellular Level• Cell- smallest unit of

life capable of carrying out all the functions of living things.

• Every single cell is alive

• Unicellular vs. Multicellular

• Cell Biologist

muscle fibers, or cells

C. Tissue Level• Tissue: a group of

cells that performs a specific function in an organism

• Ex. Skin• All multicellular

organisms have cells organized into tissues

Caption: Skin Tissue being grown the lab.  Source: Organogensis, Inc.  

D. Organ Level

• Organ: Several different types of tissues that function together for a specified purpose

• Ex. Heart muscle, nerve, other tissues

• Ex. Leaves and roots are plant organs

E. Organ System Level

• System: Composed of several organs working together for common purpose

• Ex. Digestive System

F. Population Level• Population: Organisms

of the same species that live together in a particular location

• Ecologist and Ethologist• Study interaction

between population and environment

• Ex. Black Bear in NJ

G. Community Level• Community: Includes all

populations of different organisms living in the same place

• Ex. A lawn• Ex. A pond

H. Ecosystem Level

• Ecosystem: Includes the community of organisms as well as the nonliving factors of the environment

• Ex. Forest- populations, water, climate, soil

I. The Biosphere

• All the ecosystems in the world combine to form the biosphere

• Incorporates living (biotic)and nonliving (abiotic)

• Grand scale

Levels of Organization

• Non-living Living• Simple Complex• Fields of Biology

Essential Question: What are the “big picture” themes that unify

the study of life?• Biological Systems• Cellular Basis for Life• Form and Function (form fits function)• Reproduction and Inheritance• Interaction with Environment• Energy and Life• Regulation• Adaptation and Evolution• Biology and Society• Scientific Inquiry

Starting with the

Molecular Level

Is Air Matter?

• What is matter?

• How could you prove air is matter?

• Why does the balloon continue to get larger?

• Can air be classified as matter? Why?

Nature of Matter

• Matter defined as -

• All matter composed of _______________

• Two properties all atoms have are _____________ and ________________

• Are these physical or chemical properties?

Chemical vs. Physical Property• Chemical PropertyChemical Property

- process that changes the chemical composition of a substance

- a new substance is produced

- energy is released or stored

- Processes(chemical reactions) such as decomposition, rusting, digestion, and burning

• Physical PropertyPhysical Property

- chemical composition of substance is not altered

How was the model of atomic structure developed?

Making Predictions Based On Indirect Evidence

• Determine properties by

- conducting tests and experiments

- record observations and measurements

- obtain mass if possible

- record behavior

- compare to knowns

• Properties indicate structure

• Create models and make predictions; accurate predictions provide additional indirect evidence

What if…What would you do to identify the liquid inside a completely filled,

closed, opaque bottle without opening it?

Would if be beneficial to have an identical empty bottle?

If you could open the bottle, what would you do to help you identify the substance?