1.+Term+1+Biology+overview


 * __Biology topics - term 1__**

Responding to the environment

All living things respond to the environment of which they are part. The nature of these responses is varied; however, in the main they lead to maintenance of a constant environment within the organism. This unit provides students with opportunities to: • investigate ways in which plants respond to abiotic factors • investigate ways in which animals control body temperature, water and glucose level, and rid their bodies of wastes • gather information about the effects of pathogens.

Structure and function of the mammalian nervous system || 286–300 || Effects of hormones and tropisms on plants (parts A and B) || 300–4 || Effects of hormones and tropisms on plants (parts C, D and Further Activity 4) || 304–11 || Factors affecting respiration (also relevant to Unit 3 ‘Obtaining and using energy’) //2.12 An inspirational effort// Gas exchange in animals (also relevant to Unit 3 ‘Obtaining and using energy’) || 237 331–4 References throughout Chapter 11 || Investigation of temperature regulation in animals || 317–19 321–4 || Kidney structure and function //2.17 An evolutionary development// Water balance in animals || 324–8 ||
 * Unit organisation || Outline || Relevant activities || Text pages ||
 * Agent of control || Investigate the nervous system recognising that it enables organisms to gather information and respond to stimuli in both the external and internal environment || //2.18 Mind over matter//
 * A second agent of control || Gather information about hormones and ways they control body functions and respond to internal and external stimuli || //2.19 Plant hormones and typical tropisms//
 * Plant tropisms || Investigate the response of plants to gravity, light, touch and water || //2.19 Plant hormones and typical tropisms//
 * Oxygen in, carbon dioxide out || Gather information about the process of gas exchange and factors that affect the rate of exchange || //2.5 Useful yeasts//
 * Keeping cool—or warm! || Investigate and interpret information related to temperature regulation in animals || //2.20 Temperature tales—keeping warm staying cool//
 * Water on the inside || Gather information about the structure of the kidney and how it functions to maintain a constant water content within the body || //2.16 Fine-tuned filters//

Hormonal regulation of blood glucose || 328–31 || Effects of exercise on body systems || 200 || Homeostasis in extreme environments || 320 334–7 ||
 * Glucose levels || Gather information about the control of glucose levels in the body and what can happen if the control mechanism breaks down || //2.21 A question of balance//
 * Longer term effects || Investigate ways that regular exercise can change the functioning of the body || //2.22 Training//
 * Homeostasis is not always easy || Gather information about adaptations found in organisms exposed to extreme environments that enable them to maintain a constant internal environment || //2.23 Survival//