Characteristics of Life

Characteristics of Life #GoBioRams

Our first topic 

Do not forget to sign up for your on-line textbook.

Go to https://www.ck12.org/student/
and use code fsco0 to join.

What does this on-line textbook offer?

You can read the information on any device at any time. 

You can highlight it, review, practice, and get ready for any projects or assessments you may have.

How to Join

1. Go to www.ck12.org.
2. Click join to create an account or sign in.
3. Click Classes.
4. Click Join a Class. 
5. Enter code: fsco0
You can also join the class by using this link:https://www.ck12.org/join/group/?accessCode=fsco0

We will be using our on-line textbook as our "guide" or "syllabus."

So it is important that you join.

You will recall that we showed you the on-line textbook last week when we very briefly covered the seven (7) characteristics of life.

Characteristics of Life

• It responds to the environment.

• It grows and develops.

• It produces offspring.

• It maintains homeostasis (equal balance).

• It has complex chemistry.

• It consists of cells.

With very little background, you were asked to answer the following question using your Bowman Biology Choice Board:

Are Clouds Alive?

Poll

What did you think?

• Yes, Clouds are alive.

• No, Clouds are not alive.

• I didn't do this because I thought there was only one right answer and I didn't want to risk being wrong.

Keep in mind that sometimes I will ask you to give me what is called a pre-assessment.

This is when I want to know what background knowledge you already possess.

If you all happen to already know something, we can then move forward and discuss a new topic.

I will do this often, so it is okay to take that risk.

If you haven't figured this out already...

...you can let me know if you are uncomfortable or don't know something without letting your classmates know.

Look at the the CheckIns, email, private ZOOM chats, and these questions that I am asking you during the slide presentation.

It takes courage to take a risk.

But how else will you learn something?

In a pre-assessment, you are being graded for trying.

So, why not take the risk and try?

When I assign a formal assessment, which occurs AFTER we cover material, I will provide you with more detailed guidelines or a rubric of what I expect.

That way, you will know exactly what I am going to use to grade your performance.

Do you have any questions?

This would be the time to ask or, if you prefer, email me your questions.

You can also send me a private chat message during ZOOMs.

Time to practice.

What were the characteristics of life? 

 There were seven.

Multiple Select

Check which of the following are characteristics of life.

• It has the capability of producing offspring.

• It has complex chemistry.

• It is made up of cells.

• It maintains homeostasis (equal balance).

• It has the capability of moving.

Why do we need to know this?

Simple, your generation will be dealing with two big issues that require you to know this stuff.

Exo- or Astro- biology

As NASA and other organizations continue to explore the Universe, how will we know if something out there is alive?

When fighting COVID-19

Do we know if viruses are alive?

Poll

Based on what you just saw, are viruses alive?

• Yes.

• No.

Reviewing the seven Characteristics of Life:

• It must respond to the environment.

• It must be able to grow and develop.

• It has the capability of producing offspring.

• It maintains homeostasis (equal balance).

• It has complex chemistry.

• It consists of cells.

More on homeostasis or equal-balance

Homeo-     =     equal
-Stasis        =     balance

Living things try to live a balanced life.
When they don't, they become ill and may die.

Think, if you are hungry, what do you do?
If you are thirsty, what do you do?

Homeostasis or equal balance

• You eat when you are hungry, because your body needs food.

• You drink when you are thirsty, because our body needs water.

• You put on more clothes or roll up into a little ball or find a blanket when you are cold.

• This is how YOU make sure that your body is maintaining homeostasis or equal balance.

Do you have any questions about the Characteristics of Life?

Would you be able to come up with all seven?

Open Ended

Time to try. What are the 7 characteristics of life? Points for trying.

All right, time for our next topic, which deals with the scientific method.

• I will give you three (3) videos to watch for homework tonight.

• Be prepared to talk about them during our next ZOOM.

• Don't forget to complete the following items as well: Flipgrid (If your computer is cooperating.) and Are Clouds Alive? Project.

Again, for homework...

...watch these three (3) videos and be prepared to discuss the scientific method.

Last video.

Be prepared to discuss each of the three (3) videos next time in class.

BTW (By the way), these three labs are safe to do at home, if you wish to reproduce them.

What have we accomplished today?

• We reviewed the importance of trying to complete or answer pre-assessment activities such as the Are Clouds Alive? Project.

• We again showed you how to access your on-line textbook.

• We reviewed the seven (7) characteristics of life and why this information is important.

• We asked you to make sure to complete all of your homework.

• We asked you to watch the three (3) new videos and be prepared to discuss them next time in class.

For those of you who want to work ahead...

...feel free to review this information 

https://www.ck12.org/book/ck-12-earth-science-concepts-for-high-school/section/1.2/

We will talk about it in greater depth next time.

Does anyone have any questions or need to add anything to the discussion?

Remember you can ask me privately in the chat or send me an email.

If you are still having computer problems, just let me know.

Until next time...

...Be well.