Science 13 ) Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain how organisms are
classified by physical characteristics, organized into levels of taxonomy, and
identified by binomial nomenclature (e.g., taxonomic classification, dichotomous
keys).
a. Engage in argument to justify the grouping of viruses in a category
separate from living things.
Unpacked Content
Scientific And Engineering Practices:
Engaging in Argument from Evidence; Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns
Disciplinary Core Idea: Unity and Diversity
Evidence Of Student Attainment:
Students:
Use major features to classify unfamiliar organisms using accepted classification schemes and justify classification.
Use binomial nomenclature and tools such as dichotomous keys to classify unfamiliar organisms and determine where they fit into accepted taxonomic schemes.
Identify characteristics of organisms within each of the six kingdoms of life.
Distinguish biotic from abiotic materials using the scientifically accepted characteristics of life.
Create a logical argument based on evidence and reasoning, to support the premise that viruses are not living things. Teacher Vocabulary:
Classification Taxonomy Binomial nomenclature Taxon Genus Family Order Class Phylum Division Kingdom Domain Dichotomous key Virus Capsid Lytic cycle Lysogenic cycle Retrovirus Prion Knowledge:
Students know:
Historical systems of classification (Aristotle, Linnaeus).
Taxa are organized into a hierarchal system—each taxa contained within another, arranged from broadest to most specific.(domain ← kingdom ← phylum ← class ← order ← family ← genus ← species)
Characteristics of living things: made of cells, obtain and use energy, grow and develop, reproduce, respond to their environment, adapt to their environment.
Viruses do not exhibit all the characteristics of life: they do not possess cells, nor are they cells, they have no organelles to take in nutrients or use energy, they cannot make proteins, they cannot move, and they cannot replicate on their own. Skills:
Students are able to:
Organize items based on physical characteristics and/or DNA sequences, etc. and communicate reasoning to others.
Design a classification scheme (e.g., dichotomous key) for a collection of common but not necessarily related objects.
Correctly write an organism's name using binomial nomenclature.
Research viruses using a variety of sources—analysis should include viral life cycles, reproductive strategies and their structure and function.
Argue from evidence whether a virus is living or not. Understanding:
Students understand that:
Biologists find it easier to communicate and retain information about organisms when organisms are organized into groups.
Though viruses exhibit several of the characteristics of life, they are not considered to be living things and are not included in the biological classification system. AMSTI Resources:
ASIM Module:
Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards
AAS Standard:
