Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 1

TERM – 1^ST TERM

WEEK ONE

Class: Senior Secondary School 1

Age: 15 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: Biology

Topic: INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

1. Define biology.
2. Identify the branches of biology

iii. Identify the characteristics of living organisms

1. State the difference between plants and animals
2. Identify the level of organization of life

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

Introduction to biology

Biology is the scientific study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from the molecular mechanisms within cells to the ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.

The term "biology" has its roots in ancient Greece. It is derived from the Greek words "bios," meaning life, and "logos," meaning study or science. The term was coined by the German scientist Gottfried Reinhold Treviranus in the late 18th century. However, the study of living organisms has ancient origins, with early observations and classifications dating back to civilizations such as ancient Egypt, India, and China.

Biology as an inquiry in science

Biology, as an inquiry in science, involves the systematic study of living organisms to understand their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and interactions. It employs observation, experimentation, and analysis to uncover the underlying principles governing life. The scientific method is a fundamental approach in biology, guiding researchers in formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions. The field encompasses diverse areas such as genetics, ecology, physiology, and microbiology, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the complexity and diversity of life on Earth.

Branches of biology

Biology encompasses various branches, including:

1. Botany: Study of plants.
2. Zoology: Study of animals.
3. Microbiology: Focus on microorganisms.
4. Genetics: Study of heredity and genetic variation.
5. Ecology: Examination of interactions in ecosystems.
6. Anatomy: Exploration of the structure of organisms.
7. Biochemistry: Study of chemical processes in living organisms.
8. Neuroscience: Study of the nervous system.

Characteristics of living organisms

Living organisms share several key characteristics:

1. Cells: Living things are composed of cells, which are the basic structural and functional units of life.
2. Organization: They exhibit a high level of organization, with cells organized into tissues, organs, and organ systems.
3. Energy Utilization: Organisms use energy for various metabolic processes to maintain life functions.
4. Homeostasis: Living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain a stable and balanced state.
5. Growth: Living things can grow in size and complexity.
6. Reproduction: They can reproduce, either sexually or asexually, passing on genetic information to offspring.
7. Response to Stimuli: Organisms respond to external stimuli from their environment, adapting to changes.
8. Adaptation: Living things evolve over time, adapting to their environment through natural selection.
9. Genetic Material: They contain genetic material (DNA or RNA) that carries the instructions for growth, development, and functioning.

Differences between plants and animals

Plants and animals exhibit a lot of differences, the following table summarizes the main difference.

Levels of organization of life

The levels of organization in life, from smallest to largest, are:

1. Atoms and Molecules: Basic building blocks.
2. Cells: The fundamental units of life.
3. Tissues: Groups of cells with similar functions.
4. Organs: Structures composed of different tissues working together.
5. Organ Systems: Collections of organs functioning together.
6. Organism: A single living individual.

Complexity of organization in higher organisms  

In higher organisms, like multicellular animals and plants, complexity increases with specialized cell types, intricate organ systems, and advanced behaviors. The following is a summary;

1. Cell Differentiation: Specialized cell types perform specific functions.
2. Tissues and Organs: Various tissues work together in organs for specialized tasks.
3. Organ Systems: Multiple organs collaborate in systems (e.g., nervous, circulatory).
4. Complex Behavior and Homeostasis: Higher organisms exhibit complex behaviors and maintain internal balance (homeostasis).

EVALUATION: 1.What is biology

2. Mention five characteristics of living organisms
3. Differentiate between plants and animals

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively