Copy of Presentation Seventh grade.ppt !

Science Education

1. Introduction to Biology: What is Life?

2. What is Biology? Biology is the study of life It examines all living things, from tiny microbes to giant whales Biology helps us understand medicines, identify misinformation, and describe life processes What do you think of when you hear the word "biology"?

3. Defining Life: A Challenging Task Scientists have debated how to define life for centuries Modern definition: A self-sustaining chemical system capable of evolution But what exactly counts as "alive"? Can you think of anything that seems alive but might not be?

4. 7 Characteristics of Life Regulation: Maintaining internal balance Response to environment Reproduction Growth and development Energy processing Organization Adaptation through evolution Which of these characteristics do you think is most important? Why?

5. Regulation and Response Regulation: Keeping internal conditions stable (e.g. sweating to cool down) Response: Reacting to the environment (e.g. plants turning toward sunlight) How does your body regulate its temperature?

6. Reproduction, Growth, and Development Reproduction: Passing on genetic information to offspring Growth and development: Following genetic instructions to change over time Examples: Tadpole becoming a frog, voice changing during puberty What changes have you noticed in your own growth and development?

7. Energy Processing and Organization All living things need energy to function Energy comes from food and is used for life processes Life is organized at many levels: cells, tissues, organs, systems How do you get and use energy throughout your day?

8. Adaptation and Evolution Living things have traits that help them survive and reproduce These traits are shaped by evolution over time Example: The unique features of a platypus Can you think of an animal with an interesting adaptation?

9. The Virus Debate Viruses challenge our definition of life They can't reproduce or process energy on their own But they can evolve and multiply inside host cells Do you think viruses should be considered alive? Why or why not?

10. Life's Interconnections All living things are connected through evolution We share a common ancestor from about 4 billion years ago The atoms in our bodies came from stars How does knowing about these connections make you feel?

11. Why Study Biology? Helps us understand ourselves and other living things Allows us to develop medicines and solve health problems Teaches us about our impact on the environment What aspect of biology are you most interested in learning more about?