Horta, is that you?Comic books and sci-fi writers have long claimed silicon based life could exist, but is it really possible? And why silicon?
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Overview of Topic:
Organic Chemistry is a subspecialty of chemistry dealing with carbon-based molecules: those that form living things. This unit presumes some knowledge of chemistry fundamentals such as valence electrons, covalent bonds, energy in bonding, and periodic trends. Students will be learning how these principles apply to hydrocarbons and biological molecules, allowing life on earth to form and exist in increasing complexity. Students will learn how life’s beginnings included the formation of complex macromolecules called hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons reacted with other elements to create carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These molecules form the structures of cells, and contribute to the hierarchical structures of life: molecules-cells-tissues-organs-systems. Further, students will apply their cumulative knowledge to the concepts of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, about which they have been learning throughout their educational careers. |
Unit Vocabulary:
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Essential Questions:
Use this goal sheet to track your progress! |
Learning Objectives:
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Standards Addressed:
HS-LS1-5: Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy. HS-LS1-6: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon based molecules. HS-LS1-7: Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed resulting in a net transfer of energy. |