This comprehensive breakdown of the SSS 1 Biology Scheme of Work for the second term provides students with the foundational knowledge of ecology, reproduction, and environmental concerns. The content is structured to ensure understanding and application of biological principles, engaging students in real-world examples.
SSS 1 Biology Scheme of Work for Second Term
Week | Topic | Content |
---|---|---|
Week 1 | Basic Ecological Concept | Introduction to ecology, its components, and the relationship between organisms and their environment. |
Week 2 | Ecological Management | Understanding how ecosystems are managed and the importance of sustainable practices. |
Week 3 | Tolerance | Exploring the concept of tolerance in organisms and their ability to survive in varying environmental conditions. |
Week 4 & 5 | Adaptation | Study of the structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations of organisms to their environment. |
Week 6 & 7 | Pollution | Understanding pollution, its causes, and its effects on living organisms and ecosystems. |
Week 8 | Conservation of Natural Resources | Techniques and importance of conserving natural resources to ensure sustainability. |
Week 9 & 10 | Reproduction | Study of the different modes of reproduction in plants and animals, including sexual and asexual reproduction. |
Week 11 | Revision | Review of all topics covered during the term for a solid understanding. |
Week 12 | Examination | Final assessment to evaluate students’ comprehension of the term’s content. |
Week 1: Basic Ecological Concept
Explanation:
Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the interactions between organisms and their environment. It explores how living organisms depend on each other and their surroundings for survival.
Examples:
- Habitat: The natural environment where an organism lives. Example: A forest for deer.
- Niche: The role or function of an organism in an ecosystem. Example: Bees pollinating flowers.
- Producers: Organisms like plants that produce their own food through photosynthesis.
- Consumers: Organisms that depend on other organisms for food. Example: Herbivores, carnivores.
- Decomposers: Organisms like fungi and bacteria that break down dead organic matter.
- Food Chain: A sequence of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food.
Week 2: Ecological Management
Explanation:
Ecological management refers to the methods used to manage ecosystems to ensure their sustainability and health. This includes conservation efforts and sustainable use of natural resources.
Examples:
- Forest Management: Methods like controlled burning to prevent wildfires.
- Marine Conservation: Protecting fish populations and coral reefs through fishing regulations.
- Waste Management: Recycling and reducing waste to maintain ecosystem balance.
- Wildlife Reserves: Establishing protected areas for endangered species.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Using farming practices that do not harm the environment.
- Eco-tourism: Promoting tourism that benefits ecosystems without degrading them.
Week 3: Tolerance
Explanation:
Tolerance refers to the ability of an organism to withstand or survive under different environmental conditions. It is crucial for organisms to adapt to their habitat’s conditions to thrive.
Examples:
- Temperature Tolerance: Some animals can survive extreme temperatures (e.g., polar bears in cold climates).
- Salinity Tolerance: Fish in estuaries that tolerate both freshwater and saltwater.
- Drought Tolerance: Cacti store water to survive in dry conditions.
- Pollution Tolerance: Some species, like certain algae, can live in polluted waters.
- Light Tolerance: Plants growing in shaded areas vs. direct sunlight.
- Oxygen Tolerance: Fish in deep waters that have low oxygen levels can survive due to specialized gills.
Week 4 & 5: Adaptation
Explanation:
Adaptation refers to the changes in an organism’s structure, behavior, or physiology that enhance its survival in a specific environment. Adaptations can be structural, physiological, or behavioral.
Examples:
- Structural Adaptations: The long neck of a giraffe allows it to reach food in tall trees.
- Physiological Adaptations: Camels can store water for long periods to survive in deserts.
- Behavioral Adaptations: Birds migrating to warmer climates during winter.
- Coloration: Chameleons change color to blend in with their environment.
- Body Size: Polar bears have thick fur and fat layers to survive in cold climates.
- Feeding Adaptations: Owls have specialized talons and beaks for catching prey at night.
Week 6 & 7: Pollution
Explanation:
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment that can damage ecosystems and organisms. This week will cover the types, causes, and effects of pollution.
Examples:
- Air Pollution: Emission of harmful gases from vehicles and factories.
- Water Pollution: The dumping of chemicals and waste into rivers and oceans.
- Soil Pollution: Use of pesticides and chemicals that degrade soil quality.
- Noise Pollution: Disrupting wildlife and human health due to excessive noise.
- Light Pollution: Excessive artificial light disrupting nocturnal species.
- Plastic Pollution: Harmful effects of plastic waste on marine life and ecosystems.
Week 8: Conservation of Natural Resources
Explanation:
Conservation involves the sustainable management of natural resources to prevent their depletion or degradation. It ensures that resources are available for future generations.
Examples:
- Water Conservation: Reducing water wastage and using rainwater harvesting techniques.
- Energy Conservation: Using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
- Wildlife Conservation: Protecting endangered species through breeding programs and legal protection.
- Forest Conservation: Preventing deforestation through replanting programs.
- Land Conservation: Protecting agricultural land from erosion through soil conservation practices.
- Ocean Conservation: Protecting marine ecosystems from overfishing and pollution.
Week 9 & 10: Reproduction
Explanation:
Reproduction is the biological process through which organisms produce offspring. It can be sexual or asexual, depending on the species.
Examples:
- Asexual Reproduction in Bacteria: Bacteria reproduce by binary fission, creating two identical offspring.
- Sexual Reproduction in Humans: Involves the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.
- Vegetative Propagation in Plants: A form of asexual reproduction in plants, such as cloning from cuttings.
- External Fertilization in Fish: Female fish release eggs into the water, where male fish fertilize them.
- Internal Fertilization in Mammals: Male mammals transfer sperm to the female’s reproductive system.
- Pollination in Plants: The transfer of pollen from male to female parts of flowers to produce seeds.
Week 11: Revision
Explanation:
This week is for reviewing all topics covered throughout the term. Students should practice solving problems, engage in discussions, and address any areas of confusion.
Week 12: Examination
Explanation:
The final week consists of the examination, which will assess students’ understanding of all the topics studied during the term. It will include practical questions, multiple-choice, and descriptive questions based on ecological concepts, adaptation, pollution, conservation, and reproduction.