The Form 2 Biology course builds on foundational knowledge from Form 1, taking students deeper into the understanding of living organisms, human biology, and health. This course includes:
- Biological Skills and Investigation: Develop essential biology investigation skills, including observation, experimentation, and data collection.
- Plant Structure and Their Functions: Study the anatomy of plants and how each structure contributes to their survival.
- Human Nutrition: Explore the nutrients needed by the human body and their sources.
- Digestion in Mammals: Understand how food is digested in mammals and the role of different organs.
- Human Circulatory System: Learn about the heart, blood vessels, and the function of blood circulation.
- Blood Donation: Explore the importance of blood donation and how it saves lives.
- Respiratory System: Investigate how the respiratory system works and how oxygen is transported in the body.
- Nervous System: Understand the structure and function of the nervous system, including neurons and reflexes.
- Sense Organs: Examine the key sense organs—the eye, the ear, and the skin—and their functions.
- Locomotion: Study how humans and animals move, including bones, muscles, and joints.
- Diarrhoeal Diseases: Understand the causes and prevention of diarrheal diseases.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Learn about common STIs, their symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
- Microorganisms: Study different types of microorganisms and their roles in health and disease.
Introduction to Biology
Biology is the study of living things, including animals and plants, and their interactions with the environment.
Study Skills in Learning Biology
1. Getting Information from Reading a Passage
To effectively summarize information, consider the following methods:
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Label Diagrams: If a passage describes an object.
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Create Tables: For summarizing multiple factors.
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Flow Diagrams: For illustrating processes.
Additional Summarization Techniques:
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Write short notes in your own words.
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Formulate questions based on the passage and answer them later.
2. Judging Statements
Statements can be classified as assumptions, facts, opinions, or assertions:
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Assumption: Taken for granted to be true.
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Example: “I will eat a lot tomorrow.”
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Fact: Can be proven true.
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Example: “Malaria is caused by Plasmodium.”
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Opinion: Cannot be proven true.
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Example: “When it is hot, it will rain.”
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Assertion: Can be either fact or opinion.
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Example: “Arterial bleeding can cause death because a large amount of oxygenated blood is lost.”
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3. Judging Predictions
Predictions establish relationships between events.
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Example: “If you eat too much, you will be constipated.”
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The condition depends on the amount eaten or drunk.
4. Biological Drawing
Qualities of a Good Biological Drawing:
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Large enough
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Detailed
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Clear
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Includes magnification
Calculating Magnification:
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Formula: Magnification = Size of Drawing / Actual Size of Specimen
Examples:
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Example 1: A 15 cm leaf drawn as 5 cm.
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Magnification: M=15 cm5 cm=3M = frac{15 , text{cm}}{5 , text{cm}} = 3M=5cm15cm=3
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Relationships and Variables
A connection between variables is called a relationship, which can be represented using graphs.
Example:
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Growth of a Plant: As time increases, height also increases.
Fair Testing
Fair testing involves controlling all variables except one.
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Input Variable: The one you change (e.g., amount of water).
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Output Variable: The one you measure (e.g., urine production).
Example:
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Investigating if urine production depends on water intake.
Writing a Biological Report
A well-structured report should include:
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Investigation objectives
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Variables changed
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Outcome variables measured
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Constant variables
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Results table (if applicable)
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Conclusion
Investigative Techniques and Skills
An investigation entails:
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Making observations
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Recording data
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Analyzing data
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Drawing conclusions
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Writing reports
Safety Rules in Laboratory Work
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Do not work without a teacher’s supervision.
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Avoid touching materials without permission.
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Prevent spills of chemicals.
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Close gas burners tightly after use.
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Wear safety gear when necessary.
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Do not taste or eat anything without instruction.
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Maintain personal hygiene while handling substances.
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Avoid flames when using volatile liquids.
Discussion Questions
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What risks might Student X face in the lab?
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Provide reasons for your answer.
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What two pieces of advice would you give Student Z, who is working near a gas burner?