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Recognize plant and fungal structures used for identification and classification
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Written Product
Criteria
Identify major plant cell structures and explain their functions
Describe the structural features of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds
Identify key fungal structures, including hyphae, mycelium, and spore-producing bodies
Distinguish among major plant families using morphological characteristics
Distinguish among major groups of fungi based on structural and reproductive features
Use appropriate biological terminology when describing plant and fungal structures
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Describe the requirements for plant and fungal growth
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Written Product
Criteria
Identify the basic requirements for plant growth, including light, water, nutrients, and appropriate temperature
Explain the role of soil composition and nutrients in supporting plant growth
Describe the environmental conditions that support fungal growth and reproduction
Explain how environmental factors influence the distribution and success of plants and fungi
Connect growth requirements to agricultural practices and plant cultivation
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Diagram the basic processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Written Product
Criteria
Identify key inputs and outputs
Explain the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration in the context of energy flow
Describe the role of plants in the carbon cycle and oxygen production
Connect plant biology to environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and habitat loss
Evaluate the environmental significance of plants in maintaining ecosystem health
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Analyze the role of specific plants and pathogens in developing cultures and societies worldwide
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Written Product, and/or Project
Criteria
Identify specific plants that have played significant roles in human history, culture, and trade
Describe how plant-based products such as spices, medicines, fibers, and dyes have shaped economies and societies
Explain the historical and cultural significance of specific plant families and their products
Identify specific pathogens that have influenced human history, agriculture, or public health
Analyze how the relationship between plants, pathogens, and people has shaped historical events and cultural practices across multiple world regions and time periods
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Examine how agriculture transformed human societies on local and global scales
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Written Product, and/or Project
Criteria
Describe the origins of agriculture
Illustrate the role of plant breeding and genetics in the development of modern agriculture
Assess the environmental impact of agricultural practices, including soil degradation, water use, habitat loss, and pollution
Analyze the social and economic impacts of agriculture on local and global communities
Evaluate the sustainability of current agricultural practices and consider alternatives
Discuss the role of agriculture in food security and its connection to global population growth
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Analyze the co-evolutionary relationship between plants, parasites, and humans
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Written Product
Criteria
Connect co-evolution to plant-parasite and plant-human relationships
Describe co-evolutionary relationships between plants and their parasites or pathogens
Relate human activities such as agriculture and trade to the evolution of plants and parasites
Examine how plants have evolved chemical defenses and how parasites or humans have responded to those defenses
Relate co-evolution to modern issues such as pesticide resistance, antibiotic resistance, and crop vulnerability
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Explore practical applications of plant and fungal biology
Assessment Strategies
Written Product and/or Project
Criteria
Project addresses a topic of personal or professional interest related to plant or fungal biology, such as gardening, cooking, medicine, or industry
Show interest in studying, growing, and using plants and fungi
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Analyze the role of plants and fungi in solving future societal problems
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Written Product, and/or Project
Criteria
Identify current and emerging societal challenges that involve plants and fungi, such as food security, climate change, sustainable materials, and medicine
Use concepts from plant biology, genetics, and ecology
Analyze the role of fungi in areas such as bioremediation, decomposition, and sustainable industry
Evaluate the potential benefits and risks of biotechnology and genetic engineering in addressing agricultural and environmental challenges
Synthesize concepts to develop informed perspectives on the future relationship between plants, fungi, and human societies