Cenozoic+era+(You+are+here)

Unit 7 Overview of Lecture and Discussion Topics:
The course culminates in the Cenozoic era. As we approach the Common Era in our story, students learn of the evolution of mammals and finally humans. Students learn how the immune system in humans fights pathogens and how this system has shaped human evolution. Finally, students will learn how humans have affected conditions on Planet Earth.

Activities and Laboratories:

 * [|NOVA; PBS Evolution – The Mind’s Big Bang]
 * This video explores the emergence and evolution of humans on Planet Earth.
 * Acid Rain Lab
 * In this lab, students will observe how the common components of acid rain (carbonic acid, sulfuric acid, nitrous acid and nitric acid) affect the pH of different bodies of water. Students will use the Pasco pH sensor to measure changes in pH. Students will first determine the effect of dissolved CO2 and NO2 on the pH of distilled water. Students will then determine the effect of dissolved H2SO4 on the pH of distilled water, lake water and ocean water to discover which bodies of water are most vulnerable to acid rain (SP 4 and 5).
 * [|Ecocolumn]
 * Students will design a model of a biome that demonstrates knowledge of biological processes and concepts across scales. Class presentations will demonstrate their knowledge of understanding (SP 7).
 * [|National Geographic Video Cane Toads]
 * This video is a classic example of how humans have caused significant damage to ecosystems through the introduction of non-native species.

Chapters from Campbell and Power Points:

 * Selected readings from Sharon Moalem and Jonathan Prince’s[| Survival of the Sickest]. ||  ||
 * 43. The Immune System || [[file:Chapter 43 The Bodys Defenses.ppt]] ||
 * Selected readings from Sam Kean’s //[|The Violinist’s Thumb]//. ||  ||
 * 54. Ecosystems ||  ||
 * 55. Conversation Biology and Restoration Ecology ||  ||