CK-12 Life Science for Middle School

CK-12 Foundation's Life Science for Middle School FlexBook covers the following chapters:Studying Life- Nature of science: scientific method. tools used in science and safety in research.Introduction to Living Organisms- what they are, what they are made of, and classification. Introduces carbs, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.Cells and Their Structures- what they are, what they are made of, organelles and eukaryotic vs. prokaryotic.Cell Functions- active transport, passive transport, photosynthesis, and cellular respirationCell Division, Reproduction, and DNA- mitosis, meiosis, DNA, RNA, and protein synthesisGenetics- Mendel’s peas to gene therapy.Evolution- Darwin’s natural selection, history of life and evidence of evolution.Prokaryotes- properties and characteristicsProtists and Fungi- properties, characteristics, reproduction and metabolismPlants- nonvascular & vascular, gymnosperms & amniosperms and hormones/tropismsIntroduction to Invertebrates- sponges, cnidarians, and wormsOther Invertebrates- mollusks, echinoderms, arthropods, and insectsFishes, Amphibians, and Reptiles- fishes, amphibians, and reptilesBirds and Mammals- characteristics, properties, diversity and significanceBehavior of Animals- communication, cooperation, mating and cyclesSkin, Bones, and Muscles- skeletal, muscular and integumentary systemsFood and the Digestive System- nutrition and digestionCardiovascular System- heart, blood, vessels and cardiovascular healthRespiratory and Excratory Systems- breathing and elimination of wasteControlling the Body- Nervous SystemDiseases and the Body’s Defenses- Diseases and the immune responseReproduactive System and Life Stages- Reproduction, fertilization, development and healthFrom Populations to the Biosphere- Ecology: Communities, ecosystems, biotic vs. abiotic factors, and biomesEcosystem Dynamics- Flow of energy, recycling of matter, and ecosystem changeEnvironmental Problems- Pollution, renewable vs nonrenewable resources, habitat destruction & extinction, and biodiversityGlossary