Page 68 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Science, 2008 (revised)

Grade 11, College Preparation
c1. assess the effects of microorganisms in the environment, and analyse ethical issues related to their use in biotechnology;
c2. investigate the development and physical characteristics of microorganisms, using appropriate laboratory equipment and techniques;
c3. demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of microorganisms and the relationships that exist between them.
C1. Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment
C2. Developing Skills of Investigation and Communication
THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 11 AND 12 | science
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
By the end of this course, students will:
c1.1 assess some of the effects, both beneficial and harmful, of microorganisms in the environment (e.g., decomposers break down waste, E. coli in water systems poses a severe risk to human health) [AI, C]
Sample issue: Adding beneficial microorgan- isms to compost at large-scale composting facilities aids in the decomposition of organic waste, and produces high-quality compost in a reduced amount of time. However, the microor- ganisms can leach into groundwater and run off into nearby water systems, where they can harm other organisms.
Sample questions: In what ways are nitrogen- fixing bacteria beneficial to plants but harmful to other organisms? How can microorganisms that have symbiotic relationships with some organisms be harmful to other organisms?
c1.2 analyse ethical issues related to the use of microorganisms in biotechnology (e.g., with respect to the use of bacterial insecticides, the patenting of modified microorganisms) [AI, C]
Sample issue: Genetically modified microor- ganisms are used in many biotechnological applications that benefit humans, in areas such as food production, the development of anti- biotics and vaccines, and waste disposal. However, some of the same techniques could be used to manipulate microorganisms to create rapidly reproducing drug-resistant superbugs for use as bioweapons.
Sample questions: Should suppliers be required to label foods that have been modified using microorganisms, so that consumers can make more informed decisions about the food they eat? Why or why not? What do we know about the side effects and possible long-term effects of the medical and cosmetic uses of botulinum toxin? Do you think the use of this substance is adequately regulated?
By the end of this course, students will:
c2.1 use appropriate terminology related to microbiology, including, but not limited to: fis- sion, conjugation, phage, dormancy, morphology, mycelium, spore, pathogen, and plasmid [C]
c2.2 compare and contrast the cell structures of eukaryotes such as fungi, protozoa, and algae [PR, AI]
c2.3 prepare a laboratory culture of microorgan- isms (e.g., acidophilus) on agar, using proper aseptic techniques [PR]
c2.4 investigate the effect of antibacterial agents on different bacterial cultures (e.g., the effects of antibacterial soap or mouthwash on a bacterial culture) [PR]
c2.5 investigate and analyse the conditions (e.g., optimal temperature) needed by microorganisms for growth [PR, AI]

c. microBiology OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of this course, students will: