1. Biodiversity of Illinois

2. Biodiversity The number and variety of organisms found within a specified geographic region. Three levels: –Genes –Species –Ecosystems

3. Genes A hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and determines a particular characteristic in an organism.

4. Species A specific organism belonging to a category. Example: Cockapoo is a species of dog. Dog: Cockapoo Bird: Cardinal Flower: Blue Violet

5. Ecosystems A community of organisms in an environment that all rely on each other.

6. Unit Topics History of Illinois Prairies and Farmland Natural Resources Plants and Flowers Earthworms Famous Illinoisans Classifying Organisms Genes Illinois Government Biodiversity Issues

7. Creating a timeline of major historical events of Illinois Planting and caring for plants Class pet: Willy the Earthworm Gene Scene: Investigation Game Unit Activities