How do most students score on the AP exam?

Is the AP Biology test "curved"?

2008 AP BIOLOGY Scoring breakdown
The total score was out of 150 points

5 = 95 - 150
4 = 77 - 94
3 = 59 - 76
2 = 37 - 58
1 = 0 - 36

What if I am taking multiple AP classes?
Students taking multiple AP classes should be aware of the coursework expectations.
Budgeting your time to complete homework, learn content, and prepare for AP Exams is essential to success.

AP EXAM SCHEDULE FOR 2008

How much homework can I expect?
Students should expect to complete a MINIMUM of 5-10 hours of study OUTSIDE of class each week. Students taking multiple AP courses should be aware of the time commitment required by each.

Keeping up with the READING is Very Important! Read your textbook nightly. Stay up-to-date; Be prepared for a pop-quiz over reading assignments at any time. Homework is assigned nightly. This is not a class where cramming the day before a test will work!  

What are the prerequisites for AP BIOLOGY?
The prerequisites for AP BIOLOGY are:
    One year of Biology (Bio I & II)  OR (Cell Bio and Bio II)
    AND One year of Chemistry

Students who have requested permission to be admitted to the class WITHOUT these prerequisites should understand that they will be responsible for material covered in these classes and additional independent study and review may be required in these areas.

What are the major themes in the course?

1. Science as a Process - Science is a way of knowing.  It can involve a discovery process using inductive reasoning, or it can be a process of hypothesis testing.

2. Evolution - Evolution is the biological change of organisms that occurs over time and is driven by the process of natural selection.  Evolution accounts for the diversity of life on Earth.

3. Energy Transfer - Energy is the capacity to do work.  Organisms are active (living) because of their abilities to link energy reactions to the biochemical reactions that take place within their cells.

4. Continuity and Change - All species tend to maintain themselves from generation to generation using the same genetic code.  However, there are genetic mechanisms that lead to change over time, or evolution.

5. Relationship of Structure to Function - The structural levels from molecules to organisms ensure successful functioning in all living organisms and living systems.

6. Regulation - Everything from cells to organisms to ecosystems is in a state of dynamic balance that must be controlled by positive or negative feedback mechanisms.

7. Interdependence in Nature - Living organisms rarely exist alone in nature.

8. Science, Technology, and Society - Scientific research often leads to technological advances that can have a positive and/or negative impacts on society as a whole.

Labs:
The College Board has designated the following twelve laboratory activities as being required for this course: 

Lab 1. Osmosis and Diffusion
Lab 2. Enzyme Catalysis
Lab 3. Mitosis and Meiosis
Lab 4. Plant pigments & Photosynthesis
Lab 5. Cell Respiration
Lab 6. Molecular Biology
Lab 7. Genetics of Organisms
Lab 8. Population Genetics and Evolution
Lab 9. Transpiration
Lab 10. Physiology of Circulatory System
Lab 11. Animal Behavior
Lab 12. Dissolved Oxygen & Aquatic Primary Productivity 

AP Biology is designed to be a lab-based course. In addition to the 12 recommended lab activities, we will complete additional hands on activities, supplemental labs, and computer simulations. 

Some activities such as labs may run longer than a single class period and may require additional time outside of class to complete. AP BIOLOGY has been scheduled 4^th hour so that students may extend lab time into lunch period if necessary. Due to the complexity and perishable nature of certain labs/supplies, it will not be possible to make up some labs, If you are absent, alternative data may be supplied for use in completing a lab write up. You will still be responsible for the concepts. In order to participate in lab activities, students and parents must sign a LAB SAFETY CONTRACT.

Will the college I attend accept my AP credit?
Depending on your score on the AP Exam, certain universities may give you credit for for an introductory biology course. Each university is different and different scores are treated differently by different schools. Also, some degree programs DO NOT accept AP Credit for introductory courses. Some colleges require you to submit your AP Lab manual to receive credit for the lab portion.

If you are taking AP BIOLOGY in order to receive college credit, PLEASE CHECK WITH THE INSTITUTION you plan on attending to see what their policy is regarding AP credit. 

Textbooks/Other Resources you will check out and return:

Numerous other OPTIONAL AP resources are available for purchase including:  Check copyright dates to make sure you are getting the most up to date version.  

TOP 5 AP BIO  SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES

Back to top

SUPPLIES

You will need: 
      1. SEVERAL 3 ring binders with section DIVIDERS 
      2. Lined notebook paper
      3. blue/black pens (red or other color for correcting)/pencils
      4. Pack of sticky notes
      4. Markers OR colored pencils

Back to top

HELP
I am available before/after school and at arranged times to answer student questions and provide help.  You can also come and see me if you have a study hall during my planning times (See me ahead of time for a pass) Please arrange a time with me to come if you don't understand something. 

I am also the Lighting/Sound advisor for the school plays so during play season it is especially important to talk with me ahead of time to arrange help time.

Parent communication
Please let me know anytime you have concerns or questions. 
Grades may be checked on the DDN  
See my schedule to free times during the day to call.
    My office phone: 696-4147 (before & after school)
    Home phone: 693-3162 (before 11:00 pm please)
    School email: Kelly.Riedell@k12.sd.us

If you want to check on what we're up to you can go to the website (http://kr021.k12.sd.us) and choose AP BIOLOGY for information, homework assignments, due dates, review games for tests, etc.
(Usernames/Passwords were sent home the first day)

Back to top

Late work
Learning to budget your time and meet deadlines is a valuable job/life skill which students will need in the "real world".  LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.  Failing to turn in assignments is NOT an option. Assignments turned in after the due date will drop 1 letter grade each day.  

After papers have been graded and returned to the class, the assignment will be worth 0%. Students may complete work for up to 50% points in my room.

Once a unit is finished and tested over, homework from that chapter WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Back to top

Absences/Make Up work:
It is your responsibility to arrange for completing work if you are absent. BHS  handbook policy for absences/make up work will be followed.

If YOU KNOW IN ADVANCE you will be gone you must arrange to complete work BEFORE the absence. 

If you don't know ahead of time you will be gone (illness, etc.) you will have 2 days for each day absent to complete any makeup work.

Back to top

Grading:
All assignments are of value and will be graded.  Overall grades will be based on correctness, completeness of work, class participation, and effort.  Opportunities for some extra credit will be available. 

Back to top

My schedule

2010 AP TEST SCHEDULE

Image sources:

   http://www.angelfire.com/ga/sweetgeorgiapeach1/grandmom.html

 Photo by: Riedell

  http://www.phschool.com/atschool/biology/

test password

Sources:

  http://www.angelfire.com/ga/sweetgeorgiapeach1/grandmom.html

http://www.gifanimations.com

http://www.smithlifescience.com/PH001LessonPlans.htm

http://www.webdeveloper.com/animations/bnifiles/book.gif

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/gif/