WELCOME TO OPEN HOUSE! September 6, 2012 AP BIOLOGY G119 Mrs. Vanderfin Please sign-in at the side counters

Contact Information Teacher: Tara Vanderfin REV Phone: (909) ext School – is the fastest and the best way to reach me! Website: – Communities – Teacher Webpages

Education/Background Redlands High School Graduate California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo – B.S. Biology Masters from Loma Linda University Instructor at Crafton Hills College Science Teacher at REVHS – 8 th year teaching

About the Course (from the College Board) This course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The college course in biology differs significantly from the usual first high school course in biology with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the type of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required of students.

The AP Biology course is designed to be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology and one in high school chemistry as well. It aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. AP Biology is a challenging course that will help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology as well as gain an appreciation for science as a process.

AP Biology has recently been revised and is now in effect as of fall The revised AP Biology course reflects a reduction in breadth of content and an increase in depth via the application of the science practices. Furthermore, it promotes complex thinking and reasoning essential for in-depth study at the college level.

How to be successful Be in class every day Be an active participant Bring science notebook everyday Get extra help at lunch Study from lecture notes taken during class – Complete all left pages and summaries within 24 hours of note taking Students in an AP Biology course should spend at least five hours a week in individual study outside of the classroom (as suggested by the College Board)

What to expect Homework assignments are posted online. All laboratory experiments are to be done in their data books. Data books will be graded periodically through the semester. Late data books will be given half credit. Grades are based on Unit Exams (50%), Final Exam (15%) Labs (25%), Homework/Class work/Notebooks (10%). Students will not be released during Intervention time. That time will be used to cover the demanding curriculum of the course.

AP Exam The Exam takes place in May. We prepare for the AP Exam all year long. – Class exams mimic the AP Exam Two weeks prior to the exam each topic is reviewed in class The Exam consists of: – 63 multiple choice questions – 6 Grid-In Questions (calculations) 90 minutes – 8 free response 90 minutes

Absences It is the responsibility of each student to make-up work missed during absences. My website is the best source for finding this information Good attendance is crucial to success in AP Bio.