Welcome to Advanced Placement Biology What to expect in the coming year…..

Why should you take AP Biology? The subject fascinates you. You find yourself reading in newspapers about stem cell research, cloning, cures for cancer or other related topics. You are the kind of person who watches the Discovery or National Geographic Channel. You did well in the Living Environment and Chemistry courses. You may even pursue a career related to Biology some day.

Reasons NOT to take AP Biology You are trying to avoid other courses like Physics. You struggled in your introductory Biology, Chemistry or Math classes. You are not self-motivated and have difficulty working independently. Reading scientific literature is not “your thing”. You heard AP Biology was easy and you think you can kick back this year in class.

Can I get college credit for this course? YES! Each student is required to take the national exam in May. The test includes 63 multiple choice, 6 calculation questions (90 minutes) 2 long response and 6 short response ques. (90 min.) The test is scored 1  5. Usually, scores of 4 or 5 are meaningful to colleges.

How will I be evaluated in this class for a grade? Your grade is a composite of the following: Tests- given every 2-4 weeks Formal lab reports 8 inquiry based labs & a few others required by me… Quizzes - 1-3x per week Homework and class work Some special projects

How can I be a successful student in AP Biology? READ EVERY NIGHT! ( use your textbook, related articles or an AP Biology review book) USE YOUR COMPUTER!! Ex. Bozemanscience videos (podcasts) will preview lessons and labs. Eduweblab will be used for virtual lab experiences. COME PREPARED FOR CLASS! ( #2 pencils, pens, colored pencils, and a 3-ring binder, scientific calculator) TAKE NOTES EVERYDAY IN CLASS!

What else can I do? READ YOUR NOTES OVER EVERY NIGHT TO MAKE SURE YOU REALLY UNDERSTAND THEM! BUY AN AP BIOLOGY REVIEW BOOK AT THE BOOKSTORE OR ONLINE. Several are apps…. (Cliffs, 5 Steps to a 5, Sparknotes, Kaplan, Princeton Review or Barrons) DON’T COME TO CLASS LATE!

There’s more you say? TRY NOT TO MISS ANY CLASSES UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY! SEE ME OR CHECK MY WEBSITE IF YOU DO MISS A CLASS. GET ORGANIZED! SPEAK UP IN CLASS! GET INVOLVED! WORK ON STUDY STRATEGIES-FORM STUDY GROUPS OR SEE ME FOR EXTRA HELP

AND FINALLY…. WORK DILIGENTLY ON HOMEWORK AND LAB REPORTS! AVOID LATE PENALTIES ON ALL ASSIGNMENTS! WHEN YOU NEED HELP…ASK!

What AP Students Said About the Class Last Year…. “AP Bio was a lot of fun but it was also a lot of work.” “AP Bio may be a very challenging course at times, but if you put in the effort, it is rewarding.” “Reading the textbook when there’s no quiz seems lame, but trust me, READ IT!”

More Quotes from Former Students… “I would like to say how important it is to read the textbook, and not try to cram for this class. There is a lot of new information and it’s tough, but interesting. I really enjoyed it” “If you are absent often, don’t take this class” “You are entering one of the best AP classes in high school. AP Bio is lots of fun, yet at times, difficult. The work is rigorous but make sure to always breathe and know you can handle it.”

Make a commitment to the course and the rewards will be great. Remember: “Success does not result from spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire”