APâ Biology Syllabus



AP( Biology Syllabus 2019-2020

Course overview

AP( Biology is a yearlong course designed to challenge high school students to develop critical thinking, technology and research skills in a science lab setting. This course is distinctly different than the prerequisite Biology I course and is taught with a greater depth of knowledge on par with a college freshmen two-semester course. Though the course work is significant, the class is rewarding and exciting. Students and instructor will meet five days a week for 55 minutes a class period. Approximately every two weeks students will conduct a laboratory exercise requiring approximately 120 minutes to complete. These laboratory exercises are a mandatory part of the course and students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding by completing a formal lab write up in a laboratory notebook.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The AP( Biology course is designed to provide a conceptual framework so students can better understand modern biology as it applies to the world in which they live. My AP Biology course is designed to offer students a solid foundation in introductory college-level biology. By structuring the course around the four big ideas, enduring understandings, and science practices I assist students in developing an appreciation for the study of life and help them identify and understand unifying principles within a diversified biological world.

What we know today about biology is a result of inquiry. Science is a way of knowing. Therefore, the process of inquiry in science and developing critical thinking skills is the most important part of this course.

At the end of the course, students will have an awareness of the integration of other sciences in the study of biology, understand how the species to which we belong is similar to, yet different from, other species, and be knowledgeable and responsible citizens in understanding biological issues that could potentially impact their lives.

The Big ideas:

Big idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life.

Big idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis.

Big idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit and respond to information essential to life processes.

Big idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties

Students are encouraged through lab, lecture, research and class discussion to identify patterns and continuity of these themes, as they seem to bring all biological processes together. They will develop the following science practices:

Science Practices (SP)

1. The student can use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena and solve scientific problems.

2. The student can use mathematics appropriately.

3. The student can engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within the context of the AP course.

4. The student can plan and implement data collection strategies appropriate to a particular scientific question.

5. The student can perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence.

6. The student can work with scientific explanations and theories.

7. The student is able to connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts and representations in and across domains.

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Additional Goals:

• Preparation for the AP( Biology exam

• Development of time management and excellent study skills in preparation for college

• Create student enthusiasm for increased knowledge of the biological sciences

• Greater appreciation for the balance of nature

• Increased understanding of the human micro and macro impact on the world

COURSE MATERIALS:

1. Textbook: Biology in Focus, Campbell A.P. Edition, interactive online version also available

2. Supplementary materials: Pearson AP Biology Test Prep Series workbook, free downloadable AP Biology textbook in pdf through

3. Optional Readings: Outside reading assignments will occur each semester and online assignments will be required utilizing various websites including

4. Pens, Pencils, loose leaf paper or paper for notetaking.

5. A calculator is needed and will be necessary for math calculations.

6. Composition/Lab appropriate notebook for labs, graph paper format is best rather than lined.

7. 3-ring binder with dividers for lecture notes, handouts, free-response practice, etc...

8. Highlighters, colored pencils, scissors, glue or tape, notecards, post it notes at home.

9. Computer/internet access, registration to the Pearson website which is a supplemental to the textbook so assignments can be completed online and submitted for grading to the teacher as well as registration with the AP College Board to complete periodic check up quizzes that mirror what will be seen on the AP Exam in the Spring.

10. Phone, computer or tablet to use as needed.

11. Students may wish to purchase their own study materials to help prepare for the final AP Exam.

STUDENT EVALUATION

Student progress is assessed in many ways including but not limited to daily participation, classroom discussion, formal lab reports, chapter study guides, free-response writings, research papers, chapter quizzes, exams, projects, online assignments, notebook portfolio including quick writes and big idea reflections.

Daily work and online assignments: 15%

Laboratory work/Projects (reports, data collection, notebook) 35%

Exams and quizzes 50%

(exams will be modeled after AP format)

Summative Exam in Fall and Spring(see below.)

AP EXAM

All students are encouraged to take the AP Biology exam at the end of the course. However, should a student opt out, they will then be required to complete a comprehensive research paper and present their research to the class over a list of specific topics available. ALL students are required to take a cumulative final in Fall and Spring semesters that will count 20% of the test category.

LAB COMPONENT

There are numerous required labs from the AP Biology curriculum that are to be completed as indicated in the course curriculum. Students will work in groups of 2-3 students to conduct each laboratory experience. The experiments include a pre lab and post lab component which will require at least three days of class time and if needed additional time scheduled after school or at lunch. Post lab discussions will be crucial to help identify any misconceptions and address analysis and interpretation of collected data to derive meaningful conclusions. Students will maintain lab notebooks and formulate their own hypothesis and experimental design for all possible extension activities in addition to the required labs. A formal write up with proper data treatment including graphs, tables and conclusions will be turned in and then kept in the notebook as a portfolio piece available to the college the student may attend. Additional labs may be included where appropriate such as; microscope examination of protists from our school pond or extraction of DNA from living sources.

TUTORING

Additional assistance is available by appointment. I am usually available afterschool until about 4:30 pm. Tutoring will be available during the Spring Semester on a regular basis to prepare for the exam. This is a wonderful opportunity to work on free response questions, review lab objectives and discuss key concepts that will be found on the AP Biology exam. There is too much material to “cram” at the last minute so use your time wisely and pace yourself appropriately.

Contact Information:

Tamara Lookabaugh

Email: tamaralookabaugh@

MHS Ph # 735-4700

Conference period – 4th hour

Signatures

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT:

Due to the nature of this course and its rigor as a college level preparation some outside attendance is suggested in the form of tutoring. Approximately every two weeks students will conduct a laboratory exercise requiring about 3 days to complete. These laboratory exercises are a mandatory part of the course and students will be expected to complete them and be held responsible for the information even if they are unable to attend the lab session due to absence. Students will be expected to regularly access their email and the supplemental website for this course to complete assignments for grading. Expectations run high in this class and it will be the responsibility of the student to read and complete many assignments outside of the regular class period in preparation for the AP exam. Students should spend at least 5 hours a week completing assignments, studying and preparing for the AP Biology exam outside of the regular class day. Students are encouraged to utilize AP Exam Prep booklets, websites and videos to help them better understand complex and challenging topics such as cell signaling or the immune response in humans. Please sign that you understand this to be a challenging course and requires study time outside of the regular classroom. You also understand you will need internet access outside of the regular school day to complete assignments for the course.

__________________________________ __________________________________

Parent / Guardian Sign date Student Sign date

__________________________________ __________________________________

Parent / Guardian Print Student Print

***To maintain the Five Basic Class Rules You should actively conduct yourself using the following guidelines.

General Guidelines for Class Rules

1. Be on time and wear your I.D. Do NOT be tardy. 2 tardies = 1 absence. 11 absences and you fail the course per the student handbook. Be prompt and seated in your assigned seat, ready to work when the bell rings. Without an I.D. you are not allowed to attend classes.

2. Be prepared to do work every day. Register online and read your textbook, bring your spiral notebook, extra paper, a 3 ring binder, a writing utensil every day; plans may change without notice. You will need a pencil and pen as well as other materials like, colored pencils, scissors, glue, tape, hole puncher.(I suggest you get a small bag to put these in and take them with you in your binder each day.) NEVER LEAVE your notebook or other materials in class or hide them in a cubby or drawer, they WILL disappear.

3. a. Be Respectful to the teacher, fellow students, lab equipment, classroom materials and living animals and specimens at all times. Take care of our desks, tables and chairs (NOT writing or carving on the surfaces)

b. Be SAFE! Do NOT disturb or play with lab equipment or any materials in the room until told to do so and do so only under the instructor’s directions. You are expected to follow ALL Safety guidelines. No horseplay, throwing, running, screaming please.

4. a. No food or drinks will be allowed in class with the exception of water. On days that we are doing experiments, it is imperative you do not have any food or drinks out in the laboratory. Any student with food or drink will have it taken away.***I may have a celebration or reward day when I will provide you with food but otherwise, eat before you come to class. Bottled drinks are allowed in your bag.

b. No cell phones, ipods, or electronic devices allowed unless given permission during a specific lab/class activity. Always remember to turn these off when you come to school each day. Cell Policy: In bag or backpack on silent/no vibration. You may use the CELL HOTEL if you have no way to put it away.

c. Follow directions, quickly and Do YOUR work: To get your work done in class and without unnecessary homework you should take advantage of all class time and become good at this skill. It will help you to overcome procrastination and give you better success at your future career work. Work HARD, Play HARD!

5. BE POSITIVE! Nothing wears people down more than people who are Negative. Don’t be that person that no one wants to work with or be around. We will be working on many assignments in groups and individually in here but it is always important you remember you are gaining SKILLS to help you be a better human being NOT just learning science.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES: these apply to everyone!

• Procedures for Entering the Classroom: You are not to stand or wait around in the hallway. Enter the classroom quietly without running or pushing. Take your assigned seat Copy the Bellwork assignment from the board in your notebook Work quietly and by yourself Wait for further instructions from the teacher

• If You Are Late : Walk in quietly making as little noise as possible. If you have a hand it to me or place it on my desk then take your assigned seat. If your tardy is excused but you don’t have a note, write me one on a post it and place it on my desk or computer screen with your name on it. If you are unexcused just join the activity in progress.

• Getting Your Attention When I need to get everyone’s undivided attention so that I may give directions, explanations, answer group questions, etc. or if the noise level gets too loud, I need everyone to stop talking and pay attention to me: I will say “Class, or Class, Class!” You will immediately respond, “YES, or YES, YES” I may also raise my hand and ask you do this as well. You will then Stop talking and look at me. And Wait for me to speak. This procedure should take us no more than 10 seconds. This will be extremely important to save time and make our class run smoothly.

• Handing in papers: Please write your name, the date and the class period in ink in the upper right hand corner. Make a habit of putting your name on papers when they are initially handed out. Place completed work in the assigned CLASSROOM FOLDER to be graded NOT in the tray for returned papers.

• Taking TESTS or Quizzes: When a quiz or test is completed, please bring this up to the front with answer sheet and original test. Do not leave these laying on your table. Return to your seat and work quietly on the next task given.

• Make up work from Absences: After an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain notes, assignments, and re-schedule tests, quizzes, experiments. One make-up day is allowed for each day missed. Please contact me about this ASAP when you are absent or email me so I can give you missing work. Typically before or after class is best but I find that during bellwork, students can get missing work most of the time. Please check the extra handouts at the front of the classroom. tamaralookabaugh@

• Clean up your workspace EVERY DAY. Throw away trash, clean off your desk, wash and dry all equipment or materials used thoroughly and put back neatly in the proper place. Don’t expect me to be your housekeeper, I don’t have time to clean up after 150 students a day and do my job well. I will need you to clean up your own messes. THANK YOU!

• When We Have a Visitor When we have someone come into our classroom who is not part of our class (teacher, administrator, student, parent) you are expected to follow the same classroom rules and procedures. You are expected to be polite to the visitor. Do not talk to the visitor unless he/she is talking to you directly. Continue working on your assignment as usual. If the visitor needs to speak to me privately, I expect you to remain in your seat without talking until I finish speaking with the visitor.

• When You Finish Early: If you finish all of your assigned work early you may a) read independently b) work on an assignment for another class c) write d) draw e) work on extra credit however, DO NOT TALK OR DISTURB OTHERS.

• Leaving the Room/Restroom Policy: In order to control the amount of traffic and for safety I only allow two people to leave my classroom at a time. You may leave only if: a) you have finished your assigned work b) the class is working on Seatwork (no passes during Teacher or Guest Lecture) c) you have not abused this privilege in the past d.) You have filled out your own planner with date, time and destination and then I will sign it.

• Procedure for the End of Class and Class Dismissal Right before the bell rings everyone should be in assigned seat, be quiet, making sure all materials are picked up and completing the closure activity. This usually will include a reflection activity in your notebook. Make sure all of your belongings are ready to go and only keep out the closure materials.

Late Assignment Policy

Assignments that are handed in on time have the potential to receive full credit. Assignments that are handed in late, without good reason, will be worth a maximum of 50% credit or less.

Remember that it is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to ask for make-up work when he/she is absent. If a student is to be absent for a school activity, he/she should find out about any make-up work before leaving for the school activity. Extra worksheets are available at the front of the classroom and work is posted on my website and through remind.

Supplies that we need for this class:

Paper towels, Kleenex, disinfecting wipes, hand soap, dawn dishwashing soap.

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Moore Public School’s Student Safety Contract

Purpose

Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing many laboratory activities which require the use of hazardous chemicals. Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules has been developed and provided to you in this student safety contract. These rules must be followed at all times. Two copies of the contract are provided. One copy must be signed by both you and a parent or guardian before you can participate in the laboratory. The second copy is to be kept in your science notebook as a constant reminder of the safety rules.

General Guidelines

1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.

2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask the instructor before proceeding.

3. Never work alone. No student may work in the laboratory without an instructor present.

4. When first entering a science room, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so.

5. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.

6. Perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor. Never do anything in the laboratory that is not called for in the laboratory procedures or by your instructor. Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited.

7. Be prepared for your work in the laboratory. Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory. Never fool around in the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.

8. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Bring only your laboratory instructions, worksheets, and/or reports to the work area. Other materials (books, purses, backpacks, etc.) should be stored in the classroom area.

9. Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under the desk when not in use.

10. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including the first aid kit, eyewash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and fire blanket. Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.

11. Always work in a well-ventilated area. Use the fume hood when working with volatile substances or poisonous vapors. Never place your head into the fume hood.

12. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the instructor immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.

13. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mix chemicals in sink drains. Sinks are to be used only for water and those solutions designated by the instructor. Solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be disposed of in the proper waste containers, not in the sink. Check the label of all waste containers twice before adding your chemical waste to the container.

14. Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use. Set up and use the prescribed apparatus as directed in the laboratory instructions or by your instructor.

15. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments. Clean (with detergent), rinse, and wipe dry all work surfaces (including the sink) and apparatus at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.

16. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. You will be assigned a laboratory station at which to work. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.

17. Students are never permitted in the science storage rooms or preparation areas unless given specific permission by their instructor.

18. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, gas valves turned off, fume hoods turned off, and any electrical equipment turned off.

19. Handle all living organisms used in a laboratory activity in a humane manner. Preserved biological materials are to be treated with respect and disposed of properly.

20. When using knives and other sharp instruments, always carry with tips and points pointing down and away. Always cut away from your body. Never try to catch falling sharp instruments. Grasp sharp instruments only by the handles.

Clothing

21. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students will wear laboratory goggles. There will be no exceptions to this rule!

22. Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory unless you have permission from your instructor.

23. Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in the laboratory. Long hair must be tied back and dangling jewelry and loose or baggy clothing must be secured. Shoes must completely cover the foot. No sandals allowed.

24. Lab aprons have been provided for your use and should be worn during laboratory activities.

Accidents and Injuries

25. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the instructor immediately, no matter how trivial it may appear.

26. If you or your lab partner are hurt, immediately yell out "Code one, Code one" to get the instructor's attention.

27. If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water from the eyewash station or safety shower for at least 20 minutes. Notify the instructor immediately.

28. When mercury thermometers are broken, mercury must not be touched. Notify the instructor immediately.

Handling Chemicals

29. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Do not touch, taste, or smell any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so. The proper technique for smelling chemical fumes will be demonstrated to you.

30. Check the label on chemical bottles twice before removing any of the contents. Take only as much chemical as you need.

31. Never return unused chemicals to their original containers.

32. Never use mouth suction to fill a pipet. Use a rubber bulb or pipet pump.

33. When transferring reagents from one container to another, hold the containers away from your body.

34. Acids must be handled with extreme care. You will be shown the proper method for diluting strong acids. Always add acid to water, swirl or stir the solution and be careful of the heat produced, particularly with sulfuric acid.

35. Handle flammable hazardous liquids over a pan to contain spills. Never dispense flammable liquids anywhere near an open flame or source of heat.

36. Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area.

37. Take great care when transferring acids and other chemicals from one part of the laboratory to another. Hold them securely and walk carefully.

Handling Glassware and Equipment

38. Carry glass tubing, especially long pieces, in a vertical position to minimize the likelihood of breakage and injury.

39. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Use a brush and dustpan to clean up broken glass. Place broken or waste glassware in the designated glass disposal container.

40. Inserting and removing glass tubing from rubber stoppers can be dangerous. Always lubricate glassware (tubing, thistle tubes, thermometers, etc.) before attempting to insert it in a stopper. Always protect your hands with towels or cotton gloves when inserting glass tubing into, or removing it from, a rubber stopper. If a piece of glassware becomes "frozen" in a stopper, take it to your instructor for removal.

41. Fill wash bottles only with distilled water and use only as intended, e.g., rinsing glassware and equipment, or adding water to a container.

42. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching an electrical switch, plug, or outlet.

43. Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped or cracked glassware. Never use dirty glassware.

44. Report damaged electrical equipment immediately. Look for things such as frayed cords, exposed wires, and loose connections. Do not use damaged electrical equipment.

45. If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ask the instructor for help.

46. Do not immerse hot glassware in cold water; it may shatter.

Heating Substances

47. Exercise extreme caution when using a gas burner. Take care that hair, clothing and hands are a safe distance from the flame at all times. Do not put any substance into the flame unless specifically instructed to do so. Never reach over an exposed flame. Light gas (or alcohol) burners only as instructed by the teacher.

48. Never leave a lit burner unattended. Never leave anything that is being heated or is visibly reacting unattended. Always turn the burner or hot plate off when not in use.

49. You will be instructed in the proper method of heating and boiling liquids in test tubes. Do not point the open end of a test tube being heated at yourself or anyone else.

50. Heated metals and glass remain very hot for a long time. They should be set aside to cool and picked up with caution. Use tongs or heat-protective gloves if necessary.

51. Never look into a container that is being heated.

52. Do not place hot apparatus directly on the laboratory desk. Always use an insulating pad. Allow plenty of time for hot apparatus to cool before touching it.

53. When bending glass, allow time for the glass to cool before further handling. Hot and cold glass have the same visual appearance. Determine if an object is hot by bringing the back of your hand close to it prior to grasping it.

Questions

54. Do you wear contact lenses?

| |YES | |NO |

55. Are you color blind?

| |YES | |NO |

56. Do you have allergies?

| |YES | |NO |

| | | | |

If so, list specific allergies

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Agreement

I, ______________________________________

(student´s name PRINTED) have read and agree to follow all of the safety rules set forth in this contract. I realize that I must obey these rules to insure my own safety, and that of my fellow students and instructors. I will cooperate to the fullest extent with my instructor and fellow students to maintain a safe lab environment. I will also closely follow the oral and written instructions provided by the instructor. I am aware that any violation of this safety contract that results in unsafe conduct in the laboratory or misbehavior on my part, may result in being removed from the laboratory, detention, receiving a failing grade, and/or dismissal from the course.

Student Signature

__________________________________________________

Date : ________________________

Dear Parent or Guardian:

We feel that you should be informed regarding the schools effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom/laboratory environment.With the cooperation of the instructors, parents, and students, a safety instruction program can eliminate, prevent, and correct possible hazards.

You should be aware of the safety instructions your son/daughter will receive before engaging in any laboratory work. Please read the list of safety rules above. No student will be permitted to perform laboratory activities unless this contract is signed by both the student and parent/guardian and is on file with the teacher. Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this Student Safety Contract, are aware of the measures taken to insure the safety of your son/daughter in the science laboratory, and will instruct your son/daughter to uphold his/her agreement to follow these rules and procedures in the laboratory.

Parent/Guardian Signature

_____________________________________

Date : ___________________

Parent / Guardian e-mail & emergency contact

number:____________________________

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Basic Classroom Rules

1. Be Punctual

2. Be Prepared

3. Be Polite

4. Be Productive

5. Be Positive

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