AP Biology

Advanced Placement Biology (AP Bio) is an interesting course, but is also challenging.  Students should be prepared for the commitment that is required to master the objectives presented in this course and also be prepared to spend extra time outside of class adding to their knowledge of the material.  The AP exam provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain experience taking college level exams and prepares them for the expected level of rigor. 

 

In our study of biology, we will focus on the enduring understandings and the content that supports them.  This stems from the four Big Ideas that encompass the scientific principles, theories and processes defining living things and systems.  This will help students connect what they are learning to prior knowledge, and to understand the relationships between seemingly unrelated topics.  We will try to build a base of biological knowledge rather than just a collection of facts.  The key is to develop a deeper understanding, rather than surveying a biology textbook cover to cover. 

 

Goals of the Course:

  • Students are prepared to be critical and independent thinkers who are able to function effectively in a scientific and technological society.

  • Students will develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills.

  • Students will be able to make an acceptable score on the Advanced Placement Biology Exam in May.

  • Students will emerge from this program with an appreciation for the natural world and a readiness for more advanced topics in college coursework.
    Students will gain a better understanding of the following Big Ideas in AP Biology by demonstrating competence of each enduring understanding within each idea, as well as the supporting essential knowledge and learning objectives

  • Students will be able to analyze scientific and societal issues by implementing the following seven science practices in AP Biology