San Gorgonio High School
APBIOLOGYPROGRAM
HANDBOOK
2015-2016
Ms. Spencer
Table of Contents
Contents
Course Description:
Course Materials Required
Class Website
Lab Notebook
Pre-lab Assignments
APBiologyLabWriteupRubric
Visual Representations and Models
Notes from Videos
Scholastic Honesty Policy
Due Dates
Late Work Exception
Homework
Grading
Absences
Make-Up Tests
Excessive Absences
Class Rules:
Safety
Consequences
Course Description:
The AP Biology course is designedto offer students a solid curriculumin general biology concepts. There are four “Big Ideas” that the course centers around:
Big Idea 1:Evolution.
Big Idea 2: Biological systems using energy tomaintain homeostasis for survival.
Big Idea 3: Passingheritableinformationto provide continuity for life.
Big Idea 4: The interaction of biological systems with biotic and abiotic factors.
The revised AP Biology course shifts froma traditional “content coverage” model of instruction to one that focuses on enduring, conceptual understandings and the content thatsupports them. Students will spend less time on factual recall and more time on inquiry-basedlearning of essential concepts which will help themto develop the reasoning skills necessary to engage in the science practices.
Students taking this revised course will also develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzingdata, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across domains. The result willbe readiness for the study of advanced topics in subsequent college courses. The AP Biology course is equivalent to a two-semester college introductory biology course and has been endorsedby higher education officials.
In the revised AP Biology course the teacher servesas a facilitator, while the students develop as independent thinkers and learners, especially through laboratory investigations. In class, students are given opportunities to learn and apply their knowledgethrough the process ofinquiry rather than learning from lectures and/or prescribed lab protocols. A sense of wonder and use of original thought
are fostered as students are encouraged to extend their learning via scaffolded conceptual understandings and open inquiry.
Recommendation: A grade of “B” or better in previous science course.
Textbook:Biology 7th Edition Campbell & Reece (2005)
Pre-requisite Knowledge Required
There is pre-requisite knowledge needed priortostudentsembarkingon this course.Students were exposed to this content in College Prep or Honors Biology as part of the core curriculum. The summer assignment is designed to review those previously taught conceptsand to ensure that the student is prepared for the rigor of AP Biology. As a result, students willmore easily build upon theirprior knowledge and deepen their understanding of the cell andits biochemical functions.
Course Materials Required
A Composition book (black/white cover; pages are bound and can’t be removed) for lab/activity write-ups, colored pencils, access to a computer/internet, 3-ring binder (3 inch minimum) to keep all assignments/handouts/worksheets organized, black or blue ink pens, gluestick, clear tape, small scissors, a four-function calculator.
Class Website
The class website is ilovebiology.net. You will be expected to check this website every day, as there are many resources on the site you will be required to use. The website is your portal to the partial "flipped" model used in this class. Your daily homework assignments will be posted on the website along with numerous videos you will be required to watch. Also on the website is a plethora of other references you will need. Please familiarize yourself with the website be aware of its layout.
Responsible Use of the Internet
The primary purpose of the Internet in this class is to support research, education, and life-long learning by providing global access to unique resources and by providing the opportunity for a free exchange of ideas. The use of the Internet must support the mission of the class.
General Principles
• Transmission of any material in violation of any United States or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening, inappropriate or obscene material.
• Using the Internet access for illegal, actionable, or criminal purposes is prohibited.
• Individual users must accept the responsibility for determining content.
• The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right.
RESPONSIBLE USE
• Use common sense and courtesy.
• Respect the privacy and usage privileges of others.
Lab Notebook
You will need a “Composition book” for presenting your research findings and recording you assignments (fromhereon called Lab Notebooks). Do the following to the pages in your “Lab Notebooks” before doing anything else:
Page 1: Create a cover page for each of yournotebooks in ink, colored pencils, or glue in a color printout…anything but pencil(Only pens and/or colored pencils will be used in this book; except when creating a sketch to be coloredin). It should be neat and include the following: Name, School Year, Teacher Name (Spencer), and Period.
Page 2: (front side of next sheet in book) Title this page: Cut out and glue in the “Table of Contents”from the back of this Handbook. It is here you will be listing you labs/activities and be giving page numbers.
Page 3: (front side of next sheet in book) Leave Blank. Thisis so if you need more roomfor table of contents you will have it.
Page 4: (front side of next sheet in book) Pay attention! Here is where you will start numbering EVERY page in your book. You will start with 1on the front side, 2 on the back side, 3 on next page, 4 on backside,and so on until you reach the very last page. All page numbers are put in the lower righthand corner of the page in ink!
Lab Notebook Rules:
1.Black or blue ink only. Everything must be written in ink.Writing in pencil=zero credit.
2.Only write on the right side pages of the notebooks. The left side will be used to make corrections or to add data later.
3.Keep your table of contents current! Makesure you skip lines in case you have to add a correction on one of those left hand pages and need to add it to your table of contents later.
4.Be as neat and organized as possible. Neatness and readability counts!!!
5.Before coming to lab to performan experiment the following should be completed in your lab notebook for each lab experiment:
-Title and date of experiment
-Results section: Data Table(s) should be prepared and ready to be filled in
6.Make sure you include all components requested in the instructions.Double check when you think you are done so that you don’t miss anything.
7.If you make a mistake, cross it out with one line. Do Not use white out. Do Not scribble out. Do Not tear out pages.
10.Portions of lab instructions may be cut out and included in notebook; however, they must be glued or taped in neatly in the appropriate place (no staples!).
Pre-lab Assignments
- The pre-lab assignment must be turned in before the lab (usually at the beginning of class on the day of the lab, but may be due the day before the lab)
- Your Pre-Lab is your “Ticket” to participation in the lab!
- No late assignments will be accepted. You must have this done before performing the lab for obvious reasons.
- The Pre-Lab will count for at least 10 points of your lab grade.
- You may work together but your paper will be your own work.
APBiologyLabWriteupRubric
Abstract / Includes:objectives,
summarized into a single statement
5point / And:how conducted is summarized into a single statement
5point / And:findings and implications are both summarized into a single statement
5point / And:iswrittenas
oneparagraphand islessthanone pageinlength
2point
Introduction / Includes:
purpose, justificationand hypothesis
5points / And:predictions,
andrelationshipof othersobservations
5points / And:rationalefor
experimental approach,and uses ofinformation
5 points / And:iswrittenin
activevoiceand no morethanone
pageinlength
1point
Materials and Methods / Includes:
experimental procedure, materialsand equipment, location,and
statistical
techniques
5point / And:readercould
reproduceyour experimentusing this section
5point / And:iswrittenin
paragraphformin thepasttense
1point / And: includes section headings
1 point
Results / Includes:data
organizedand summarizedin appropriatedata tables
5points / And:data
organizedand summarizedin appropriate graphs or figures
10 points / And: graphsand
figureslabeled properlywithan appropriatetitle andlabeledaxis
5 points / And:Appropriate statistics have been applied
5 points
Discussion / Includes:
Part A variables correctly identified
5points / And:
interpretationof yourresultswith regardto your hypothesis
5points / And:suggests
improvements and/ornew questions
5points / And:
includesa
briefdiscussionof limitationsor problems
5 points
20 points
Questions / All Questions correctly answered
up to
10 points
Visual Representations and Models
You will be asked to be asked to make visual representations and/or models you use toanalyze situations. These visual representations may be in the formof graphs, charts, Venn diagrams, labeled drawings or sketches, pictures, etc. When you are asked to give avisual representation, it is up to you to determine how you can best present your representation/model in a visual manner so that others can “see” what data or model you are presenting. Not everyone will necessarily present the data in the same way. What’s important is that whatever method you select that you present the information in a visual, logical, clear, complete, and neat manner.
Notes from Videos
You will be asked to view a number of videos online throughout the semester in addition to or in lieu of lecture in class. Manyof them are found the class website or on “You Tube” under“Bozeman Biology”. Others will be assigned as the semester progresses. You will take notes on these videos in the following manner: you will Title the page with the video title and date viewed. You will take notes on key concepts presented inthe video. You may record your notes however they are most useful to you (numbered, bulleted, graphically organized (flow chart, Venn diagram…) You may want to record diagrams as presented, or make a concept map. It must be neat!
Following your notes, please titlea section “Summary Paragraph”. Write at least one paragraph (including an introduction, and minimum6 supporting sentences) about what you learned in this video segment. Be specific and give examples. For example:
Title: EnzymeAction
Date Viewed: 13 March, 2012
Notes:
Enzymes are catalysts
Enzymes speed up chemical reactions; decreasing energy needed for reaction
Active site on enzyme substrate (reactant) goes into.
Lock and Key analogy
Summary Paragraph:
Enzymes are proteins that function as catalysts. Enzymes speed up chemical reactions by decreasing the amount of energy requiredfor a reaction to take place. Enzymes have an active site that the substrate acts on and forms a product. Enzymes work like a lock and key; if the key fits the door opens: if the substrate fits the active site then a chemical reaction takes place.
Scholastic Honesty Policy
The work you turn in is your independent work. Itis not work copied fromany other source. You are required to think independently and supply your own independent thoughts on all assignments.
Class/Teacher Policy:
Scholastic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, tampering withrecords, and taking teacher materials.
Cheating or plagiarism may result in any or all of the following:
-A warning to the student and parent, and a “0” or “F” for the paper, test, assignment, or project in question, a class suspension or referral, and loss of teacher reference for college.
CHEATINGisagrowingproblem amonghonorslevelstudentsandwillnotbetolerated.This includes,butisnotlimitedto,plagiarism ofwrittenworkfromothersources(classmate,formerAPBio studentsortheinternet)andcopying informationfrom otherstudentsorfrom phonesduringanexam or otherevaluation.
Academic Honesty is: / Cheating is:Using the internet and other library materials for
insight and research. Rewording and rephrasing facts, with proper documentation is acceptable. / Copying phrases or sentences word-for-word from
any source, such as the Internet, text, or study guides. Not documenting information taken from sources also constitutes cheating.
Working together and discussing an assignment with classmates to develop ideas; however, writing papers and completing assignments independently. / Copying word for word or rephrasing any portion of a classmate’s paper, notes, projects, lab notes, essays, worksheets or any other assigned material; knowingly providing other students with material that can assist themin cheating (including use of social media).
Studying for the test withnotesandsharingideas and notes on the material (not on test information) with classmates in preparation for the quiz or test. / Using any type of aid during a test that is not
allowed by the teacher including, but not limited to: cheat sheets, formula or calculation, text messaging, wandering eye, crib notes, talking during a quiz or test.
Saying “I’mnot sharing test information,” creating a testing environment that is fair to all students. / Sharing what is on a testor quiz between classes
or at lunch with students who have not taken the quizortest.
Admitting you lost an assignment; accepting a low grade.
grade. / Falsifying the assignment using technology, i.e.,
computers, scanners, copier, etc.
Having your parent/guardian sign school paperwork as required. / Signing papers as your parent(s).
Failing a test or quiz if you forgot to study. / Looking up items on your cell phone during the test or quiz.
Doing worksheets yourself. / Copying completed worksheets that have been uploaded to a social media siteor found elsewhere..
Procrastination
Avoid at all costs.Get your assignments doneas soon as possible. The sooner you get them done the sooner you are “Free”. Plus, if you have questions, they need tobe addressed as early as possible. Email is the quickest, easiest way to geta timely response.
Due Dates
All assignments will be due on the date announced.
STUDENTS MAY NOT DO ANY PARTOFTHEASSIGNMENTINCLASS(orinhallway)ON THE DAY IT IS DUE!!! Any questions or confusion with an assignment/lab must be handled before it is due.
Late Work Exception
Late Point Deduction:
*80% points if turned in one day late.
*50% points if turned in up to a week late.
*25% points if turned in more than a week late.
Homework
Students will have homework daily. This may include vocabulary review, reviewing video clips on internet, study guides, lab reports, or other assignments. To do well in this class the student will need to spend a minimumof 3-5 hours a week studying. Studying is in addition to doing homework!
Students may occasionally need to come in earlyor stay after school to work on their lab, collect data, and monitor apparatus…
Grading
Grade Scale
90-100% =A89-80%=B79-70=C69-60 =D59-0= F
Assessmentsare 40% ofthe overall grade. (This includes, tests, quizzes, and projects)
Labs are 30% of the overall grade (This includeslab participation, lab work, and lab write-ups)
Homework is 20%(This includes notes/summary for videos, worksheets, essays, article analysis, other homework…)
Vocabulary Quizzes 10%
Note: Labgradesbelow80%willneedtobecorrectedbycorrectingportionsofincompleteorwrong portionsandaddingthemasanattachmenttotheirlabbookontheleftsidepages. Makesureyou update your table of contents with this as well.
All make-ups and retakes of assessments are conducted on Tuesdaysafter school. Students will also be permitted to improve their grade by retaking most tests they have done poorly. Both make-ups and retakes haveto be completed within two weeks of original test date. Students will earnthe average grade between the two scores.
Absences
In the event a student is absent, extra copies of work and assignments are kept in the classroom, so on return,students are to ask their lab partners,check the website, or check with the teacher, and then retrievethehandoutsfrom the designated area or download them from the class website.
If a student is absent the day anassignment is due, it must be turned in on the day that the student returns to school if the student expects to receive credit for the work. The student is responsible for
work covered during an absence. Ifa student is absent the day before anexamhe/she must still take the examon the day of the exam. It is the student’s responsibility, on the day he/she returns to school to make arrangements for make-up work and/or exams. Make-ups will not be allowed for unexcused absences, truancy, or class cuts.
Missed labs must be made up witha 3-page research paper (MLA format) on the topic of the lab. You must use and include a bibliography for three references. Encyclopedias and Wikipedia do not count. Research paper is due one week fromabsence return. Note: Due to the length, depth, and requirements of thelabs required of the new revised AP Biologycourse, make ups for labs may be modified.
Make-Up Tests
The only exam make-ups are for students with an excused absence on the day of the exam. There are no make-up tests for students seeking to improve a previous exam grade. However, the lowest exam grade will be dropped from the grade book at the end of the semester. All missed tests must be made up within two weeks oftest date.
Excessive Absences
Absences will significantly affect the student’sability to do well in AP biology due to the structure of coursework; the amount of material covered each day and the required laboratory work. Students with 10 unexcused absences, tardies, truancies,class cuts, will receive an “F” for the semester.
Class Rules:
1. Be considerate of others and their property at all times
2. Food, drink, and candy are not allowed in the classroom/ lab except with permission.
3. Profanity,verbalabuse,bullying,orhorseplayisnottolerated.
4. Come prepared for scheduled class activities. Bein your seat when the tardy bell rings.
Everyday, at the beginning of the period, students are expected to have their writing utensils and notebooks on top of the desk.
5. No grooming in class.
6. No throwing of any object in class
7. Remain in your seat or at your lab station unless given permission to leave. The instructor excuses the class at the endof the period, not the bell.