Biologyinsight

Instructor
Dr. Michael Kaufmann Room A105 michael.kaufmann@bsd.k12.de.us

Objectives
This course is designed to confirm to the AP® Biology standards put forth by the AP® College Board for an Advance Placement Biology Course. These topics include eight overriding themes of biology. These overriding themes are integrated throughout the course and reappear in every unit. Through differentiated instruction and advanced lab techniques, students will be provided with the depth of content and the skills needed for success. An outline of topics covered is included in appendix A. http://www.collegeboard.com/

Students coming out of this course should have a strong conceptual understanding of biology and well developed skills in performing and analyzing laboratory activities. They should be able to apply their understanding of biology and scientifically solve problems presented to them.

Resources
Textbook: Campbell, Urry et al., 2014. Biology In Focus
ISBN# 978-0-13-310217-8

Recommended
An AP Review Book such as Cracking the AP Biology Test by the Princeton Review, Baron’s AP Bio Review, or Cliff Notes.

Grading Policy
Beginning in the year 2017-18, all Brandywine School District teachers will enter grades into Home Access as formative or summative measures.
Weighting will be as follows:

• Formative: 30%
  • Examples of these assignments may include but are not limited to: quizzes, drafts of writing, homework (graded for understanding), classwork practice worksheets, questions at the end of a reading, graphic organizers, and anything in the early stages of learning concepts/content.
• Summative: 70%
  • This category may include but is not limited to: tests, common district assessments, projects, quizzes, quarterly assessments, performance tasks, research papers, and lab reports.

Class Website

All course materials are available on the course website. www.biologyinsight.com

The website is used to distribute, collect and share all class assignments.
Students have access to the website 24/7 through any internet enables device including smart phones.
Students have access to a detailed online grade book on this site which they are encouraged to share with their parents.
Notebooks
It is recommended that students keep a spiral notebook which includes both book notes and lecture notes. The notebook can be used in class on quizzes and classwork assignments.
Study Plan
All students should develop and use a study plan to ensure that they are providing themselves with the time they need to be successful. Study plans are to be customizes to a students uniques schedule.

Labs
This is a laboratory course in which students are expected collect and use data to solve problems. Lab activities are designed to reinforce concepts from units and readings. Each unit contains many lab activities and computer simulations and students are encouraged to develop labs from their own interests.

Biology Stations
Students experience a survey of life as they move through a series of 65 hands-on laboratory activities in pairs. Each station provides an investigation of a representative organism (live and/or preserved). Students are required to earn a set number of points but can choose stations according to their interests. Each student earns points and displays their knowledge by taking a short computerized test at the conclusion of each station.

Classroom procedures
Students are expected to come to class fully prepared and are expected to adhere to Concord High School’s Code of Conduct at all times.

A high level of dedication will be needed to succeed in AP Biology. This course requires a large investment of time and energy.