Welcome to AP BiologyThe AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college-level introductory biology course. The intent of the course is to expose students to higher-level biological principles, concepts, and skills and allow them the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-life applications. Students are expected to learn not by memorization of facts, but through content and concept application by the way of the AP Biology science practices.
In AP Biology, the teacher serves as the facilitator while the students develop as independent thinkers and learners, especially through inquiry-based laboratory investigations. Many concepts that are considered prerequisite knowledge for the course can be reviewed as home study through the use of resources such as assigned websites, web quests, and journal articles. In class, students are given opportunities to learn, and apply their knowledge, through the process of inquiry and project-based learning. Students who take AP Biology develop advanced inquiry and reasoning skills, such as designing a plan for collecting data, analyzing data, applying mathematical routines, and connecting concepts in and across content areas. The result will be readiness for the study of advanced topics in subsequent college courses — a goal of every AP course. Students in AP Biology will use various types of activities to aid and deepen their conceptual understanding and learning. Some of these strategies and tools include note cards/concept cards, hands-on activities, demonstrations, class discussion, projects and online activities. The level of expectation for this type of course is very high. Only students who are truly committed to high standards of excellence and commitment will succeed in AP Biology. This course is taught in the anticipation of having students take the Advanced Placement Exam in Biology and do well.
AP Biology Online Classroom Tools
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