Pre-Advanced Placement Biology is a rigorous course in which the student is expected to conduct a variety of activities/assignments calling for a significant amount of reading and research outside of class. It requires being self-directed and self-motivated as well as making frequent use of online resources, apps, experts, and other sources of information.
The focus for PreAP biology is depth and complexity rather than a faster pace. This emphasis provides a better opportunity for enhancing much needed processing and critical thinking skills. The student will be responsible for note-taking outside of class. Skills obtained within this class will further prepare students for AP classes.
The focus for PreAP biology is depth and complexity rather than a faster pace. This emphasis provides a better opportunity for enhancing much needed processing and critical thinking skills. The student will be responsible for note-taking outside of class. Skills obtained within this class will further prepare students for AP classes.
Objectives
Objective 1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of concepts in heredity and biological change over time.
Objective 2: The student will demonstrate an understanding of concepts in patterns of living systems. Objective 3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of concepts in ecology. Objective 4: The student will demonstrate the ability to apply laboratory techniques, use equipment in a biology context and demonstrate an understanding of the application of science in daily life. Objective 5: The student will demonstrate the ability to investigate and explain cellular processes. Objective 6: The student will demonstrate the ability to analyze the levels of organization in biological systems and relate the levels to each other and the whole system. |
Sequence of Topics:
First Semester:
Cells
Biomolecules
Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
DNA/ Mitosis/ Protein Synthesis
Genetics & Heredity
Second Semester:
Natural Selection & Evolution
Ecology & Plants
Diversity of Life
Human Body Systems & CPR
Rat Dissection
Cells
Biomolecules
Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
DNA/ Mitosis/ Protein Synthesis
Genetics & Heredity
Second Semester:
Natural Selection & Evolution
Ecology & Plants
Diversity of Life
Human Body Systems & CPR
Rat Dissection
What do I need for BIO?
You will need a 3 ring binder and a spiral notebook.
Grading
Policy:
Late Grades:
Tests/ Exams:
- Students will be assessed grades according to the following formula:
- 40% minor grades (daily work, quizzes, labs)
- 60% major grades (tests, projects)
- An average of two laboratory assignments is usually performed each week. Quizzes are given approximately once a week. Tests are given at the end of each unit. At least one major project is given each semester.
Late Grades:
- Late minor grades are NOT accepted in PAP Biology. Students that do not turn in work by the assigned due date will receive a zero for the assignment.
- Major projects have a specified due date and must be turned in on time, whether you are present or not. If you are absent/sick, have someone turn it in for you! Projects may be accepted one day late, but will receive a maximum grade of a 70.
Tests/ Exams:
- Tests will be given at the conclusion of each unit. Students who perform unsatisfactorily will be allowed to re-take a test for a maximum of a 70. Test re-takes must be scheduled with Coach Schultheis and completed within a week of the original test date.
- Talking while someone is taking a test/exam will not be tolerated. Each offense will be considered cheating and the grade will be a zero.
- Exams are given at the end of each nine weeks and will cover all class material learned up to that point. Midterm Exams are worth 15% of the nine weeks' grade.
Absences:
- Per LISD policy, students will have one day for each day absent to make up any missed work. Students should ask a classmate, email the teacher, or reference the assignments page on the site for information regarding what they missed in class.
- Students are expected to have work that was due during absence complete when they return to class. Major projects must be turned in on due date regardless of absence.
Field Trip:
- Students will be taking a field trip to the Perot Museum in downtown Dallas. The cost is 20$ per student and will cover entrance fee, lunch, and bus service to the museum.
- There will be one trip for the fall semester and one trip for the spring semester.