AP BIOLOGY SYLLABUS 2012/13

MR. KLEIN
About the Course
Success in A.P. Biology, a college-level, majors biology course, comes largely from diligent, consistent study and questioning. Skills that will be developed include critical thinking, critical reading, note-taking, studying, advanced laboratory technique, test-taking, and writing skills so that students are well-prepared for the AP Biology exam on May 13th, 2013.

Big Ideas
The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis. Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes. Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.

Standards
College Board Course Description

Essential Questions
What does nature reveal about Gods desire for a personal relationship with me? What do relationships reveal about nature, and what does nature reveal about God? What is science, and how can its methods be used to reveal truth? How can observations and data be acquired, analyzed, and presented effectively? How can I use creativity and higher order thinking skills to solve problems? What habits can I develop to become safer and more responsible? How can I work productively with others?

Grading
The following types of assignments have determined overall grades in the past but are likely to change this year: 45%: Tests, projects Tests usually consist of both multiple-choice and free response questions. 25%: Labs Some labs will be designed and carried out by students. 10%: Reading quizzes 10%: Homework 10%: Classroom participation All students begin each week with an 80% in participation. If you do not participate, you will end the week with an 80%. When you participate in class activities positively (asking a question, answering a question, helping me or another student, joining in discussion, etc.), I add 5 points to your grade. When you participate negatively (interrupting me or another student, goofing around during labs, sleeping, texting, etc.), I subtract 10 points.

Required Materials
Paper for taking notes Lab notebook (available for purchase) At least one black or blue pen and at least one red pen Two #2 pencils (usually for tests) A way to stay organized, such as a 3-ring binder (1-2) with dividers Biology textbook (Biology, 9th Edition, by Sylvia S. Mader) Scientific calculator (whatever you use in math is fine)

Policies and Procedures

I support and enforce the rules and guidelines described in the Student/Parent Handbook. For instance, students returning from an absence must see me their first day back at Villagenot the first day back to my class! I give dress code violations to both boys and girls. Please read the Handbook carefully.

Absences
Homework assigned when you were in class or at school but due on a day when you are absent, is due the first day you return to school, whether you have my class that day. If I assign homework when you are absent, then you must find out your assignment the first day you return to school (or find it on my web page). Athletes and those participating in other school-related events must submit homework and get any new assignments before leaving campus or missing class.

Classroom Rules
The main rule is You can do anything that doesnt cause a problem for anyone else. I want you to consider your actions and how they affect others. I do not have prescribed consequences in many cases. 1. I will treat you with respect, so you will know how to treat me. 2. Feel free to do anything that doesnt cause a problem for anyone else. 3. If you cause a problem, I will ask you to solve it. 4. If you cant solve the problem, or choose not to, I will do something. 5. What I do, will depend on the special person, and the special situation. 6. If you feel something is unfair, whisper to me, Im not sure thats fair, and we will talk.

Academic Integrity
Collaboration on assignments is usually acceptable (tests and quizzes are exceptions), but sharing papers with other students is generally considered cheating. Tip: if you have to look at someone's paper or show someone your own paper, you might have crossed the line from collaboration or helping to cheating. I will enforce the Handbook policy on violations of academic integrity.

Late Work
Late work receives a score of 0%. Any work due on a particular day is considered late if it is not turned in before I leave school for the day. If I am not in my room, work can be put in my box in the High School Office.

Make-up Tests
If you miss a test, you will be expected to take it the first day you return to school, whether or not you have my class that day. Plan on staying after school if you have to! I can deduct points from your test if you take it late.

Extra Credit
The purpose of extra credit in my class is to reward good work, good effort, and good habits/behavior. It is not meant to compensate for not doing homework. Students, not parents, should ask me about opportunities for extra credit.

Contacting Me/Class Information Website

My school website contains information about the class, including homework assignments and their due dates, project information, test dates, and downloads of some files. Register for a Wikispaces account to get email updates whenever I update my webpage. https://kleinsclasses.wikispaces.com/APBio

Email
kurtk@villagechristian.org

PASS
http://pass.villagechristian.org/

Twitter
@MrKleinatVCS

Face-to-face
You can ask to meet with me during open periods or after school (not nutrition).