AP Biology: a Letter to Parents and Students

AP Biology: A Letter to Parents and Students

AP Biology is a fast paced, rigorous, and academically demanding class for students who consistently work hard, understand material quickly, and manage their time effectively. The course is designed to serve as the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college level course in Biology. Independent reading and individual synthesis outside the classroom setting is necessary in order to cover the curriculum in one semester. This course is designed to prepare students to take the AP Exam offered by College Board and administered in May each year.

You need to be self-motivated and keep yourself on task. Make certain you understand each day’s ideas before you go to bed, and, work on AP Bioeveryday. Never tell yourself “I don’t have AP Bio homework.” You may have a day when nothing is due, but you can always read your book, do practice multiple choice questions, visit the many tutorials posted online, or work on practice Free Response Questions (FRQ). Much like a college course, you are expected to REVIEW and RE-TEACH YOURSELF the material. What we do in class is an added benefit.

If you are willing to put in the time and effort everyday, I will work with you and make sure you survive AP Bio. If you are smart, but lazy, you should not rest on your intelligence. Success in AP Bio requires intelligence, but perseverance and consistent effort are requirements as well.

I need help. What should I do?

1. READ. Complete the assigned reading when it is due. Students who come to class having completed the reading have already spent time thinking about the material, will ask better questions,and will understand class concepts much more easily. I suggest taking synthesized and organized notes while you read. Utilize the note taking strategies links on the class website or talk to me if you need help learninghow to take notes from a text.
2. DO practice problems. Complete the multiple choice, review, and critical thinking questions at the end of each chapter. Work through the practice FRQs found in the back of the textbook. Forcing yourself to recall the information will help you synthesize concepts and practice for the exam. Complete the practice multiple-choice problems linked on the class website.
3. Focus while studying. Ditch the cell phone. Get off social media websites and turn off the TV. Exercise self-discipline if your work is going to be valuable. When you sit down to work, make a conscious effort to concentrate. Find a quiet and comfortable place to study. Put in the time. To know something takes time, real physical effort, and a period of reflection. Do not be tempted to short-cut this time or effort. At first you will feel like everything takes too long, but do not worry. You are increasing your learning efficiency without realizing it. The more you learn the easier it becomes to learn more.
4. Find a study buddy. It is often advantageous to work with a study partner while completing practice problems, labs, or synthesizing information. Make sure to find someone with whom you can stay focused and with a similar study style. Make a “work-together” pact. Do not move on to the next problem or concept until both of you understand and agree on the answer. If both of you work hard and eventually “get stuck,” write down your question and ask me via email before the next class session. Make sure answers to formal assignments are in your own words and that both partners understand the concept. Remember, the work that we complete via labs or assignments is to prepare you for the test. There is a good chance you will see that content again and you have to be able to explain answers on your own.
5. Purchase an exam prep bookin the spring(5 Steps to a 5, Princeton Review, Barrons, etc.). Using this book independently will help you prepare for class as well as the AP exam. If you cannot afford one, see me privately.
6. Get a tutor if you need one. Do not be ashamed to get one-on-one help if you need it.
7. Utilize online resources from the Moodle! A plethora of study techniques, tutorials, videos, and other resources are available on my Moodle. Take advantage of my online sleuthing to enhance your learning experience.

Every former AP Bio student will tell you that AP Bio is much harder than any of the other non-AP science courses. Put in the time, energy and effort to be successful. Find strategies that work for you and develop those strategies further. Ask specific questions when you need help. Embrace the content and you will do great!