AP Biology 2023-24 Syllabus and Course Description Teacher: Mrs. Hannah Room: 1107 Email: shannah@yumaunion.org Objective: To foster a deep level of understanding of modern biological concepts and develop key laboratory and evaluation skills. Class Materials: These are our required basic materials for the class: ● Notebook paper ● Netbook and charger ● Pencils and pens ● Your handbook (for hall and bathroom passes) *Optional Suggestions: Colored pencils, Highlighters, Scissors, and Glue. A folder or binder to organize notes and assignments. Assignments: All assignments will have an expected due date, and completed point value visible in the assignment instructions in Canvas. I may take points off for late assignments (no more than 50%). All assignments with feedback can be corrected and resubmitted for up to the full point value, if originally completed on time. Grades: -80% of your grade will be based on assessments, including unit exams, lab reports and certain projects. -20% of your grade will be based on regular assignments and other activities. Absences and Attendance: Any content missed in class will be posted online for students who are absent. You will be expected to submit any missed work within the number of days you are absent. It will be noted if something physical is required (papers/handouts) and you can get them the next time you are in class. I strongly encourage students who are absent to send me an email so I can get you caught up quickly. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact the teacher, and make up missed lessons and assignments. Summative Assessment Corrections and Retake Policy All students may correct and retake any assessment during the semester it was given. The test corrections form will be available once all students have completed that assessment. Here are a couple of other guidelines around corrections/retakes: Prior to completing Corrections: All reviews and unit assignments should be completed and turned in for them to count. Corrections vs Retake: Corrections earn students half credit back on any missed questions. These must be completed BEFORE a retake. Retakes can earn students up to full credit. I keep the higher of the two scores when students do both. What to expect from Mrs. Hannah’s AP Biology Class: This class will be run in a way that fosters not only learning the facts, but gaining an appreciation for modern biological processes. For example- We will not only learn how DNA, RNA and proteins are related, but we will also use these concepts to do things like genetically engineer our own glow in the dark bacterium, and work with databases of genes to determine how closely related different species are (bioinformatics). On a weekly basis you can expect to spend time in class conducting labs, working on group inquiries (POGIL activities), and lectures covering topics in depth as well as other projects and activities to build understanding. Outside of class, you will be doing a combination of book reading/note taking (about a chapter a week), short videos with Canvas quizzes/questions and personal progress checks through College Board’s AP Classroom. Assessments will consist of a combination of projects, lab write-ups, and Unit Exams. Units cover several related chapters/topics and will take about 3-6 weeks of class time to cover, depending on the topics. Units: Semester One Unit 1 Chemistry of Life Unit 2 Cell Structure and Function Unit 3 Cellular Energetics Unit 4 Cell Communication and Cell Cycle Semester Two Unit 5 Heredity Unit 6 Gene Expression and Regulation Unit 7 Natural Selection Unit 8 Ecology End of Year Project Bioethics Projects Presentation Here some other links that are relevant to our course: - The official AP Biology Course Exam and Description Document from College Board - AP Classroom (Students will need to register here to complete certain classroom assignments, as well as sign up for the AP end of course exam - I’ll add the class code as soon as its established) - Textbook: AP Biology OpenStax - Other commonly used resources: Khan Academy, Bozeman Science AP Bio Videos Expectations and Responsibilities As a school, we value respect, integrity, and responsibility. These values should apply in both the classroom and digital realms! We expect all of our students to be respectful of others, act with integrity , and show personal responsibility in all that they do. Here are some of those responsibilities in our learning community: Teacher Student Parent/Responsible Adult During Class ● Provide ample time for student work and questions. ● Be respectful of student’s efforts ● Be present and available to assist students with tasks. ● Be respectful of others and of classroom ● Be prepared for learning; including having supplies and completed work. ● Stay focused on your tasks ● Limit communication to emergencies during the school day. ● Keep your student home if they are sick - And ensure they are attending if they are well. Outside of Class ● Provide feedback on assignments ● Update grades weekly ● Respond to parent and student emails within 24 hours, during the school week ● Collaborate with other biology teachers to create engaging lessons ● Will prepare engaging lessons for students. ● Have materials ready for learning and loaded into Canvas ● Complete all assignments on time ● Reach out to your teacher in class, or via email if you are struggling ● Read teacher feedback in Canvas on past assignments ● Be prepared to take notes (paper and pen, or google doc set up) ● Make sure your netbooks are fully charged at the start of the day (and bring your charger). ● Allow students time separate from school to complete assignments ● Email teachers regarding questions or concerns. ● Help create a quiet place for your student to work ● Confirm that wifi is working ● Verify on Synergy (ParentVue) that your student is completing their work, and to check on their grades. Getting the Syllabus Signed: Your parents/responsible adults should be receiving an email with a link to a google form so they can sign the syllabus digitally. Students will also receive this email and link. If your responsible adult does not get the email, please forward it to them (and maybe remind them to update their email with the office ... )