Ridgeview High School AP Biology Ms. Stephanie Costigan Dear Students and Parents, Welcome to AP Biology!

For a successful learning experience, certain guidelines need to be followed in the classroom. In this letter I have listed an explanation of our course goals and expectations, classroom policies, and their relation to the Expected School Wide Learning Results (ESLRs). 1. Course Outline During the course of the semester, the students shall show that they are academically competent learners. Students enrolled in this class will delve into basic and advanced biological concepts that not only meet state high school biology standards but also replicate the experience of a college freshmans introductory biology course. The following table includes a tentative outline for the semester. As this is my first year teaching the course, this syllabus is a work in progress. More information will be available about each unit as time progresses. The AP course has been structured around 4 Big Ideas: Big Idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. Big Idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis. Big Idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes. Big Idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties. The Big Ideas will be addressed as we navigate the following units of study: Topic Ecology & Animal Behavior Unit 1: Molecules & Cells Cells Chemistry & Biochemistry Energy Transfer & Respiration Unit 2: Genetics Cell Reproduction & Mendelian Genetics Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology Fall Semester Final Exam Estimated Time ~2 weeks ~2 weeks ~3 weeks ~4 weeks Text Chapter(s) 46-51 4-5 2-3 6&8 California Standards 6a-*g 1a, 1c-e, 1*g 1b, 1h, *4e, *4f 1f-g, *1i

~3 weeks ~4 weeks Finals Week

9-12 13-16

1d, 2a-g, 3a-*d 1h, 4a-*f, 5a-*e

Winter Reading Assignment & Packet TBA Unit 3: Evolution, Organisms & Populations Evolution Plant Diversity, Anatomy & Physiology Animal Diversity, Anatomy & Physiology Unit 4: AP Test Review AP Test Spring Final Exam & Activity

Winter Break ~3 weeks ~4 weeks ~7 weeks 17-21 7, 29-32 33-45 7a-*f, 8a-*g Stds. 6, 7, & 8 9a-*i, 10a-*f

~1-2 weeks May 13, 2013! Finals Week

2. Class Text Students must demonstrate that they are effective communicators, and in this class we will attempt to build on reading and writing skills with the aid of Starr & Taggarts 9th edition textbook entitled Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life. 3. Classroom Procedures Students should work to be productive individuals capable of managing their time most effectively, of following directions, and of self-discipline. Here are a few class policies to help students reach this goal... 1. Come to class and be on time. I will adhere to the schools attendance policy. 2. Food or drink is not allowed in the classroom water is permissible. 3. Electronic devices of any type should never be on or in use while in the classroom exceptions may apply when electronics are in use for academic reasons. Violators will have devices sent to the Deans office per school policy. 4. Assignments are due to the box when asked for. Most late assignments will be accepted within 2 weeks of the actual due date. However, for every day that the assignment is late, 10% will be taken off of the score that is earned until a minimum grade of 50%. 5. Homework, tests, and quizzes can be made up only in the case of an excused absence. Assignments due on a missed day should be turned in on the day a student returns to school. Make up work should be turned in within the same number of days that a student misses. Make up tests and quizzes will be given the day a student returns to school. 6. To make up a lab you must see your lab group for missed data and information. You are responsible for learning all missed lab information as well as completing your lab report even when you miss a lab. 4. Student Conduct Through the semester students will demonstrate that they are culturally aware individuals and involved citizens. Students should be respectful of others rights as well as of the differing views and perspectives present in a classroom setting. Thus: 1. Show respect to your classmates, teacher, facilities, materials, and self. 2. Cheating will not be tolerated! Students caught cheating (as perceived by the teacher) will receive a zero on the assignment in question, a call home, and an Academic Integrity form will be filed. 3. During laboratory periods, safety is the primary concern for students and teachers. Any student found violating the rules set forth in the Laboratory Safety Contract will receive a zero on the days laboratory activities, a phone call home, and may earn a two-day class suspension. 5. Classroom Materials Students must indicate that they are perceptive individuals able to think critically and effectively use resources. There are certain materials essential for success in this class: 1. Please bring a pen/pencil and lined paper to class everyday. 2. All students NEED 3 essential materials for class: 1) a binder (~1.5-2in is sufficient); 2) binder dividers (5-tabbed dividers for sections in the binder); 3) a standard sized (70 pages) spiral notebook that will fit in side of the binder for lab work. See me if these items are not feasible to obtain. 3. Internet access will be helpful. Students who do not have access at home must budget their time and use school facilities or be prepared to hand write their notes in class when applicable. 4. Students will be required to keep notes, reading logs, vocabulary, and warm ups for notebook checks. 5. A set of colored pencils or pens, a standard function calculator, highlighters, and sticky notes are recommended. I will do my best to provide what I can when needed. Students who disrespect class materials will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary procedures as recommended by Ridgeview High School administrators. 6. I recommend purchasing a review book and any additional study tools that you individually find useful. More on this topic to come at a later date.

6. Grading The grading scale for this class is as follows: Percentage 93 and above 83-92 73-82 63-72 62 and below Letter Grade A B C D F

Please note: The scale is elevated from the traditional 90%+ : A, 80%-89 : B, etc. This is an AP course! You have the potential to receive college credit for what you accomplish in this class, therefore, it is (and should be) more difficult to receive a high passing grade. Grades are weighted as the table indicates below. Homework consists of vocabulary and notebook maintenance in addition to lab prep and general studying. Exams comprise the largest portion of a students grade as the ultimate goal of the class is to take and pass the AP Examination. Task Assessments (tests, quizzes) Labs/lab reports Notebook/binder (homework, classwork) Overall semester course grade is weighted as such: Quarter 1 grade Quarter 2 grade Final Exam Semester grade 40% 40% 20% 100% Weight 65% 15% 20%

7. Exams and Exam Grades It is expected that ALL students taking AP Biology will take the AP Biology Exam on May 13, 2013. The benefits of simply taking the exam (even if a student does not pass) are tremendous in accordance with their preparations and readiness for college. Class exams will usually consist of a set of multiple choice questions, grid-in, and 1 essay. As with the AP exam, the multiple choice and grid-in sections of the test will be worth 50% and the essay will be worth 50% of the overall grade. On the essay, you will only be rewarded points for correct information. Incorrect written material is not penalized. In the fall, your final exam consists of a cumulative written component and a multiple choice section pertaining only to the units of study completed thus far. In the spring, all students planning on taking the AP test must attend an outof-school (usually Saturday) practice test. Students who pass the practice AP with a 3, 4, or 5 do not have to take a cumulative spring final exam. Students who do not pass the practice test and/or do not take the AP test are required to take a cumulative (material from the full year) final exam in the spring. 8. The Laboratory The laboratory component of AP Biology is significantat least 25% of the class time, probably more! In addition to general biology labs and other activities to enhance understanding, we will complete the objectives of at least 8 out of the 13 AP Biology labs (the recommendation of the College Board is completion of 8). 9. The AP Exam All enrolled students are expected but not required to take the AP Biology exam in May. The test costs ~$85-90. However, there are fee waivers available for students who qualify. We also will be fundraising at some point to get AP Biology T-shirts (and possibly review books) and depending on the amount of money raised, the funds could possibly be used to supplement fees for students in need. There will be recommended study sessions offered during the spring semester and at least 1 practice AP test given on 2 dates prior to the actual exam. Students are cautioned to make sure they

schedule their time well, balance their commitments and not take on too many additional activities. In my experience, I have found that the most successful students are those who make a DAILY commitment to their studies. 10. Wrap Up Parents and students please feel free to approach me anytime with questions or concerns. The best way to reach me is via email, but I am always open to your communication. Heres to a great semester! ! Stephanie Costigan Email: stephanie_costigan@khsd.k12.ca.us Voice mail: (661) 398 - 3100 ext. 64117 11. Recommended Resources You may benefit from investigating the following: The College Board Website for AP Students/Parents: www.collegeboard.com/apstudents The College Boards Info on College Credit Awarded for Passing AP Exams: http://www.collegeboard.com/ap/creditpolicy AP Review Books o These are currently under revision due to the course rewrite. o I hope to recommend books as the year progresses.

Ridgeview High School AP Biology Ms. Stephanie Costigan Parents and Students, please indicate that you have read and understand this letter by signing below. Please dont forget to print your name and then sign. Thank you! !

Please sign and return to Ms. C by Friday, August 24, 2012.

____________________________ (Student Printed Name) ____________________________ (Student Signature) ____________________________ (Home Phone Number)

____________________________ (Parent/Guardian Printed Name) ____________________________ (Parent/Guardian Signature) ____________________________ (Optional Parent Cell Number)

Parent Email Address: ________________________________________________________ Student Email Address: _______________________________________________________ OPTIONAL: Please use the bottom half of this page to let me know anything I ought to know about yourself (or about your student). Thank you! !