Q1: A.P. Biology

From

08/30/2011

To

09/04/2011

Content

Introduction to Life on Earth
Unit I: The Life of the Cell
-The Chemistry of Life, Atoms and Molecules
-Energy flow in the life of the cell
*Principles of Enzyme catalysis /Lab/
-Cell the unit of life
-Cell structure and function
-Membrane structure and function
-principles of Osmosis, Diffusion, Facilitated
diffusion and Active transport
-Photosynthesis
-Glycolysis and Cellular Respiration
*Plant pigment chromatography and
photosynthesis /Lab/
Unit II: Inheritance
-The Molecules of Heredity; DNA structure and
replication
-Gene expression and regulation;
Protein synthesis
-The continuity of Life, Cellular reproduction,
Mitosis and Meiosis
-Patterns of inheritance; Mendelian Genetics
-Molecular genetics and Biotechnology
*DNA Restriction and Analysis /Lab/
*Gene Transformation of E.coli cells /Lab/
End of Quarter I

Skills

-College level reading comprehension of science
text and science articles
-Ability to do independent work when required
-Ability to think critically and creatively
-Knowledge of computer and software application
-Be able to participate in extensive class
discussions
-Ability to work cooperatively in a group
setting
-Well established laboratory skills

Resources

-Biology - Life on Earth - Text book (Audesirk) - newest edition
-Internet connection to the text book
-Various scientific publications
-Haiku - posted lecture notes, videos, animations and websites for interactive learning
-AP Biology Resources - AP Central

Instructional Strategies

-Lecture / discussion / clicker questions
-Interactive group work
-Case studies and problem-based learning
-Data analysis and synthesis
-Laboratory exercises - both open ended inquiry based labs, and detailed labs borrowed from the AP Biology curriculum
-Videos, animations, demonstrations

Assessment

-Homework and essential knowledge application packets
-Case study analyses
-Data and experimental design analyses
-Use and understanding of biological statistics
-Lab write ups and critical evaluation
-Involvement and Contribution in class discussions and lab activities
-Unit tests (4+ chapters) that incorporate both essential knowledge, critical thinking, and science practice questions.

Outcomes

-Students will have an understanding and
appreciation of the origin and diversity of
Life on Earth
-Students will have a college level
understanding of the chemistry of life and the
central importance of energy for living systems
-Students will understand the principle of
Continuation of Life; Cell structure, function
and reproduction
-Students will understand the Mendelian Laws of
heredity; DNA structure, replication and
expression
-Students will be familiar with modern genetic
engineering techniques
-Students will be able to evaluate pros and cons
of genetic engineering critically