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BIOLOGY

This intensive course will focus on the core 12 labs of the AP* Biology program with an emphasis on inquiry which is the focus of the ReDesign. Additional topics will include the ReDesign of AP* Biology, the AP* Audit, the integration of biotechnology, experimental design and technology into the AP* Biology course. Many alternate labs will be presented for the 12 required labs as replacements for the labs in the College Board* Lab Manual. Participants will learn how to prep the labs, perform the labs, and analyze results. Biotechnology labs such as BioRad’s pGLO transformation and gel electrophoresis may be included. Curriculum issues such as essay grading, testing, internet, technology and review techniques will also be examined.

 

Agenda:

The topics below will comprise the majority of our
four days, although it may alter some depending
upon the needs of the group.


Curriculum Issues

  • Equity & access
  • AP audit
  • Suggested support materials including computer software.
  • Strategies for test preparation
  • Various strategies and activities useful in teaching
  • AP Biology
  • Sharing of best practices

The AP Biology Exam

  • Recent changes to the exam
  • Redesign and curriculum
  • Overview of test development
  • Discussion of the reading and how the rubrics are developed
  • Grading practice of sample essays with a rubric

Group Sessions

  • Development of free response questions
  • Practice and create multiple choice questions

Laboratories (including preparation, conducting, and analysis)

  • Experimental design
  • pGlo Transformation
  • Gel Electrophoresis
  • Whole plant transpiration
  • Respiration of germinating peas with CO2 probes
  • Enzymes with gas pressure probes
  • Chromatography and Photosynthesis
  • Diffusion & Osmosis
  • Dissolved oxygen and primary productivity
  • Meiosis & Sordaria

Additional possible laboratories may include

  • Meiosis & Reebops
  • DNA extraction
  • M&M’s and Chi-square
  • Estimating the number of stomata on a plant
  • Hardy Weinberg (Calculator sex)
  • Molecular modeling

What to bring

  • Lab goggles and apron if you have one
  • TI-83 or 84 calculator if you own one
  • Flash drive (1 GB or larger) for sharing labs and other information

Franklin Bell - Franklin Bell holds a BS in Zoology from The Ohio State University, and an MA in Education from the College of William & Mary. He is a veteran high school science teacher of 26 years, and has been teaching AP Biology for the past 17 years. He has been a reader and a table leader for the AP Biology exam and is currently a member of the AP Biology Test Development Committee. Franklin teaches AP Biology and AP Environmental Science at Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, PA. He was formerly the science chair at Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, TX. He also is a consultant for the College Board presenting at two-day and week-long conferences throughout the Southwest and Mid-Atlantic Regions. The National Association of Biology Teachers awarded Franklin the 2006 Texas Outstanding Biology Teacher Award and the College Board awarded Franklin the 2003 Outstanding Achievement Award for his contributions to the Advanced Placement Program.