AP Biology Option

Sections and Teachers

There is more information at the teacher's course Website: AP Biology Option

The AP Biology option allows students to explore selected topics from each unit of the Honors Biology course in greater depth, to apply scientific methods and analyze current research results, to perform more detailed and complex laboratory investigations, and to engage in learning activities and quizzes, which (together with the Honors Biology course requirements) meet or exceed the AP standards for a first-year college level biology course and which are also designed to prepare them to excel on the AP Biology examination..

Students must be taking Honors Biology simultaneously to be accepted for the AP Biology Option.Together with the Honors Biology course, the AP Option has been certified by the College Board as meeting or exceeding all syllabus requirements, including lab work, for AP Biology. Students completing this course satisfactorily will receive AP credit for their work.

REQUIRED LAB WORK: Students must complete 10 AP level labs in addition to the 10 labs required for  the Core Biology course.

This course is taught using the Scholars Online Chat software, which allows the teacher to embed graphics, mathematical equations, and movies in the chat session, with complete logging available for the entire year. Audio software is not used to allow students with limited internet access to participate fully, and to encourage precise thinking and writing skills.

Prerequisites

One year accelerated life science course at junior high level, Natural Science II. or high school biology. Students must be enrolled Honors Biology simultaneously whether or not they have taken high school biology already.

Recommended background

See Honors Biology course.

Teacher's notes:

Attendance at one weekly session is required for all students to discuss materials, exercises, AP exam preparation, and laboratory investigations.

Textbooks and Materials

This item is required:

Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments [Edition or Version: 1], Authors: Robert B. Thompson, Barbara F. Thompson

ISBN: 1449396593

Publisher's website: Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments

Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore

Other information: Lab materials for the lab section of the course may be purchased from a number of places. However, the Home Scientist website also offers several kits to supplement this text.

This item is recommended but not required and its use is optional:

AP Biology Investigative Labs: An Inquiry-Based Approach Student Manual , Authors: The College Board

ISBN: None

Publisher's website: AP Biology Investigative Labs: An Inquiry-Based Approach Student Manual

Best sources: store.collegeboard.com/productdetail.do?Itemkey=110084587

Other information: Item #110084587

This item is recommended but not required and its use is optional:

Home Biology Laboratory Kit BK01A , Authors: Robert B. and Barbara F. Thompson

ISBN:

Publisher's website: Home Biology Laboratory Kit BK01A

Best sources: The Home Scientist

Other information: The BK01A version of the biology kit contains most (but not all) equipment required to complete the AP level biology experiments for this course. While it is possible to secure individual items for each lab, and may be less expensive for students completing only the Honors option, you may find purchase the kit more convenient.