1. Why do AP Bio Homework?
AP Bio homework is designed to insure that you have absorbed and assimilated the basic concepts and facts which are integral to each unit.
2. What thinking processes are involved?
In addition to reading the text and memorizing information, you should become actively involved in complex thinking processes while you are completing these routine assignments. These processes include comparison, classifying, inquiry, analysis and synthesis to name a few. For example, when you study energy flow in a cell, you should compare similarities and differences in ATP production of plants and animals. These are things which are not necessarily stated in the textbook per se, but should be noted, thought about and written out on your homework assignments.
3. What are the learner outcomes as a result of completing these assignments?
As a result of completing these assignments, you should become a more proficient self-directed learner. Learning to set your own priorities and reaching achievable goals are desirable in any subject, but particularly so in AP Bio. It is an ideal course to set for yourself a specific goal because you can take the national AP Bio test in May, and the attainment of this goal will be obvious. This goal, along with your aspirations for future college work, should help you to shape a vision for future endeavors.
A word of warning: Although some students excel at homework, they have difficulty translating what they have learned in these assignments to a multiple choice test, particularly those questions which require higher order thinking skills. If that is the case, it is likely that you haven't completed your assignments with item number 2 (above) in mind.
4. What criteria will be used to assess your homework?
Standard or so-called ungraded homework will count 15% of your quarter grades. Special homework assignments (letter graded) will be additional, will be specially identified in advance, and will be graded A+ to F or
100% - 0. These special assignments, plus tests, quizzes, etc. make up the 85%. Lab reports fall into either category depending upon the nature of the assignment.
5. How much time will my homework and studying take?
This depends upon you. In college you are supposed to spend a minimum of two hours studying for each hour you spend in class. This will not be the same in this class because we spend more time in class than you would in college. You probably should be putting in at least 12 hours a week in this course, both in and out of class. Class time totals five hours and 25 minutes a week. This would be an 8 credit course in college (two semesters). It is quite possible for you to actually earn 8 credits this year depending upon the college you choose to attend. However, many colleges allow lesser amounts of credit depending upon your AP exam grade.
6. What are the procedures for handing in homework?
I don't collect it while conducting class. You put it in my homework box before class starts. Don't write it out or change answers during class. Remember, make sure it has the date the assignment was turned in (honor system here), identify the page number or other appropriate title and sign your name. Assignments returned to you will be on the student desk nearest the entry door before class; get in early enough to pick them up before class starts.
The following rubric will be used for standard homework. You MUST put the actual date you turn it in, the name of the assignment, and sign it. You are on your honor to put the date in accurately. Heaven help you if I catch you misrepresenting the date, intentionally or otherwise. Absence from school must be due to valid reason. (e.g. illness,court, driver's license, family emergency, school function, religious holiday). The absence rule also applies to the due date for tests and major assignments. Points Rationale 0 You did not turn in the assignment, or it was over two days late. (Exception: the last written assignment before the test: IF I have not yet corrected it, you may take it to study for the test without penalty, providing you turn it in again immediately after the test. Forgetting to turn it in is not an excuse.) 1 Assignment was turned in but was incomplete - some questions/problems were not answered, or significant problems with responses, or quality of work was generally poor. 2 Assignment completed on time and more than 2 errors found, or assignment was late with no valid excuse. No credit after two days late. 3 Assignment is completed on time, but some minor errors or lapses were found. No more than one question unanswered or answered in error. 4 Assignment is completed on time, and work is satisfactory in every respect. 5 Assignment completed in an exemplary fashion. Work shows much thought, higher order skills and/or study above and beyond the textbook. OR Assignment completed extremely thoroughly and accurately. OR Responses particularly clear, especially interesting, sophisticated and insightful.(This grade is usually given very sparingly. It results in a bonus grade of 125%) Earning a "4" on every assignment will net you the full 15% on your quarter grade. (4 = 100%) |