AP Biology

Mrs. Machen

 Sparkman 9 - Room 233

Welcome to AP Biology!  The following information is about my classroom.  If you or your parents/guardians have any questions about any aspect of my class, please ask me.  I may be contacted by email (lmachen@madison.k12.al.us) or at school (382-2030 x 206). 

Course Objectives:

·         To build upon the biological foundation that was constructed in high school biology classes.

·         To expand that knowledge and provide the necessary tools to advance into upper level biology courses.

Required Materials:

·         Three-ring binder

·         Notebook dividers

·         Colored pencils

·         Pens – blue or black ink

·         Pencils

·         SHS Planner

·         $20 Laboratory fee / donation

·         Goggles

·         Cliff Notes – AP Biology

·         Novels to be assigned at a later date

Classroom Rules and Expectations:

·         Speak at appropriate times using appropriate voices.

·         Respect other people and their property.

·         Arrive to class on time and with necessary supplies.

·         Food or drink is not permitted in class or lab.

·         Cell phones are not permitted in class or lab.

·         Utilize class time wisely.

·         Follow all school rules.

Unit Information and Timeframe:

Grading Policy:

Unit Test and Laboratory Activities – 60%

Homework, Quizzes, Projects – 40%

Homework will include guided reading assignments for each of the chapters, completion of laboratory reports or assessments, chapter review questions, and free-response essay questions.  Several projects and novels will be assigned throughout the year as homework.

Tests, quizzes, laboratory activities and homework will be assigned by the teacher and completion dates will be specified in class.  Students will be given an ample and fair amount of time to complete an assignment or study for a test.  If a student fails to turn in an assignment, he/she will receive a zero.  It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any missed notes, assignments, etc. due to an absence.  Any missed laboratory activity will result in a project that correlates to the missed laboratory activity.

Unit Exams: 

The material will be primarily from lecture notes, laboratory experiments, and assigned textbook material.  The exam will be consistent with the AP format:  multiple choice, matching, diagrams, and free-response essay questions.  If a student should be absent on a test day, it is the students responsibility to get with me to arrange a time to complete this exam. 

Absent work:

Any work due when absent from class is due the day the student returns.  If a student si absent the day before a test but returns the day of the test, the student will be expected to complete the test with the class.  Because AP Biology must move at a fast pace, assignments, tests, etc. missed due to an absence should be completed as soon as possible. 

Cheating Policy:

Cheating and plagiarism will not be accepted and will result in the failure of the assignment.  Talking is not allowed during testing.  This will be considered cheating.

Progress Reports:

Progress reports will be given to each student approximately every 4.5 weeks.  Below is the grading period for this academic year:

AP Exam:  In order to receive your weighted grade for AP Biology, the AP Test must be taken.  If you do not take the test, this class will count the same as any other class.