Pre-Ap Biology Syllabus
2018-2019
The Pre-AP Biology course emphasizes the integration of powerful reasoning tools that support students in analyzing the natural world around them. This course focuses deeply on the foundational biology knowledge and skills that matter most in preparing students for subsequent coursework in science.
This course will provide opportunities for students to engage in areas of focus both in content and across domains. Areas of focus include:
The Pre-AP Biology Course Framework is organized around four core units of study:
The framework includes the following components:
Assessments will include:
2018-2019
The Pre-AP Biology course emphasizes the integration of powerful reasoning tools that support students in analyzing the natural world around them. This course focuses deeply on the foundational biology knowledge and skills that matter most in preparing students for subsequent coursework in science.
This course will provide opportunities for students to engage in areas of focus both in content and across domains. Areas of focus include:
- Emphasis on Analytical Reading and Writing
- Focus on Applying Mathematics
- Attention to Modeling
- Close observation and analysis
- Evidence-based writing
- Higher-order questioning
- Academic conversation
The Pre-AP Biology Course Framework is organized around four core units of study:
- Unit 1: Ecological Systems
- Unit 2: Evolution
- Unit 3: Cellular Systems
- Unit 4: Genetics
The framework includes the following components:
- Enduring Understandings: Each unit focuses on a small set of enduring understandings. These are the long-term, transferable takeaways that students should develop after exploring a set of related concepts and skills.
- Key Concepts: Each core unit is organized by associated learning objectives to give clear guidance on what the student should be able to do and know to master that concept. These concepts are divided into two groups:
- Learning Objectives: What a student needs to be able to do.
- Essential Knowledge: Concepts and facts that a student needs to know.
- Content Boundaries and Cross Connections: This section clarifies the content and skills that matter most for subsequent courses and highlights important connections that should be made across units.
Assessments will include:
- One performance task and two digital quizzes within each unit.
- Clear and actionable feedback to students on performance.