Welcome to AP Biology at NCCHS

A. Getting Started Seating Chart Classroom Rules Grading Scale Tornado/Fire Drill Syllabus

B. About Me BS Butler ‘85, MAE Ball St. ‘01 24 years at Chrysler High School 10 yrs Purdue University Lab Instructor 7 yrs Ferris State Lab Instructor 15 yrs Collegeboard Faculty Consultant 7 year reader. Clemson University (4 Years), University of Nebraska (2 years) and University of Louisville (1 year) Aided in the professional development of over 700 biology teachers since 2000

My Happy Place

C. Advice from last year’s students “You must read the book and do study guides on time…if you fall behind you’re road kill.” “Don’t put off getting help if you don’t understand a topic.” “You will have to work your butt off so always come to class prepared ………and be organized.” “Ultimately, your grade is only based on test scores so don’t blow off studying for tests. Form a study group….they really help.” “Bail out now unless you are motivated enough to study every night. This class is not a cakewalk!”

Biology- The Study of Life

D. 10 Major Biological Themes Biological Systems- Cells, tissues, systems, organisms and populations are interconnected and constantly affect each other. Cells- All living things are made of one or more cells Form and Function- Biological structures are designed to their function. I.e. Red blood cells are round. Nerve cells are long.

Major Biological Themes Living Things Reproduce- Genetic material is passed from parent to offspring Interaction with the Environment- materials are constantly cycled between living things and their environment Energy- The ability to do work. All living things require energy. Energy enters the biosphere as light and is captured by photosynthetic organisms called producers. Energy is then transferred to consumers and finally leaves as heat

Major Biological Themes Regulation- Living things are capable of maintaining homeostasis- regulation of internal environment. I.e. Body temperature Adaptation & Evolution Adaptations are characteristics that help an organism survive. I.e. Camouflage. Evolution is driven by natural selection: Organisms who are well suited to their environment live longer and have more offspring than organisms who are not as well adapted

Biology and Society –Biology is changing the lives of humans.

10. Scientific Inquiry Science is a process Science is a means of testing a hypothesis to determine truth True science is designing experiments to better understand our world IT IS NOT THE REGURGITATION OF FACTOIDAL SPEW! Science is under constant review and revision

SCIENCE is not the affirmation of a set of beliefs, but a PROCESS OF INQUIRY aimed at building a testable body of knowledge open to rejection or confirmation. In science, knowledge is fluid and certainty is fleeting.