How to Prepare Your Students for the AP Biology Exam in May Pat Mote AP Biology Consultant Advanced Placement Summer Institutes Adapted from Carolina Biological Supply Teacher Resources

1. Review the latest standards and updates. Visit http://advancesinap.collegeboard.org

2. Cover all the topics for the course. Focus on the Learning Objectives and the Science Practices from the Curriculum Framework. Allow extra review for the concepts that were most difficult for the students to grasp.

Use FRQs from previously released AP exams and practice exams. 3. Give practice free-response questions (FRQs) to help your students improve their writing skills and learn how to answer an AP-level essay fully and concisely. Use FRQs from previously released AP exams and practice exams.

4. Use AP-level multiple choice questions (MCs). This will allow your students to become accustomed to the type of questions they will encounter on the exam.

5. Practice math with calculators. Beginning with the 2013 AP exam, students may use non-programmable calculators.

6. Emphasize lab work. Allow ample opportunities for your students to practice with data analysis and experimental design.

7. Help your students develop critical-thinking skills. Use case studies to encourage the development of these skills.

8. Share information with fellow teachers. Share lessons with fellow teachers. Attend conferences/workshops that allow you time to meet other AP teachers and share ideas.

9. Encourage your students to study outside of class. Prepare a study outline so students can focus on the important concepts. Set specific times for the students to meet with you and go over the material they have studied.

10. Prepare your students with tips and reminders. Create a list of tips for exam day. What materials do they need to bring to the exam? How should they prepare for exam day?