Biology End‐of‐Course (EOC) Exam

In spring 2014, all students taking Integrated Inquiry Science (Level II) will participate in an end- of-course exam. Students in the class of 2015 (incoming juniors) and beyond must pass the Biology End-of-Course (EOC) exam The Biology EOC will be administered this year on May 27, 28 and 29 th.participate

Item Types on the Biology End‐of‐Course (EOC) Exam

Performance Level Descriptors Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) give teachers, parents/guardians and students more information about the typical skills and knowledge a student demonstrates on state assessments in each performance level. PLDs are broken down by the score levels students can earn: – Basic (Level 2) – Proficient (Level 3) – Advanced (Level 4)

What content will I need to know?

Big Idea: Structures and Functions of Living Organisms (LS1) Core Content: Processes Within Cells Big Idea: Ecosystems (LS2) Core Content: Maintenance and Stability of Populations Big Idea: Biological Evolution (LS3) Core Content: Mechanisms of Evolution

EALR 4: Life Science. Big Idea: Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Core Content: Processes Within Cells In 9 th grade you learned that cells have complex molecules and structures that enable them to carry out life functions such as photosynthesis and respiration. This year you will learn how organisms pass on their characteristics to future generations and learn how information for producing proteins and reproduction is coded in DNA and organized into genes in chromosomes. This elegant yet complex set of processes explains how life forms replicate themselves with slight changes that make adaptations to changing conditions possible over long periods of time. These processes that occur within living cells help you understand the commonalities among the diverse living forms that populate Earth today.

EALR 4: Life Science. Big Idea: Ecosystems Core Content: Maintenance and Stability of Populations This year you will learn about the factors that foster or limit growth of populations within ecosystems and that help to maintain the health of the ecosystem overall. Organisms participate in the cycles of matter and flow of energy to survive and reproduce. Given abundant resources, populations can increase at rapid rates. But living and nonliving factors limit growth, resulting in ecosystems that can remain stable for long periods of time. Understanding the factors that affect populations is important for many societal issues, from decisions about protecting endangered species to questions about how to meet the resource needs of civilization while maintaining the health and sustainability of Earth's ecosystems.

EALR 4: Life Science. Big Idea: Biological Evolution Core Content: Mechanisms of Evolution This year you will learn about the factors that underlie biological evolution: variability of offspring, population growth, a finite supply of resources, and natural selection. Both the fossil record and analyses of DNA have made it possible to better understand the causes of variability and to determine how the many species alive today are related. Evolution is the major framework that explains the amazing diversity of life on our planet and guides the work of the life sciences.

Type of short-answer items Inquiry Conclusion New procedure Field study Application Research and explore Plan and test Redesign Criteria and constraints Test solutions We have reviewed several of these items this year and will have more practice to come….stay tuned.

What percent of last year’s students who took the EOC passed?

Biology EOC Spring 2013

What are some things you can do to prepare for the EOC?? Be familiar with the vocabulary used- see vocab list Read over each of the test item specifications for the three big ideas in biology. Be able to demonstrate that you understand each of the elements you may be asked to do on this assessment. Check off each spec if you are confident that you understand it and can demonstrate your understanding. Seek understanding for the items you did not check off..ask your friends or teacher or Google your bff. Attend the drop in review sessions that will be announced in class.

Resources- Textbook: BSCS Science-An Inquiry Approach- Level II On-line access: (username: mshssci / password: mshssci) (username: mshssci / password: mshssci Biology EOC study document XgqiOoarFS1C9po-yYLS6P2- hYqlZgXmQo/edit?usp=sharing XgqiOoarFS1C9po-yYLS6P2- hYqlZgXmQo/edit?usp=sharing Short You Tube Video lessons- great for the whole family! Bozeman Science-biology