1. Introduction! Mr. Toppen High School in Camarillo, Ca 2005-2009
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Biology Degree
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Teaching Credential
Taught 9th Grade General Science in Santa Maria, Ca
Taught Biology, Chemistry, AP Biology at CVLCC 2015-present

2. All About You!
Fold your paper in half and write your name on one half so I can see it and on the other side please write…
Any nickname(s) you prefer
Where you were born
What are some of your hobbies
Favorite books, movies, bands
And two truths and one lie about yourself

3. Two Truths and a Lie Mr. Toppen: I was born in Montana
I’ve played basketball for 7 years
This is my third year at CVLCC High

4. What is Biology?
On your paper come up with an explanation of what Biology is.
Share with your partner
Share what your partner came up with to the rest of your group

5. Biology = the study of life

6. What to expect!
This year we will explore Biological content with real world approach
We will use real life examples and situations to show you the importance and significance of learning biology
You will be able to communicate your understanding of Biological concepts through oral and written methods

7. How will we do it?
We will use the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) along with Common Core (CC)
Three main parts:
Science and Engineering practice
Crosscutting concepts that unify science and engineering through applications to the field of Biology
Core ideas of Biology

8. Crosscutting Concepts
This is how we will unify Biology and Engineering and other academic fields.
We will look for:
Patterns
Cause and effect
Scale proportion and quantity
Systems and system models
Energy and matter: flows, cycles, and conservation
Structure and function
Stability and change

9. Investigate the Crosscutting Concepts
Because these concepts are so important, I will randomly assign your group a crosscutting concept and you will need to answer the following questions and present to the class.
What is your concept in your own words?
How can this relate to science?
How will you be able to identify this concept in a Biology topic?

10. What does a perfect Science Student look like?
In your groups please create a “perfect” science student, include traits that represent qualities that a “perfect student would have. ***For example you could include a notebook representing that the student is always prepared for class.

11. Syllabus Scavenger Hunt
Read through my syllabus and answer the following questions:
What is my address?
When are my office hours?
How do you become part of remind notifications for this class?
How long do you have to make up missed work due to an excused absence?
How long do you have to make up a test or quiz due to an excused absence?
What percent of your grade will be from tests?

12. Scientific Method
“The scientific method is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry is commonly based on empirical or measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning.”

13. Scientific Method
Basically… It is a way for scientists to investigate/research new ideas or correct old ideas in a way that uses measurable evidence and is testable.

14. Steps!
Please sequence the following steps in what you believe to be the correct order for the scientific method. Once you’ve finished explain why you think it is the correct method in 5-8 complete sentences.
Communicate your results
Analyze your data and draw a conclusion
Do background research
Ask a question
Construct a hypothesis
Test your hypothesis

17. Warm Up 8/6 ISN page 6 and 7
What does it mean to be considered alive?