Course SelectionNavigating your choices:

Which Biology class should I choose?

Revised January 2013

Science Department Philosophy

• Introduce students to all 3 major disciplines of science while in high school.

• Establish problem solving and critical thinking skills.

• Teach students how to relate science to life experiences.

Course Options for 9th Grade

• Biology– Advanced Placement

Level – Honors Level– Accelerated Level– Academic Level

• Science Olympiad

Keystone Exam in Biology

• Beginning with the class of 2015, students in all levels of Biology will be required to take the Keystone Exam in Biology

• State mandated test which will be given toward the end of the year

• Students must pass exam for Pennsylvania graduation requirements

Science Course Sequences

Sequence I:

• Biology, 9th • Chemistry,

10th • Physics,

11th• Electives,

11th & 12th

Sequence II:

• Biology, 9th• Environmenta

l Science, 10th

• Chemistry, 11th

• Physics, 12th• Electives,

10th, 11th, 12th

*For a full sequence of options, please see page 33 of the Program of Studies.

Sequence III:

• Academic Biology, 9th

• Topics in Life Science, 10th

• Topics in Physical Science, 11th

• Electives, 12th

Characteristics of an AP Biology Student

• Highly self-motivated, high marks in science, and few absences

• Very strong commitment to science• Read large amounts of a college

level text and grasp concepts quickly

• Must possess outstanding study skills

• Work independently, and have good time management and organizational skills

Characteristics of an Honors Biology Student• Strong interest in science• Self-directed learners, with very

good study skills• Read large amounts of scientific

content and grasp concepts quickly

• Capable of independent study• Very good time-management

and organizational skills for frequent homework assignments

Characteristics of an Accelerated Biology Student

• Moderate interest in science• Good study and organizational

skills• Read and comprehend scientific

content • Motivated learners• Capable of independent study

Characteristics of an Academic Biology Student

• Moderate interest in science• Requires assistance with study

and organizational skills• Requires assistance with reading

and comprehension • Motivated learners

*Typical classroom includes small-group learning environment with

adult assistance

Item AP Biology Honors Biology Accelerated Biology

Academic Biology

Homework Amt

Every night 4-5 times/week 3-4 times/week 3-4 times/week

Homework Assign-ments

Nightly reading or outliningIn-depth study guidesMany assignments not graded

Nightly reading or outliningHomework may be checked for completion or collectedLow points assigned to homework

Worksheets, study guides, and lab activitiesHomework collected or check for completionMore points assigned to homework

Short worksheetsVocab reviewHomework checked everyday

Class Activities

LectureAP level labs

Lecture with fill-in notes (PPT)LabsActivities to support content

Lecture with fill-in notesLabsActivities to support content

Interactive lecture and notesIn-class readingsActivitiesLabs

Grades Tests will determine marking period grade

Tests make up most of marking period gradeHomework and labs account for small percent of grade (~20%)

Tests, class work, homework, and labs make up grade

Tests, class work, homework, and labs make up grade

Science Classes are Laboratory Based Courses

BIOLOGY:• Reaction Rates of

Enzymes• DNA Isolation• Microscope Labs

(living & dead organisms)

• Frog Dissection (real or virtual)

Science Olympiad• Class designed for

students interested in enhancing their knowledge of science

• Consists of technology, engineering, and theoretical aspects of science

• Semester or year based course which can be taken for either 3 or 6 days of each cycle

• Independent thought and design will be stressed

Science Clubs and Opportunities

• Chemistry Club

• Envirothon

• Biology Olympiad

• Chemistry Olympiad

• Physics Olympiad

Advice from Current Freshmen:

• Trust your 8th grade teacher’s recommendations!

• Take advantage of all the great electives available – branch out - you don’t need too many study halls

• Selecting classes just to be with your friends DOES NOT WORK! Do what is right for you!

More Advice…

• Choose carefully! – you want to balance your courses and extra-curricular activities and not overwhelm yourself freshman year & changing your schedule is not always easy!

• Ask questions regarding coursework to teachers and peers!

• Look forward to Conestoga! You are well prepared by your Middle School teachers and will enjoy life at the “Big C”

Questions?• Refer to course of study booklet

• Contact Student Services at CHS

• Check out the textbooks to see which level is right for you!– www.tesd.net/stoga

• Teacher pages– Hawkins, Amy

» Biology Info (on the left hand side)

– Direct Link http://tesd.net/Page/7435

• Email: bests@tesd.net