Methods of Teaching AP Biology

Putnam-Westchester Industry & Science Teacher Alliance

"Teaching the Redesigned AP Biology Course."

Methods of Teaching AP Bio SCE 5184 -

Presented by

Richard Kurtz - AP Biology Consultant

Richard Kurtz has been a science educator on Long Island, New York for the past 29 years. He has trained and prepared teachers to teach the AP Biology course as a College Board consultant in the United States and Canada. His workshops encompass the entire AP Biology curriculum, including course organization, pacing, and laboratory design in a collegial and co-operative relaxed atmosphere. Richard has had extensive experience working with teachers and students in developing hands-on science activities in biology and science research. He is a teacher at Commack High School on Long Island, New York. Richard has conducted honey bee research in Turkey under a National Science Foundation Grant. He received the Radio Shack National Teacher Award for New York State; he was a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Richard was the top winner for the national ING Unsung Heroes Award for his work with students engineering inventions for people with disabilities.

Objectives: The primary objectives for participants are:

· Work towards designing and developing a successful AP program using the current curriculum framework for the upcoming school year.

· Build a working knowledge of the four “Big Ideas”, the seven “Science Practices”, Enduring Understanding, Essential Knowledge and Science Practices.

· Become familiar and carry out selected Inquiry-Based and Student-Directed Labs.

· AP Biology resources will be explored.

· Thoroughly examine and review the AP Biology exam.

· To begin to design your curriculum for the upcoming school year.

· Facilitate a nurturing and collegial community of teachers.

Participants will have the opportunity to perform several lab exercises that align with the College Board redesign. Best practices will be discussed. Information about the requirements for the AP Biology Course Audit will be shared.

Topics to be covered

Best practices in teaching AP Biology, including:

	Selecting teaching materials
	Allocating class and lab time
	Maximizing student learning in lab
	Teaching strategies
	Assessment strategies
	Preparing students for the AP Biology Exam

Tentative Schedule

Monday, June 27

8:00 – 9:30 AM	Introductions & Overview of the Course description and terms (Intro):Curriculum Development
9:30 – 11:30 AM	Inquiry-Based Teaching Practices: Investigation 5: Photosynthesis
11:30 –12:30 PM	Curriculum Planning and Pacing Guides syllabus development and audit
1:15 – 2:45 PM	Investigation 3: Blast
2:45 – 3:30 PM	Using Wisconsin Fast Plants Investigation 1: Selection and Investigation 10: Energy

HW: Developing curriculum

Tuesday, June 28

8:00 – 10:00 AM	Investigation 11: Transpiration
10:00 – 11:00 AM	Mapping Big Ideas and Enduring Understandings
11:00 – 12:00 PM	Investigation 6: Respiration
1:00 – 2:30 PM	Investigation 2: Mathematical Modeling, Hardy-Weinberg
2:30 - 3:30 PM	Exam

HW: Developing curriculum

Wednesday, June 29

8:00 – 9:30 AM	Investigation 4. Diffusion and Osmosis
9:30 – 11:30 AM	Investigation 8: Bacterial Transformation/Investigation 9: Restriction Enzyme Analysis of DNA
11:30 –12:30 PM	Curriculum development and inquiry practices
1:15 – 2:15 PM	Investigation 12: Fruit Fly Behavior (Outdoors) and curriculum
2:15 – 3:30 PM	The Formula Page/Chi Square Test

HW: Prepare a short talk on a favorite website or activity related to AP Biology

Thursday, June 30

8:00 – 9:00 AM	Using Excel to analyze data/Grid question practice
9:00 – 10:30 AM	Investigation 11: Enzyme Activity
10:30 – 11:30 PM	Investigation 7: Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis
12:30 – 2:30 PM	Short Presentations
2:30 – 3:30 PM	Questions and discussion what will you do??

* College Board, AP, Advanced Placement Program, AP Vertical Teams, Pre-AP and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission

This Program is designed for AP Biology Instructors.

Date: June 27-June 30, 2016

Time : 8:00 AM-3:30 PM

Cost: $695.00 Please use online registration form Below

Place: Science Wing, Mahopac High School, Mahopac, New York

Sponsored by: PWISTA and the College Board

Credit : A 30-hour certificate toward in-service credit will be issued for use according to your school district’s policy.

Manhattanville College - Three Graduate Science Education Credits available upon completion of Project at an additional cost .

For college credit information link:

Directions to Mahopac HS

Local Housing Accommodations ( approximately 20 to 30 minutes from HS)

Peekskill Inn