Science is a process of asking questions and systematically seeking answers through experimentation and collaboration. The class reflects this process and helps students develop characteristics that good scientists share. Good scientists are curious, observant, persistent, inventive, logical, and organized. I hope you have fun in class and recognize the importance of science in your life.
What is Mr. Hamilton’s AP Biology class?
This course is designed to be the equivalent of a freshman level college Biology course. This means that you will be expected to do some work outside of class. The course is also designed to prepare students to take the AP Biology exam on Monday May 5, 2025. With that said it is my expectation that all students will sign up for and take the AP Biology exam in May. We will spend time in class discussing the format of the test, how to do well on the test and working through practice exams.
What will we do in class?
In class we will emphasize many aspects of being a good scientist including: the written analysis of experiments, use of problem solving and critical thinking skills, use and care of lab equipment, lab safety, working as a research team and analyzing scientific writings.
Class calendar (tentative)
1st Quarter
Ecology
Biochemistry
Cellular Biology
Cellular transport
Metabolism and enzymes
3rd Quarter
Molecular Genetics
Gene expression
Biotechnology
Natural Selection
Population evolution
History of the Earth
2nd Quarter
Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis
Cellular communication
Mitosis, Meiosis, Chromosomes
Mendelian genetics
4th Quarter
Survey of the Kingdoms
Animal form and function
Plant form and function
Homeostasis
AP test prep
Lab weeks
Course work
Science notebook: Students are expected to use a science notebook for this class. It should be a bound composition style notebook. This notebook will be used to keep notes, various in-class work, science vocabulary and data for labs. The notebooks will be checked periodically and scored on completeness, organization and overall quality.
Tests: At the end of each major section of study, students will take an in-class test that is composed of AP style exam questions. We will not review graded exams in class. If you want to improve your grade (and understanding of the test), you will have the opportunity to do test corrections, which will allow you to regain ½ credit on points lost. Some tests may be exempt from the opportunity to gain points back for corrections. Students must make an appointment in order to do test corrections.
Science in the News/ Science literature: Throughout the year, students will be asked to find and summarize an article about a science topic. Some articles will be something that is currently in the news while the others will be from scientific journals and will relate to material currently being studied in class.
Laboratories: Students will conduct various types of investigations throughout the course. These investigations will introduce students to the skills needed to “do” science, establish effective research habits, and reinforce information learned in class. Some labs will just involve data collection and analysis while others will require full write-ups.
Classwork/homework: We will use a variety of tools to help gain knowledge and then assess that knowledge. Most of this work will be completed in the science notebook. Assignments not done in the notebook will receive individual grades. There will be a weekly online assignment using the MasteringBiology website. If you have a hardship which prevents you from accessing the internet, you need to speak with Mr. Hamilton right away. There will be textbooks available to check out. You will be expected to stay current on our current class material by reading the pertinent book chapters.
Outside investigations: Part of this course will involve doing work outside. These investigations will take place on school grounds or at Corcoran Park.
Course Policies and Expectations
Classroom expectations: Students are expected to arrive each day on time. You should be ready and able to focus their class time on the science at hand. You are expected to be respectful of yourselves, your classmates, the classroom/lab and Mr. Hamilton. You are expected to follow behavior guidelines outlined in the school handbook and the safety guidelines outlined in the lab safety contract. The ability to address the class expectations will be addressed in the class participation part of a student’s grade.
Homework policy: Students are expected to turn in assignments on the due date given. Late work will only receive partial credit, 25% will be deducted for each day late. Assignments will not be worth credit if they are turned in later than one school week following the assessment of a specific unit.
Extra Credit: Extra credit activities and assignments will be available to students who have no missing assignments.
Honesty: Cheating on any tests or assignments (this includes taking pictures of assignments and sending them to friends) will result in a grade of zero for all parties involved.
Electronic devices: Students are expected to follow school guidelines for the use of electronic devices. You should have a computer and wired headphones with you everyday.
Final notes and thoughts
It is important that you review notes, homework and labs frequently. The study of science is an ongoing activity and it is more than just memorizing facts. If you are having difficulty understanding a topic or a process, see me as soon as possible. I will offer additional help if needed and will seek out other sources if more help is needed.
Active participation is critical to a complete understanding of science. To this end, it is your job to stay caught up with material and to seek out answers if you are confused. This is a great subject that opens the door to many great lifetime pursuits. The more effort you put in, the more reward you get out.
We will be using Google Classroom as the online portal to our class. This will be a critical place to check in when you are trying to find missing work or to review topics we have discussed in class.
The best way to reach me is via email: mick.hamilton@mpls.k12.mn.us