How to summarize our year?

Wow, time passes so fast that AP Biology 2015-2016 is coming to the end. What we have learned in the past year is truly beyond word explanation. When I was sitting on the chair, waiting patiently to open my AP Biology exam booklet, I was engorged by a rush of confidence because I knew that hard efforts will always pay off at the end and that each member of our team will rock the test. The test, for us, was more like a brilliant exposition of our expansive knowledge than anything else.

From an academic point of view, this course prepared us exceedingly well for the AP exam, and we all had so much fun while learning. Dissecting the fetal pig made me reflect a lot on the genius design of our body systems as well as the amazing coordination between them for the sole goal of our fitness and survival; “Save the Bay” field trip helped me realize the importance of citizen science programs and the preciousness of our environment, etc…What’s more, this course taught us to find the most suitable learning technique for ourselves, which helps us save time and study more efficiently.

Technologically, We tried various types of technology, such as WordPressfor expressing our points of view,  Prezi for memorizing difficult vocabularies, Thinglink for presenting a collage of ideas, Stop motion for animating still things, and Voicethread for presenting authentic medical cases. Trying something new is always very interesting and is the best way to learn. Also, using technology to express our ideas in creative ways makes learning a truly fun experience. In fact, technology always makes my life easier since it is a better way to present an idea to the audience and make it interesting and fun.

Businessman and business sketch

This course has taught us that learning is a fun experience, not a hideous struggle. Being successful in this class largely depends on attitude and the effort we have put in. Biology is the study of life and since taking this course, I noticed that I have become more aware of my health and that I have accumulated many good habits.  AP Biology 2015-2016 is an unforgettable experience in my life, and I  will keep everything- the good habits, the positive attitude, the upbeat spirit-I have learned in this class with me, forever.

In the end, I have to say: thank you,  my dear comrades, who made this class so valuable and so revitalizing and thank you, Mrs. Girard, for you truly stroked our passion for the field of science and prepared us so well for the 21st-century advanced world.

Final Preparations for the AP Exam

After months of 80 minute classes every day, we are reaching towards the end of the finish line. However, before we could say hello to summer and graduation, first we had a few more things to do to keep us busy. While some of my other classes seemed to lessen our coursework towards the end of the school year, Mrs. Girard kept us busy until the very end! Some of my favorite activities we got to do were the lab practicals, looking into the new Z Space technology, and preparing for the AP Biology exam. Yes, I know the dreaded four hour AP exam that includes 64 multiple choice questions, 6 math questions and 8 free response questions. Even though we were all nervous and anxious about the exam, our teacher managed to make the last few days of review fun and stress relieving! Let's take a trip down onto the last few activities of the SCHOOL YEAR!

Hard at work (also nice look Julia)

1) Examining pig organs and structures. How fun. If you gathered any sense of sarcasm in that statement, you are partially wrong. Although the idea of dissecting up a foul smelling fetal pig is a tad bit disgusting, it makes for a great learning experience! :) As a class, we looked at mammalian body structures and organs, focusing on the circulatory, nervous, endocrine, excretory, digestive, skeletal, and reproductive systems. Those who felt uncomfortable with physically dissecting the fetus were tasked with the job of the secretary, writing down observations and filling out worksheets.

Lab Practical

2) Back in the good old days (first semester) we visited the Z Space a couple times with our friends from Holy Names School in Oakland (you can check out that post here). This time, we went on to explore more complex programs. We looked at chordates structures using the Z Space 3D technology. This was super cool because it gave a great visual of what we were learning in the science classrooms. My partner, Bianca, and I looked at many creatures such as birds,whales, snakes, fish, and other mammals and amphibians.

3) Last but not least, we reviewed for the upcoming AP exam. All year long we have been preparing for this exam through our labs, tests, discussions, and projects in order to be ready for the exam. During the last few days of review, we played a game that involved filling in the answers to a small slip of paper. The rules are: you have two chances to get ALL answer correct. If you get ALL the answers correct, you get the chance to shoot a paper ball into a trash bin for extra credit points. The game was fun, competitive, and engaging. I was not stressed while playing that game and it helped me to remember some terms that I had forgotten or had trouble with.

Having now taken the exam, I can fully say that this class really prepared me. I learned a whole lot in just the first semester! Sadly, our class days are dwindling down. But it is not over yet! There's still things we have to do (lets face it we're always working)! Stay tuned!

Disclaimer: All pictures are taken by Rebecca Girard