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
It seems like just yesterday Team AP Bio 2015-2016 began this journey and now it is coming to an end. I enjoyed your post because your clear explanations of the activities reminded me how much you have accomplished. A passion for learning mixed with effort will always lead to success. Monica, I am so proud of your effort and of the effort of each AP Bio Teammate!
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