BIOLOGY KEYSTONE EXAM
The Biology Keystone Exam is Pennsylvania’s end of course assessment for Biology. It consists of two test modules that
each take approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The exam contains multiple choice questions and open-ended responses
that are designed to assess student comprehension of Biology. For a student to perform at an advanced level they must be
able to do the following:
Basic Biological Principles (From Biology)
• Evaluate the application of scientific reasoning, inventions, tools, and new technologies in the study of biology.
• Apply the scientific concepts of hypothesis, inference, law, theory, principle, fact, and observation.
• Analyze structural and functional similarities and differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• Evaluate relationships between structures and functions at various levels of biological organization.
• Analyze the unique properties of water and explains how they support life on Earth.
Chemical Basis for Life (From Biology)
• Evaluate relationships between structure and function at various levels of biochemical organization.
• Analyze and predict how enzymes can regulate biochemical reactions within a cell.
Bioenergetics (From Biology)
• Analyze cell structures and processes that transform energy in living systems.
Homeostasis and Transport (From Biology)
• Analyze and predict how cell structures transport material into, out of, and within a cell.
• Analyze how organisms use feedback and response mechanisms to maintain homeostasis.
Cell Growth and Reproduction (From Biology)
• Compare and analyze the three stages and the outcomes of the cell cycle.
Genetics (From Biology)
• Analyze and predict how genetic information is inherited, altered, and expressed.
• Analyze the processes associated with protein synthesis.
• Predict the impacts of genetic engineering on medicine, forensics, and agriculture.
Theory of Evolution (From 9th Grade Science)
• Evaluate the mechanisms and sources of evidence related to the theory of evolution.
Ecology (From 9th Grade Science)
• Compare ecological levels of organization in the biosphere.
• Analyze interactions and relationships in an ecosystem as they relate to energy flow, biotic components,
biogeochemical cycles, and limiting factors.
• Predict changes in an ecosystem in response to natural and human disturbances.
GENERAL KEYSTONE INFORMATION:
Keystone Exam Resources
Test criteria, scoring exemplars, and sample questions published on the PA Department of Education SAS Portal.
http://www.pdesas.org/module/assessment/pages/Keystone/
BIOLOGY KEYSTONE REVIEW RESOURCES:
Study Island
An interactive, on-line study program specifically designed to help students prepare for the keystone exam. Information
on how to log on to this program can be found at the bottom of this page.
http://www.studyisland.com/
Pennsylvania Learns
A free iTunes U course that contains a series of worksheets, videos and apps assembled by the state to help students
prepare for the Keystone Exam.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/course/biology-basic-biological-principles/id905584708
Keystone Review Quizzes
CBSD generated quizzes designed to help students prepare for the ‘types’ of questions they will be asked on the Keystone
Exam.



Keystone: Cell Energy Review Quiz
http://www.quia.com/quiz/4619212.html
Keystone: Biochemistry Review Quiz
http://www.quia.com/quiz/4619231.html
Keystone: Genetics Review Quiz
http://www.quia.com/quiz/4619214.html



Keystone: Cell Physiology Review Quiz
http://www.quia.com/quiz/4619232.html
Keystone: Ecology Review Quiz
http://www.quia.com/quiz/4619234.html
Keystone: Evolution Review Quiz
http://www.quia.com/quiz/4619235.html
Keystone Biology Resources by Module
Podcasts and resources for each module of the Keystone Exam compiled by Council Rock School District.
http://www.crsd.org/Page/31715
Keystone Biology Flashcards
Flashcards created by Tredyffrin/Easttown School District.
http://tesd.net/Page/8862
Biology Review from Khan Academy
Playlist of videos for review of Biology topics.
http://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology
Crash Course – Biology
Playlist of videos for review of Biology topics.
http://www.youtube.com/course?list=EC3EED4C1D684D3ADF&feature=plcp
SparkNotes Review of Biology
Summary guides for review of Biology topics.
http://www.sparknotes.com/biology/
Keystone Biology Sample Questions
A practice test generated from the Standards Aligned System.
http://tesd.net/cms/lib/PA01001259/Centricity/Domain/98/Keystone%20Bio%20Sample%20Questi ons.pdf
New York Reagents Review Guide
A 12 page guide to New York Regents Exam. This document covers all essential terms for the Keystone Exam in an
organized fashion.
http://newyorkscienceteacher.com/sci/files/user-submitted/LE_Must_Know_Facts.pdf
CK-12 Biology E-book
Biology Textbook from CK-12 Foundation available free to access or download.
http://www.ck12.org/book/Biology/