Summer Assignment – AP Biology
Your summer assignment is to review the Ecology Unit (Chapters 41*-46) in the text and complete the
assignment outlined below. The text (Principles of Life, High School Edition, by Hillis, Sadava, Heller
& Price, 2012) will be available through the NYA website. Some of this information will be review
from 10th grade biology. We will not actually cover this material until later in the year, at which time
we will briefly discuss these chapters and review any problems or questions you have.
For each of the six chapters you need to:
1. Preview the chapter and focus on:
a. Key Concepts (noted at the beginning of the chapter).
b. Do You Understand Concept #? (at the end of each section within the chapter). These
questions will be a good indication for you to see if you understand the topic within this
section.
c. Vocabulary Terms (in bold throughout the reading). You might want to make some
type of vocabulary list or flashcards to use to help you later when you review for the AP
Exam in May 2015. This is not required, but strongly encouraged.
d. Graphics (throughout the chapter). Read the captions and see if you understand the
figure.
2. Read thoroughly the Summary at the end of the chapter.
3. Then:
a.
If you are comfortable with the material complete ALL of the Do You Understand
Concept #? at the end of each section within the chapter. You do not need to type out
the question, but these answers need to be typed in complete sentences on separate
paper. This work is due on the first day of class and will count as a grade.
b.
OR
c. If you are not comfortable with the material, or struggled with the Do You Understand
Concept #? when you previewed the chapter, then read the chapter carefully and
complete ALL of the Do You Understand Concept #? at the end of each section within
the chapters. You do not need to type out the question, but these answers need to be
typed in complete sentences on separate paper. This work is due on the first day of
class and will count as a grade.
Note: All Do You Understand Concept #? will be collected on the first day of class and must be
typed in complete sentences. This will be your first grade for the class. All work is due at the
beginning of class. Remember late work will lower your grade.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this assignment, or the AP Biology class in general,
please do not hesitate to contact me. The best way to get in touch is through email: bfarrell@nya.org.
I am looking forward to an exciting year and I hope you are as well.
See you in September ~
Mrs. Farrell
* Although Chapter 41 is not in the Ecology Unit, it deals with Behavioral Ecology, so it is part of the
summer assignment.
AP Biology Summer Assignment
April 2014
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