AP Biology
2011-2012 School Year
Summer Assignment
Hello and welcome to AP Biology for the 2011-2012 school year. Though the class and
material is difficult at times, hard work on your part and active participation in the class
and discussions will help you succeed in both the class and the AP test in May.
As this is a rigorous and challenging course, you are asked to complete the following
assignment to prepare yourself for the start of class. This will be due on the first day of
class. In addition, there will be a test covering this material on the second day of class.
1. Read Chapters 1-4. Chapter 1 is an overview of A.P. Biology. Chapters 2-4 should be
a review of the material covered in chemistry that will be woven throughout the A.P.
Biology curriculum. Note: Especially with science texts, the saying “a picture is worth a
thousand words” is true. Spend time deciphering what each graphic is illustrating.
This is the basic chemistry that you will be required to know during this class. There will
be a test on this material the second day of class. Be prepared!
2. Answer the Self-Quiz and Evolution Connection Questions at the end of the
chapters. Please make sure that each question is written and answered. This may be
handwritten or done on the computer. Make sure that you understand all of the
vocabulary in each of the sections so that you can understand the topics and concepts
introduced from the beginning of class.
3. Read Chapter 51: Animal Behavior. This will be the first unit that we will cover. It
will also contain the first of the AP Biology Labs that we will cover in class. Your first
major test will be on this chapter. In addition, this will be the only chapter test that we
will take during the year, the remainder will be unit tests.
4. Answer the Concept Checks at the end of each section in Chapter 51. Please
make sure that each question is written and answered. This may be handwritten or done
on the computer. Make sure that you understand all of the vocabulary in each of the
sections so that you can understand the topics and concepts introduced from the
beginning of class.
5. Answer the following essays in paragraph form. Each essay is a free response that
should be completed in about 25 minutes (more of a .quick write. in complete supported
sentences) and does NOT have to be completed in the 5 paragraph essay (or any other)
format.
1. Chemical bonds are essential to building the .molecules for life.. In 3
paragraphs, describe the following bond types and how they are significant to life
on earth: ionic, covalent (polar and nonpolar), hydrogen, and Van der Wahls
(interactions).
2. The unique properties (characteristics) of water make life possible on Earth. In
3 paragraphs, select three properties of water and:
a) for each property, identify and define the property and explain it in
terms of the physical/chemical nature of water.
b) for each property, describe one example of how the property affects the
functioning of living organisms.
3. Carbon is a very important element in living systems. Describe the various
characteristics of the carbon atom that makes possible the building of a variety of
biological molecules thus life as we know
6. Be ready to work on the first day of school!
Study and work hard now so you won’t feel behind or have to cram to catch up!
If you have questions, feel free to email me at: barritt@ndhs.org
I will be checking it periodically during the summer.
Thank you!
Mr. Barritt