Now that the A.P. Biology exam is completed, this is a perfect time for your class to explore topics of interest. Many teachers approach this time to allow students to investigate issues by debates (Are GMO foods safe? Designer babies-should there be limits? Mandating vaccinations? Should animals be sacrificed in medical research?). Other teachers use the time to do dissections using fetal pigs or cats. Student interest in forensics has inspired teachers to prepare “mock crimes” and have students use scientific evidence to determine the perpetrator. If your school is close to the elementary school in your town, students could be paired with an elementary school class to work with younger students and prepare a “book” that they write together on a biology topic.  Some teachers have their A.P. Biology students work with the Introductory Biology students to act as “teachers” of topics being covered. Use this time to have students share their enthusiasm for biology.

Interested in learning more tips, tricks and strategies to implement into your AP course?  Join us this summer for our AP Insititutes!

Thank you to our guest blogger Joan Carlson.