Summer Assignments – AP Biology Vincent J. Benitez [email protected] http://www.vbbiology.weebly.com 1. Reading Assignment o Choose a book by Robin Cook to read. A list of medical thriller novels is listed below. Dr. Robin Cook is considered to be the master of the medical thriller! He does an enormous amount of research, so all of his books contain good, exciting biology. After reading the book, write a 1-2 page paper containing the following: o Concise summary of the plot. o Highlight the biological aspect(s) of the novel. How does/do the biological aspect(s) play a role in the novel. What technologies/procedures/concepts were used in the novel? o Link the biological aspect(s) of the novel to chapters in the AP Biology textbook. For example, if the book were about a virus, where would you find that topic in the textbook? What other connections can be associated with viruses? Perhaps the immune system, or cells, or biotechnology, etc. List those chapters as well. o Your opinion of the novel. Did you like the book? Did the plot seem too farfetched, or perhaps very plausible? What did you think about how the author used biology to develop interest and carry the story line throughout the book? Book Review Coordinating Instructions o Before writing your book review, read: The Basics of Scientific Writing in APA Style, by Pam Marek. You can find this article at: http://www.macmillanlearning.com/catalog/uploadedfiles/content/worth/custom_solutions/psychology_forew ords/marek_ch04_apastyle_color.pdf. A link to this document is on my website under AP Biology – Articles. o Your book review will follow the guidelines outlined in her article. o The book review will be no more than three (3) pages. o Written in Word or Google Docs. o Save your document using the following format: Book review: Your first and last name o If you are using Google Docs, share your document with me at [email protected] - be sure to allow me to comment on your document. DO NOT share in view only. o If you are using Word, attach the Word document and email it to [email protected] o Submit your book review via email no later than Sunday, August 13, 2017. The “Subject” entry should read as: “Your first/last name – book review.” Robin Cook Novels Charlatans Aug-2017 Toxin Mar-1998 Host Oct-2015 Chromosome 6 Mar-1997 Cell Feb-2014 Contagion 1995 Death Benefit Dec-2011 Acceptable Risk Jan-1995 Cure Aug-2010 Fatal Cure Jan-1994 Intervention Aug-2009 Terminal Jan 1993 Foreign Body Aug 2008 Blindsight Jan-1992 Critical Aug-2007 Vital Signs Jan-1991 Crisis Aug-2006 Mutation Feb-1990 Marker Jun-2005 Harmful Intent Jan-1990 Seizer Dec-2002 Mortal Fear Jan-1988 Shock Jan 2001 Outbreak Jan-1987 Godplayer Sep-2000 Mindbend Mar-1985 Fever Jan-2000 Brain 1979 Vector Feb-1999 Coma Mar-1977 Summer Assignments – AP Biology Vincent J. Benitez [email protected] http://www.vbbiology.weebly.com 2. AP Biology Lab Notebook Background: The laboratory notebook is a permanent, documented, and primary record of laboratory procedures, data, calculations and observations. People working in laboratory sciences that are involved in research or product design and development must document their work. Laboratory documentation is done in a legal, scientific notebook Often a scientific notebook is required in court cases. Examples of when a scientific notebook may be used in court include: 1. To settle patent disputes, such as when someone argues that they made a discovery first and says a discovery or process belongs to them. 2. When a specialist must report findings from testing, such as paternity suits or criminal cases. If the scientific notebook is not produced in an acceptable fashion, it will be inadmissible as evidence and will not be used. Your laboratory notebook is a permanent record of what you did and what you observed in the laboratory. Learning to keep a good notebook now will establish good habits that will serve you in college and throughout your career (assuming your major and career will be in science and/or engineering). Your notebook should be your primary source of information. Everything you do in the laboratory should be included in your notebook, from procedure to calculations. In it you should faithfully report your work as if it will be reviewed by a third party for clarity and accuracy. Guidelines for setting up a good notebook o Obtain a bound notebook with sewn pages. A composition- style notebook works well. o Record all entries in black or blue permanent ink. o Use a black, fine point Sharpie permanent pen to write the following on the front cover of your notebook: Your Name Class and period Instructor’s Name o Make page #1 the Title Page. In the middle of the page write the following: Your Name Class and period Instructor’s Name o Number every page of the notebook, in the top, outside corner, starting with the front side of the first page being number 1 and the back of first page numbered 2. o Make pages # 3-5 the Table of Contents. Write “Table of Contents” at the top center of page # 3 and # 5. o Bring your lab notebook on the first day of class. The remainder of the lab notebook set up will be completed in class Summer Assignments – AP Biology Vincent J. Benitez [email protected] http://www.vbbiology.weebly.com 3. AP Biology Readiness Test o AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students interested in taking AP Biology should have a high school level knowledge of biology and chemistry. o Students interested in taking the AP Biology course should purchase a comprehensive AP Biology study guide, which will be adequate in preparation for the readiness test. Additional information about AP Biology study guides can be found in the AP Biology Syllabus on page 3. o Students will gain insight as to where their knowledge level is, and provide them the feedback to help them determine what steps to take in order to be successful in taking AP Biology course and AP Biology Exam in May 2018. An AP Biology Readiness Test will be given in the first week of school covering the very general concepts and ideas of the following topics: o Scientific method o Chemistry of Life Atoms, Ions, Molecules Water Carbon-Based Molecules Chemical Reactions Enzymes o Cell Structure and Function o Photosynthesis o Cellular Respiration o Cell Cycle o Mitosis o Meiosis o Mendelian Genetics and Heredity o DNA – Replication/Transcription/Translation o Charles Darwin o Evolution and Natural Selection o Evolution of Populations o Ecology Biotic/Abiotic Factors Energy Pyramids Food Chain/Web Cycling of Matter o Organism Classification o Homeostasis o Nervous and Endocrine Systems o Respiratory and Circulatory Systems o Immune System .