AP Biology Summer Assignment 2012 This summer assignment includes:

Kevgas/ORourke

1. Reading Survival of the Sickest by Dr. Sharon Moalem 2. Reacting to the book via writing a paper and posting four responses on the blog 3. Completing the textbook work on Evolution. Directions for the paper: Requirements: Typed, 12 in. font, 1.5 spacing. Your name should appear in the top right hand corner of the first page, no cover page is required. The paper is really a series of free response questions divided into two parts. The paper will be divided into three sections: the Theory of Evolution and you, reactions to the book Survival of the Sickest, and a conclusion. The body of the paper should not have a beginning, middle or end and there should be no transitions between the different sections of the paper. These should be college level responses that are well synthesized and concise. To earn the maximum points be sure to support your statements with specific examples from the book or the text. Please note that quoting the book without explaining the context of the quote as well as the scientific principle behind it is insufficient. Part One: The Theory and You State the scientific theory of evolution and the mechanism(s) that control the evolutionary process. Formally express your answer to the blog post: Evolution and Religion. Does the scientific theory of Evolution conflict with your religious or spiritual beliefs? If so, how do you reconcile the conflict? If there is no conflict explain how science aligns with your beliefs.

Part Two: The Evidence Begin by discussing the four tenants of Dr. Moalems book. (pg. XIV and XV). Then for each chapter (there are 8) discuss the following: 1. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the disease (what is the mechanism of the disease?) Be specific as to its affect on humans in your discussion. 2. Discuss the historical perspective of the disease. (Ex. How was it diagnosed? What was the impact on the human population?)
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AP Biology Summer Assignment Kevgas/ORourke 2011-2012

3. Summarize the evolutionary advantage of the specific disease? 4. State your questions about the topic and list the aspect of the chapter that you found most fascinating. Note: Your statements must be supported with evidence from the book. Supporting your ideas with factual information is both a requirement for the paper and a theme that will be reiterated throughout all of your tests next year. Part Three: Conclusion In Dr. Moalems closing thoughts he suggests that the perspective presented in the book might reorient you. Has it? If so, please share in what way and why? This section is the part of the paper where you share a piece of yourself. The evidence for this statement comes from your own life experiences and what you have taken away from the book.

Directions for the blog: Go to Radnor HS website. Go to Teacher Web pages and click on ORourke. Responses may only be made between July 1st and August 30th. Please manage your time and do not offer excuses if you do not meet the deadline. Directions for the textbook readings: Read the assigned chapters on evolution, Chapters 22-26. Please answer all questions in the guided readings (RGs) for each chapter directly in the packet. All work should be done in pencil. Note: Pay attention to the key terms of each chapter and get the rote memorization out of the way at the beginning. When the school year begins, key terms should be reviewed every night. There will be weekly quizzes on these terms for each chapter that we cover. Additional information: You will need to have a composition notebook for your laboratory work. No spiral notebooks, binders or loose leaf paper will be accepted!

OVER

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AP Biology Summer Assignment Kevgas/ORourke 2011-2012

A note from your teachers: You can see that this is a hefty paper. Dont procrastinate. The beauty of this book is that you can draft your responses to each chapter separately. Our suggestion: Keep a notebook or use post- its and take notes as you read, then go back to your notes and use them to form your paper. This book is fascinating..We hope you enjoy! A word about length How long should it be? This is an honest question yet a very difficult one to answer. Stick to the rubric and support your statements with evidence from the book. Do not be stingy with your thoughtswe want to know what you think and what your questions are. If we had to put a number on things a safe estimation might be 2-3 pages per chapter. Did we say dont procrastinate! Final suggestion: Get a family member to read the book! You will want to discuss this book with others. Use the blog to speak with one another over the summer. See you in the fall! Mrs. Kevgas and Mrs. O Rourke
*A note about plagiarism: Any plagiarism on the summer paper or in the textbook assignments will result in a zero and you will be referred to the honor council for further action.

ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE WEDNESDAY, September 5, 2012. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED! We just want to be your friend!

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AP Biology Summer Assignment Kevgas/ORourke 2011-2012