AP Biology Labs Overview 🔬

Introduction

• 25% of instructional time should be devoted to inquiry-based lab experiences.
• No specific labs are required for the AP exam.
• Goal: Practice science practices related to labs.
• Teachers have flexibility in choosing labs.

Early Labs

• Warm-up Lab: Transpiration in plants measuring mass loss over time.
• Lab Protocols: Swabbing cheek cells, using pipettes, following procedures.

Follow-up Activities

• Lab write-ups with rubrics.
• Using claim, evidence, and reasoning to explain findings.
• Answering specific questions.

Popular Labs Throughout the Year

Statistical Analyses & Concepts

• Chi-square Lab with M&Ms: Teaches statistical analysis early on.

Chemistry of Life

• Water Properties Lab: Simple lab to explore properties of water.
• Biomolecules in Food: Identify biomolecules using indicators.

Cell Structure and Function

• Surface Area to Volume Ratio Lab: Analyze pigment diffusion in model cells.
• Osmosis and Diffusion Labs: Using dialysis tubing, potato cores, and aquatic plants like Elodea.

Enzymes

• Catalase Activity: Using liver or potatoes to see reaction rates under different conditions.
• Calculating Enzyme Reaction Rates: Different conditions for enzymatic reactions.

Cellular Energetics

• Fermentation Labs: Investigate yeast fermentation rates.
• Respiration Labs: With live organisms, CO2 sensors, peas, and other controls.
• Photosynthesis Labs: Chromatography for pigment separation, leaf disc assays for photosynthesis rate.

Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

• Mitosis Observation: Using onion root cells or fish blastula.
• Modeling Chromosomes: Bead models, online demonstrations.

Genetics

• Fruit Fly Lab: Investigate genetics and inheritance patterns.
• Virtual Lab Models: Used for genetics investigations.

Biotechnology

• Restriction Enzyme Analysis: DNA analysis, gel electrophoresis, PCR, bacterial transformation.

Evolution

• Hardy-Weinberg Activities: Modeling with spreadsheets, online models like Evo dots.
• BLAST Database Usage: Investigate evolutionary relationships.
• Artificial Selection Lab: Using fast plants.

Animal Behavior

• Behavior Labs: Using fruit flies or isopods in choice chambers.

Ecology

• Population Biology: Calculate biodiversity, effect of acid rain on seed germination.

Additional Labs

• Other Activities: DNA extraction, measuring sunscreen effectiveness, bottle biology, case studies.
• Dissections: Optional and dependent on teacher's choice.

Conclusion

• Wide variety of labs and flexibility for teachers.
• The AP exam focuses on understanding science practices rather than memorizing specific labs.
• Encouragement to engage with various types of labs for a well-rounded understanding.