Do you ever wonder why leaves really turn colors in the fall?  And how plants actually produce the oxygen we breathe and need to live?  If you run into a Sac High AP Biology student this New Year, she/he should be able to give you an explanation that would satisfy a college biology instructor!

During our first term, Sac High AP Biology students studied fall leaves and investigated plant pigments through paper chromatography. This inquiry was followed by a sophisticated study of how those pigments, including chlorophyll a and b, are involved with the biochemical processes of photosynthesis. 

By designing investigations, recording, analyzing and reporting experimental results students carefully demonstrated their knowledge, outlining the intricate story of photosynthesis and its relationship to life on earth.  Though the subject matter is challenging, working collaboratively the students demonstrated that learningcomplex biology concepts can also be fun!  (Shown in the photo from left to right – Kierra Arafiles, Anaiyah Cabrellis, Lee Thao, Alex Sarille, Joi Lee and Tori Banks are synthesizing and reporting on their analyses).         

It takes determination and diligence to be a high achieving AP Biology student.  Each students’ scholarly investment through intense preparation will pay dividends by earning a passing score on the AP Biology test in May.  The pay-off of a test score of 3 or higher is starting their college/university careers already having passed a college level Biology course.

Sac High students have multiple opportunities to invest their academic prowess and powers into AP courses, which give them high return when applying for and attending the colleges/universities of their choice.