Hi guys! I am back from winter break and I feel extremely ready to start a new semester of AP Biology! The last break replenished my mind for another fun semester of learning!
Looking back at semester 1, I learned so much about biology! From learning about ecology to genetic disorders, I was fascinated by the process and study of life! My favorite season was the Characteristics of Life and Genetics unit. Within these seasons, I learned about ecology, properties of water, macromolecules, and different genetics disorders. I especially loved being able to integrate technology and enhance my technological skills in my education. One of my highlights was the Vortex Swim project because I was able to research about an itching question that connected to the unit. Understanding biology at the molecular level and seeing connections to several units has been intriguing to me so far.
AP Biology taught me a lot about myself and my teammates. I learned much about my own learning styles, time management, stress management, and motivation. Since AP Biology is an everyday course, I was able to conquer my challenge of procrastination and began focusing on excelling in time management. As a result, I was able to spend more time on my other interests, friends, and family. I also discovered that I learned best by consistently reviewing physical, handwritten notes. In just one semester, AP Biology taught me how to become a better and more efficient student. In the classroom, I loved learning and listening to lectures because Ms. Girard always had a fun way of teaching and conveying the lessons. The energy in the room from my peers and teachers motivated me to continue putting hard work in studying, assignments, and projects. Now that semester two is rolling in, I am so excited to learn about biotechnology!
During my first semester, I went to the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 in San Francisco. Below are some photos I took that connected to what we learned in my first semester of AP Biology!
One of my favorite ongoing project of this college-level course is my digital site! I love connecting with other people and sharing my projects/investigations worldwide. When I first started this website, I had no idea how to update the site. Through research, public forums, and persistence, I was able to understand not only how to work WordPress, but also enhance my site to intrigue other people. Although I have faced several technological setbacks, I was able to learn more about finding solutions and reaching out to other people for help. This upcoming semester, I am so excited to post more about my investigations, labs, and blog posts to inspire other young and amazing scientists around the world. So far, I everything that I have learned, such as technology and learning skills, will always be in my back pocket for for future use.
Looking forward to posting! See you soon! 🔬👩🔬
Arabella Krystienne's AP Biology Blog 