This program is designed for students preparing to take the Advanced
Placement Biology Exam. It includes a video program on DVD that
is approximately one hour long. There is also a Digital Workbook
that includes information about the exam, graphic organizers for
the video, critical thinking questions, an answer key, and a script
of the entire video program.
The video program addresses test-taking strategies; thus, students
learn how the test works and are able to plan appropriate tactical
approaches for test day. According to the website, "This is your
ticket to understand the good, the bad and the key components of
the AP Biology exam."
Moreover, time is spent on the highlights of Biology content.
Specifically, the program deals with the free response section
style questions and how a student should thread his or her knowledge
into the answers. Much of the video is devoted to the "30 most
important topics," which is a refresher of the topic using young
actors to describe the concept with bubble style illustrations
to further explain.
The program was designed by the Cerebellum Academic Team, which
includes scriptwriters, professors, students, actors, comedians,
and teachers. The topics include:
- Outline of the test
- Multiple choice section
- Avoiding the tricky decoys
- Time management
- Topic breakdown of the test
- 30 most important topics
This program, although interlaced with some humor, seemed serious
about the subject at hand: AP Biology test mastery! It is easy
to see why this was selected as the Parents' Choice Approved Award
Winner in the spring of 2011. I agree that it would be very suitable
for a classroom, homeschool students, or self-directed study--plus
I'd add that you could use it as a concept refresher before taking
a college Biology course.
Product review by Stephanie D. Scarborough, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine,
LLC, October 2011
|