TPSF Equips Amelia Brown for AP Biology

Amelia Brown,THS AP Bio Teacher

Name:  Amelia Brown

Subject taught:  Biology/AP Biology
School: Tahlequah High School

Grants received:  Lab Equipment and Textbooks

In 2012, Amelia Brown was eager to revive the Biology II program she enjoyed during her years as a student at Tahlequah High School.  She received the grant and took her dream one step further.  "Thanks to the TPS Foundation Grant, Tahlequah High School now offers AP Biology," Brown said in her 2013 grant application.

What's the big deal about AP classes?  Brown explains.

 "AP courses help our schools achieve higher letter grades on the school based report card system now used to appraise schools in Oklahoma. Advanced biology courses also help prepare our students for college since most college students will at least take biology as their science credit.   Students who take AP classes have the opportunity to take the AP exam.  Depending on how they score on this exam, they can receive college credit for the course.  This is a huge benefit for the students.  Even if a student opts not to take the exam, they will benefit when they are in college because the expectations of college level science are clear to the student."

With the addition of Lab Quest equipment, students are able to get real time feedback on biological systems.  Students love to design and implement their experiments!

students use the Vernier Oxygen and CO2 sensors to measure cellular respiration

"With brand new college level text books, students are seeing the big picture while also being challenged.  I use these books across grade level because they contain so many beautiful images.   

The addition of AP Science classes at THS has encouraged many students to enroll.  I am seeing students who were not previously engaged in honors classes thrive in the AP setting.  These students do not just need to be challenged, but they readily welcome the rigor and are exceeding my expectations. "

Tahlequah Public Schools Foundation does not replace state funds for education. Its goal is to nourish excellence and provide a wider range of educational opportunities for our students.  With your help, we can help fund more grants that help teachers and students pursue their dreams.

Donate at www.tahlequahpublicschoolsfoundation.org