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Quick Links to My Classes:

Biology-4

A.P. Biology

Biotechnology

Independent Study Biology

 
Summer Science Programs: 

Science Institute (5-6-7-8th Graders)

AP Biology for Teachers
 

A.P. Bio Teacher Mentoring: 

A.P. Biology Mentoring Cadre

Related Sites: Salesianum School Home Page


Introduction

Welcome to my pages. My hope is that they help you with your study of biology in my classes. 

I teach Freshmen in Phase 1 and 2 Macrobiology, Freshmen in Phase 4 Biology, and Juniors & Seniors in both Advanced Placement Biology-5 and Biotechnogy-4. I also supervise several students in Independent Study.  I've  been teaching at Salesianum for over thirty-five years and am currently the Science Department Chair.


Mr. Phil Vavala's Classes

Biology - 4. An  introductory course for Freshman,. Following the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) "blue" curriculum, it approaches biology from a molecular focus.  Students move from this class to Chemistry in the Sophomore year.

A.P. Biology - 5.
 Following the College Board's curriculum, Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be equivalent to an introductory college biology course for biology majors. Students will sit for an examination in May and will receive college credit depending on the scores on that test. There is a high statistical correlation between the final grade in my course and the performance of my students on the AP Exam.

Biotechnology-4.
 Biotechnology is my newest course. It's for students who have accomplished themselves in their first-year biology and chemistry courses, and who wish to pursue study of some of the newest technological advances we have witnessed in the past couple of decades.

Independent Study Biology - 5.
This is an open-ended research course for one or two semesters. Students will identify a research problems and pursue research. The class is held concurrently with Mr. Vavala's other classes in our new Independent Study Biology lab.

Contents of this Web Site

The linked pages include a tentative schedule for each of my courses, as well as descriptions of various science institutes held at Salesianum.

If you wish to review the class "ground rules" (course expectations, classroom management regulations, and grading policies) for each respective course, see the appropriate Study Guide for that particular course.

The Science Institute for Middle School Students

The Science Institute. During the summers of 2003 - 2007 we ran programs for students entering 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades. The courses included work with the microscope, some chemistry important in biological systems, some math important in science, and biotechnology. The courses were all half-day, and students were able to take as many, or as few courses as they wished. Upon completion, all students left with a binder of work, and an electronic "portfolio" of the week's work on a CD. We hope to add even more courses to The Science Institute's curriculum in 2007. For information, click on the link, or contact Mr. Phil Vavala.

A.P. Biology
Conferences for Teachers

Summer AP Conferences. For the past decade or so, I have been conducting an Advanced Placement Biology Institute for the University of Delaware. The program is affiliated with the College Board Advanced Placement Program. The summer workshops for 2008 will be held in my own biology lab at Salesianum. If you are interested in information about the workshop, feel free to e-mail me, or go to the following web site: http://www.continuingstudies.udel. edu/noncredit/ap/ap_biology.shtml.


 

Before/After School Help

I get to school early in the morning, usually by 7:00 AM, and remain at school after school until at least 3:00 PM. Students should feel free to schedule times if they need some extra help. "Walk-ins" are always welcome, providing that I'm not working with another student, or attending a meeting. Play it safe and schedule something in advance. (I'm usually out of the room between 7:30 and 8:00 AM, and have afternoon meetings on most Wednesdays).

 If you have any questions or comments for Mr. Phil Vavala, telephone (302) 654-2495, VoiceMail 213, or...send an e-mail.