What Changed? Old vs. New Curriculum

Here's what you need to know about new AP Biology Standards

Classic AP Curriculum	NEW AP Curriculum
12 required labs	8 required labs, reducing breadth of content and encouraging greater depth in conceptual understanding.
General topic outline in the AP Course Description guide lessons.	Explicit, comprehensive curriculum framework is the basis of every lab activity.
Emphasis on teacher-directed, step-by-step labs with pre-determined questions and methods for investigation.	Emphasis on scientific inquiry, investigation, and student-directed experimentation.
Vague coursework objectives, so teachers feel the need to provide broad content coverage to ensure all material is covered.	Articulate clear learning objectives with guidance on what concepts and skills will (and will not) be taught and assessed.