Since 2014, Skyline High School IB diploma students have had the option of joining the Summer Ecology Research class as a way of completing their extended essay project. Feedback from past students has been very positive, with students appreciating the hands on approach to learning ecological field methods, the community building, the individualized assistance from teachers and most of all, the benefit of completing the extended essay paper before the start of a busy senior year fall quarter. All that, plus it’s FUN!
As part of the summer school course, we will spend six days at the Naturebridge facility in the Olympic National Park. Students will design and collect data related to a field ecology research problem of their choosing. We will have access to multiple watersheds and forests for data collection and exploration! Time will be set aside for students to meet with teachers related to problem question selection, experimental design, analysis and formatting of an extended essay. Students will write the IB required reflection pieces for the extended essay. It's not all work -- we manage to have a lot of fun, laughter, team building and adventure too!
As part of the summer school course, we will spend six days at the Naturebridge facility in the Olympic National Park. Students will design and collect data related to a field ecology research problem of their choosing. We will have access to multiple watersheds and forests for data collection and exploration! Time will be set aside for students to meet with teachers related to problem question selection, experimental design, analysis and formatting of an extended essay. Students will write the IB required reflection pieces for the extended essay. It's not all work -- we manage to have a lot of fun, laughter, team building and adventure too!
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course you will be able to:
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Justify use of various ecological study techniques
- Develop transferable study skills that can be directly applied to the IB extended essay and university research projects
- Explore techniques by which to narrow an area of interest into research questions
- Describe how to evaluate the suitability of a range of sources and research material
- Demonstrate how to accurately reference sources
- Apply simple project management techniques to manage your time effectively
- Explain how to plan, structure and write an extended research project
- Produce a reflective log throughout the process of planning, writing and managing a research project
"It really felt like we were just at summer camp when we were there. There's plenty of down time to relax or play games and days when, if you're not collecting data, you can help other people or just enjoy the park. We spent an entire day canoeing on Crescent Lake helping collect data for those who were investigating it, but we also took time off to explore some of the land around the lake most people didn't have access to. Our guides were really cool and fun to talk to as well. I never felt like I was working once - the teachers did a really good job of spacing everything out and keeping us on track. It was like science summer camp. I left the experience with my EE done, lots of new friends, and a great adventure to look back on. The food was really great too!" -B.T. (class of 2016)
2020 Dates
As a credit earning class, the Summer Ecology Course must meet for 75 hours of class time. Our ESTIMATED* schedule is as follows:
*Snow days may alter this schedule!
As a credit earning class, the Summer Ecology Course must meet for 75 hours of class time. Our ESTIMATED* schedule is as follows:
- Weekly after school meetings starting May 19th, 2020
- Summer field trip dates: June 21-26, 2020
- Full days at Skyline High School: June 28-30, 2020
- Last day of class: June 30, 2020
*Snow days may alter this schedule!
Grading
The Summer Ecology Research course is a 0.5 science credit class. Students will earn a letter grade for the class. We primarily rely on non-achievement criteria when assigning a grade for the course; meaning your work habits, initiative, collaboration and citizenship are equally (or more) important than the final essay or product you produce for the class.
An "A" will be earned if:
The Summer Ecology Research course is a 0.5 science credit class. Students will earn a letter grade for the class. We primarily rely on non-achievement criteria when assigning a grade for the course; meaning your work habits, initiative, collaboration and citizenship are equally (or more) important than the final essay or product you produce for the class.
An "A" will be earned if:
- Student is on-time and participating in all group activities
- Student submits reflective writing assignments on time
- Student works through challenges without getting overly frustrated or complainy
- Student engages effectively with peers and teachers
- Student collaborates in a productive, inclusive and respectful manner
- Student uses and returns materials properly
- Student completes process assignments prior to individual meeting with supervisors
- Student engages in the experiment and writing process with a positive, eager attitude
- Student submits a draft essay for peer scoring by the deadline
- Student submits a draft essay for teacher feedback by the deadline
- Student submits a revised version of the essay by the end of the course
Fees and Payment
The cost is determined by the total number of students who register. The fee will not exceed $1500. The cost includes:
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
We are happy to answer any questions or address any concerns. Please contact:
The cost is determined by the total number of students who register. The fee will not exceed $1500. The cost includes:
- Transport to and from Islandwood (school bus and ferry)
- Mandatory overnight field trip insurance
- Food and lodging while at Islandwood
- Summer school registration fee (pays for class credit and two teachers)
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
We are happy to answer any questions or address any concerns. Please contact:
- Gretel von Bargen (vonbargeng@issaquah.wednet.edu)
- Joelle Nelson (nelsonj@issaquah.wednet.edu)
Video by Jasmine C., class of 2018
Video by Eric Z, class of 2016
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