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 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 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
It is expected that upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
It is expected that upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the biogeography of a focus organism in an ecological and evolutionary context
- Formulate a precise research question
- Plan and pursue a research project with intellectual initiative and insight
- Gather and interpret material from sources appropriate to the research question
- Structure a reasoned argument in response to the research question on the basis of the material and data gathered
- Present their extended essay in a science specific format, acknowledging sources in one of the established academic ways
- Use the terminology and language appropriate to the subject with skill and understanding
- Apply analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to the subject, with an understanding of the implications and the context of their research
"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)
Grading
The Summer Ecology Research course is a 0.5 science credit class. Students will earn a letter grade for the class. You will be assessed 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.
Non-achievement criteria include:
All assignments that are submitted for the class will be scored on on a 3 point scale:
The Summer Ecology Research course is a 0.5 science credit class. Students will earn a letter grade for the class. You will be assessed 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.
Non-achievement criteria include:
- Submitting assignments on time and participating in all activities
- Engaging effectively with peers and teachers
- Collaborating in a productive, inclusive and respectful manner
- Using and returning materials properly
- Completing the experiment and writing process with a positive, eager attitude
- Submitting an extended essay by the end of the course
All assignments that are submitted for the class will be scored on on a 3 point scale:
- 3 = assignment submitted, complete to a high quality of detail and care
- 2 = assignment submitted, complete but lacking detail or care
- 1 = assignment submitted, incomplete
- 0 = assignment not submitted
Fees and Payment
The cost is determined by the total number of students who register. The fee will not exceed $1500. The cost includes:
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?
I am happy to answer any questions or address any concerns. Please email vonbargeng@issaquah.wednet.edu
I am happy to answer any questions or address any concerns. Please email vonbargeng@issaquah.wednet.edu
Video by Jasmine C., class of 2018
Video by Eric Z, class of 2016