Since 2014, Skyline High School students have had the option of joining the Summer Ecology Research class as a way of completing an independent research project. Many students elect to use the data collected for their extended essay. 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 five days at the Naturebridge facility in the Olympic National Park. Students design and collect data related to a field ecology research problem of their choosing. We 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 a scientific paper. 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 five days at the Naturebridge facility in the Olympic National Park. Students design and collect data related to a field ecology research problem of their choosing. We 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 a scientific paper. It's not all work -- we manage to have a lot of fun, laughter, team building and adventure too!
Interested in summer 2025? Follow these steps:
1. Review the course syllabus and dates for the summer 2025 (coming soon)
2. Talk to your parents and the course expectations, dates and cost.
3. Come to room 1107 before or after school and introduce yourself to Ms. von Bargen.
4. Add your name to the list of interested students.
5 .January 2025, complete and return the field trip paperwork.
6. January 2025, pay the $400 course deposit.
7. April 2025, pay the remaining fee.
1. Review the course syllabus and dates for the summer 2025 (coming soon)
2. Talk to your parents and the course expectations, dates and cost.
3. Come to room 1107 before or after school and introduce yourself to Ms. von Bargen.
4. Add your name to the list of interested students.
5 .January 2025, complete and return the field trip paperwork.
6. January 2025, pay the $400 course deposit.
7. April 2025, pay the remaining fee.
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 results and analysis 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)
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
I am happy to answer any questions or address any concerns. Please email [email protected]
I am happy to answer any questions or address any concerns. Please email [email protected]
Video by Eric Z, class of 2016
I give many of my IB Biology resources away, for the benefit of students and teachers around the world.
If you've found the materials helpful, please consider making a contribution of any amount
to this Earthwatch Expedition Fund or donating a puzzle to our classroom from our wish list.
Did I forget something? Know of a mistake? Have a suggestion? Let me know by emailing me here.
Before using any of the files available on this site,
please familiarize yourself with the Creative Commons Attribution License.
It prohibits the use of any material on this site for commercial purposes of any kind.
If you've found the materials helpful, please consider making a contribution of any amount
to this Earthwatch Expedition Fund or donating a puzzle to our classroom from our wish list.
Did I forget something? Know of a mistake? Have a suggestion? Let me know by emailing me here.
Before using any of the files available on this site,
please familiarize yourself with the Creative Commons Attribution License.
It prohibits the use of any material on this site for commercial purposes of any kind.
