Ecological Studies

This is an introductory course for students to study the environment which includes the earth’s biomes and the role and impact of human activities on natural systems.  This course will help students identify and analyze natural and human-induced environmental problems after studying energy and cycling of matter, different biomes and ecosystems, and human population dynamics. It will enable students to learn how to assess the risks associated with population dynamics and human activities on the natural systems and evaluate or suggest alternative solutions for resolving and preventing these risks and current issues.  There will be some laboratory work to support the study of topics. Units of Study:

• Scientific Methods 

• Matter and Energy in the Environment

• Species, Population and Communities

• Land Ecosystems

• Aquatic Ecosystems

• Human Populations and Demographics

• Human Impact and Possible Solutions Project

Essential Learning Goals

Scientific Literacy (30%)

• • Students will demonstrate scientific literacy by using scientific vocabulary terms correctly. (Vocabulary Terms) 

  • Students will demonstrate their ability to process information from scientific media. (Processing Information)

  • Students will demonstrate their ability to integrate their background knowledge. 

Professionalism (10%)

• • Students will create a final product is flawless, clean, neat and professional looking demonstrating superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. (Quality of Product)

  • Students will conduct themselves in a professional manner, predicting safety hazards and maintain a safe lab environment. (Lab Environment)

Communication (60%)

• • Gathering of information: Students will be able to identify credible sources and collect relevant and accurate information and appropriately present information/data in an organized method. (Research and Observations) 

  • Students will be able to appropriately annotate texts to demonstrate the analysis of information. 

  • Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning:  Students will accurately analyze data and communicate the results of investigations in written and/or verbal form utilizing the claim, evidence, and reasoning format. (Analysis/Conclusion)

Major Assessment and success Criteria

Ecological Studies Grading Rubrics

Students will be assessed on their 1) explanations of natural phenomena using biological principles, 2) their ability to engage and explain problems, and 3) on their conducting and communicating the results of laboratory investigations.)