Ecology SyllabusInstructor: Mr. Andy Stephens
Phone: 720-561-8729
Email: stephensteach@gmail.com
This course holds many exciting adventures in
science. During this academic year, you will learn how to apply
scientific processes to analyze and solve ecological problems by interpreting
scientific data and drawing logical conclusions. The class will be
unique in that the concepts learned can be widely applied to real life and in the field.
Emphasis will be on developing process skills used in fieldwork including data
collection & analysis, evaluation of information, and oral &
written communication of experimental results. In addition to lab work,
we will learn about the following units: |
Category | Percent |
Fieldwork1 | 25% |
Project2 | 20% |
Test3 | 20% |
Notes4 | 15% |
Participation5 | 10% |
Homework6 | 10% |
1. The major assignments in this category are field notes. We will do field work OUTSIDE every Wednesday rain, shine, or snow. You are required to purchase a waterproof field journal for this purpose. Two students mayl be randomly selected the day after fieldwork to present their lab reports to the class. Every student will present once per quarter. The presentation is worth the equivalent of one set of field notes grade-30 points.
2. The major assignment in this category is the final project.
3. Each student is allowed to use one page of original notes on unit tests.
4. The only assignment in this category is a well organized field notebook with detailed notes.5. The major assignment in this category is a participation self evaluation.
6. Most homework will be completed online using schoology and will be based on the days in class activities or notes.
A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+* | C* | C-* | IP* | |
93-100% | 90-92% | 87-89% | 83-86% | 80-82% | 77-79% | 73-76% | 70-72% | <70% |
An A means the student has completed proficient work on all course content standards and class requirements, and advanced work on some course content standards and class requirements.
A B means that the student has completed proficient work on all course content standards and class requirements
A C means that the student has completed proficient work on some, but not all, of the course content standards and class requirements. For continuing classes a student has demonstrated enough proficiency to continue on to the next level.
A C minus means that the student has completed partially proficient work on the course content standards and class requirements. For sequential classes a student may not continue on to the next level.
An IP means that the student has demonstrated insufficient progress in course content standards and class requirements.
Updated grades are posted on infinite campus.
Late Work
If at the end of the grading period for the course you have earned a grade below a B, you have not met expectations. If there were extenuating circumstances that prevented you from meeting expectations you may write a typed one page request for an extension that outlines why you deserve more time, a list of your missing work, a timeline of when you will turn in each assignment and a signature from a parent/guardian. Such requests will be considered if received by the end of that quarter’s exhibition day.
Academic Honesty
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are an important component of college admissions and I love writing letters of recommendation for students who excel in my classes. However, these letters do take time and must be revised so that I can make you sound as awesome as you are. Therefore I have developed some guidelines:
- Ask me in person.
- Give me at least 7 full days of notice before the due date.
- Complete a one page resume in which you answer the questions I am asked and include personal highlights you want me to hit upon.
- Give me all of the paperwork with self-addressed and stamped envelopes.
- Don't ask me if you have proven unworthy in my classes.