Pittsville Public School District

Welcome To The Ecology Home Page

Course Description: Ecology is the study of how living things, plant and animal, interact with their environment. This course will review major ecological concepts, identify the techniques used by ecologists, provide an overview of local and global environmental issues, and examine individual, group and governmental activities important for protecting natural ecosystems and the nature of ecology as a science, the individual and its physical environment, population distribution and growth, biodiversity, and community dynamics.

The course has been designed to provide technical information, to direct the student toward pertinent literature, to identify problems and issues, to utilize research methodology for the study of natural ecosystems, and to consider appropriate solutions and analytical techniques. Discussion and understanding will be emphasized. We will look at the atmosphere (air), the hydrosphere (water) and the lithosphere (soil) and how they sustain the biosphere (life), and how the biosphere interactions with each of the other spheres.

You will be introduced to many new terms and concepts throughout the year, which may be unfamiliar to you. If you find yourself having difficulties, please come see me (Don’t wait until it is too late!) I will be happy to help you in any way that I can.

Grades will be determined by the following criteria.

Assessments (70%) – You will be given several opportunities during each quarter to demonstrate your mastery of the content. These opportunities will come in the form of tests, quizzes, projects, and presentations. Each assessment will consist of three levels of questions.

First-level questions will include vocabulary as well as basic concepts from that unit. Completing all of the first-level questions on an assessment correctly will earn you a C.
Second-level questions will consist of application questions that will require you to apply level-one information to a variety of problems. Completing all of the second-level questions correctly will earn you a B.
Third-level questions consist of application questions that have not been specifically addressed in class. These questions will require application of first-level and second level information. Completing all of the third-level questions correctly will earn you an A.

If, after completing an assessment, you feel that your level of knowledge was not accurately reflected by your grade, you may discuss possible alternative methods of assessment with me. If I feel that an assessment score is unacceptable, I will ask that you meet with me to discuss the reason for your lack of mastery. I will also give you the opportunity to devise a plan of study in order to master the material and retake the assessment. Assessment retakes must be completed within on week of the original assessment and I will make the final decision as to whether or not a retake is appropriate.

A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of each semester and will count for 5% of your final semester grade.

Labs (20%) – The ability to set up an experiment, interpret the results, and communicate your findings is essential in the science classroom. Each lab activity will require some type of written explanation. Sometimes this will be a complete lab report and other times only certain parts of the lab report will be required.

Homework (10%) – You will be given a variety of assignments during each unit that are designed to help you master the content of that unit. Homework will include activities like textbook problems, worksheets, group discussions, etc. You are expected to come to class each day with your homework assignment completed so that you may participate in the day’s activities and keep up with the material. If assigned practice work is not completed, you have the opportunity to work in my classroom during lunch or your study hall in order to complete the work.

Grading: Your course grade will be determined using the following grading scale

93 – 100 A

90 – 92 A-

87 – 89 B+

83 – 86 B

80 – 82 B-

77 – 79 C+

73 – 76 C

70 – 72 C-

67 – 69 D+

63 – 66 D

60 – 62 D-

Below 60 F

Test/Quiz Make-up Policy: If you need to make up a test or quiz, it is your responsibility to meet with me to make arrangements to complete the test before or after school. No make-up test or quiz will be completed during class time.

Materials Needed:

1. Spiral notebook

2. One binder

3. Pencil

4. Blue or black ink