Ecology Notebook Expectations and Grading:
At this stage of the year you have learned how to study, keep a notebook and be a responsible student. It is now time to put all those skills to the test! In this unit you will be asked to perform lab data collection everyday as well as complete background reading and activities on a daily basis. It is going to be a challenge, but YOU are READY!
Ecology Notebook Grading:
 You will keep an Ecology Multi-Lab Notebook (due on December 20, 2005) worth 200 points. In the notebook there will be sections with dividers for:
  • First Section: Labs
    1. Biomass
    2. Which Color is Best
    3. The Greasy Leaf
    4. The Destruction Crew
  • Second Section: Activities
    1. Human Impact on Ecosystems: Research Topic Rubric and Summary
    2. "Let the Sunshine In" Activity questions
  • Third Section: Essays Section
    1. Pre-Unit Reflection
    2. Post Unit Reflection
    3. Ecology Multi-Lab Conclusion Statement
The notebook should be in the order laid out in the Ecology Notebook page.
Ecology Multi-lab and Lab Notebook Grade:
    The grade for this section will be based upon:
         -Behavior and conduct in the lab
         -Proper record keeping (format, proper order, neatness, following directions)
         -Use of evidence to support concluding statements/discussion questions
         -Logic and evidence drawing conclusions across the labs.

Ecology Multi-Lab Conclusion Statement:
All of the labs are interconnected in some way. Your job is to find the connection with the help of your team!

Pre/Post Unit Reflection Pages:
     In the beginning of the unit you wrote a page about what "Ecology" means to you. You thought about what it meant to YOU by thinking about what you have learned over the years in school, on TV in the newspaper etc.
     At the conclusion of the Unit you will be asked to write a Post Unit reflection page addressing the same topic! These are important pieces of writing. Grading will be judged on effort and writing, not scientific content. I want to know what you think and what you have learned.
Activity Summaries and Reflection:

     Each lab and activity has discussion questions associated with them and some written work to do. You will also be asked to write a reflection page about each activity describing what YOU think the point to the activity was and what YOU think you learned.

  • The discussion questions will be graded based upon the logical use of evidence from the activity/lab and proper use of scientific terminology.
  • The reflection page will be graded upon effort, sincerity and writing.
Working together with your team is encouraged and is actually critical! HOWEVER! Each person will turn in his/her own notebook and lab write up!

I highly suggest you purchase a 1/2 - 3/4 inch binder for the notebook! It is not required but there will be A LOT OF STUFF IN THERE!!

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