This class is taught in English.

Students will participate in all steps of the scientific method including question formation, research design, conducting research, data analysis, conclusions, and project communication.  

Heather is a published ecologist who has conducted field ecology research for more than a decade.  She has done research in Costa Rica, Teton Mountain National Park, the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and in the Midwest. Her main research interests are birds and landscape ecology. Heather is also an environmental educator and naturalist with over 20 years of experience teaching students of all ages through nature centers, schools, and Girl Scouts.

Homework Offered
During each meeting Heather will work with students to identify what homework should be completed before the next meeting. A deadline for the homework will also be determined at this time.  Most homework assignments will need to be submitted to Heather about 3-4 days before the next meeting in order to allow time for Heather to provide written feedback that can be discussed at the meeting.  Students should plan to spend about 2-4 hours completing homework for each upcoming meeting. Examples of homework assignments include: writing the methods section of the scientific paper, beginning field work for a project, completing data analysis, writing the scientific paper discussion section, etc…. Students may request a due date extension for homework, if necessary.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
Grades are optional.  If a grade is desired it should be requested during the first meeting. 

Grades for this course are based on: 
	30% = Homework submitted before each meeting (completion/effort)
	70% = Scientific paper final score (scored by rubric in Scientific Writing Guide)
*Grade composition may be changed in advanced by instructor and student for alternative goals (for example oral presentations)

Grade Scale: 
A: 93-100%
A-: 90-92%
B+: 87-89%
B: 83-86%
B-: 80-82%
C+: 77-79%
C: 73-76%
C-: 70-72%
D+: 67-69%
D: 63-66%
D-: 60-62%
F: Below 60%