Final Evaluation Alternatives
All classes require a "final evaluation" grade. In this class this grade is worth 100 points and allows several alternatives:
1) final exam - your choice of essay questions totaling three which reflect concepts drawn from the entire semester. "These essays are written during the designated two-hour final exam period.
2) Research project or term paper - the topic selected must deal with ecology or an environmental problem or issue, and must. be approved by the instructor in advance of its submission. Format must follow that described below; optional oral presentation.
3) Experimental project - you research the topic, design the experiment and collect the data. Written report is in journal article format; optional oral presentation.
4) Volunteer project - requires 64 hours of work during the semester at one of the sites approved by the instructor. No written paper is required but then is a required oral presentation to the class. You will also be evaluated by your site supervisor.
5) Other - may involve skit, short essays, photo essay, or other format, as agreed upon with the
instructor. Summary paper required. May require oral presentation.
YOUR SELECTION IS DUE
Feb. 1, 2008
Sources: Information should come from the most up-to-date and relevant sources. These include journal articles, correspondence and interviews with pertinent sources, and texts for background. Local sources and data should he used whenever possible. Balance is important in your sources as well as your approach to the topic. A list of sources (footnotes, bibliography) must be included with the paper.
Length: No minimum or maximum length is required for the written paper. Emphasis is placed
on quality and completeness in covering the topic. A maximum of 20 minutes is allowed for the
oral presentation, plus time for Q and A. Familiarity with the subject and ability to answer
reasonable questions are most important.
Form: The written paper must be machine printed on standard 8.5 x 11" white paper and stapled
together. Please, NO PLASTIC COVERS. A cover sheet with your name, title of paper, date,
class section, and the words "Final Project" is to be attached. The paper is due no later than
May 1, 2008, at 2 PM. Papers will not be returned, so make a copy of it before turning it
in! Topics and presentation dates are firm unless changes are approved by the instructor.
The following is a list of possible project topics. Your project does not have to come from this list, but must be relevant to ecology or environmental science, and must be approved in advance.
| current events (1 per class) | volunteer at approved site | photo essay |
| recycling | resource recovery | composting |
| organic gardening | vermiculture | sewage treatment |
| bio fuels | composting toilet, etc. | freshwater supply |
| irrigation systems | endangered species act | forestry practices |
| mining practices | agricultural practices | biodiversity issues |
| solar construction/earthship | permaculture | water projects |
| introduced species
endangered species |
biological controls vs pesticides | aquarium, terrarium, ecosphere |
| alternate energy | the role of zoos | greenhouse effect |
| wildlife ecology:
habitat protection/destruction predator control/ hunting |
toxins in the environment
nuclear waste disposal landfills/dumps |
public land use:
grazing etc. |
| the ozone layer | fire ecology | wetland management |
| coastal and wetland development | native landscaping/
xeriscaping |
Click on form to download it separately.
Or use [On-Line Submission] (This doesn't work for everyone)