ALDO LEOPOLD
HIGH SCHOOL

	Tropical Ecology
	Post-Trip Evaluation Survey Course Objectives: Study the ecology and conservation of tropical ecosystems, focusing on the rainforest and marine ecosystems of Costa Rica. Gain first-hand research experience by conducting field research in Costa Rica Enrollment Requirements: __ Must be in 11th or 12th grade and have taken or be taking a Spanish class. __ Must have valid passport by January, 2011. __ Must have any required immunizations (none presently required—see CDC website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/costa-rica.aspx). __ Must commit to go on 2 week Ecology field trip to Costa Rica (in March, 2011—during spring break and one week of ALHS classes). __ Must raise approximately $1485 for trip (through fundraising, working, and donations from family). Grading (Approximate) Tropical Notebook 10% Socratic Seminar 10% Participation (incl. fundraising) 15% Research Proposal & Presentation 15% Assignments 20% Quizzes/Tests 30% Texts Miyata, Ken, and Forsyth, Adrian. 1984. Tropical Nature. Touchstone, New York. Kricher, John 1997. A Neotropical Companion: A Guide to the Animals, Plants, and Ecosystems of the New World Tropics. Second Edition. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. Forsyth, Adrian. 2008. Nature of the Rainforest: Costa Rica and Beyond. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York. Projects There will be 8 projects with two students working on each, including Tropical Terrestrial Ecology species interactions (three or more floral and/or faunal) single genus/species intensive niche study water and people (working with local students on water quality issues) team proposes their own. Tropical Marine Ecology symbiotic relationship single genus/species intensive niche study the reef and people (working with local students on marine ecology issues) team proposes their own. Assignments: Events: Files: Course Application Syllabus Plant Adaptations Lecture Links: