Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) year one is an exciting exploration of environmental processes. The emphasis of this course is twofold:

• to provide and apply a body knowledge, methodologies, and skills to analyze environmental issues at local and global levels
• promote collaboration and a critical awareness of a diversity of cultural perspectives in working to solve current ecological problems

Students will discover connections between all organisms and their environment. Major topics to be covered are: systems and models, ecosystems, conservation and biodiversity, pollution management, and environmental value systems. This course will be taught using an inquiry approach in which students become involved in the scientific process and ultimately plan and carry out original, independent scientific research.

ESS 1 will also incorporate the history and development of ecology, the place of ethics and ethical analysis, decision making in today’s controversial world, and the relationship between science and management.

Click here to access this year's syllabus. You will receive a hard copy in class. Please have the last page signed and returned to Ms. Cordes by Sept. 10.

This year's Ecology Camp will be in Arches National Park, Fall, 2021.

Check out these videos to see previous science adventures:

Oregon Coast 2014
Arches 2013

Looking for topic guides, course goals, guide words, and terms-to-know list? Click here! 

Ms. Cordes' checklist, biostats handbook, and other feedback forms

Opportunities to assist with current research projects in Glacier National Park.

Check out this website for more details

Interested in reading more about an ESS topic? Join a book club! Here are the assignment details!

Montana Conservation Corps

Flathead Valley Audubon Society Events

Bumblebeewatch.org

EBird.org

Penguinwatch.org

WildCam Gorongosa