Welcome to Marine Science! This is an upper-level course that focuses on the interrelationships that exist between aquatic environments and the organisms that reside in them. This course will examine three main aquatic environments: freshwater, estuarine and marine. Major topics discussed in this course include marine biology, lymnology, oceanography, diversity, anatomy, behavior, ecology and conservation. Expectations
You are expected to act as mature young adults and to show proper respect to your teacher and your fellow classmates. Class time is not to be used for socialization, cell phone use, fighting or loud obnoxious behavior. At no point will this type of behavior be tolerated. Failure to observe these rules will result in disciplinary action.
You are also expected to be an active reader in this course. It is essential for your success that you read, review and study each chapter assigned to you.
Finally, you are expected to come to class prepared. You should have access to your textbook, your notes, a calculator, any assigned homework, college ruled paper, a pen and a pencil with you for each class. I cannot waist time giving everyone passes to their lockers because they forgot something they needed in class. You must come to class prepared and ready to work.
Notebooks
All of your notes will be provided to you through Google Classroom. You can join the Marine Science class by entering the code vgf6or when prompted. However, you should also have a three-ring binder with ample room for handouts, homework, quizzes and tests. You should also have a separate section of this binder for laboratory notes and returned labs. Your binder should not be just a dumping ground for old assignments or a place to doodle. It should be neat, well organized and easy to use as a review for exams.
Book
We will be using Marine Science: Marine Biology and Oceanography, 3rd edition, by Thomas F. Greene as our textbook for this course. This is considered one of the best introductory textbooks on Marine Science available. Once you receive your book it is your responsibility to keep track of the book and maintain it in the condition in which it was received. Damaged or lost books will be the financial responsibility of the student.
Homework
You will always have homework in this class. If it doesn't involve a written assignment, then it will involve reading a chapter in the textbook, studying for a test, or finishing a laboratory. All assigned homework is due the following class unless otherwise noted. Failure to hand in your homework on time will result in a grade of zero. There will be no credit for late work.
Testing
You will be given unit tests at various times throughout the year. Each of these tests will cover a major topic discussed in class and the textbook. In addition, you will be required to take a mid-term examination in January and a final examination in June.
Laboratories
We will be performing a number of laboratories throughout the year. These laboratories will cover and reinforce many of the topics discussed during lecture. These labs will involve data collection and analysis, studies of water properties, microscopic observation and study, and at least six dissections (including unique dissections such as a clamworm, a squid and a shark), just to name a few. Each lab will be evaluated by a lab write-up and may include information that will appear on the next test. Since this is a science course, these laboratories may use potentially dangerous equipment and supplies. Therefore it is expected that you follow the safety procedures at all times. If you are asked to wear gloves, goggles and/or an apron you must do so. This is not optional! It is also imperative that you listen carefully to instructions. If you refuse to follow the safety procedures you will not be allowed to perform the lab.
Grading
Your final grade for this course will be an average of your four quarter grades and a fifth “exam” grade, of which your midterm counts 1/3 and your final exam 2/3.
Attendance
As with other courses, you are still subject to the school's attendance policy. You are expected to attend and be on time to each class. If you are absent it is your responsibility to make up the work you missed. You have one week from the time you return to make up the work. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero. If you are forced to be absent for an extended period of time, please see me. All work that needs to be made up must be done on your own time. If you are caught skipping the class, all work done and due that day will be counted as a zero and you will forfeit any chance of making it up.
Extra Credit
At various times throughout the year I will offer an extra-credit assignment. These may consist of bringing in newspaper/magazine articles, Internet research, making a collection, etc. I strongly urge you to take advantage of the extra credit. It can have a significant effect on your grade.
Extra Help
I am very committed to your success in this course. I realize that at times we may cover the material too quickly or that you may not fully understand a certain topic. Therefore I am always available to you for extra help. Please seek additional help if you need it! I can meet with you during study hall, lunch, one of my free periods, or after school. You are welcome to stop in at any time, but I recommend that you make an appointment with me ahead of time to assure that I will be there.
Academic Honesty
Under no circumstances will plagiarism be tolerated. If you are found to have copied work from another student, both students will receive a grade of zero on that assignment. If this continues you may be subject to a meeting involving your parents and school administration. Each of you is a very bright student. There is no reason to submit work that is not your own.
Field Trips
You have the opportunity to attend a number of field trips this year. We will be participating in A Day in the Life of the Hudson River in October, visiting the Museum of Natural History in April, and going on a whale watch and touring the New England Aquarium in May. If other field trip opportunities should arise we may participate in those as well. A Day in the Life of the Hudson River is free, but the other two can cost between $50-$80 each depending on how many students attend. If you are interested in going to the museum and/or the aquarium please start budgeting accordingly. Please note, you must be passing the class to be eligible for these trips.
Topics
1. Chemical Properties of Water 2. Physical Properties of Water 3. Bacteria 4. Protists 5. Fungi 6. Plants 7. Animals 8. Freshwater Ecosystems 9. Estuarine Ecosystems 10. Marine Ecosystems