Science Electives - Environmental

SALTWATER ECOSYSTEMS:  Life Below the Surface and Along the Shoreline 

SC70 - 1 Science Credit - Full Year

Prerequisite: Can be taken concurrently with Biology  

An introduction to marine biology with particular emphasis on Cape Cod. Students will visit local habitats to learn how tides, weather and saltwater influence the distributions of organisms and how they interact with one another. We will study how organisms are adapted to life in different ocean zones and how they affect the people who depend on them. Comparisons to other types of ecosystems will demonstrate the value and uniqueness of the saltwater ecosystems of Cape Cod.  Individual projects will allow students to practice the scientific method while exploring a topic of their own interest. This course includes dissections and required field work.

OCEANOGRAPHY / UMASS BOSTON - Where the Mysteries of the Seafloor Unfold into a Wave of Marine Marvels 

SC66 - 1 Science Credit - Full Year (This is a college level course.)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Introductory Physics, Biology and Chemistry and recommendation from a previous science teacher.

Students need to have demonstrated a strong interest in science.

Students will need to commit to the following in order to receive college credit.

• A grade of a C or better

• Strong attendance record

• Participation in field trips 

This course is designed to be the equivalent of a college level introduction to an oceanography class for students very interested in studying oceans. Students will study the major concepts and processes in oceanography in the classroom and through field work. The topics include: origins, ocean basins, sediments and tectonics, water and properties, atmosphere and ocean circulations, tides and waves and life in the ocean.

• Upon successful completion of the course, students will have the option to earn 3 college credits through the University of Massachusetts Boston.  The college credit option requires a fee of $184.00

***Depending on the availability and level of funding, the district may be able to offset the cost of the credits for students meeting the requirements for reimbursement.  If limited funding is available, other needs based requirements may be necessary.