COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The study of marine organisms and their environment. The class will begin with a comprehensive and in-depth look into marine ecosystems. Such environmental factors as temperature, salinity, oxygen, minerals, ocean currents and depth will be discussed along with an introduction to measurement of some of these factors. The study of marine ecosystems and environmental factors will lead to and assist with the topics of conservation and the affect the earth’s oceans has on the rest of the planet’s ecology. The rest of the semester will be dedicated to marine organisms. The broad spectrum of ocean life will be investigated, from single celled photosynthetic organisms to marine mammals like whales, and all the invertebrates in between. Lab work will include collection and identification of marine organisms and study of preserved specimens. This course is designed for biology and non-biology majors. It is a great course for those interested in animal biology, veterinary fields, ecology, and marine biology.

GOALS OF THE COURSE:

• To develop a curiosity and understanding of ocean life

• To connect marine biology to the real world

• To provide students with an understanding of how life works

• To prepare citizens that can make logical science minded decisions

• To have fun and think about things we have not thought about before

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

You are responsible for having a LAPTOP, Tablet, or Cellphone in order to access the class site and watch class videos. You will also need the following items...

1) A hardbound sketchbook with blank pages

2) Headphones

3) Something to write with (Pen or pencil)

3) Color pencils

In order to be prepared for class:

• Ask questions. Lots of questions.

• Participate in discussions

• Be respectful of everyone

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE:

❑ Oceanography

❑ Biology of Life

❑ Algae and Seaweed

❑ What is an animal

❑ Marine Invertebrates

❑ Marine Vertebrates

❑ Ecology

You can find all of our notes, activities, videos, and assignments, for every single day of class at DavidBirdScience.com under Marine Biology

You can find a list of all of our Marine Biology videos here

GRADING CATEGORIES:

In this course I will be using skills based grading.

1. Application - Applying what we have learned in class to answer and solve novel situations. For this category students demonstrate a deeper understanding of the material and apply critical thinking skills.

2. Terminology - Items in this category require memorization. Biology is a language and it is important to learn the terminology.

3. Products - Turning in items you have produced. These items include labs, assignments, projects, and activities.

Homework:

I am against homework. You homework will always be to keep up with your sketchbook. Sometimes you will be asked to watch a short video at home, study, or finish a project.

TOTAL 100% GRADE SCALE:

I use a 50% Zero Policy. What this means is that the minimum grade any assignment/assessment submitted will receive is a 50%.

GRADING SCALE EXPLANATION:

Level of Understanding Percentage Scale Rationale

Incomplete 50-59% The learner has not provided enough evidence to assess proficiency

Not Yet 60-69% The learner has provided evidence for assessment but has not yet demonstrated understanding of specific knowledge and skills

Emerging 70-79% The learner has demonstrated an “emerging” understanding of specific knowledge and skills

Proficient 80-89% The learner has demonstrated understanding of the specific knowledge and skills

Advanced 90-99% The learner has demonstrated outstanding scholarship and fluent understanding of specific knowledge and skills

Mastery 100% The learner has demonstrated the highest level of conceptual and procedural understanding of specific knowledge and skills.

Textbook:

There is no textbook for this course. Instead you will be making your very own marine biology textbook.

Here are the rules for the DIY (Do It Yourself) Textbooks also known as "The SKETCHBOOK"

Late Work/Missing Work:

It is important that you communicate personally and/or through email and/or Microsoft Teams if you know you will be absent and/or late with an assignment. You are expected to keep up with the work in this class and turn in your assignments on time. Always complete the Late Submission Form when submitting work after the original due date. If you have a pattern of missed assignments or feel that you are struggling to meet deadlines, you are expected to communicate with your teacher and Academic Counselor for support and to work toward a solution.

Resources