Marine Science
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will provide one credit in science toward your graduation requirements. Marine Science effectively combines components of Earth science, Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, and Environmental ethics, with emphasis placed on scientific principles and analysis. This course will require extensive study time in the classroom, laboratory, and at home. Learning will take place both individually and in a cooperative classroom environment. You will experience multiple learning styles along with hands-on activities throughout this course.
Areas of STUDY INCLUDE:
Exploring the Oceans
What is Marine Science?
What are the Oceans?
History of ocean exploration
Buoyancy
History of Diving/Scuba
Marine Environments
Marine life zones characteristics and life
Ocean zones
Ocean floor characteristics
Physical characteristics of oceans including:
ocean water chemistry
tides
ocean currents
sandy and rocky environments
estuaries and mangroves
coral reef environment
Organisms structure, classification, and adaptaitions
Bacteria and microscopic/simple life
diatoms
dinoflagellate
sponges
bryozoans
Marine Algae and plants
Plankton
Stinging tentacle animals
jellyfish
sea anemones
coral
hydroids
Softbodied animals - mollusks
bivalves
gastropods
cephalopods
lobsters and crabs
shrimps and arthropods
Spiny-skinned animals
sea stars
sea urchins and sand dollars
echinoderms
Fishes
jawless fish and protochordates
cartilaginous fish
bony fish
adaptations in fish
Marine reptiles and birds
sea turtles
sea snakes
marine iguanas
saltwater crocodiles
common shorebirds
diving birds
pelagic birds
Marine mammals
whales
dolphins
Ocean Conservation
overfishing
ocean acidification / coral bleaching
endangered species
marine resources