Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

Oceanography Course Description
- High School oceanography is an upper-level science class for juniors and seniors only and thoroughly examines the biological; geological; chemical and physical aspects of the world’s oceans. Oceanographic science will be explored through hands-on laboratory experiences; data analysis of current scientific studies; and student-led research on a variety of topics. A three-day field experience to Catalina Island California is required for all students taking this course. Students must meet the minimum pre-requisites of having taken high school earth science and biology (or equivalent) and passed the classes with at least a "C". If the student has not completed this requirement; the student will be dropped from the course.
Syllabus
Course: 9-12 Oceanography; Year: 2010-2011
Teacher: Mr. D. Krassner
Grade Level and Course Description
- High School oceanography is an upper-level science class that examines the biological; geological; chemical and physical aspects of the world’s oceans. Oceans cover more than 70% of the earth; therefore we are all inextricably tied to oceans as they affect our climate; food; and oxygen levels in the atmosphere. Students must meet the pre-requisite of having taken high school earth science and biology (or equivalent) and passed the classes with at least a "C". If the student has not completed this requirement; the student will be dropped from the course.
Course Goals and Objectives
- The student will understand the fundamentals of oceanography. In addition to these concepts we will learn laboratory (lab) safety; lab fundamentals; and the basics of scientific method. Some of the material and content is from the Arizona Department of Education Teaching Standards. You can view this material at: http://www.ade.state.az.us/standards/science/articulated.asp
- Click High School; under “By Grade Level”. This is a downloadable document either in MSWord or PDF which requires Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat Reader respectively. To download Adobe Acrobat Reader go to: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Course Materials
- Text (book): Life on the Ocean Planet. Author: Wohlers; Bob M.A.; et al. Year: 2008.
- The student must bring his or her own working: paper; pencil; and binder; and required lab equipment. Sufficient notice will be given for any other equipment.
- Already provided at the school are: computer labs; projectors; and High School lab equipment.
Format and Procedures
- We will participate in lectures; recitations; labs; discussions; group learning projects; presentations; research papers; artistic assignments; and tests.
Course Requirements (Assignments; Attendance; Tardies; Discipline; etc.)
- The students will have a research paper due at the end of the term.
- The students are expected to have the most outstanding behavior of any class in Flagstaff. Attendance; participation; and respect for others; property; and self are
required. If a behavior is unacceptable; the consequence procedure will be consistent and clearly carried out.
- Cheating and plagiarism is not allowed; if any occurs a failing grade for that assignment or test will be given.

Catalina Island Field Trip
- Students will have the opportunity to experience many aspects of the oceanography curriculum in an extremely hands-on and educational field experience to Catalina Island; one of the Channel Islands off the coast of California. While many students say this is the highlight of their school year; it is a fairly rigorous trip and students are expected to participate in all activities in and out of the water. Students will observe marine life directly during three snorkeling outings and participate in hands-on activities on land such as dissection labs. Details about the trip will be provided soon!

Grading Procedures
- If a student misses class; assignments/quizzes/tests can be made up or retaken. We will work in 3 week blocks where makeup assignments can be handed in. A deadline will be announced in class on the website for all makeup work to be handed in. Students are encouraged to make arrangements with Mr. Krassner to make up any missed assignments; tests; or labs after school.
- Laboratories and the research paper cannot be made up. If a particular lab is already taken down; the student will most likely be expected to complete an alternate assignment in place of the lab. This is because of the labs being too difficult to set up for an individual student. The research paper will be due at the end of the term.
- Extra credit assignments will be available.
Sample Course Schedule
- Monday: turn in any due assignments; quiz; and book work.
- Tuesday: turn in any due assignments; laboratory.
- Wednesday: turn in any due assignments; book work; major assignment.
- Thursday: turn in any due assignments; major assignment; or laboratory.
- Friday: turn in any due assignments; study; and test.
- The tests will cover the quiz content. If the assignments and labs are completed the student should be able to get 100% on the quiz. If the quizzes are complete; the student should use them as a study guide to take the test. The test questions will be re-worded quiz questions.
Teacher Contact Information
- Room Number: 702.
- School Phone Number: 928-773-8200.
- Website: http://www.fusd1.org/chs/site/default.asp
- Email: dkrassner@fusd1.org.

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Student Name_______________________________
Parent or Guardian___________________________ Date___________________
Oceanography Curriculum
Unit 1- Importance of Ocean Exploration
Ch. 1- Introduction to Marine Science
The ocean planet
The cross-disciplinary nature of marine science
Concept Mapping
Ch. 2- History of Ocean Exploration & Marine Sciences

Unit 2- The Foundation of Life in the Ocean
Ch. 3- Theories of the Origins of Life
Ch. 4- The Energy of Life
Ch. 5- A Survey of Life in the Sea (Introduction)
Ch. 6- Invertebrates
Ch. 7- Vertebrates

Unit 3- A Water World
Ch. 8- The Nature of Water (unique properties; chemistry; etc.)
Ch. 9- Water a Physically Unique Molecule (The physics of water)

Unit 4- The Motion of the Ocean
Ch. 10- Air-Sea Interaction (Sun; Coriolis Effect and Winds)
Ch. 11- Highways in the Sea (currents)
Ch. 12- Waves & Tides

Unit 5- Voyage to the bottom of the Sea
Ch. 13- Plate Tectonics
Ch. 14- Sediments in the Sea
Ch. 15- The Dynamic Coast
Catalina Island Trip (April)
Unit 6- The present and future of the marine environment
Ch. 16- Marine Ecosystems
Ch. 17- Marine Resources
Ch. 18- Pollution and the Health of Oceans
Ch. 19- Management; Research; and the Future of an Ocean Planet

School country

School state

School city

High school

School / district Address

School zip code

Requested competency code

Date submitted

Approved

Approved competency code

• LINT
• Integrated science

Approved date

Online / Virtual