Marine Biology

Mrs. Weber

Textbook: Marine Science, Thomas Greene, 1998, AMSCO School Publications, Inc.

Purpose: Welcome to Marine Biology! This is an introductory course for students that are interested in possibly pursuing this area of study, or just to gain an understanding of the Marine environment.

In this class we will be exploring the creatures of the ocean, learning about their habitats, their physical and behavioral characteristics, and the marine environment in which they live.

I have a lot of really fun and cool “stuff” that I plan to do with your class, but because of the amount of students that are enrolled this will be impossible without your full cooperation inside, as well as, outside of the classroom. I can only make this class fun, educational, and a great success if we all going to work together.

With that being said, and my knowing that you guys, and girls, are some of the most awesome students in the school (because those are the students that I asked for!)……………so here’s what I expect from all of you!!!!!!

Topics to be Covered:

1. Exploring the Oceans (1)
2. Marine scientists at work (2)
3. Marine Environments (15)
4. Unicellular and Multi-cellular organisms (4)
5. Marine algae and plants (5)
6. Introduction to Marine animals (6)
7. Worms and soft-bodied animals (8,9)
8. Animals with stinging tentacles (Cnidarians/ Ctenophores)(7)

9. Animals with armour (Crustaceans) and spiny skins (Echinoderms) (10,11)

10. Fish (12)

11. Marine Reptiles (12)

12. Marine Birds (13)

13. Marine mammals (14)

14. Man and the future of the oceans (21)

Class Materials: Textbook, loose leaf binder, colored pencils, pens/pencils.

Projects:

1. Powerpoint presentation- choose one marine animal, research and present a ppt. skit, play, video,rap, poem, etc. Presentation must be handed in. A printed version of the ppt. must be submitted.

2. Report on the future of our oceans and marine life. How are the ecology of the oceans effected by pollution, global warming, the fishing industry, etc.

Quizzes and Exams:

• Will be given on Fridays in most cases.
• Must be made up the day you return to class if you are unable to take it. I will not chase after you to make it up….it is your responsibility, or you will receive a zero.

HW and Labs:

• Labs are to be completed and written up the day after the lab.
• Homework will be handed in the day after they are assigned.
• Labs and HW must be made up if missed, or a zero will be given.

Grading Policy:

Quizzes and Exams: 50%

HW and Labs: 10%

Projects: 40%

Course Requirements:

1. Mutual respect in the classroom, for each other and for the Teacher, Visitors, and Guest Speakers.
2. Respect and compassion for the living organisms that we will be privileged to be observing and working with.
3. If anyone is observed behaving in a manner that is compromising to another student or one of the living organisms that we are going to be studying they will be permanently removed from the class.
4. You must be present, but if for some reason you are going to miss class, you will be responsible to make up the work. (It will all be found at the website www.iteachbio.com)
5. Homework, Labs, and assignments are your responsibility and are to be handed in on time!
6. We will hopefully be spending a good amount of time outside the class “in the field”. You are representing yourself, your family, and your school ,do them all justice, and make me proud that we chose you to participate in this experience.
7. Textbooks will be kept in the classroom along with other resources that you will be able to use. The readings and HW will not be difficult, so I expect it to be done.
8. I am available online at iteachbio@mac.com, so if you have questions or concerns about the class, or anything else, just ask! You can always reach me!!!!!! I may not respond right away, but I promise you that I will get back to you by the end of the night.
9. Lab work and fieldwork are an essential part of this course, so PLEASE do not miss class.

*There will be an exam at the end of each Unit.

**There may be open book quizzes, so take complete notes!

***There will be a Mid-term Project and a Final Project.

What you can expect from me and this class:

1. Mutual respect.
2. Caring, understanding, and concern when you’re not having a good day….
3. An open ear and door for help, questions, concerns……
4. An introduction to a new and exciting world that is practically right in your own backyards.
5. Fun!
6. Interesting field experiences.
7. Learning about some of the most interesting environments, and organisms, on the Planet.
8. Seeing things you’ve never seen before!!!!!
9. Smelling fishy…….
10. Getting your hands dirty……….
11. And GETTING WET!!!!!!!