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Oceanography Syllabus

Ms. Klecker

Flagstaff High School, Room 503

Phone: 773.8100 (ext. 6660)

Email: kklecker@

I. Course CONTENT and Structure: Oceanography is a lab science course with a focus on studying the marine environment and human interactions with it. This class is centered on investigating the cycles of Earth, specifically those in its unique ocean. The course includes multiple components, particularly aspects of chemistry, physics, and biology.

In order to study the ocean’s challenging environments and marine animal interactions, the class will be examining and learning in a variety of ways. Students are expected to participate in taking notes during guided lectures, contribute to group projects and lab activities, as well as be creative in considering class lessons in the “real world” with projects and demonstrations. During the second semester, students have the hands-on opportunities to dissect marine organisms, as well as visit the ocean on an optional trip to Catalina Island in the Pacific Ocean (April dates TBD).

Prerequisites [Preferred]: 1 credit lab science (i.e. Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics)

Preparation Materials: composition/spiral notebook, 3-ring binder (with 3 dividers), writing utensil, textbook, online access (for homework and grade checks)

Textbook: Life on an Ocean Planet; Current Publishing; 2009.

II. Course OBJECTIVES: At the end of this year-long course, students will be able to .

← Apply scientific inquiry and critical thinking to understand Earth’s oceanic processes

← Ask good questions to study and analyze scientific data in comparing past trends and current ocean phenomena

← Explain Earth’s cycles, particularly the water cycle, as they relate to humans and the other “spheres” of the natural world

← Collaborate with other students to test hypotheses and draw conclusions that they are able to present in written form—formal and informal—to demonstrate learning

← Describe specific issues of oceanic degradation and pollution and current methods of study and protection as a result of human action

← Analyze patterns and connections within the ocean and terrestrial life

Cooperate with each other; compete only against yourself!

III. Course POLICIES:

Classroom Expectations: All Flagstaff High policies and procedures will be strictly enforced. Instructor reserves the right to revoke all privileges.

o Be respectful to yourself and others—No putdowns or “bullying” behavior

o Electronic devices are prohibited. Including: cell phones, ear buds, headphones

o Hall pass is an earned privilege, and may be revoked if abused: Not begin/end class

o Snacks and drinks are allowed except on lab days: closed lid, contained food

o Academic Integrity: Do your own work and earn your own grade!

Preparedness: Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings; I will start on time. Bring the following each day: Binder notebook (outlined below) and pen/pencil. Prep your learning space with a notebook and any homework assignments as you enter the room. Come prepared to work hard and try new things—Every day! An ‘A’ equals EFFORT, not ability—Do your personal best!

Attendance Policy: Students must be present to get the most out of their classroom experience. FHS school policy will be followed regarding absences and loss of credit. If a student is unexcused through the front office, there will be no credit awarded for assignments missed (including tests).

Tardy Policy: Students are “tardy” to my class if not in the classroom and SEATED prior to the bell signaling the start of class. After 10 minutes, that student is considered “absent” and must get an admit slip through the front office.

Lab Expectations: Everyone is responsible for their own learning, but accountable to the group.

Follow all lab procedures as outlined by teacher and instructions. Be safe at ALL times. Rotate responsibilities. Be careful with equipment and any chemicals. Be prepared and pay attention!!

During group lab activities students will work collaboratively, but complete and turn in their own lab sheets, unless otherwise directed. If absent for lab activities, make-up assignments will be determined as necessary based on as excused or not, i.e. after school or alternate assignment.

Assignments Policy: Students are expected to come to class prepared each day.

Classroom Notebook: Each student is expected to come prepared each day with notebook paper, writing utensil and a binder (below). Hole-punched items go in your notebook!

Section 1 Notes and classroom journal assignments

Section 2 Assignments and handouts for reference

Section 3 Glossary of terms and KBATs

Section 4 Tests and Quizzes

Outside class work: Approximately twice a week. Monthly creative projects to be assigned as well.

Projects and Homework Assignments: Due at the BEGINNING of class on due date

In-class Assignments: Due at END of class, or may be turned in the beginning of the next.

Partial Credit: Excused absences allow one day extended time per one day absent on any missed assignments including homework, class work, lab, or test. Students must gather missing work. If an assignment is partially done, it will receive partial credit.

NO CREDIT is given beyond 24-hours after the original due date without special arrangements.

IV. GRADING Policy: Students will keep all assignments and handouts in their course notebook binder as study and reference materials. For group activities, students earn an individual grade on the assignment as reflective of that person’s contribution to the whole group.

Semester grade assignment categories are broken down as follows:

20% Practice Homework assignments or in-class handouts

20% Performance Lab activities, group projects, Notebook/Glossary

60% Measurement Assessment of Learning Objectives (section 2 above): Presentations, formative and summative exams

Semester Grades (Fall/Spring) = 85% Cumulative Quarter Grade + 15% Semester Exam

(Semester 1 = Q1 + Q2; S2 = Q3 + Q4)

Oceanography Class Topics Outline * Tentative

|Units |Topics |Dates* |Chapters |

|Marine Science: Exploration and |Polynesians, Chinese, Romans; Maps, |August (3 |Ch. 1 |

|Oceanography |Latitude/longitude Methods of studying the ocean |weeks) |Ch. 2 |

|Physical Earth: Building the Water |Plate Tectonics & Ocean Floor; Marine Sediments & |September – October |Ch. 11 |

|Planet |Resources; Coastal marine ecosystems |(6 weeks) |Ch. 12 |

| | | |Ch. 13 + 14 |

|Biogeochemical Processes: Hydrologic |Ocean Chemistry and Physical Properties |October – December |Ch. 6 + 7 |

|Cycle on Water Planet |Ocean Motion: Waves and Tides |(9 weeks) |Ch. 8 |

| |Currents and Global Climate | |Ch. 9 |

| | | |Ch. 10 |

|Marine Biology: Food Webs and |Formation of ocean/life |January (5 |Ch. 3 |

|Energy Flow |Primary productivity: Food webs/trophic pyramids |weeks) |Ch. 4 |

| |Lifestyles and ocean zones | | |

|Marine Biology: Classification (“Plenty|Survey of marine life: Algae to Marine |February – April |Ch. 5 |

|of fish in the sea…”) |Mammals |(11 weeks) | |

|Human Impact on the Ocean Planet |Current events and the future of humans on the |May (2 |Ch. 15 |

| |water planet |weeks) |Ch. 16 |

Assignment Templates

Vocabulary Squares:

|WORD |Definition = What it IS |

|Opposite = What it ISN’T |Picture (or) List of 3-5 Examples |

Oceanography Syllabus Contract

Objective: Discuss the course expectations as outlined on the syllabus, then sign below to verify the student-parent contract with the classroom teacher.

Sign below to confirm your understanding of the classroom requirements and student responsibilities for this lab science course. If there are violations or concerns as outlined, those may be raised at any time by any party. I look forward to a great year; thank you for supporting my classroom expectations and your student’s learning!

Sign below and return by * Keep syllabus in your Notebook (

Student Name

Signature X

Parent Printed Name

Parent Signature X Date

Parent Contact (Circle the best option):

Phone

Email

Notes/Questions/Comments???

✓

✓

✓

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Assignment Expectations

For each assignment you complete in Oceanography, please adhere to the following requirements for full credit.

1. Heading on paper includes:

a. Full name

b. Class period

c. ASSIGNMENT TITLE (Unit, chapter, topic, etc.)

2. Complete sentences for every assignment, whether or not you turn it in.

3. Keep any assignment that is HOLE-PUNCHED in your notebook!

Glossary Expectations (KBATs)

Each chapter/unit will have a set of vocabulary terms that need to be looked up and written down as outlined below in preparation of in-class activities. All vocabulary terms will be organized by unit for reference and studying purposes. For full credit:

1. Heading includes:

a. Chapter

b. Title of unit

2. WORD is arranged along the left margin, with a line drawn to separate the DEFINITION and NOTES in the right-hand column.

3. Write definitions in your OWN WORDS, with notes to explain or clarify.

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