MARINE BIOLOGY
Mr. Tavares – Rm. 11, GMS
[email protected]
503.792.3624 x 2376
Course Description:
This semester course is for students who are interested in developing an understanding of basic
concepts of Marine Biology and Oceanography. It is intended for students that are motivated to learn
more about the oceans of the world and organisms that live in them. The course will include the study of
the marine organisms of the Pacific Northwest coastal area. Lab activities will be a large part of the
course along with research projects and hopefully a field experience. The major areas of study will
include Oceans, Tidal Zones, Marine Plants, Invertebrates (squid, stars, anemones) and Vertebrates (fish,
reptiles, birds, and mammals), Marine Ecology, and Marine Biomes. Your progress will be evaluated
using quizzes, class participation, and projects.
Essential Questions:
-What characteristics do living things share?
-How do living things interact within their living and non-living parts of the environment?
-How can the Scientific Method be used to solve problems?
Course Outcomes:
-Demonstrate basic life science knowledge.
-Understand and appreciate the characteristics of marine living organisms.
-Understands high‐level scientific systems including Environmental systems, Tidal Zonation, Marine
Classification.
-Know how to apply and practice using the scientific method to solve problems in real situations.
Course Outline:
1. Oceans/ Tidal Zones (2 weeks)
2. Marine Plants and Plankton (2 weeks)
3. Cnidarians/ Mollusks (3 weeks)
4. Crustaceans/ Echinoderms (3 weeks)
5. Fishes (3 weeks)
6. Mammals (3 weeks)
7. Final Project (2 weeks)
MARINE BIOLOGY
MY EXPECTATIONS FOR YOU THIS YEAR…
BE SAFE, BE RESPECTFUL, BE RESPONSIBLE
•
Be respectful to yourself, me, and others around you. Listen to one another, and to me. You might
be surprised to learn something you didn’t know.  And… In some instances it will keep you safer!
•
Be respectful towards property. Ask before you borrow, and make sure you return items clean and
not broken to their home. This is especially important in Science. We will look to use the many
different tools that scientists use to explore what’s out there!
•
Be prepared. You will need these things everyday.
• Paper and pencil
• School Binder with paper
• Composition and Spiral notebook or to be used for science only (for notes).
•
Be on time to class. You will be expected to have all homework, pencil sharpening, bathroom stops,
and socializing finished by the bell. The bell is your signal to begin the daily bell work.
•
Hand your work on time. Homework is due at the beginning of class and is to be placed on your
table. Late Work will lose 25%. All work must be of the appropriate “Level of Quality.”
•
When you are absent for any reason, you will need to make up the work you missed. You are
allowed one day for every day you are absent to turn in missed work. Please check the absence
folder for any handouts missed.
•
No food or candy. You may bring a water bottle though. GUM IS ALLOWED AS LONG AS IT IS NOT
SEEN OR HEARD. Please remind yourself and others to be responsible so you can keep this privilege.
CONSEQUENCES
•
Three Strike Rule
1. Warning
2. Detention
3. Phone Call and/or Referral
GRADING
1. BELLWORK: Every day you will be assigned a question or task that relates to the day’s
learning goal. These will be collected at the end of each month.
2. Assignments: These will not be daily, but don’t be surprised that you may get homework
once and awhile. Most assignments are meant and can be done with class time.
3. Projects: At times they may be individual, partners, or pairs. I will expect the highest quality
from you.
4. Labs: We will do lots of hands on activities. If you fail to complete these in the class time
given, you will be expected to make arrangements with me to complete after school or at
lunch. It will most likely be a Thursday of that week.
MARINE BIOLOGY
GRADES
93-100%
90-92%
88-89%
83-87%
80-82%
78-79%
A
AB+
B
BC+
73-77%
70-72%
67-69%
63-66%
60-62%
0-59%
C
CD+
D
DF
I’m looking for your best and I’m happy to have you in my class this year.
Mr. Tavares
I, ______________________have read and understand these expectations for this class. I am fully aware
of what is expected of me this year.
Student Signature: ________________________________ Date: ___________________
Parent Signature: _________________________________
Date: __________________