Lisa Peck Recommended Links Mrs. Peck's Links & Resources page Mrs. Peck's Marine Bio Homepage   Course Title: Marine Biology Section: 370-1 Objectives: Marine biology is the scientific study of the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the ocean and their interactions. The authors of the text, Castro and Huber state "with the global trend of migration to the coast, the growth of such pastimes as scuba diving, recreational fishing, and aquarium keeping, and the increasing accessibility of travel to exotic seaside destinations, more people than ever before are able to experience first hand the sea's beauty, mystery, and excitement." This interest in the oceans has made marine biology courses very popular in high schools and universities. Not too mention that the gulf is in our backyard!!! Methods: I use a variety of teaching methods to match the student's learning styles. Demonstrations, labs, and videos will be used to supplement classroom lecture and discussion. The inquiry approach to learning science will be used through the use of hands-on / minds-on activities such as dissection. In addition the students will use the internet to conduct research and create web pages which they will present to each other using a Smarboard and to teach a global community. We also take a variety of field trips to conduct studies of the vast marine ecosystems in our backyard and to the Florida Aquarium. Assessment Procedures: I use a variety of assessments throughout a quarter. The quarterly homework grade is worth 100pts, which is the weight of an average test. The student's homework is checked for completion and not accuracy: for homework is a time for the students and teachers to assess what they know or still may need remediated. My quizzes are worth approximately 50-75pts and tests are valued between 100-200 pts. I believe in making tests worth a lot of points that way if a student is weak in one area they still have the opportunity to earn a high B or an A. My labs are worth 50 - 75 pts. I believe it is important to assess in a variety of ways for not all of us shine on pen and paper tests and yet we are truly capable of learning the concepts. Therefore the students are assessed on internet research and the creation of amazing websites on a variety of marine topics. These are weighted as a quiz or test depending on how extensive the site is. Resources Used: The internet is used as a resource instead of a textbook. Numerous videos will be shown throughout the course to supplement the content. My website contains links to all of the course notes, study guides, vocabulary, homework, resource links, as well as student. Content and Pacing: The following is my course syllabus. I. Principles of Marine Biology A. An Introduction to Marine Biology B. The Ocean Floor C. Chemical & Physical Characteristics of the Ocean II. Life in the Marine Environment A. Microbes B. Primary Producers C. Invertebrates D. Vertebrates III. Structure & Function of Marine Ecosystems A. An Introduction to Ecology B. Intertidal Communities C. Estuaries D. Continental Shelf E. Coral Reefs F. Upper Pelagic G. Ocean Depths IV. Humans and the Sea A. Oceanic Resources B. Human Impact on the Marine Environment Notes: All of my notes are accessible via my webpage. I give the students a hard copy of my notes as well as the study guide and chapter vocabulary at the beginning of each unit. The students are then required to use a highlighter during my lectures and to add information to their notes, therefore ensuring the students are active participants in my class.