Paramus High School Paramus, New Jersey s2

PARAMUS HIGH SCHOOL PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY

DEPARTMENT: Science DATE: January, 2004 COURSE: Introduction to Marine Science LEVEL: 10, 11, 12: One Semester

PREREQUISITE: Biology

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces the various types of plant and animal life in the ocean. It is intended to give an overview of the marine organisms. The organism’s habitats will also be discussed, as well as ecological and biological concepts regarding marine life.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

NEW JERSEY CORE CURRICULUM CONTENT STANDARDS: 5.1.-5.4., 5.8., 5.10.

A. Study the ocean as a habitat.

B. Discuss the classification of marine organisms. C. Identify the different regions of the ocean and the organisms found in each region. D. Study primary productivity in the sea. E. Review man’s impact on the ocean.

III. MAJOR CONCEPTS AND TOPICS:

A. The Ocean as a Habitat: B. Some Ecological and Biological Concepts C. An Overview of Marine Animals D. The Benthos E. Marine Plants F. Primary Production in the Sea G. The Intertidal Zone H. Estuaries I. Pelagic Animals J. The Nekton K. Marine Tetrapods L. Human Intervention in the Sea

IV. STUDENT SKILL OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course, a student should be able to: A. develop general skills in the marine laboratory. B. state the characteristics of the various zones in the ocean. C. identify a marine organism -from each of the major phyl a.

D. identify slides of various marine organisms.

E. discuss man’s role in regard to the future of the ocean.

F. develop an awareness of the marine environment, especially in regard to the New Jersey shore.

G. discuss the importance of the wetlands in preserving the marine environment.

V. EVALUATION PROCEDURES:

For the first marking period, one-third of the grade is based on homework assignments and class work, one-third on laboratory work and lab technique, and one-third on a lab practical exam and a written exam.

For the second marking period, one-fourth of the grade is based on homework assignments and class work, one-fourth on laboratory work and lab technique, one-fourth on a term paper and one-fourth on a lab practical exam. The written final counts as one-fifth of the grade . VI. SUGGESTED MATERIALS:

Text: An Introduction to the Biology of Marine Life, 4th Edition, ~James L. Sumich