Aquatic Science Syllabus

Teacher: Mr. Kent Lind Contact 761-5650 x 2408 Room 408 Information: [email protected]

Web Site: http://www.midwayisd.org/9972012313453283/ (or drill down from the main Midway HS web site to staff/Kent Lind)

Course Description: Aquatic science is a year-long upper level science elective. This is a lab and field-based course and students should expect to conduct a variety of investigations outside in various aquatic environments and in the lab. The fall semester will focus on freshwater ecosystems. We will conduct in-depth studies of freshwater aquatic systems within Texas and near Midway HS. The spring semester will focus on marine science including physical oceanography and marine biology.

Course Sequence and Overview:

Fall Semester: Freshwater Aquatic Science 1st 6 weeks 2nd 6 weeks 3rd 6 weeks  Ecoregions of Texas  Freshwater vertebrates  Freshwater ecosystems  Watersheds and drainage  Monitoring an aquatic  Estuaries basins environment  Aquatic food webs  Managing our water resources  Water pollution  Carbon, nitrogen, and nutrient  Introduction to taxonomy  Water treatment cycles  Freshwater macroinvertebrates  Human impacts on the aquatic environment

Spring Semester: Oceanography and Marine Biology 1st 6 weeks 2nd 6 weeks 3rd 6 weeks  History of ocean science and  Chemical properties of  Marine mammals, fish, exploration seawater seabirds, and turtles  The earth and ocean basins  Human impacts on ocean  Marine invertebrates  Mapping the globe chemistry  Coral reefs  Physical properties of  Plankton  Benthic communities seawater  Ocean photosynthesis  Human impacts on the oceans  Currents, waves, and tides  Production in the ocean  Climate and hurricanes

Required Materials and Supplies

 3-ring binder (to be left in class)  at least 10 tabbed dividers  Notebook paper

Homework and Computer Use

Most of the homework assignments in Aquatic Science will be reading assignments that will be provided in .pdf format on my web site. Students will need access to a computer with internet access in order to complete most homework assignments. Those who do not have computers available at home will be given priority access to the lab computers in the classroom before and after school and during Panther Time, or may request paper copies of reading assignments in advance.

Technology For Long-Term Projects

During the fall semester we will be google maps to complete a long-term mapping project to map the watersheds in Midway ISD. In order to participate, all students will be required to obtain a gmail account or google account in order to create their own maps using google maps. Students will also need access to a digital camera (good cell phone cameras are OK) in order to document local stream and river conditions. Students who do not have access to digital cameras will be able to check them out from Midway HS.

Grading Policy

Grades will be assigned according to the policies set out in the Secondary Student Handbook as follows:

 Practice towards learning (daily assignments) 30%  Application of learning (labs and projects) 30%  Evaluation of learning (tests and quizzes) 40%

Class Rules and Expectations

This is a senior-level class. Students are expected to conduct themselves like young adults and participate fully in all class activities. Students are expected to obey all of the following class rules:

1. Be on time and prepared for class 2. Respect others, yourself, and classroom property 3. Obey all lab safety rules and instructions

Consequences for Breaking Class Rules

1. Warning 2. Detention 3. Parent contact 4. Office referral 5. Any horseplay in the lab or violations of lab safety rules will result in immediate office referral 2