Marine Biology

Marine Biology

Marine Biology is a second-year biology course that builds upon concepts developed during the first year. In this class students will study the physical, chemical and geological characteristics of the world’s oceans. Then they will investigate the structures, functions, behaviors, adaptations, and classifications of a variety of marine plants and animals. Students will learn how energy flows and matter cycles through the Earth’s oceans and they will study how humans impact aquatic ecosystems.

Instructor – Beth Mueller

Email – bethmueller@foothillsschool.net

Required Course Materials –

  •      1 1/ 2” three ring view binder
  •      binder page dividers with tabs
  •      lined filler paper
  •      pencils
  •      colored pencils
  •      pens
  •      index cards
  •      a pencil pouch
  •      book cover

Text – Marine Biology, Apologia Educational Ministries

Class Format –

  •        Prayer
  •        Review homework and the previous lesson
  •        Introduction of new material through lectures, labs, class activities and discussions
  •        Review new lesson
  •        Assign homework

Grading - Tests and Quarter Projects will be worth 100 points all other assignments will be given a point value. Grades will be calculated as a percent of the total points earned.

A-     90-92%                        A   93-96%                         A+   97-100%

B-      80-82%                       B   83-86%                         B+   87-89%

C -     70-72%                       C   73-76%                        C+   77-79%

D -     60-62%                       D   63-66%                        D+   67-69%

F        0-59%

Conduct and Consequences – The rules for this class are simplified into 5 “P” words:

  • Punctuality
  • Preparedness
  • Politeness (respectful to teacher and classmates)
  • Participation
  • Performance

Conduct grades will be based on a student’s adherence to these rules. Participation is required by all students and no student will earn an excellent conduct grade by sitting quietly and observing. Behavior that disrupts the class and wastes time will not be tolerated. Below I have outlined how I will respond –

  1. Warning
  2. Excused from class and  must copy the day’s lesson from the text and turn it in before being readmitted to class
  3. PC (parent communication form)/ Phone call to parents
  4. Referral to the office

Parents, please note that your child will have homework in Marine Biology almost every night. A continued review of vocabulary is essential.

Students will use a three ring binder dedicated to Marine Biology (that means that nothing from another class may be kept in this binder!!). All course work is to be kept in it until the end of the quarter. Binder checks will be conducted for completeness of homework, notes, and lab reports. All tests must be signed by parents and kept in the notebooks as well. Students who earn less than 70% on a test will be required to make corrections. This will be done by copying the sentence from the text that answers the question correctly and citing the page number.

Scientific work requires careful attention to detail. Lack of discipline will destroy much of the work we hope to accomplish and potentially create an unsafe environment. Students who refuse to comply with directions during labs will be excused from the next scheduled activity and will receive a zero for related assignments (i.e. lab reports).

Lab coats, closed toed shoes, and safety glasses are required for labs. The school supplies lab coats and safety glasses that are shared by students. However, you have the option of purchasing you own safety glasses for $8 and a lab coat for $8 (disposable) or $30 (washable). These may be shared with siblings and will also be required for future lab courses. If you want to purchase these supplies please fill out the form below and return it with your money by Thursday, September 8.

 

 

Please check the line next to the item(s) you wish to order.

Please note that two separate options for lab coats exist.

 

Name____________________________

 

Safety glasses___

 

One-Size-Fits-All Disposable Lab Coat (option 1)___

 

Washable Lab Coat (option 2) ___S ___M ___L ___XL

 

` Marine Biology

 

 

Please sign below and return this form indicating that you have read the above information. Also include contact information.

 

_______________________________         __________________________________

Parent Signature                                            Student Signature

 

_______________________________           ________________________________

Parent Phone #                                                    Parent E-mail