Oceanography Course Information

Course Description

Oceanography is a thematic approach to studying the world’s oceans. You will be studying biological,
chemical, geological, and physical principles and processes concerning the ocean environment. The course
will emphasize the ways in which marine organisms interact with each other as well as their physical
environment. Human-related activities that result in marine exploitation and insults to various marine
ecosystems will also be addressed.

Questions that will be addressed during the semester will include: How, why, and in what ways are the oceans
changing? How have marine organisms adapted to life in the ocean? What are the features of the ocean?
How does the ocean work? What are the sources and effects of marine pollution? What are the causes and
effects of overfishing? How do red tides develop and affect marine ecosystems? What is the controversy
involving the greenhouse effect and the role of the ocean?

Understanding the relationship between marine organisms and their physical environment should provide you
with a better appreciation of the ocean. By embracing an interdisciplinary approach, you should see the
relevance of your high school science education. The intent of the course is to foster a better comprehension
of economic and sociological problems concerning the ocean environment. Synthesis of such issues will assist
you in evaluating the future questions evolving from how we regard our oceans.

Overview of the Course

The semester is broken up into two parts. A different book will be used in addition to your usual textbook for
each semester.

1. The Living Ocean

a. Ecology
b. Plankton
c. Invertebrates
d. Fish
e. Sharks
f. Whales
g. Seaweed

2. The Fluid Earth

a. The Ocean Floor
b. Waves and Beaches
c. Physical Oceanography
d. Chemical Oceanography
How to Contact Ms. Alysia Campbell:
-E-mail: acampbell@hinghamschools.org
-Phone: 781-741-1560 ext. 2124
-Google Classroom: http://classroom.google.com (code give for each class)
-Website: mscampbellhhs.weebly.com

Course Materials:
-3 ring binder with lined paper for all notes and handouts (can be left in class)
-pocket folder (to transport things back and forth to class)
-pens, pencils, and highlighters
-colored pencils
-Textbook (can be left at home)

Grades:
There will be a variety of evaluations including tests, quizzes, term projects, and portfolios. You will be creating
a portfolio of homework assignments as well as classwork including notes, worksheets, laboratory assignments,
etc. in your 3-ring binder. The portfolios will be collected at the end of each unit and graded. There will be a
Mid-year and Final Exam, each worth 10% of the final grade. Your grade is calculated with weighted categories
including:
Binder (Portfolio) = 50% Tests = 37.5% Quizzes = 12.5%

Class Work:
Please be on time and prepared for class. Class time will consist of a variety of activities including lectures,
discussions, group work, laboratory activities, etc. Active participation is important to the class and the best way
to learn.

Homework:
Students are expected to check the board and Google Classroom for assignments. Homework assignments will
be checked for completion on the due date. Homework is accepted late up until the unit portfolio is handed in.
Each homework assignment is worth roughly 5 points towards the portfolio grade. Repeatedly not having
assignments completed will result in an e-mail to your parent/guardian.

Attendance:
--If you miss class YOU are responsible for getting the notes and handouts. Contact a classmate or check
Google Classroom to keep up to date with missed work. Google Classroom will contain copies of class notes and
all handouts. It is YOUR responsibility to complete the makeup work and show it to me in a timely fashion.
**All missed work (labs, classwork, homework) must be turned in with the unit portfolio!!!!**
-If you are present on the day of an assessment, you are expected to take the assessment. These dates are
given in advance so if you are absent on the review day, you are expected to review independently. If you are
absent on the day of the assessment, you will have one week to schedule a makeup.

Extra Help/Makeups:
I encourage students to come see me for extra help. I am available most days after school and before school.
Please see me to arrange a time so I am aware that you intend to come!

Other:
-Be respectful of yourself, your classmates, and me. You are responsible and accountable for your actions.
-Discuss the concepts from class to help you make connections and understand the material better.
-Be sure to visit Google Classroom for announcements and homework assignments, to view class notes, and to
get copies of handouts.