Oceanography
Course Policies:
In a sense, the Earth is made up of only three things:
one kind of land and two kinds of oceans. One kind of ocean is thin,
transparent, free-flowing and critical for our kind of life. It is the
atmosphere – a 20 mile deep ocean of air that surrounds the planet. The second
kind of ocean is much like the first. It behaves in similar ways, and it is
equally important for all kinds of life. It is just more dense and so it flows
and moves more slowly. It is the water ocean. The water ocean is, of course,
critical for all life on Earth whether that life lives on land or in the water.
Water is the blood of the planet, taking nutrients,
minerals, and trace elements in circulating paths around the world. Water (and
the life in it) also controls, to a large degree, the temperature of the planet,
the composition of the atmosphere and the general livability of the planet’s
surface. Without ocean, Earth would be cold, dry and lifeless, like Mars.
With ocean, Earth is alive, active, evolving. The science
of Oceanography – the study of the physical, chemical, and biological
properties of the ocean – is the subject of this course.
Course Overview:
1. Introduction
to Oceanography: Nature of Science, Origin of Earth / Life
2. A History
of Oceanography: Mapping, Global Geography, Navigation, Tools, Early Ocean
Exploration
3. Ocean
Basins and the Seafloor: Plate Tectonics, Seafloor Topography, Hydrothermal
Vents, Sediments
4. Physical
Oceanography: Molecular Properties of Water, Light & Sound in the Ocean,
Pressure
5. Chemical
Oceanography: Sea Water Constituents
6. Atmospheric
and Oceanic Circulation: Heating, Coriolis, Wind, Storms, Currents, Climate
7. Waves and
Tides: Wind Waves, Tsunami, Seiches, & Tides
8. Coastal
Classification and Processes: Erosion, Beaches, Estuaries
9. Life in the
Ocean: Classification, Ecosystems, Marine Plants, Marine Animals, Marine
Communities
10. Humans and the Ocean: Marine Resources, Environmental Concerns
Expectations:
Oceanography
is designed as an upper-class course for responsible, motivated and INTERESTED
students who have developed sufficient lab skills, study skills, and thinking
skills to move quickly through a large and sometimes complex subject. You will
take notes, read materials in and out of the textbook, discuss, cooperate, set
up and perform detailed and complex labs, and communicate clearly and completely
in written and oral forms.
You all know how to behave and cooperate appropriately in class. Consequently, I expect that you will:
1. Come to
class prepared. Bring a notebook, calculator, paper, pencils and colored pencils to class.
2. Come to
class on time every day. Be seated and quiet when the tardy bell rings.
3. Turn in
assignments on time. Assignments are due at the beginning of class unless
otherwise stated.
4. At the end of the class period, have the lab table cleaned, equipment returned to the proper location, and remain seated until dismissed. Do not assemble by the door.
5. Show respect and common courtesy for all others within the classroom; e.g., raise your hand to be recognized to speak; listen to others; be “contributive, not disruptive”; show proper care of equipment.
If the above are not followed, disciplinary action and/or
grade consequences will result.
Grading:
Students are graded on a point / percentage system.
Students compete only with themselves to acquire as many points as possible.
Total points per quarter are converted to percentage and grade according to the
following scale:
90-100-A 80-89
- B 70-79-C 60-69-D 60 and
below-F
Classroom participation and cooperation will be considered
in evaluation.
Make-Up
Work:
Unless other arrangements are made, make-up work must be
handed in on the second day following return to school. Assignments due on the
day missed must be handed in the day you return. Students will be given the same
number of periods to make up assignments as you have been absent. It is the
student’s responsibility to complete make-up work and schedule the time for
making up assignments and lab work.
If you are absent on the day of a test you must take it on
the day you return. Keep in mind that tests can only be made up outside of class
(before school, lunch, after school, during your study hall, etc.)
Late
Work:
No late work will be accepted. NOTE: Extra credit will not be available to students with missing assignments.
Extra
Credit:
Extra credit may be offered during the quarter but will not
be offered during the last week of each quarter.
Tardies:
A phone call to a parent will be made on the third tardy in
the quarter. Further tardies will be dealt with according to school policy.
Cheating:
Any student found cheating on an assignment or test will
receive “zero” points for the work. Copying another student’s work
constitutes cheating. Parents will be notified.
Beginning
of Class Procedures (BEFORE the bell rings):
Sharpen pencils and put all slips needing my signature on
the front desk. Put away all materials not pertaining to this class. This
includes work for other classes. If you’ve been absent, check the Oceanography
notebook and ask a classmate for any notes you missed.
End
of Class Procedures:
Continue working until the bell rings. If the
bell rings while I am finishing up instructions, stay seated until I dismiss
you.
Food
/ Drink in Classroom:
Food and drinks are not allowed in the classroom. Water is
allowed. Bring a water bottle. You will not be excused to get a drink in the
hall.
Where
I can be reached:
I'm usually in the building by 7:00 am. I have class in room #104 (downstairs). My office is in room #110.
I will be available after school on Wednesdays for
make-up labs and extra help. Make an appointment.
Email: goodricj@loswego.k12.or.us
Class Web Page: http://loh.loswego.k12.or.us/teacherpages/goodricj/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I’ve read and understand the above policies and
procedures and realize that failure to follow them may result in disciplinary
action and/or grade consequences.
Name (print) _________________________________
Name (signature) ______________________________
Date _____________
Parent / Guardian Signature ____________________________