Oceanography Class Information
Ms. Sockaci / Room 215
What is Oceanography?
Oceanography is a branch of Earth science that studies features of the ocean such as currents, waves, and
geology of the seafloor. This course features a strong focus on marine biology as well, and will include much
instruction on marine organisms and ecosystems. The content and activities in Oceanography are aligned
to the North Carolina Standards for Marine Biology.
Outline of Topics:
History of Oceanography
Seafloor Geology
Chemical and Physical Properties of
Water
Basics of Biology
Marine Ecology
Microorganisms
Multi-cellular Algae
Marine Plants
Marine Invertebrates
Marine Fish
Marine Birds and Reptiles
Marine Mammals
How will we learn Oceanography?
Standard Procedure:
o Come in, take your seat, and begin working on your designated warm-up activity. You should be
in your seat and working at the bell.
o Take out homework when instructed. Assignments will be graded on accuracy and completion.
o Prepare for instruction on new material… bring your notebook to class!!
o Interact with new material by reading, independent work, online assignments, group activities,
and labs.
What will I need for class?
o 3 subject spiral bound notebook
o Pocket folder
o Pencil
o Black pen
o Highlighter
o Colored pencils
o Mini stapler (strongly suggested)
o One roll of paper towels (if you possibly can!)
How will I be graded?
o A “total points” system will be used to calculate your average grade. Tests and summative
assessments will be weighted to account for a greater percentage of your grade.
o All assignments are due when collected. Work that is turned in later that class, later that day, or
the next day will receive 50% credit.
o CHEATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. This includes copying classwork or homework from
classmates/lab group members. You are encouraged to collaborate with your group members,
but copying is cheating. If you are caught cheating, you will receive no credit for the assignment
and your parent will be contacted. Subsequent infractions will result in an administrative referral.
Other Frequently Asked Questions!
o When is tutoring?
I am available for tutoring on Thursday afternoons from 2:15-3:00.
o What should I do if I’m out sick/on a field trip/etc?
You have 5 school days to complete make-up work. It is YOUR responsibility to get your
make-up work, complete it, and turn it in on time. If you need help with your make-up work, or
if you need to make-up a lab or a test, you must plan to come to tutoring on Thursday.
o What happens if I am tardy to class?
The school tardy policy will be strictly enforced. You are tardy if you are not in your seat at the
bell.
o Is food or drink allowed?
Typically, I do not discourage snacks or drinks in the room (as long as they are not consumed
during labs). However, students are expected to remove all trash when they leave. I will
revoke privileges for the whole class if this becomes an issue.
o What is your cell phone policy?
Based on the amount of students who possess a smart phone, we may use such phones for
class activities on occasion. When phones are not actively used for a class assignment, they
are to be shut off and put away. I will confiscate phones that in use at inappropriate times. Be
responsible! You’re almost an adult!
o Can I leave class to go to the restroom/my locker/ the nurse / etc?
Students are to sign in and out of the room when they need to leave with the hall pass.
Students who leave the room excessively or for long periods of time will have privileges
revoked and parents contacted.
Check out my website for important class
information!
http://emilysockaci.cmswiki.wikispaces.net/
Weebly coming soon!
Sign up for text alerts through Remind 101!
Send the message @Ocean1 to
(303) 578-3366 to subscribe!