AQUATIC SCIENCE
Course Syllabus
Teacher: Mrs. Kathryn Jones
Textbooks: Marine Science Textbook coming in September
Scope of Course:
Aquatic Science is a one-year course designed for college-bound students who
desire to develop an understanding and appreciation of marine and freshwater
habitats. Students will learn about these habitats through the application of biology, chemistry, physics,
geology, meteorology and aquatic resources as they relate to the environment through a variety of
strategies.
The maintenance of aquaria will be used in solving problems arising in the operation of fisheries, aquatic
farms, waste disposal, and sanitation and water supply.
Prerequisites
Students should have successfully completed one year of biology, one year of chemistry, and one year of
physics or IPC (CAN NOT be taken concurrently)
Summary of Course Content:
1st 9 Weeks
Safety/Introduction to Aquatic Science
17 days
Aquatic Cycles
9 days
Meteorology and Geology
10 days
2nd 9 Weeks
Water Chemistry & Properties
12 days
Water Resources
10 days
Human Impact
20 days
3rd 9 Weeks
Energy Flow & Population Ecology
Types of Aquatic Ecosystems & Adaptations
Brackish Ecosystems & Wetlands
13 days
17 days
17 days
4th 9 Weeks
Freshwater Ecosystems
Tropical Saltwater Ecosystems
Polar Saltwater Ecosystems
14 days
15 days
23 days
Course Objectives
By the end of the academic year, students should be able to:
1. Name and understand the terms associated with aquatic habitats.
2. Identify key features and characteristics of atmospheric, geological, hydrological, and
biological systems as they relate to aquatic environments.
3. Demonstrate basic principles of fluid dynamics, including hydrostatic pressure, density, salinity
and buoyancy.
4. Identify the role of carbon, nitrogen, water, and nutrient cycles in an aquatic environment,
including upwelling’s and turnovers.
5. Compare and describe how adaptations allow an organism to exist within an aquatic
environment.
6. Identify how energy flows and matter cycles through both fresh water and salt water aquatic
systems, including food webs, chains, and pyramids.
7. Predict effects of chemical, organic, physical, and thermal changes from humans on the living
and nonliving components of aquatic ecosystems.
Grading
FBISD grading policy is 50% daily and 50% major
Student progress and understanding will be measured using a variety of assessments that may include the following:
Classwork and homework
Diagrams / Labeling
Study Guide Packets
Worksheets
Participation
Projects and activities
Lab exercises and reports
Tests and quizzes
FBISD policy states that all students who make below a 75 on a test have the option to retest. To do so, they must
attend the teacher's designated study session previous to the retest date. They must also complete the AVID study
session request form in order to attend the study session. The highest grade possible the student can earn on
the retest is a 75.
There is a Cumulative final exam each semester
All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period.
If absent on the day a project/major grade is due, you must have someone bring it that day or turn it in early.
Make-up/Late Work
1. Students have one day for each excused absence to make-up work. It is the student’s responsibility to
find out what work was missed during an absence.
2. Late work in Fort Bend ISD Policy states:
a.
Daily – 30 pts. off one day late, 40 pts. off two days late, 50 pts. off three days late,
after three days – up to teacher
b.
Major – 25 points off first day late, 40 points off second day late, 50 points off after
starting with third day late.
c.
NO late work will be accepted the 9th week of the 9 week grading period. Special
exceptions will not be made.
Labs
Students must take the safety test before they will be allowed to work in the lab. Students will follow
directions strictly and all safety procedures at all times, or they will be excused from lab work with no score.
Attendance during all lab days is extremely important, as some lab work can be difficult to make up. An
alternative assignment may be required if a lab is missed.
This course is an elective science course and maintenance of aquaria and live aquaria organisms plays an
important role in the study and understanding of Aquatic Science.
Therefore, participation is required; no alternative assignments will be arranged. You will
also be required to purchase your own aquatic organism and food for your organism!
Rules/Conduct
All Fort Bend ISD rules and policies apply. Conduct that deviates from the expectations put forth by the
district/school/teacher will be handled accordingly by Mrs. Jones!!
Contact Information
Email:
Room
Conference
Tutorials
Kathryn.jones@fortbendisd.com
Science Hall Room 201
7th Period 1:40-2:30
By request only on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons