Aquatic Science
Instructor: Mrs. Pauline A. Thompson, M.Ed.
Email address: pthompson2@dentonisd.org. Phone 940-369-1123
Conference Periods:A1 and B2
Tutorials: Tuesday 8:00 – 8:45, Wednesday 8:00 – 8:45
Course Description: In Aquatic Science students study the interactions of biotic and abiotic components in aquatic
environments, including impact on aquatic ecosystems. Investigations or fieldwork in this course may emphasize
freshwater, brackish water, as well as marine water. Students will acquire knowledge about a variety of aquatic
ecosystems, conduct investigations and observations on aquatic environments, work collaboratively with peers and
develop problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students will gain one credit for successful completion of this course.
Textbook: Texas Aquatic Science, Author: Rudoph A.Rosen; Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
Course Sequence:
UNIT 1: Introduction to Water
1. Water Everywhere!
2. Properties of Water
3. Water Consumption
4. Water quality Investigation
6. Water distribution and scarcity
UNIT 2: The Water and Nutrient Cycles
1. The water cycle
2. Role of Nutrient cycles
3. Weather and Climate
4. El Nino and La Nina, hurricanes etc.
5. Infiltration and Aquifers
Unit 3: Uses Of Water in a Watershed
1. What is a watershed?
2. Topography and watersheds
3. Texas Watersheds
4. Water quality and quantity
Unit 4: Interdependence & Interactions
1.Interrelationships of Living things
2. Interdependence of organisms in aquatic
environment
UNIT 4: Interdependence & Interactions
3. Energy flow, food chains, and food webs
4. Trophic levels in aquatic systems
5. Factors affecting aquatic populations
Unit 5: Types of Ecosystems
1. Freshwater, brackish water, saltwater
2. Properties of marine & freshwater life zones
3. Relationships between life zones and organisms
Unit 6: Geological Phenomena & Fluid Dynamics
1.Density, salinity, buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure
2. ocean currents, climates, geologic features
3. fluid dynamics in upwellings and lake turnovers
Unit 7: Adaptations of Aquatic Organisms
1. using dichotomous keys to classify
2. compare adaptations of organisms
3. Adaptations to freshwater and marine systems
Unit 8 : Human Impact
1. changes on biotic and abiotic components
2. Human population growth effect
3. Invasive species, fish farming, eutrophication
4. Endangered Species Act, right of capture law,
Clean Water Act
Grading Policy:
40%: Minor Summative: Quizzes, journal entries, lab write ups, graphic organizers, learning logs,
60%: Major Summative: Tests, projects, presentations, common assessments, portfolios, performance tasks, essays
Field Trips:
There will be THREE optional field trips planned. Each trip will be out of pocket and are amazing experiences. You will
be updated later on the locations and dates.
Tutoring/Retesting/Absences/Make-up Work: You may reassess a failed test for full credit (100%), within 10 school
days. Prior to retesting you MUST attend tutoring and be deemed ready by the teacher. You will complete and sign a
tutoring/reassessment form prior to testing. Absent students need to take the responsibility to make up work during
scheduled tutorial times.
Materials/Supplies
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Composition quad-ruled notebook for journaling (MANDATORY).
Colored pencils or markers
Glue sticks
Pens and pencils
Kleenex or Napkins
Class Policies & Expectations
1. ON TIME means you are in your seat and READY when the bell rings!!!!
2. The bell does not dismiss you, I do!
3. Always be prepared to learn and complete your daily goals!
4. Electronic devices are only allowed with teacher’s permission during a planned activity.
Electronic Devices
The use of iPads, Chrome Books, MacBooks, and other electronic devices are encouraged in my class for research. If
however, you abuse this privilege by visiting sites that are not permitted during the lesson and become off task, you will
lose this privilege.
Discipline:
Actions that interfere with the learning environment and process such as: class disruption, not completing assignments,
refusing to participate in class, chronically turning in late work, will be met with disciplinary actions that include, but are
not limited to:
 Detention  Saturday School  ISSC  Loss of Parking Permit  Loss of Dismissal Period
Also: See SCOC
t
I UNDERSTAND THESE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THEM
Parent/guardian name ______________________ Signature_____________ Date___
Student name _____________________________ Signature_____________ Date ___