Aquatic Science
Syllabus
J.T. Garcia
Room 705
javier.garcia@hcisd.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In Aquatic Science, students will study the interactions of biotic and abiotic components
in aquatic environments, including impacts on aquatic systems. Investigations and field
work in this course will emphasize fresh water and marine aspects of aquatic science
Students who successfully complete Aquatic Science will acquire knowledge about a
variety of aquatic systems, conduct investigations and observations of aquatic
environments, work collaboratively with peers, and develop critical-thinking and
problem-solving skills. (Texas Education Code, §§7.102(c)(4), 28.002, and 28.025)
Project/Problem Based Learning, PBL, models will serve as the mechanism to engage,
promote, and evaluate student acquisition of knowledge and skills in Aquatic Science.
Thematic to the principles of environmental conservation, students will have to plan,
implement, and produce a product for each Aquatic Science unit.
PREREQUISITES: Required prerequisite: one unit of high school Biology. Suggested
prerequisite: Chemistry or concurrent enrollment in Chemistry. (Texas Education Code,
§§7.102(c)(4), 28.002, and 28.025)
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Students will:
1. Plan and investigate the natural world. Scientific methods of investigation will be
experimental, descriptive, or comparative.
2. Analyze aquatic systems in terms of its components and how these components
relate to each other, to the whole, and to the external environment.
3. Distinguish between scientific decision-making methods and ethical and social
decisions that involve the application of scientific information.
4. Promote and educate the principles of conservation to local communities.
COURSE OUTLINE: (see YAG)
TUTORIAL HOURS: Monday-Friday: 7:30AM – 8:00AM; Tuesday and Thursday:
4:05PM – 5:30PM
CONFERENCE PERIOD: 9TH period
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATIONS:
Grading Policy:
100-90
A
89-80
B
79-75
C
74-70
D
69-0
F
Weighed Grades
Exams: 20%
Labs: 40%
Daily Assignments: 10%
Projects: 30%
TEXT AND OTHER RESOURCE MATERIAL:
The Fluid Earth.
The Living Ocean.
1 bound composition or lab notebook
3 ring binder
USB drive
Pens/Pencils/Paper
Late Work Policy:
The following point deductions are in affect for any assignment turned in after the
assigned due date. Any assignments after five days can still be turned in before the
Make-Up Deadline, but will receive a grade no higher than a fifty.
1 day late: 10pts
2 days late: 20pts
3 days late: 30pts
4 days late: 40pts
5 days late: 50pts
Make-Up Work Policy
Any student eligible for make-up work can pick up their assignment(s) from the
instructor.
1. Students must turn in all make-up work in accordance with the teacher
2. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student and not the instructor
3. All work must be turned in by the assigned deadline
Retesting Policy:
1. According to administrative policy, only unit exams are subject to retesting.
2. Any student who receives lower than a 70 on any exam can retest before the
deadline date
3. Students can earn a 100 on any retest; the highest test grade will be recorded
4. Students must schedule an appointment to retest with the instructor
Absence/Attendance Policy:
1. Students must be in the classroom 90% of the time
2. Students will be counted absent 15 minutes after the tardy bell
3. Students with more than the maximum number of absences allotted for each term
will be denied credit
Tardy Policy: refer to student handbook
Presentation and Participation Policy:
In an effort to encourage class participation, a single grade will be recorded. Students
will be expected to make presentations and participate in cooperative learning activities.
Students who choose not to participate or cooperate during a planned lesson will have
points deducted from the participation grade. 5 points will be deducted for each offense.
Classroom Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Follow instructors directions
Bring materials to class
Respect each other’s space, property, and time
Put materials back in the original location
Exhibit mature and responsible behavior
Consequences
1.
2.
3.
4.
Verbal Warning
Removal from class (Student/Teacher Conference)
Referral
Parent/Student/Teacher Conference
Rewards
1. Independent time
2. Drop lowest grade (not an exam)
*Syllabus is tentative and subject to change
More Rules
1. Students are not allowed to enter or loiter around instructor’s personal area
2. Students must ask to use computers
3. All personal property must remain at your desk
4. No gaming, No chatting
5. No grooming in class
6. No sleeping
7. No disruptive sounds
8. Raise hand to speak
9. No profanity
10. No chewing gum
11. No personal electronic devices
12. No students allowed in the prep room
13. Do not touch any items in the instructor’s personal area
14. Do not loiter around the door, remained seated until bell rings, and the instructor
dismisses class
15. No fundraising in class
16. No graffiti, No permanent markers allowed in class