Marine Science

All-Gender Course; Prerequisite - Completion of one year of high school laboratory science or permission from the administration; Full-year course
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Marine Science introduces students to oceanography through a review of earth science concepts, an investigation of physical and chemical ocean systems, the exploration of marine organisms and ecology, and the role of climate change in both marine and global systems.  Students read and dissect scientific literature; integrate their knowledge of marine ecological systems into practical applications of science; and bridge connections between science, society and political interests.  Perhaps most importantly, students foster critical thinking skills and a keen understanding of the scientific process necessary to become well-informed and scientifically aware citizens, whether students’ futures directly involve marine science or not.  Students learn through virtual and at-home laboratory exercises, scientific literature analysis, reading and video assignments, and research using online journals and current oceanographic data. This work is largely collaborative as students engage with the teacher and with their classmates on projects and labs. There is a significant emphasis on the application of creativity and innovation in dealing with environmental challenges.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY

“This class has been so much different then any class I've taken during my high school experience. I have adapted to online learning and have grown to be more able to tackle different learning experiences. I have enjoyed the wide array of projects, videos, and discussions much different than I have had in any class before. I have really enjoyed this method of learning as well as the content."

WHAT STUDENTS DO
Learning is an active process at One Schoolhouse. Students design, create and apply. And, they engage with classmates and connect with their teachers through discussions, video conferences, and projects. Specifically, in this class students will:
  • Set goals that drive their learning. Students reflect regularly on their growth, and meet on video chat with their online teacher to review progress towards their goals.
  • Have choice in how they learn new content and practice new skills. Students are given agency to determine the best ways for them to learn.
  • Apply what they are learning to the real world. Learning is meaningful and connects to concepts outside the classroom.
  • Practice constructive engagement in a diverse and changing world. Students interact with classmates from across the country and around the world.
  • Gain academic maturity. Online learning takes greater discipline and independence than a traditional face-to-face classroom. Teachers support students to build this skill.
MEET A TEACHER FOR THIS COURSE
SIGNATURE ACTIVITIES
Examples of signature activities and projects for this course are:
  • Paris Climate Agreement group project. Students are assigned a country and perform a formal scientific assessment of the specific climate challenges faced, and how that country could abide by the Paris Agreement. 
  • Squid Dissection. Students acquire and dissect a squid to compare and identify anatomical similarities across cephalopods.
  • Oceanography Contemporary Topic. Students select a current marine science topic of interest and present the current state of that issue to each other.​
COURSE APPROVAL
This course is approved by: the NCAA and the University of California.

Fully accredited with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools & the Western Association of Schools and Colleges through December 1, 2025.
Meredith Mikell
Science Teacher
BS Eckerd College
​MA Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University