Oceanography

A. INQUIRY SKILLS

Students will design and conduct scientific investigations Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations Use appropriate tools, technology, and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data Organize and maintain a journal showing all phases of investigations Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence and logic Use mathematics to explain, interpret, and improve investigations and communications Construct logical relationships between evidence and explanations Identify and analyze alternative explanations, models, and predictions Demonstrate understanding about scientific inquiry Use fair test procedures
Students will communicate scientific procedures and explanations Demonstrate effective methods to organize and display scientific concepts Present investigative procedures and results to others verbally, graphically, and in writing Communicate science concepts accurately and clearly, using scientific vocabulary

B. OCEANOGRAPHY CONTENT

Students will describe the chemical nature of the oceans Analyze the composition of sea water Predict where precipitation of chemicals from ocean water in specific areas will take place Explain chemical cycles Relate how chemical resources affect deep floor vents, mineral deposits, and society

Students will explain the characteristics and actions of the ocean waters Investigate the physical properties of ocean water (density, salinity, boiling points, etc. ) Analyze atmospheric circulation coriolis effect Explain the major patterns of oceanic circulation Apply the principles of physics to the characteristics of ocean waves Explain concepts of tides

Students will explain the development of land around and beneath the oceans Describe the major characteristics of beaches Classify coastal features Compare the Earth's continents and major oceans Distinguish between islands and reefs Analyze ocean sediments Interpret sea floor topography
Students will understand the interaction of organisms and their environments in and around the oceans Distinguish the major characteristics of the marine biozones Analyze the ecological factors within the marine environment Compare and contrast the adaptations of various marine organisms to their environments Evaluate man's influence on the marine environment

C. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Students will demonstrate abilities in technological design Design and construct a new solution to an identified problem. Determine the effectiveness of the solution Design and conduct an investigation to determine the quality of commercial products
Students will understand about science and technology Determine how science and technology are interrelated Compare the intended benefits and unintended consequences of a technology Explain constraints in technological designs (examples: strength of materials, costs, design flaws, safety factors, availability of materials, aesthetics)

D. PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES

Students will practice safety Demonstrate personal and group safety when engaged in science activities Describe safety and health problems related to the oceans
Students will evaluate the factors affecting environmental quality Establish criteria for environmental quality related to the oceans Analyze factors that impact on pollution in the oceans
Students will understand the availability and consumption of natural resources Determine the availability of nonrenewable versus renewable natural resources in the oceans Analyze how human consumption and activity impacts on ocean resources
Students will evaluate risks and benefits of natural and other hazards Identify and describe the risks associated with natural hazards related to the oceans Discuss the benefits and risks associated with social decisions related to the oceans Evaluate human actions that have created hazards and environmental degradation (examples: wet lands, shore erosion)

E. HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE

Students investigate examples of science as a human endeavor Provide examples of how scientific endeavors to study the oceans involve teamwork Examine the ethical traditions of scientists Investigate contributions of scientists representing different cultures and genders Research a selected scientific career (examples: costs, required professional preparation, job opportunities)
Students will explain the nature of scientific knowledge Explain how science distinguishes itself from other ways of knowing Analyze criteria used by scientists in their research and publications
Students will understand important historical events of science Describe the efforts of scientists, valued in their societies, who have contributed to scientific knowledge Explain how the center of scientific research has shifted between cultures and continents over time. Investigate how scientific and technological advances have contributed to society (examples: deep sea explorations, ocean cultivation)