Science and Our Place on the Planet I: Introduction to the Global Ocean

With stories from explorers and scientists throughout history, we will study how the ocean works and influences our lives. Students will be able to explain how the ocean affects Earth’s climate and land-based ecosystems. What makes waves and why are there tides?  How can animals communicate across vast watery distances? Though invisible at the top, the ocean is a wondrous layer cake, constantly moving and changing.  Students will use the International Ocean Observing Network to help visualize the layers below and understand why they matter.  We will examine the importance of currents, and how the Salish Sea interacts with its undersea geology. Student-driven deep dives can include topics such as ocean influences on history, economics, literature, biology, climate, invasive species, biotoxins, and more. 

Throughout the quarter we will consider scientific discoveries and how ideas are tested.  As time, weather, and light allow, we will go on field trips to local piers and beaches to review concepts, make predictions, and take measurements. Students will collect and look at microscopic organisms that support complex life and sometimes cause death.