Marine Science

Students analyze the interconnected systems that include planet Earth, our Solar System, our Galaxy, and the Universe.

Students explain planet Earth as a complex and dynamic system of rock, water, air, and living things.

Students assess the interrelated cycles and forces that shape Earth’s surface, including human interaction with Earth.

Students examine organisms’ structures and functions for life processes, including growth and reproduction.

Students inquire how organisms and populations of organisms obtain resources from their environment.

Students explore how biological evolution explains unity and diversity of species.

Analyze the origin and evolution of the ocean and ocean basins

Analyze how reefs are distributed, and discuss the limiting factors in reef formation

Analyze how the ocean is an integral part of the water cycle and is connected to all of the Earth’s water reservoirs via evaporation and precipitation processes

Explain how tides, waves, and currents affect life in marine and coastal environments

Draw conclusions about how natural resources and human activities affect life in the ocean

Compare and contrast ocean life-forms ranging in size from the smallest virus/microbes to the largest animal that has lived on Earth

Discuss common patterns and diversity of fish reproductive processes

Differentiate environments of the ocean based on depth ranges, and describe their physical factors

Investigate how and on what bases marine animals are divided into different categories