Oceans make up over 75% of the surface of our Earth, yet they are so diverse in their configuration and structure. The ocean houses more habitats than any other environment on Earth. In this class, students will have the opportunity to explore the different habitats that make up the unique array of ecosystems within the ocean. 

Classes will include pre-recorded video lessons with visuals, as well as teacher lectures and activities relating to the weekly topic. These lessons will each be around 20-30 minutes in length and will focus on a different ocean habitat, including: coral reefs, estuaries, the pelagic zone, and the deep sea. Videos will be posted on Sunday night or Monday morning at the beginning of the week.

Students will be assigned a project each week, which is expected to take no longer than 20-30 minutes. These projects will be explained by the teacher at the end of each video, as well as in writing on the classroom page. Students should upload their projects to the classroom page by Friday night of the week it is assigned. Students are encouraged to be creative and have fun completing their projects! An example project is listed below. 

Example project: After learning about the many organisms that rely on estuaries to live, choose your favorite estuarine animal and draw out it's life cycle from birth to adulthood. Find two interesting facts about this animal and write them on the same page as your life cycle. The crazier the fact, the better!

Upon uploading the project, each student should plan to write a comment or question on one other project by another student. This will encourage interaction among student and lead to an overall better understanding and appreciation for the topic. This classroom interaction should be completed by the following Sunday night after each project is due. After completing one comment/question, while not mandatory, students are encouraged to continue the conversation with others who have posted comments or questions about their project. The teacher for the course will chime in and reply to any unanswered questions. 

Supplementary information, such as articles, games, or websites, may be posted throughout the class. These learning materials are not required, but may serve as an additional resource for students. 

A grade for the class is available upon request. Grade breakdown will be completed as follows:
 
     Project 1: 20 points
     Week 1 interaction: 5 points
     Project 2: 20 points
     Week 2 interaction: 5 points
     Project 3: 20 points
     Week 3 interaction: 5 points
     Project 4: 20 points
     Week 4 interaction: 5 points
     TOTAL: 100 POINTS

I look forward to meeting you in the classroom!