Syllabus

Syllabus 1: Practical Aquatic Science (Grades 9-12)

Instructor: Jennifer Fountain
Course Duration: 36 Weeks

 

Course Overview:

Practical Aquatic Science introduces students to the science of water ecosystems, conservation, and safety. This course focuses on hands-on learning experiences, helping students build life skills related to environmental stewardship, safety, and problem-solving.

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Course Objectives:

• Understand aquatic ecosystems and the importance of water.

• Learn about aquatic animals, plants, and the role they play in the ecosystem.

• Develop skills for water conservation and pollution prevention.

• Apply scientific principles to conduct experiments and observations.

• Foster teamwork and communication skills through group projects.

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Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1-2: Introduction to Aquatic Science & Water Safety

• Focus: Basic water science and safety protocols.

• Key Skills: Safety awareness, following instructions.

• Activities:

  • Discuss the importance of water in ecosystems and daily life.

  • Introduce basic water safety and conservation.

  • Watch video tutorials on water safety.

• Life Skills Focus: Following safety procedures, practicing personal responsibility.

Week 3-4: Water Properties & Water Quality

• Focus: Physical and chemical properties of water.

• Key Skills: Observation, simple experiments.

• Activities:

  • Conduct experiments on water temperature, surface tension, and dissolving properties.

  • Discuss factors that affect water quality (e.g., pollutants, temperature).

• Life Skills Focus: Responsibility in using resources safely, basic environmental awareness.

Week 5-6: Aquatic Plants & Ecosystems

• Focus: Understanding plant life in aquatic environments.

• Key Skills: Observation, research, plant care.

• Activities:

  • Study local aquatic plants and their role in ecosystems.

  • Create a simple aquarium or water garden project.

• Life Skills Focus: Plant care, responsibility for living things.

Week 7-8: Aquatic Animals & Food Chains

• Focus: Explore aquatic animals and how they fit into ecosystems.

• Key Skills: Classification, teamwork.

• Activities:

  • Study aquatic animals (fish, amphibians, invertebrates).

  • Discuss food chains and roles of animals in ecosystems.

  • Create a class food chain display.

• Life Skills Focus: Teamwork, communication.

Week 9-10: Water Pollution & Conservation

• Focus: Impact of pollution on water systems and ways to conserve water.

• Key Skills: Problem-solving, critical thinking.

• Activities:

  • Discuss types of water pollution (chemical, plastic).

  • Simple experiments to demonstrate pollution's effects (e.g., oil spills in water).

  • Create posters on water conservation.

• Life Skills Focus: Environmental awareness, taking action for change.

Week 11-12: Practical Water Science Projects

• Focus: Hands-on projects combining learned concepts.

• Key Skills: Project planning, presentation.

• Activities:

  • Students design and carry out an aquatic science project (e.g., water filtration, testing water quality).

  • Present findings to the class.

• Life Skills Focus: Collaboration, time management, presentation skills.

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Assessment & Grading:

• Participation (40%): Engaging in experiments, discussions, and activities.

• Projects (60%): Group and individual projects.