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Marine Science Program

Download Marine Science Academy Application (Word document)


Mission Statement


The Marine Science Academy will help to prepare students interested in pursuing a career in marine biology or environmental science by providing them with a quality, affordable education that is in partnership with community members that will enable them to become productive members of society in an increasingly complex, and global world.


Program Description


The Marine Science Academy is a rigorous, two-year college preparatory program that is offered in partnership with the Aquarium of the Pacific. Students will receive college-level instruction; each class is designed to build upon the previous class thus ensuring success at the next level. In addition, students will receive hands-on training and professional development in the marine biology field.


Requirements


  1. Complete the application and interview process which includes two recommendations.
  2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (honors).
  3. Students must take Honors Marine Biology in order to apply for the program.
  4. Good attendance record.
  5. Positive attitude, appropriate conduct and behavior.
  6. Recommendation of the Academy Director, and the Principal/Vice-Principal.

    7. Program Benefits


    1. Ability to experience a variety of careers in science while enjoying guidance from a mentor at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
    2. Gaining work experience during internship rotations at the aquarium.
    3. Guest lectures by marine biologists, scientists, and professionals.
    4. Observe and participate in activities around the aquarium.
    5. Career and educational information provided by numerous professionals from all areas of the aquarium.

      6. Objectives and Goals


      1. Learning to lead by example; become empowered.
      2. Strengthen community connections and develop partnerships.
      3. Expand knowledge of the ocean and conservation.
      4. Develop interpersonal skills such as: leadership, public speaking, customer service, and team work.
      5. Become a life-long learner through self-reflection and analysis.

        6. Program Activities


        1. Online journals detailing activities, thoughts, successes, and learning throughout the first year.
        2. Video logs; blogging.
        3. School improvement campaigns related to environmental issues such as: pollution, recycling, and the energy footprint.

          4. Assessments


          1. Admissions interview.
          2. Unit tests and quizzes.
          3. Projects/Presentations.
          4. Online video journals.
          5. Volunteer work at the aquarium.

            6. Two Year Plan



            Sophomore

            Junior

            Senior

            Fall

            Honors Marine Biology

            (Pre-application requirement)

            AP Environmental Science/Earth Science/Ecology

            Chemistry

            AP Biology/AP Chemistry


            Marine Science Internship-1A

            Marine Science Senior Project-A

            Internship 2A

            Spring

            Honors Marine Biology

            (Pre-application requirement)

            AP Environmental Science/Earth Science/Ecology

            AP Biology/AP Chemistry


            Marine Science Internship-1B

            Marine Science Senior Project-B

            Internship 2B



            AP/Honors Grading Scale
            Universal Rubric



            Letter Grade

            Grade Scale

            Universal Rubric Category

            Grade Point Value

            A

            93%-100%

            Distinguished

            4.0

            B

            86%-92%

            Admirable

            3.0

            C

            78%-85%

            Acceptable

            2.0

            D

            70%-77%

            Unsatisfactory

            1.0

            F

            70% and below

            Deficient

            0.0


            Course Descriptions


            SCI 204
            AP Biology A, B
            Grade: 12


            One year; meets the CSU/UC “d” requirement


            Prerequisite: GPA of 3.0 in previous honors/AP science course.


            This is a college level biology course designed to place a strong emphasis on three major area: molecules and cells, genetics and evolution, and organisms and populations in addition to providing instruction of the processes of science, the interrelatedness of science, technology, society and the place of ethics in biology. Students will learn how to write scientific reports, laboratory reports, conduct scientific experiments, and summarize scientific articles. Students are required to take the AP exam in May.


            SCI 303
            AP Chemistry A, B
            Grade: 12


            One year; meets CSU/UC “d” requirement


            Prerequisite: A grade of “B” or better in Honors Algebra 1, Honors Geometry, Honors Biology, and a 3.0 G.P.A.


            This is a more in-depth and accelerated laboratory course designed to strengthen the honor’s student’s skills. A strong emphasis will be placed on the relationship between the nature of matter and energy, atomic structure, the nature of the atom, states of matter, thermodynamics of matter, inorganic and organic chemistry. Students will be required to actively participate in laboratory work, and special projects. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May.


            SCI 502
            Honors Marine Biology
            Grade: 10


            One year


            This is a laboratory science course which emphasizes the basic principles of biology and the physical sciences. Students will learn how to apply the scientific method to the marine environment, the chemical and physical features of the world ocean, how living organisms adapt to life in the ocean, the structure and function of different parts of the marine environment, and how the oceans affect and are affected by human activities. This course involves extensive hands-on activities and includes dissection of representative marine invertebrates and vertebrates. In addition, there will be an emphasis on scientific writing, lab reports, and analysis. This is a pre-AP course. In order to apply for the Marine Science Academy, students must take this course before applying.


            SCI 503
            AP Environmental Science
            Grade: 11


            One year


            Prerequisite: GPA of 3.0 in previous honors/AP science course, earth science, and a grade of “B” or better in Algebra I.


            This is a laboratory course which is interdisciplinary in nature and the goal is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the inter-relationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students are required to take the AP exam in May.


            SCI 505
            Honors Earth Science
            Grade: 11


            One year


            This course is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methods to understand and interpret forces at work in the physical world. The main focus will be on geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. There will be emphasis on scientific writing, lab reports, and analysis. This is a pre-AP course.


            SCI 507
            Honors Oceanography
            Grade: 10


            One semester


            This course focuses on the ocean as a unique physical environment and how our environment influences marine plants and animal life. Topics included are: ocean circulation as waves, tides, and currents; food production in the oceans; marine geology and continental drift. There will be emphasis on scientific writing, lab reports, and analysis. This is a pre-AP course.


            SCI 507
            Honors Ecology
            Grade: 11


            One semester


            This course will review major ecological concepts, identify the techniques used by ecologists, and provide an overview of local and global environmental issues, and examine individual, group, and governmental activities important for protecting environmental ecosystems. Students will study technical information, relevant literature, to develop critical thinking skills by identifying problems and issues, to consider and recommend appropriate solutions, and to utilize research methodology for the study of natural ecosystems. There will be emphasis on scientific writing, lab reports, and analysis. This is a pre-AP course.


            MARINE SCIENCE INTERNSHIP 1A, 1B
            Year 1


            Students in the first section of the Marine Science Internship will learn the basics of the Aquarium of the Pacific. Students will enter the aquarium’s VolunTEEN program wherein they will be trained on various VolunTEEN kiosks that provide information on sea life while interacting with the aquarium public. The second semester, interns will continue to participate in the VolunTEEN program and mentor new VolunTEEN’S by training them on the information kiosks. St. Anthony interns will spend approximately 80 hours per semester at the aquarium.


            MARINE SCIENCE INTERNSHIP 2A, 2B
            Year 2


            Students in the second section of the Marine Science Internship will learn to utilize their knowledge of animal life at the Aquarium of the Pacific in order to teach others. St. Anthony interns will transition from the VolunTEEN program into the aquarium’s regular volunteer program. Interns will be trained on additional volunteer kiosks throughout the aquarium, and will help provide interactive experience with the aquarium public.

            Students in the second section of Marine Science Internship will participate in creating movable kiosks/exhibits at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Students will demonstrate their knowledge by proposing an idea for a movable kiosk/exhibit and will participate in a competition with other interns in order for their idea to be added to the aquarium’s regular volunteer kiosks/exhibits. In addition, the kiosk/exhibit chosen will become eligible to be presented at a national conference by its student creators.


            MARINE SCIENCE SENIOR PROJECT 4A, 4B
            Year 2


            Students in the Marine Science Senior Project will demonstrate achievement of school ESLR’s and the Marine Science Academy objectives by proposing a project topic dealing with an issue of environmental significance. Students will demonstrate their knowledge in one culminating project which will include a presentation of their project and its application as well as an academy portfolio and paper in which students will reflect upon their two years and discuss what they have learned, what they have produced as part of the academy, and how they have applied this information to their lives.