*Mastery of the Science 10 outcomes.  Life Science 11 is recommended or may be taken concurrently.

Information:  This course is open to grade 11 and 12 students.

Victoria is surrounded by ocean on three sides, yet most people just look across the surface. Using a variety of local habitats and tapping into the wealth of expertise available in institutions and the surrounding community, students will participate in a variety of labs, field activities, and group projects. Students will be encouraged to recognize their connection to the marine environment from a personal, community and global perspective.  In this “hands-on” course, you will have the opportunity to literally get your feet wet while exploring the sandy beaches, rocky shores habitats around Oak Bay.

In the first part of the course, students will be introduced to basic oceanographic principles including ocean chemistry, tides, ocean currents and associated issues.  In the second part of the course, students will be introduced to the variety of life in the oceans, from plankton to marine mammals. Common characteristics within each group will be explored with a focus on local species. The final part of the course looks at human interactions with the marine environment and issues arising from that interaction.

PLEASE NOTE:  Due to special equipment/facility needs, there may be limited enrolment in this course.  It is a science elective and does not meet the Science 11 requirement for graduation.