Marine Biology is an advanced-level laboratory science course designed for 11th and 12th grade students. This course is an in-depth study of marine environments and their organisms and the physical, chemical, and geological characteristics of Earth’s oceans. Students will use rigorous investigative approaches to learn about the physical and chemical oceanography, as well as marine ecosystems and human impacts around the world ocean. Students will perform extensive directed and independent research through experiential learning and field trips, including data collection, in-depth analysis, and presentations on the variety of factors that influence the ocean. The principal objectives of this course are as follows: 1) to help students understand, investigate, evaluate, construct, and revise explanations based on scientific evidence for the importance of the world’s global ocean to human history and the distribution of our population and economy; 2) the critical role that the earth’s ocean plays in regulating weather, climate, global temperatures, chemicals in the atmosphere, and the rich biodiversity of the life supported in a wide range of ecosystems in the marine environment. Students will build upon their biological knowledge and extend this as they examine the role humans have played in altering marine life and marine resources and generate and design solutions to these challenges, enabling them to be better stewards for the world ocean and the planet. Additionally, students will acquire the advanced knowledge of the scientific equipment and techniques required for marine science research. They will be introduced to fields and careers in marine biology/ecology, ocean science, and natural resources conservation.