Kula High, Intermediate and Elementary, Ocean Pulse,  Marine Science;

We are embarking on a seriously fun journey learning about the Hawaiian marine environment firsthand, as well as a way to preserve, protect, and restore our oceans for future generations. Sustaining human existence requires scientific understanding of the natural materials, processes and phenomena linking the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Life prospers or fails at the surface of the Earth where these environments intersect.

Save Our Seas: Ocean Pulse

Overview:  Ocean Pulse is a course in partnership with Save Our Seas on The living Ocean and Fluid Earth: Hawaiian Coral Reef Ecology, symbiosis on the reef, species identification and classification, zonation, reproduction, productivity and growth.  Emphasis is on experiential labs to survey and monitor coral reefs using international research protocols at Anini Beach.  Students learn ecological principles, conservation issues related to the Hawaiian Ahupua’a and resource management methods. Most importantly, students realize the impact and consequences of anthropogenic (human caused) activities on oceanic ecosystems.  Other topics include: Global Ecology, Plankton, Oceanography, Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation, Plate tectonics, Sediments, Ocean Basins, Waves, Beaches, Tsunamis, Technology, Environmental Pollution and the multifaceted world of science.

On reef surveys, student "research divers” record marine life and substrate using interconnected international monitoring methods to provide valuable data. Reports are created and stored for future comparisons. Students also have an associated research paper and PowerPoint project: “Anthropogenic Effects on a Marine Creature” to present at the “Kula Marine Symposium.”

Students focus on entering their data into MS Excel to construct graphs that represent their data. Students are introduced to compass navigation, GPS (Global Positioning System) and GIS (Geographic Information System), and may assist in constructing an interactive website for this data. OP students may also assist in community trainings and participate in community surveys.

Ocean Pulse students may also assist in teaching introductory students for internship class credit or community service projects. These students may take “peer ecologist” positions to help new students learn materials, and teach brief lessons. This will instill pride, further interest in Marine Biology, and make it “cool” to Save Our Seas!

Students not only learn the curriculum of the class, but also gain skills in computer/technology proficiency. Considering the large amount of classes in High School and College that are now found on the internet; students must be prepared for this new technological style of learning. We will turn in as many assignments as possible via e-mail. Assignments are finished in MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint, and must have the proper specified Kula formatting. Students also have the opportunity to publish work on the website and many other unique experiences for extra credit and community service.

Class Texts:

1. Hawaii Marine Science Studies (HMSS): Fluid Earth & Living Ocean
2. Hawaiian Coral Reef Ecology by David Gulko (Optional: purchase at Borders)
3. Kauai’s Geologic History, Updated Edition. By Chuck Blay and Robert Siemers. (Optional: purchase at Borders)
4. www.SaveOurSeas.org Click Student Link, Kula classes, and then your class.
5. Waterproof foldout guide, Quick Study Academic “Marine Biology, Our Precious Oceans” (Optional purchase from Longs Drug store or http://www.barcharts.com/)
6. Hawaii's Fishes: A Guide for Snorkelers, Divers, and Aquarists by John P. Hoover (Optional: purchase at Borders)
7. Shore Fishes of Hawai'i by John E. Randall (Optional: purchase at Borders)
8. Hawaii's Sea Creatures, a Guide to Hawaii's Marine Invertebrates by John P. Hoover, Mutual Publishing Company (Optional: purchase at Borders)

Note: Textbooks are not the sole source of the curriculum; lectures, PowerPoint presentations, laboratory manuals, videotapes, computer software, reference books, websites and other printed materials provide a substantial part of the course.

All Marine Science Students need:

1. Functional Swimsuit (Light fast drying surf shorts for both male and female), no "skimpy" clothes please
2. Dive gear bag with: Mask, Snorkel, Fins.
3. Wetsuit or lycra "rash guard" (it can get chilly);
4. Backpack with towel, sunscreen, raincoat, hat, drinking WATER and dry clothes for field days.

• 1 black composition notebook
• 1 Three ring binder with a Zipper Closure (to keep documents safe and dry.)
• Internet access (home or at Kula)
• Optional: Laptop Computer (if you have one, bring it; if you want to get one, let us know and we can assist you!)
• Optional:  “Memory stick” that you can save your assignments on. This would be used to transport files back and forth from a home computer to the school computers.

5. Obtain an E-mail address from  www.yahoo.com (Even if you already have one, this e-mail is specifically for Kula classes and should not be used for anything else!) E-mail Address = first and last name kula @yahoo.com. Example: paulclarkkula@yahoo.com
6. Save files as: name - detailed assignment name .

Example: paulclark - LO8 Questions 4-6

Use this format or the assignment will not be accepted.

7. E-mail subject line: ***Files Names and E-mail Subject lines are exactly the same. Use this format or the assignment will not be accepted. Example:

Example: paulclark - LO8 Questions 4-6

8. Send  paul @ kula.org an email for your first A+, with your password. (Remember this e-mail is ONLY for Kula assignments and class communication in accordance with the Kula Handbook.).
9. Assignment Protocol: MLA Format! (Document templates are pre-formatted on the schools computer system, and I will send you one.) Assignments are to be sent as attachments unless you make a special arrangement with the instructor.
10. Notebook: Keep a folder of ALL Marine Science papers handed out and also a folder of computer assignments on the school network. Required for a grade.

Keep a detailed log of what you do each day in class: take notes & log assignments in a composition notebook or "One Note".  If you miss a day you are responsible for finding out what happened in class that day. Organization of assignments and the completion of this notebook will be part of your grade.

11. Reference and sources: bibliographies must be in MLA format, OR www.easybib.com
12. Extra Credit: You will want to do EXTRA Credit to help your final grade. (Don't wait until the last minute!) Ideas: newspaper or magazine articles (brief write up, or give short presentation to class), video projects, audio projects, artwork, leadership, scientific knowledge, looking up answers in class or on the internet, or class work from other classes that is applicable (like if you do a marine project in your art class or a ocean story for English)

Student Evaluation: Student evaluation is based on a total point system. There will be many different ways for students to earn points. The following scale provides a general breakdown of how students are evaluated. This scale is subject to change.

Homework: 30%

Labs/Field days: 15%

Tests: 35%

Quizzes: 20%

Note: Although these categories will make up the majority of the possible points, other methods of earning points will include: projects, class participation, organizational skills, and extra credit.

Homework: Late homework assignments are not tolerated. Homework grades will drop 10 points for every day late. Make-up work is accepted only if an absence is excused. Students obtain the make-up work from the instructor, and they have as many days as they were absent to turn in the missing work.

Special Homework: Field days are a privilege that we have worked out with our other teachers. Students must be accountable for ALL assignments given by teachers for classes missed because of field days. Should a student fail to comply with the other teachers assignments, they will stay behind with that teacher on field days to complete missing assignments.

Tests/Quizzes: All tests are announced at least one week in advance. Pop quizzes may be given unannounced.

PARENTS: We need help at the beach on our fieldtrips; and parents with skills or positive energy can help. Parents need 10 hrs. of Community Service, Get involved! Good swimmers and snorkelers are very helpful, but parents with no swimming skills can also lend a hand on shore. Please contact me for more information. Reef Surveys and Beach cleanups can count as  Kula Parent Community Service.

If parents ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Mahalo!

Captain Paul Clark

Kula Marine Science Department

(808) 651-3452

(808) 828-0077 ex. 111

Paul @ Kula.Org

www.Kula.Org

www.SaveOurSeas.Org

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Thank you for signing the bottom of this sheet, indicating that you have read and understand the Kula Marine Science course introduction.

____________________________     ____________________________

Student Signature     Parent Signature & E-mail Address

Your comments or Questions to Save Our Seas. We love to hear from you.