Course Outline

Oceans 11 meets the second science credit requirement for graduation.

For Oceans 11, the following modules are compulsory: Structure and Motion, Marine Biome, and Coastal Zones. Additionally, learners will participate in one of the two remaining modules : Aquaculture or Fisheries. For Oceans 11A, Structure and Motion and Marine Biome are compulsory. For Oceans 11B, Coastal Zones is compulsory.

Module 1: Structure and Motion 

Examination of the ocean environment will address the topic of the structure and motion of the oceans from a global perspective. This global view is integrated with frequent, relevant local examples.

Origins of the ocean bottoms and Bathymetry explore the structural features of the sea bottom and examines their formation. Learners will also examine the relevant physical and chemical properties of water and seawater. This module also involves an exploration of the major surface currents of the world's oceans and examines the driving forces behind them. Learners will also investigate the causes and properties of waves and tides as well as their impact on coastal areas. 

Module 2: Marine Biome

Learners will explore the marine biome from a broad, holistic, ecosystem perspective. Connections between and within the natural environment, including human interactions, are emphasized. Initially, ocean life is approached from a global perspective emphasizing the vastness and dynamic nature of the marine biome and its connection to freshwater systems. The focus is then narrowed to a local perspective, emphasizing that interactions occurring at the global scale also occur at the local level. Learners will investigate coastal areas in terms of daily and seasonal changes considering biotic factors (trophic levels, etc.) and abiotic factors (temperature, salinity, currents, etc.). This ia an opportunity to closely examine a local marine ecosystem. A field trip to a local coastal area (rocky beach, sandy beach, mudflat, or salt marsh) provides students with the opportunity for primary data collection and analysis as well as for reflection of their own connections to the ocean. The life history and structural and behavioural adaptations of a few representative organisms from different trophic levels are studied. This module concludes with further reflection on the role we all have to play in the long-term health and sustainability of the ocean.

Module 3: Coastal Zones

Learners will explore the complex nature and diversity of coastal zones, issues facing coastal zones, and the mechanisms of integrated coastal zone management. Learners will have opportunities to analyze a series of coastal resource scenarios that pose problems of increasing complexity. Each scenario examines the situation from individual, local, and global perspectives. The intent of this module is for learners to propose a course of action on a social issue related to science, technology, and the environment taking into account an array of perspectives.

To obtain credit for Oceans 11, one of the following two modules will also be explored:

Module 4: Aquaculture

As the global population grows while traditional fisheries decline, aquaculture will become increasingly more crucial in meeting world needs. This module explores the location of aquaculture sites currently in Nova Scotia and the Maritime provinces and investigates the physical and biological features that determine a suitable site. Species currently farmed and potential species will be identified, and the anatomy and physiology of representative species will be explored. The interrelationships among employment, business, related industries, environmental concerns, and health issues will be addressed.

Module 5: Fisheries

This module explores the marine fishing industry. Learners will begin by developing a basic understanding of fisheries, fisheries management theory, and the current status of the world’s fish stocks, with particular emphasis on those in Atlantic Canada. Learners will examine management strategies for the future.

Updated August 6, 2020