Humans are drawn to the oceans. Approximately eighty percent of the earth’s population lives within 200 miles of the coast. These zones support life and are sources of economic viability. The South Coast of California in which San Diego is located is one such zone. It contains one of the richest ecosystems on our planet and is a biodiversity hotspot. As such, our home town provides rich opportunities for studying the relationship between humans and the oceans.
In People’s Water, students will explore this relationship through empirical and philosophical investigations. In Biology, students will examine thousands of years of microfossil evidence, consider indigenous ecological knowledge, and develop research questions that they will test using environmental survey methods. In Humanities, students will question the nature of private property and communally held resources and apply ethical concepts to current environmental problems related to the ocean. These investigations will result in students developing educational resources for middle school students and presenting their resources to the middle school students at their school.
Students: Check the class blog (Google Classroom) on a daily basis for assignments and announcements. The code will be given in class.