Starting this year, UC High is now offering a course on marine science taught by new faculty member Science Teacher Johnathan Ricks along with an accompanying club formed by students, both focused on oceanography and marine biology.
UC High used to offer marine science, but it was cut a few years ago when the previous teacher left. According to Ricks, there was a lot of student interest in bringing the class back. He was originally interested in a biology teacher position, and was hired as the marine science teacher. While the class may be new to UC High, the subject is hardly novel to Ricks, who stated that he worked as an educator at SEACAMP San Diego, a marine science center which offers various camps for students, for about six years.
Once the class began, an accompanying club was then quickly formed by Junior Hoseyn Saeedymanesh. Saeedymanesh expressed that he was always interested in marine biology, but became especially inspired by the return of the marine science class.
Marine science is similar to other science classes offered at UC High in that it is both lecture and lab based. Ricks said, “It is lecture-based, but we’re going to be bringing in a lot more hands-on stuff once we get to the actual marine biology…. I plan on bringing guest speakers. We’ll do dissections and hands-on activities to really get an idea of what marine science is actually like.”
While the class does include some oceanography, it is primarily focused on marine biology. “I will teach the baseline of how the ocean works, and then we’re going to move on to my favorite part, which is biology, and that will be the majority of the class,” said Ricks.
The Marine Science Club is structured similarly to the class, being both discussion and activity based. Members meet up to talk about various ocean-dwelling species, as well as to go on trips to look at tide pools, go snorkeling, and participate in beach clean-ups. Saeedymanesh said, “I’m trying to get us to go for a tour at Scripps or Birch Aquarium, but the ultimate goal is to have fun.”
The club is still getting set up, and recently had its first meeting. It will also have a booth at Club Rush. Currently, the class is learning the basics of oceanography, and investigating the topic of why a La Niña event is predicted to occur in 2025.
Ricks also takes on the role as the club advisor, and expressed that he hopes that it will serve as yet another medium for inspiring students and educating them on the ocean. His goal is to make the club and class enjoyable, while still retaining some academic rigor in both.