The main purpose for implementing an oceans course is to promote student interest in the marine sciences. The course will include physical aspects of the ocean and how it relates to the biological realm as well as the atmospheric conditions. Students will explore the physical features of the ocean floor, as well as the movement of the continents, the water cycle, wind and waves, currents, tides, storms, marine life, food harvested from the ocean, and mans effect on the ocean. Activities will include graphing thermoclines, isotherms, charting the ocean floor, interpreting current NOAA data, investigating local coastal estuaries, visiting a local NOAA fisheries station, trawling the Mississippi Sound, and exploring varied careers related to the marine sciences.