There are dozens of electives to choose from here at Fauquier High School, but only one dives deep into the knowledge of the ocean. That class is Marine Biology, taught by Austin Evans, in room 702. In the class, students learn about the ocean and the animals that inhabit it. One of the projects that the students have worked on was learning how to take care of fish tanks, so later on they could set up their own at home.

In the classroom, students are diligent in keeping both saltwater and freshwater tanks clean and caring for the variety of aquatic creatures. Evans has his own animals in the classroom, one of the most well-known in the tanks is Jack, a clownfish who was once in the library. The animals in the tanks are not the only animals that Evans has in the classroom. There is also a hedgehog named Henry, Penny the Russian Tortoise, Sheldon the turtle and an acorn snake named Cornelius. All of these animals transform an ordinary biology class into a fun and engaging time.

Many students enjoy taking this class. It is open to any student who has taken and passed the biology course. Senior, Taylor Oveissi, highly recommends taking this class. “It is a really easy class… It’s cool being able to take care of the marine life in the tank, and the teacher [Evans] is wonderful,” she expressed.

Another student who really loves being in the class is Peyton Hodel, who is a junior this year. Hodel believes Marine Biology is a great class to take, and the best part of it is “Taking care of the [fish] tank, and making our own little tank.”

Taking care of the fish tanks is the main activity that the students have been working on, but there are many more interesting assignments coming the students’ way. Evans states that after the first unit, they shift and start learning about the different types of ecosystems in the ocean and around the world. Another exciting thing that Evans is trying to make happen is to take the students on some fun field trips. “…In years past this marine bio class has actually gone to the Bahamas to study a coral reef down there…[this year] we’re going to attempt to go to the Baltimore Aquarium and then we’re also going to try and visit the Chesapeake Bay.”

Senior Cara Rooke is most excited for the possibility of an aquarium field trip. “I’m really looking forward to [the field trip] if we do it,” expressed Rooke. These are just a few ways Evans plans on enhancing the program.

For Rooke there is nothing complicated in the class. As she said, “[The grading is] really good…, we do presentations, which is our real grade, but our participation [grade] is the [caring for the] tank.”

Relatively, the class is an interesting one to take, as expressed by the students. Oveissi thinks that there aren’t many challenging aspects to the class, except the tests. “Every Tuesday we [take] tests, so that’s the most difficult thing in the class,” Oveissi added, “You have a lot of unique opportunities…[and] a teacher who makes it really fun”

Marine Biology is a wonderful class where students learn about the ocean and its diverse species, making it an excellent consideration for a future elective. Many students express delight at entering the class and participating in fun experiences, such as learning about the world in the ocean, taking care of aquatic animals in their fish tanks, and trying something new. As Evans has said, “get your feet wet…, [by] learning some of the complexities of marine life.”