---
title: "SO3: Ocean Energy Flow (Georgia Science standard)"
code: SO3
cite_as: Georgia Standards of Excellence, Science, SO3
subject: science
grades:
  - high-school
language: en
canonical_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SO3
md_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SO3.md
alternate_language_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/es/standards/code/SO3.md
source_url: https://case.georgiastandards.org/ims/case/v1p1/CFDocuments/27a08dc6-416e-11e7-ba71-02bd89fdd987
source_last_changed: 2025-05-29
data_built: 2026-09-18
publisher: Georgia Homeroom, a free public-interest project of Georgia Civic Data. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Georgia Department of Education or any school district.
up: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md
index: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/index.md
---

# SO3: Ocean Energy Flow

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to model the flow of energy in the ocean.

- Subject: Science
- Appears in: High School, https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md

## Expectations

- **SO3.a**: Construct an explanation to support the claim that some of the earliest life forms originated in the ocean.
- **SO3.b**: Ask questions to compare and contrast the relative role of photosynthesis and chemosynthesis in oceanic biologic productivity and describe the oceanic realms in which each mode of primary production occurs. (Clarification statement: Distinguish between photosynthesis and chemosynthesis in ocean organisms.)
- **SO3.c**: Develop and use models to analyze the flow of energy and cycling of matter in marine ecosystems. (Clarification statement: This includes food webs and trophic levels.)
- **SO3.d**: Ask questions to investigate relationships between biotic and abiotic factors in marine ecosystems including estuaries, coral reefs, kelp forests, the open ocean, and the deep ocean.

## Georgia Milestones coverage

No Georgia Milestones blueprint cites this standard.

Source: Georgia Standards of Excellence, published by the Georgia Department of Education at case.georgiastandards.org.