Oceanography Lesson Plans

Students examine new evidence of violent behavior in dolphins as a springboard for research on various dolphin behaviors, such as communication, feeding patterns, group behaviors, parenting, navigation, and interactions with humans.

Students examine the Q.& A. article found each week in the Science Times, focusing on how the answers present scientific data in a clear and logical manner. They write their own questions and answer other classmates' questions in the format o

Students study the ecology, habitats, geographic range and feeding habits of narwhals. They determine at least three reasons for the decline in the narwhal populations and complete the accompanying worksheets.

Students experience the creativity, anticipation and peer review of obtaining a grant for scientific research at the poles. They work in cooperative groups to assess the dynamics of polar regions. Each student proposes an original research project to complete.

Students locate Lake Mead, then read a news article about Lake Mead drying up and how that would effect water and power supplies to the region. In this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a map and vocabulary activity, then students read the news report and participate in a think-pair-share discussion. Lesson includes interdisciplinary follow-up activities.

Young scholars investigate estuaries and the variations in physical factors from one estuary to another. In this estuaries lesson plan, students explore water depth, salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen in estuaries using an on line tutorial and make inferences about their relationships. Young scholars use an on line database to gather information about the estuaries and they analyze the data. Students complete an 88 question self test and 2 puzzles.

Students explain the concept of gene sequence analysis. In this gene lesson, students draw inferences about phylogenetic similarities of different organisms.

Students study the work done by various scientists on Antarctica. In this biology lesson plan, students play the role of researchers who must justify the importance of their study. They create a multimedia presentation about a specific issue that impacts Adelie penguins.

Learners conduct a series of experiments to investigate density, buoyancy and climate. In this math lesson, students design and build a hot air balloon to demonstrate convection. They research and write a paper about solar chimneys.

Students explain hardground communities in the Gulf of Mexico. In this deep-sea ecosystem instructional activity, students investigate the connection between deep-sea ecosystems and petroleum deposits. They discuss the relationship between hydrocarbon seeps, chemosynthetic communities, and deep-water coral communities.