US Geological Survey
Usgs: The Usgs Water Science School
Use this site as a resource to learn about the many aspects of water.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Can Water Float on Water?
Of course it can, you say: ice is water and ice floats. And you're right. But we're talking about water in the liquid phase Can liquid water float on water? The goal of this project is to investigate what happens to layers of water with...
NOAA
Noaa: Ocean Explorer: Hot, Cold, Fresh and Salty
Students simulate ocean water characteristics in order to recognize that the effects of salinity and temperature are the drivers of thermohaline circulation.
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Oceans
Seven hands-on lessons module in which students explore oceans. Inquiry-based investigations include properties of seawater, ocean water and currents, and features of the ocean floor.
NOAA
Noaa: Ocean Explorer: Off Base Acidity of Oceans
A student inquiry into properties of the ocean's carbonate buffer system, and how changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels may affect ocean pH and biological organisms that depend on calcification.
Climate Literacy
Clean: What Happens to Ice in Water?
Students investigate the properties of water in the ice and liquid phase as it relates to convection in the ocean and density driven circulation, and ultimately the climate.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Introduction to Oceans
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart is an introductory lesson to a fifth grade unit on oceans. The flipchart contains information about the oceans and properties of ocean water.
BioEd Online
Bio Ed Online: The Water Cycle and Global Warming
In this lesson plan, students will trace the flow of water in the environment, investigate simulated effects of global temperature change on oceanic levels, evaluate changes within the water cycle, and explain several different...
NOAA
Noaa: More Than Salt in Salt Water [Pdf]
Realize that there is more in ocean water than just salt. Find out about the salinity of water and how changes in salinity may affect organisms living in the water.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Ocean Life
Good starting point for researching ocean life. Find general information, research-topic ideas, a glossary of important terms and people, and numerous links to related sites.
University of California
University of California: Seawater Density & Salinity [Pdf]
Describes the properties of seawater and the variations depending on its location, e.g., near a shoreline, in an estuary, or as sea ice. Discusses the instruments scientists use to measure the density of water and explains other...
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: Introduction to the Atmosphere
A detailed overview of the Earth's atmosphere, with explanations about atmospheric properties, the structure of the atmosphere, its four layers, atmospheric processes, energy heat transfer, conduction and convection, and radiation. All...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Blossoms: Will an Ice Cube Melt Faster in Freshwater or Saltwater?
Engage students in the study of the ocean and saltwater with these activities. Students will see that saltwater has different physical properties than freshwater - mainly density. This lesson can serve as a springboard into other...