A series of lesson plans designed to be used with the Smithsonian Ocean Planet exhibit (available online). Lesson topics include marine ecosystems, pollution of ocean water, animal strandings, and literature.

The photic zone is the upper layer of the ocean where sunlight can penetrate and support photosynthesis. This article explains the characteristics of this zone, the food chain that exists there, the adaptations of the plants and animals,...

A lesson that helps students understand food chains and food webs. With the background information, interactive activity, and extensions, students will see the interconnectedness and interdependence of organisms. Activity has students...

Sharks have been celebrated as powerful gods by some native cultures. And today, sharks are recognized as apex predators of the world's ocean. What is it that makes these fish worthy of our ancient legends and so successful in the seas?...