Lesson Plan
National Geographic

National Geographic: Human Impacts on Marine Species

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students learn about three examples of human impacts on marine life: migration patterns and shipping, algal blooms and water chemistry, and marine debris. Some of these impacts are due to human activity in the ocean, and some impacts on...
Lesson Plan
National Geographic

National Geographic: Ecosystem Imbalance in the World

For Students 9th - 10th
In this lesson, students build on their knowledge of individual impacts on the ocean to see how the whole system can react to threats and changes. They examine ways in which human actions throw marine ecosystems out of balance, explore...
Article
American Institute of Biological Sciences

Action Bioscience: Discovering Amazing Life in the Deep Sea

For Students 9th - 10th
A research biologist at the Monterey Aquarium and a professor at UC-Santa Cruz is interviewed to explain the studies done in the deep sea. Steven Haddock addresses the purpose of uncovering the mysteries of life and environment lying out...
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Decomposers in the Ocean: Role and Examples

For Students 4th - 6th
Describes five different types of decomposers that feed on decaying organic matter in the oceans and that are at the bottom of the ocean food chain.
Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: Harmful Algal Blooms in the Chesapeake Bay

For Students 9th - 10th
Harmful algal blooms occur when algae, which form the base of the ocean food web, grow in massive numbers and produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. In this project you will learn how to...
Unit Plan
TED Talks

Ted: Ted Ed: The Otherworldly Creatures in the Ocean's Deepest Depths

For Students 9th - 10th
Although the deep ocean zone seems like an inhospitable and remote corner of the planet, it is actually one of the greatest habitats on Earth. Lidia Lins explores how so many species thrive in this mysterious underwater world. [5:02]
Handout
Other

Seafriends Marine Conservation and Education Centre: Oceanography: Waves

For Students 9th - 10th
A very detailed article on the characteristics of waves and wave behavior. It discusses the influence waves have on the marine environment and the global climate, the physics of wave motion, the interactions between waves and wind, wave...
Website
NASA

Nasa: Oceanography

For Students 9th - 10th
Join NASA in its study of oceanography and learn about the Earth system, the physical ocean, and life in the ocean. Try out the Giovanni: Earth Data Visualization Tool and access satellite-derived data to enhance the learning experience.
Unit Plan
Other

Digital Library for Earth System Education: Teaching Box: Seasonal Upwelling

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A suite of lessons focusing on the process of upwelling. Inquiry-based exploration of seasonal upwelling includes marine food webs, food production in the ocean, wind-driven ocean currents, and seasonal changes in biotic and abiotic...
Website
PBS

Pbs: Nature: The Fascinating World of Jellies

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the mysterious jellyfish blooms that have occurred in the world's oceans. Because the resulting alteration to the marine food web has had devastating effects, researchers grow and study jellyfish at the Monterey aquarium....
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Interesting Facts About the Abyssal Zone

For Students 9th - 10th
The Abyssal Zone lies deep in the ocean in the pelagic layer between 4,000 to 6,000 m or 13,000 to 19,500 ft. Learn about some of the unique life forms that call this zone their home, how they have adapted to the extreme pressure and...
Unknown Type
EL Education

El Education: In the Zone: Where the Land Meets the Water

For Teachers 6th - 8th
This field guide to the marine organisms of the intertidal zone of Casco Bay was created by 7th grade students in Portland, Maine, as part of a Learning Expedition called, "In the Zone." Students were engaged in scientific research at...
Lesson Plan
National Geographic

National Geographic: Human Impacts on the World Ocean

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this lesson, young scholars are introduced to the idea that humans have enormous impacts on marine ecosystems and resources, and explore the stakeholders involved.
Handout
World Wildlife Fund for Nature

Wwf: Our Earth: Ecoregions: Habitats: Oceans

For Students 3rd - 8th
An introduction and overview of the ocean habitat, the largest habitat on Earth. Includes links to information about three animals that live in this habitat.
Website
Untamed Science

Untamed Science: Biology: World Biomes: Deep Sea Biome

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the different zones and life in the deep sea as well as watch videos and examine photos of this aquatic biome. [5:54]
Activity
National Geographic

National Geographic: Ocean Abiotic Factors

For Teachers 9th - 10th
After looking at examples of biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems, students focus on abiotic factors in marine ecosystems, the physical processes that are involved, and the impact human activities can have on these. Includes handouts...
Handout
Encyclopedia of Earth

Encyclopedia of Earth: Environmental Chemistry: Carbon Cycle

For Students 9th - 10th
Article explaining the importance of carbon as the basis for life, carbon dioxide's role in photosynthesis and respiration, carbon in the ocean and lithosphere, the impact of human activities on the carbon cycle, carbon that seems to be...
Handout
BiologyWise

Biology Wise: Marine Biology Facts

For Students 9th - 10th
Discusses the unique characteristics of the oceans and the many organisms that live in a marine ecosystem.
Article
Society for Science and the Public

Science News for Students: Swirling Seas of Plastic Trash

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes the multitude of plastic trash scientists have found on a beach in Hawaii and in the oceans. Explains what a gyre is, and how plastic trash gets trapped in the eye of a gyre. Looks at the serious impact plastic materials have...
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Ocean Careers Exploration

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Investigate careers in oceanography and marine exploration. Create a report on the life, education and career of a member of the Ocean Adventures Expedition team and present it in a creative way.
Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian American Art Museum: Richard Diebenkorn

For Students 9th - 10th
Richard Diebenkorn is profiled at this site in a format that begins with a brief biographical sketch of his life. His works are then listed by appearance in the museum's database. Each work is presented in thumbnail format with brief...
Handout
National Wildlife Federation

National Wildlife Federation: Loggerhead Sea Turtle

For Students 1st - 9th
Read facts about the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Also learn about its conservation status and current efforts to save and protect this species in the wild.
Handout
Countries and Their Cultures

Countries and Their Cultures: Niue

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides an overview of the culture of Niue, a small island country in the South Pacific Ocean. Gives basic information on topics such as geography, ethnic makeup, languages, symbolism, economy, food, customs, social stratification,...
Interactive
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Bowhead Whaling and Its Impact

For Students 9th - 10th
This interactive activity, adapted from material provided by the ECHO partners, explores the history of whaling in the Arctic seas and Atlantic Ocean, introducing a landmark study of whale populations spanning from 1849 to 1914.