Oceans represent more than 80 percent of all habitats, yet we know less about them than most other habitats on the planet. The instructor introduces the epipelagic, mesopelagic, bathypelagic, twilight, and midnight zones in the ocean....

Would you believe marine animals can make their own light? An online resource describes the process of bioluminescence and how animals in the ocean use it to survive. The lesson features a catchy tune that describes the behavior of ocean...

Young scientists investigate the effects of heating a beaker of ice water by dropping dye into the water and observing how the color circulates.

Examine how pollution makes its way into an ocean with help from a model watershed. Scholars use household items to recreate a mini-watershed, equipped with pollutants, that when mixed with rain drain into a model's body of...

A challenging activity helps young geographers explore the temperatures around the world! They study how the Earth's land temperatures are affected by their proximity to an ocean, as well their latitude and their altitude. A very...

Fifth graders identify function of phytoplankton in the biospere by conducting experiments and simulations and reading for information. They detect the presence of phytoplankton in bodies of water by examining ocean in satellite images...

Students view and analyze buoy, satellite, temperature vs depth data to study about ocean circulation and how is related to atmospheric circulation. They read and interpret satellite image data related to: Surface wind speeds, Wave...

Eighth graders participate in an experiment that emulates a sonar signal bouncing off the ocean floor. They determine how the ocean floor is measured by the length of time it takes for the sonar signal to return. They work with a wooden...

Students explore biology by participating in a field trip. In this oceanography lesson plan, students define the survival characteristics of bottom dwelling creatures also known as ocean grazers. Students attend a class field trip to a...

Students use satellite data to explore sea surface temperature. They explore the relationship between the rotation of the Earth, the path of ocean current and air pressure centers. After studying maps of sea surface temperature and ocean...

Middle schoolers create food webs for two different ocean communities. They are given cards showing organisms from the surface of the ocean. They arrange them in order of who eats whom. After this class activity, students create a food...

Students explore the wave energy that is generated and transferred in the ocean. Through the use video and the Internet, students explore the aspects of a wave and how its energy affects the ecology of the seashore.

In this ocean waves and tides worksheet, students match 12 given terms to their definitions related to tides, gravity, the structure of waves and the moon. They also label 4 diagrams of the moon and sun as creating spring or neap tides.

Students describe human benefits from ocean exploration. In this ocean exploration lesson, students focus on the historical, biological, and physical features of the deep oceans and man's exploration.

Young scholars explore the oceans from their origin. In this oceans lesson, students read and discuss excerpts from the Book of Genesis regarding the creation of the ocean. Young scholars then clean up a mock oil spill, measure the...

Ninth graders create an ocean museum. They work in partners to create their own exhibit. Each exhibit must have an interactive computer placard containing their information. The exhibits must also have a hands-on component.

In this counting activity, students will determine the number of starfish pictured by counting and then identify the correct number form a list of four numbers.

Learners will work together in groups to gather information about careers in oceanography. They discover the need to have a diverse group of people on a team and then share their information with the class. Web links and materials are...

Pupils view satellite pictures of the ocean, and discuss the presence of phytoplankton and the colors of the ocean. Students compare/contrast ocean satellite images with maps and globes, then color world maps to replicate the satellite...

Pupils research the methods and tools used in ocean exploration. They, in groups, simulate an ocean exploration and consider what tools facilitate the exploration's objectives.

Students study their role in eliminating ocean pollution and helping keep the oceans clean. In this environmental issues activity, students define pollution and brainstorm examples of ocean pollution. Students define biodegradable and...

Students identify characteristics of water. They describe the process by which light decreases and pressure increases as water depth increases. They demonstrate the principle of water pressure in a small group experiment.

Students explore biology by researching fishing equipment. In this oceanography lesson, students discuss the impact of human technology on the fish population. Students utilize marbles as a visual aide and complete fish population...

Students examine the rich array of marine wildlife that lives in waters surrounding the Indian subcontinent. They explore the relationships among organisms in coral reefs. They explore environmental dangers to coral reefs and research...